At the Snohomish County Sports Commission, we believe sports tourism goes beyond just hosting a sports event at a facility or city park. Sometimes, the unsung hero of a sports-themed weekend is that side quest away from the sports event, something that makes you say, ‘Wow! I never knew this was here.” That statement directly plays a role in a person’s or family’s overall enjoyment of that day or weekend, and a good example is the Lake Stevens Aquafest.

Annually held at North Cove Park, a four-acre waterfront that overlooks Lake Stevens, the largest lake in the county, Aquafest celebrated its 57th year from July 10-12, which occurred concurrently with the STARS Unlimited Aquafest 3on3 basketball tournament. The free-admission event welcomes about 30,000 visitors each year and is completely planned and executed by volunteers. The mission of the Aquafest Association of Lake Stevens? To simply create a central gathering place where locals and visitors can celebrate and appreciate the city of Lake Stevens while also supporting local businesses and organizations, preserving the city’s history, and most importantly, creating memories for everyone.

Davis Shows Northwest brought the entertainment with carnival rides and games, a multi-use building called The Mill housed the popup museum and library book sale and crafts and food vendors lined 18th St. Other activities from the weekend included the children’s, grand and boat parades along with the firefighter’s pancake breakfast, AquaRun 5K, 10K and Kids 1K runs, a water ski tournament, car show, pie- and watermelon-eating contests, several local bands, a movie in the park and fireworks over the lake.

Food and drinks, entertainment, competitions, friends and family — that’s what makes a sunny weekend one to remember.