In 2011, when LEGOLAND Florida officially opened its doors, the park wanted to make sure they honored all of the history from the original theme park, Cypress Gardens. Students come from all around the world, including Belgium, Mexico, Colombia, Germany, England, and Australia. In fact, many of the instructors were once Cypress Gardens water skiers themselves. Additionally, there are more water ski schools per square mile in Winter Haven than anywhere else in the country. Records continue to be set in Winter Haven thanks to the semi-annual Chain of Records event. More water ski records have been set and innovations created on the waters of Winter Haven than anywhere else in the world. The developing popularity of talent athletes and innovators were a creative whirlpool. Soon, other water-bound daredevils found their way to Winter Haven to work with, and compete against, other water skier. Willa McGuire Cook became Cypress Gardens’ prima ballerina - and an inventor in her own right with the creation of the swivel ski, allowing her to pivot on the water like a dancer on stage.Īnd the world took notice. Polk County History Center collection, 2001.30.061Īt the same time, many of the water skiers themselves became stars. Such notables included Johnny Carson and Carol Burnett.Ĭarol Burnett skiing at Cypress Gardens, 1961. Soon, Hollywood took note and filmed numerous movies and TV shows there.Īs the water ski craze caught on, celebrities soon flocked to Lake Eloise to have their photos taken with Cypress Gardens water skiers. Water skiing may have been born in Minnesota, but it grew to adulthood in Winter Haven, thanks to Cypress Gardens. Learn all about how we are celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Sport of Water Ski! History It is fitting that the central point in the sport’s centennial celebration is here in Florida’s Sweetest Spot. Winter Haven: The Water Ski Capital of the Worldįor water skiers, no location is as storied as the banks of Lake Eloise, the home of Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven. And where better to celebrate than in Winter Haven and Polk County? Beautiful lakes, bountiful opportunities, and gorgeous weather are a big reason why Polk County is the Water Ski Capital of the World. This year’s event will be held in Central and South Central Park Downtown with favorites like the police K9 demonstration and. July 2nd 2022 marks the 100th anniversary of the sport of water ski. It’s a dog day in Downtown Winter Haven Spend your FREE Friday night shopping pet vendors, enjoying a cold beverage, and enjoying time with your favorite four-legged friends.
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