Theodore Wirth Pool is the scene each year of the beautiful water show “Aqua Follies,” featured Minneapolis Aquatennial attraction. This spectacle combines precision routine of the water ballet with stars of stage, concert and sport’s world.
The Aqua Follies were a City of Lakes tradition for almost 25 years, making their big debut at the first the very Aquatennial in 1940, these elaborate shows quickly became a favorite summer attraction. Water ballets performed by Hollywood professionals and high-diving thrill shows featuring Olympic champions drew enormous crowds to little Wirth Lake. The follies included slapstick medleys of dancers, divers and synchronized swimming performing a vaudeville-style skits and aquatic feats.
Shortly after the Follies began in Minneapolis they began touring around the country under the direction of Al Sheehan. “Midnight Matinees,” which began at 11:30 p.m was a local favorite. In the mid 1960s, the craze for zany aquatic entertainment started to dry up. The Aqua Follies made their last splash at Wirth Park in 1964.
