'Terrific' attendance reported at Three Rivers Water Festival

Jef Rietsma
·2 min read

St. Joseph County’s 2022 festival season got off to a strong start, as the Three Rivers Water Festival ended Saturday on a high note.

From start to finish, the three-day festival recorded attendance that matched pre-COVID numbers, according to event organizers.

Christy Trammell, executive director of the Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce, said it was clear the community was ready for a family-friendly, start-of-summer celebration.

“Good weather always helps and this year was no exception,” Trammell said. “As a result, attendance was terrific. We really appreciate the community support, the support of our many sponsors and we look forward to Water Festival 2023.”

Trammell said the opening-night parade was a great kick-off to the festival. Nearly 80 entries and a crowd in the thousands lined the route from Douglas Street at Michigan Avenue to North Main Street to witness the procession.

A full slate of activities followed, as Friday and Saturday featured a variety of attractions and activities.

Trammell said Saturday morning’s car show drew about 200 entries. That doubled last year’s number, she said.

“That was a real popular attraction and it drew a really nice crowd,” Trammell said. “We were glad to see the car show bounce back to a really good level.”

Meanwhile, the midway offered rides, food and carnival games. Trammell said it, too, was a popular draw. In fact, Trammell noted, advance sales of unlimited-ride wristbands sold out and the midway was full all day Saturday.

She said, as always, there was plenty of work done ahead of time and no shortage of cleanup-related duties afterward. Still, Trammell said the strong response made it all worthwhile.

“All the way up to the end, when we closed the festival with the fireworks show Saturday night, it was a very good Water Festival,” she said. “The fireworks were amazing and the very large crowd really enjoyed them.”

A group representing Three Rivers Youth Bowling League interacted with the crowd at Thursday’s opening night of the Three Rivers Water Festival.
A group representing Three Rivers Youth Bowling League interacted with the crowd at Thursday’s opening night of the Three Rivers Water Festival.
A significant ensemble, including members of the percussion group, comprised the Northern Lights Homeschool Marching Band. The group was part of Thursday’s Three Rivers Water Festival parade.
A significant ensemble, including members of the percussion group, comprised the Northern Lights Homeschool Marching Band. The group was part of Thursday’s Three Rivers Water Festival parade.
A float featuring residents from Birch Meadows Senior Care was included in the Three Rivers Water Festival parade Thursday, opening night of the three-day festival.
A float featuring residents from Birch Meadows Senior Care was included in the Three Rivers Water Festival parade Thursday, opening night of the three-day festival.
Local Girl Scout members had plenty of candy to offer at Thursday’s opening-night parade of the 2022 Three Rivers Water Festival.
Local Girl Scout members had plenty of candy to offer at Thursday’s opening-night parade of the 2022 Three Rivers Water Festival.

This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: 'Terrific' attendance reported at Three Rivers Water Festival