White River Water Carnival, 2009
66th Annual White River Water Carnival
The White River Water Carnival was originally planned as a drawing card for Batesville. The Water Carnival was formed during the Depression years, when Batesville needed a boost. Sixty Six years later, the annual Water Carnival still draws crowds to Batesville. The carnival was expanded to a week-long celebration, rather than a weekend one, for its 50th anniversary. This year’s carnival will be the 61st. The carnival was suspended during the World War II years of 1942-47.
The banks of the White River were the natural setting for the Water Carnival pageants and its entertainment for decades. Nine have won the Miss Arkansas pageant while representing the Miss White River Pageant. Elizabeth Ward and Debbye Turner, contestants, went on to win the crown of Miss America.
