Postcard showing Walter Hoover holding his awards after winning the Diamond Sculls, 1922.

Walter Hoover, world champion sculler, 1922. Photograph by Olson, Duluth Photo Engraving Company. From the collection of Walter Hoover, Jr.

Walter Hoover in the single-person rowing shell (boat) he designed. From the collection of Walter Hoover, Jr.

Lori Cole with open-face sandwiches at Riverfest’s Stavanger Smorgasbord on June 10, 2018. Photograph by Janelle Kaye. Used with the permission of Janelle Kaye.

A clown gives candy to Riverfest attendees Joseph and Ann Burton, June 1990. Cottonwood County Citizen, June 13, 1990.

William Windom, grandson of the namesake of Windom, Minnesota, rides in a Riverfest parade in June 1970. Cottonwood County Citizen, June 9, 1970.

The Des Moines River at Island Park in Windom, ca. 1955. In 1957, the river provided inspiration for switching the name of the annual community celebration from Flax Day to River Days.

Curt Loken (Windom High School class of 1948) visits with volunteers at the Riverfest 1990 registration table.

Paddlers maneuver a raft made to resemble a six-pack of beer cans during the regatta in Windom during Riverfest 1988. Cottonwood County Citizen, June 1988.