The AAO released its 2017 Aquatennial Ambassador Appearance Request and Honorary Commodore Nomination forms on its website Monday. Coordinators of community festivals, ambassador programs and other community organizations are encouraged to submit a request for Aquatennial ambassadors to attend and participate in their festival or special event. Local volunteer opportunities, ambassador coronations, parade participation, and visits to schools and senior living facilities are

The AAO Membership voted to reinstate the role of Vice Commodore and the Festival Planning Divisions at the AAO Annual Meeting on Wednesday. First appearing in the 1960s, the Vice Commodores (VCs) acted not only as official representatives of the Aquatennial, but primarily to lead the planning divisions of the festival and execute the programs and events that took place leading up to and during the Aquatennial festival. However, after the Minneapolis Aquatennial Association

The AAO officially unveiled its 2017 AAO + Winter Carnival Friendship Pin on Wednesday on its new online store. The shared friendship and support for the Ambassadors and Volunteers of the Aquatennial Ambassador Organization and Saint Paul Winter Carnival spans far past the banks of the Mississippi River. The "Friendship Pin" was created in 2013 to showcase this unique relationship between the two organizations. The pin features five silver anchors that form a snowflake. Each

As a former Aquatennial Princess (1992), Vice Commodore (1999 Arts & Entertainment Division) and Captain (2009), Natalka's dedication to the Aquatennial and AAO has earned her the nickname of "Capcess." She has also served as President of the Past Princess Association, member of the Visiting Dignitaries committee and plans to increase her involvement in 2017. Which Community/Festival were you from? Northeast Minneapolis How did you benefit from your scholarship? It provided m

Jeni is a former Aquatennial Princess from 2014. She then went on to be the 2015 Princess Kay of the Milky Way! Jeni has continued to volunteer for the AAO in media relations and each year during the Aquatennial Festival. Which Community/Festival were you from? Waconia How did you benefit from your scholarship? I used my Aquatennial scholarship to help fund my undergraduate studies at the University of Minnesota- Twin Cities. I am excited to be graduating with minimal debt in

Former Vice Commodore Eileen Hafften first got involved with the Aquatennial in 1980 as a Parade Committee member where she served for 16 years. She also served as an Ambassador Chaperone for 9 years and has served as AAO Board of Directors Secretary since 2015. What is one of your favorite memories of being an Aquatennial Ambassador? The La Crosse Oktoberfest weekends and Aquatennial festival weeks at the hotel. What are your hopes for the Aquatennial and/or the AAO? To see

Currently serving as AAO President, Joe Johnston has extensive volunteer experience with the Aquatennial serving as Board Member in 1999, 2000 Captain, 2002 Commodore, and 2007 President. How did you first hear about the Aquatennial and why did you get involved? I worked in Minneapolis and was familiar with Aqua through community... Got bit by the Aqua Bug like so many of us! I first heard about the AAO through participating in Winter Carnival... Then I had the good fortune

Minneapolis, MN. July 21, 2016 - The Minneapolis Aquatennial Ambassador Organization (AAO) officially announced its 2017 Minneapolis Aquatennial Crew with the selection of the Aquatennial Queen of the Lakes and Princesses on Saturday evening at the Minneapolis Aquatennial Ambassador Coronation presented by SPIRE Credit Union. Queen of the Lakes, Carolyn Meyer Carolyn currently attends the University of St. Thomas where she is majoring in Journalism and Communications. Upon g

Minneapolis, MN. July 21, 2016 - The Minneapolis Aquatennial Ambassador Organization (AAO) officially announced its 2017 Minneapolis Aquatennial Commodore and Captains on Thursday evening at the Annual Commodore's Dinner held at the Millennium Hotel Minneapolis. Aquatennial Commodore, Dan Stoltz Dan lives in Lino Lakes, Minnesota and obtained his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Northwestern, Roseville, where he met his lovely wife, Robin. Their three children also g

The Minneapolis Aquatennial Ambassador Organization is excited to announce that Dan Stoltz, SPIRE Credit Union CEO and St. Paul Winter Carnival King Boreas the 79th., will be the 2017 Minneapolis Aquatennial Commodore. Dan is honored and humbled to be selected. Deeply committed to giving back, he talks frequently that life is about giving--not taking. Dan’s Aquatennial Commodore Medal will feature three letters - TTT - standing for Time, Talent and Treasures. He believes

The Minneapolis Aquatennial Ambassador Coronation presented by SPIRE Credit Union is Saturday, July 23. Whether you can't attend to witness it in person or want to spread the news to family and friends, you can be among the first to find out the details of who will make up the 2017 Aquatennial Ambassador Crew. How? Subscribe to AAO News. Subscribers will receive an email after the 2017 Commodore and Captains are announced at the Commodore's Dinner and one after the Queen of

It's July. It's Minneapolis. It's Aquatennial Time! Deadlines are fast approaching for several of the Minneapolis Aquatennial Ambassador Organization's Aquatennial Events. Here is quick rundown of the 2016 AAO Events. For additional details on all of the events highlighted below, please visit AAO Events> To purchase tickets to AAO Events, please visit the AAO Shop> MASAA Senior Ambassador Coronation July 19, 2016 10:00 a.m. Coronation 1:00 p.m. Ballroom Dance Elks Lodge Say

The AAO is pleased to announce the Candidates for the 2017 Minneapolis Aquatennial Ambassador Crew! An all-time record of 56 candidates will participate in a candidate experience during the week of the Aquatennial. Ranging in ages from 18-22, each candidate has previously served as an ambassador of her home community or festival. The Aquatennial Ambassador Candidate Program consists of a rigorous selection process where the candidates are judged on a variety of criterion in

This year the AAO is selling Commemorative pins to help support the Aquatennial Ambassador Scholarship fund. Pins are $10 each and are available exclusively at AAO Aquatennial events. ​ Limited quantities are available in the following styles:​ Glitter Anchor Pin Available only from one of our 56 Ambassador Candidates, this anchor pin is made up of shimmering aquamarine colored jewels. AAO Logo Pin Proudly represent the AAO by wearing the organization's logo. Looks great on

Learn more about the fascinating history of The AAO through the memories written by Aquatennial Alumni and participants. Includes stories from as early as 1947. Books are $15.00 each, which includes postage. All proceeds go to The AAO. Book compiled by Ken and Eileen Hafften. ​ #Aquatennial #Memories #AAO #Minneapolis #Ambassador