On This Date in Minnesota History: July 20

July 20, 1940 – With temperatures in the low 90s for most of the day, opening day for the first Minneapolis Aquatennial celebration was hot and crowded. Approximately 200,000 spectators watched the Aquatennial Parade’s five-mile march down the parade route. The streets were lined two hours before the 4:30 p.m. start time.

“In the line of march were a national record number of 86 floats, in addition to 50 bands and drum and bugle corps and scores of uniformed marching units.”

In other events, 5,500 spectators listened to western movie star and radio performer Gene Autry sing and watched rodeo stars perform bulldogging, bronco-riding and other hazardous tricks. 

Minneapolis Tribune; July 21, 1940; “Giant Parade Launches Aquatennial To the Cheers of 200,000 Spectators”; pp. 1 and 2.

“5,500 Watch Gene Autry and Rodeo Stars in Opener”; p. 11

Gene Autry

http://www.streamingoldies.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=3344

__________________________________________________________

If you are interested in finding out more about your family history in Minnesota, I specialize in researching  genealogical and historical records in Minn. and western Wis., including: census records,  birth records,  death certificates, obits, grave site photos, ship passenger lists, marriage records and declarations of intent/naturalization records.  I will visit locations to research local history and county records, as well as take photos. Quick turnaround on MNHS records. Both short searches and family history reports available.

                                                         

Discover your roots, and watch the branches of your family tree begin to grow.

Website:  TheMemoryQuilt.com > click on Family History

Contact me at: pjefamilyresearch@gmail.com