The whistle’s blowing and the 50th Annual James J. Hill Days is just around the bend, coming September 6, 7 & 8 to the shores of Lake Minnetonka in Wayzata. The proud residents, businesses, and community of this small town will roll out the welcome mat for 80,000 guests over three jam-packed days of exciting events. Join us for Lake Minnetonka’s largest 3-day festival!
Memories Through the Years
Capturing 50 years of memories from James J. Hill Days is no easy feat. This cherished festival has been a cornerstone for community members, volunteers, and the Greater Wayzata Area Chamber of Commerce.
What began as a small gathering with local activities set against the picturesque backdrop of Lake Minnetonka has grown exponentially. Today, the festival attracts thousands of visitors to Lake Street, showcasing just how much this hometown celebration has evolved. We are rolling down memory lane by connecting with a few folks who were there at the inception of this great community event.
The early years started small with volleyball tournaments near Wayzata Beach, and foot races, any type of activity that would bring in groups of people to town to have some fun and support the community. The group was interested in recognizing the history with the railroad and James J. Hill, so I had a meeting with the James J. Hill House contacts in St. Paul and they approved the use of his name for the event. The rest is history! James J. Hill Days has built a strong reputation as a great community event for all to enjoy and helped to spread the word about Wayzata as a great place to visit, work and play through the years.”
Peter Fox, former Wayzata Chamber Board Member & James J. Hill Days Planning Member
I have served in many roles over the years and watched the idea of JJ Hills hatch from it’s Depot office between three or four of the “small but mighty” chamber staff. The goal was to bring on a community event that brought together the whole city of Wayzata. Shop owners, retail, service, schools, and first responders. In the early days there were such things as a 5K race around our town for all ages and abilities, a Chamber Volleyball tourney. There was a grade school coloring contest in which entries were made by the respective school’s art teachers and the art entries were then displayed at the Bay Center and judging was done by an art committee. There was a soap box derby and later, there was a bed race down Lake Street.
Each year the event grew bigger and better and JJHD became the community gathering that was hoped for with its inception. The event’s reputation has grown to the broad Minneapolis area. The quality of the artists, participants, food, and even a carnival, make JJHD an event to be put on a calendar of summer events. My hope for our community is that we continue to appreciate and support JJ Hills Days. It will continue to evolve over the years some good ideas will go by the wayside but, maybe some will be resurrected.
Peace and love to our Wayzata Home Town. “
Belle Davenport, Former Wayzata Chamber Board Member & James J. Hill Days Planning Member
The James J. Hill Days Steering Committee is putting together a “montage” of photos from past James J. Hill Days events. Do you have any photos from previous festivals that you’d like to share? If so, please forward them (along with descriptions and names of people, if known) to JJHD50years@gmail.com. We can’t wait to make more memories this year as we enjoy this incredible milestone with you.
See What’s Coming Up September 6-8!
Shop, Shop, and Shop Some MORE
The James J. Hill Days Street Market is back, featuring over 175 unique vendors from Friday, September 6 at 5 pm, through Sunday, September 8. Stroll down Lake Street to shop, learn, and connect with a diverse array of vendors. Discover offerings in Business, Health & Wellness, Home & Garden, Non-Profit, Arts & Crafts, and Sports & Fitness. Plus, visit our fantastic local businesses in town and get ready for an exciting weekend!
Food Truck Fun
Soak up the sunshine or enjoy the nighttime vibes as you stroll down Lake Street, sipping on a refreshing glass of wine or an ice-cold craft beer from our Beer + Wine tents. Make sure you arrive hungry and ready to treat your taste buds to a variety of delicious eats and food truck specialties. CLICK HERE TO SEE FOOD TRUCK LINEUP >>
Friday Night Rails & Ales Craft Beer Festival
Join us Friday, September 6th from 5 – 9 pm to sample beers from over 20+ breweries, enjoy delicious local food trucks (not included in ticket price), live music by Private Oates, fun games, and activities. You can still purchase tickets for this event. Grab your beer-drinking buddy and purchase tickets here. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS >>
Wayzata Bay Fireworks Show
Nothing embodies the spirit of Wayzata quite like James J. Hill Days and our dazzling annual Wayzata Bay Fireworks Show. Make a BOOMING impact with a generous donation to help continue this beautiful tradition over Lake Minnetonka. Give $50 to the 50th Anniversary. Plus, the first 100 donors to give $50 or more will receive a complimentary beverage at the James J. Hill Beer + Wine. CLICK HERE TO DONATE >>
Bands That Will Hit The Right Note
Get ready to dance the weekend away! Join us at the Sandvold Stage starting Friday night, September 6, for an incredible lineup of local bands. The music continues throughout Saturday and Sunday, so grab your dancing partners and enjoy the tunes! Our exciting lineup includes High & Mighty, The Lamont Cranston Band, Kat Perkins, Powertap, Taylor Robert Band, and Sam Graber Band.
Lake Minnetonka Carnival is Back!
Step right up and enjoy the Lake Minnetonka Carnival! This is a family favorite, and rightfully so! Enjoy all the rides, carnival games, and cotton candy that this attraction has to offer. Discounted Presale Carnival ticket sales are on sale NOW at Lunds & Byerlys Wayzata and end Friday, September 6th.
Days at the Dog Park
Calling all dog lovers and competitive fur friends! Join us at the James J. Hill Days Dog Park from 10 am to 2 pm on both Saturday and Sunday for a pawsome lineup of activities. Enjoy the excitement of Dachshund Races, the Doggy Olympics, Pet Caricature art, and much more. Don’t miss out on the fun—learn more here. CLICK HERE FOR DOGGY REGISTRATIONS >>
See You September 6-8 in Wayzata!
Visit Jamesjhilldays.com for details
