River Matters: Twin Cities River Rats
Saturday, July 3, 2021 at 5:55PMArticle by Becky Fillinger
Alexa Ernst performing in a River Rats showYou know, not every city has a nationally ranked water ski show team. We are so lucky to have the legendary Twin Cities River Rats performing for free all summer long. How do they make those water ski pyramids look so easy? We talked to Alexa Ernst, Show Director and Marketing/Promotions Director of the River Rats about the history of the club and how it stays afloat.
Q: Please tell us the history of the Twin Cities River Rats.
A: The River Rats were established in 1979 and were originally part of the University of Minnesota Water Ski Club when the team first skied on Lake Independence as part of the U of M’s Recreational Sports program. They began performing exhibition shows (no costumes and no theme) throughout the Twin Cities in 1985. During the summer of 1990, the team moved to Buffalo Lake to perform several shows with an announcer who developed a storyline, costumes for each ski act and the continued development of skiers.
In 1992, they competed and hosted the first ever Minnesota State (now known as the Midwest Regional) Show Ski Tournament on Lake Phalen in St. Paul. In 1996, the team moved to the current ski site on the Mississippi River and created the name Twin Cities River Rats. We’ve been here since that time!
Princess Ariel is a key character in this year's Under the Sea-themed show.
Q: Congratulations on 42 years of entertaining the Twin Cities! What will we see if we attend a show of the current production - Under the Sea?
A: Join Nemo and friends on their adventure through the Great Mississippi Sea! Come along as they search for Princess Ariel with their high-flying jumps, careful balancing acts and barefoot tricks. Will Nemo be able to reunite Ariel with her underwater friends? You’ll have to join us to find out.
We missed last summer due to COVID. Our 2019 show was Ratty Wonka & The Chocolate Factory. We practice multiple times a week and throughout the winter to gear up for the summer shows – the show is the culmination of a lot of practice hours.
Spectators bring blankets and folding chairs on which to watch the show from. If you want to get a little more fancy, consider a donation of $80 to reserve your own VIP section for up to 15 people. Performances take place at 1758 West River Road N, between the Plymouth Avenue and Broadway bridges.
Q: Twin Cities River Rats are nationally ranked - please tell us more about how this is achieved.
A: We compete each year at a Regional Tournament where teams qualify for Nationals. The Regional Tournament is typically held in Minnesota, Iowa, South Dakota or North Dakota in July. Teams that qualify for Nationals then compete at the National Tournament in August, which is usually held in Wisconsin or Illinois. We had our best finish at Nationals in 2018, coming home in 5th Place.
Q: How do you recruit new members? Is it part of the club's mission to expand access to water skiing for people of color?
A: As a club we have never recruited new members. At each performance we announce how anyone interested can participate in the club. We welcome anyone who is interested in being a member of River Rats. We are aware that water skiing – regionally and nationally – has not historically had a diverse membership. Our ‘Learn to Ski’ event each year is our outreach to the greater community for new members. Our only qualification for performers is that they know how to swim. However, we have opportunities that go way beyond performers – we need help driving the boats, setting up each event, acting on stage, announcing, working in the concession stand, etc. We have about 150 River Rats – there is a little something for everyone!
Q: Are the shows recorded and available for viewing if we can't make it to the banks of the Mississippi River?
A: Not today, but we would love to make this happen!
Q: How may we support your club and follow your news?
A: Come to a show and spread the word about us! We are here to provide free family entertainment to the Minneapolis area, and we love nothing more than performing for you. You may follow us on Facebook, Instagram and our website for the most up to date information and River Rat news. The River Rats are a volunteer, 501(c)(3) organization. We are able to provide our shows to Minneapolis from support from our fans and sponsors. Your donations pay for gas for the boats, costumes, programs, backdrops, trips to competitions, etc. If you’d like to donate to help us continue to provide free entertainment throughout the summer and help us stay on the water, please visit givebutter.com/tcriverrats. We thank you!
