Celebrating 40 years of Little Crow Ski

NEW LONDON — The Little Crow Ski Team has been showcasing its talent for decades — four to be exact. This year the New London-based water ski team is celebrating 40 years of water skiing in west central Minnesota. From costumes to members, the annual ski show has grown over the years and generations of families have been involved.

The team formed in 1979 with just 15 members. Forty years later, more than 100 people ranging in age from 6 to 60 years old participate in the annual ski show. The Little Crow Ski Team is regarded as one of the premier water ski teams in the area and has won multiple titles in the Midwest Regional Tournaments.

Directed by Andrew Welter, this year’s show theme is “Welcome to Crow County." The performers collectively use 35 pairs of pyramid skis, 30 ballet skis, 20 pairs of Connelly fiberglass jump skis and 30 pairs of combo skis. These numbers do not include the other various skis used in specialty and clown routines.

The skis used in the show are stored in trailers and brought out once practice begins. Every water act has its own set of ropes that pull the water skiers. Over three miles of ski ropes are used for each show and must be rolled up after every act.

There are 13 shows in this year's schedule performed throughout the summer at Neer Park. Show time is 7:30 p.m. Friday in July and 7 p.m. in August. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for students. Neer Park is located at 311 Second Ave. S.E. in New London, along the scenic Crow River, just off state Highway 23.

For more information, visit littlecrow.com or their Facebook Page at “ Little Crow Ski Team .”

1/6: Duo ski team members ride across the river during the Little Crow Ski show July 12 at Neer Park in New London. Erica Dischino/Tribune

2/6: A male and female Little Crow Ski Team costume hangs for the 40th anniversary exhibit at Kensington Bank in Willmar. The memorabilia will be showcased at the bank through Aug. 30, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. Erica Dischino / Tribune

3/6: The crowd watches the Little Crow Water Ski Team perform July 12 at Neer Park in New London. Erica Dischino / Tribune

4/6: Water skis and awards from the Little Crow Ski Team are on display for the 40th anniversary exhibit at Kensington Bank in Willmar. The memorabilia will be showcased at the bank through Aug. 30, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. Erica Dischino / Tribune

5/6: Two water ski team members flip off a ski jump during the Little Crow Ski show July 12 at Neer Park in New London. The jump is 24 feet long and 14 feet wide and is designed for free-style water ski jumping. Erica Dischino / Tribune

6/6: Skiers move across the river in formation during the Little Crow Ski show July 12 at Neer Park in New London. Erica Dischino / Tribune