International Visiting Dignitaries Program
International Visiting Dignitaries, also known as IVRs or VDigs, are ambassadors that visit from other festivals and communities with the intention of fostering the relationship between their home community and the host festival.
VDigs often do not participate in an official role at the festival (e.g., parade unit, coronation presentation) but participate in a unique VIP experience that highlights the host festival and community.
Aquatennial Crew
The Aquatennial Ambassador Crew participates as Visiting Dignitaries at several festivals across North America throughout the year.
The Aquatennial has had a long standing relationship with several festivals and the AAO takes great pride in fostering these relationships.
Aquatennial Visiting Dignitaries
Festival Du Voyageur
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Every winter since 1970, Saint-Boniface, Winnipeg’s French quarter, is transformed into a winter paradise and becomes host to the largest winter festival in Western Canada.
Fiesta San Antonio
San Antonio, TX
Fiesta is the Party with a Purpose. and the funds raised by official Fiesta events provide services to San Antonio citizens throughout the year. That commemoration still takes place, but for more than a century, Fiesta has grown into a celebration of San Antonio’s rich and diverse cultures.
International Cherry Blossom Festival
Macon, GA
Each March, Macon becomes a pink, cotton-spun paradise as over 300,000 Yoshino cherry trees bloom in all their glory. For 10 days, festival-lovers are treated to one of the most extravagant displays of springtime color in the nation as they visit the town referred to by Congressional Records as the Cherry Blossom Capital of the World.
Oktoberfest USA
LaCrosse, WI
Oktoberfest, USA is an annual celebration held in La Crosse, Wisconsin, usually on the final week of September and into the beginning of October. Through the years, the celebration has drawn crowds of up to 150,000 people during the opening weekend.
Pasadena Tournament of Roses
Pasaenda, CA
A celebration more than a century old – a festival of flowers, music and sports unequaled anywhere else in the world. It's America's New Year Celebration, a greeting to the world on the first day of the year, and a salute to the community spirit and love of pageantry that have thrived in Pasadena for more than 100 years.
Saint Paul Winter Carnival
Since 1886, the Saint Paul Winter Carnival continues to bring family-friendly events and community pride to Saint Paul and the Twin Cities metro area.
The Saint Paul Winter Carnival is the oldest winter festival in the United States. It predates the Tournament of Roses Festival by two years.
South Dakota Snow Queen Festival
Aberdeen, SD
Beginning in 1946 when the Aberdeen Jaycees received a request from the St. Paul Winter Carnival to attend its festival, today it is the largest Winter Festival in South Dakota.
Aquatennial Visiting Dignitaries
Invitations for the 2022 Aquatennial Visiting Dignitary Program will be sent via email.
If your festival is interested in becoming an Aquatennial Visiting Dignitary, please Email us
2023 AAO Festival Package
Festival package includes access and transportation to and from all AAO events, lunch and dinner every day, and brunch on Saturday.
Events include:
-
Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse Experience
-
CenterPointe’s Torchlight Parade
-
Boat Ride on Lake Minnetonka
-
Minneapolis Walking Food Tour
-
Viking Stadium Tour
-
AAO’s Commodore Celebration Event
-
AAO’s Pre-Reception and Coronation
-
Dinner at Nicollet Island Inn
-
Target Fireworks
Lodging
Please note the price of the package does not include lodging, but rooms can be booked through the Hilton Garden Inn at a discounted rate (please click through to book with the discounted rate).
Registration
Please register using this registration form. You can then pay online here to finish your registration.
If you have any questions about the Festival Package, please contact Eric Westlund or Jeff DeKuester at vdigs@aquatennialambassadors.com.