Darwin Quintero appointed Grand Marshal role in 2019 Aquatennial

MINNEAPOLIS - The Minneapolis Aquatennial announced on June 19 that Minnesota United FC attacker Darwin Quintero and James Beard award winner Ann Kim will be the two representatives to Grand Marshal the torchlight parade this year.

The festivities will begin Wednesday, July 24, with Quintero leading the Torchlight Parade at 8:30 p.m. - Quintero and Kim will ride the Grand Marshal float along 2^nd Street between the Minneapolis Convention Center and 3^rd Street. It is the largest nighttime parade in Minnesota and will feature approximately 90 floats and parade units.

“It has been such a great year for our club, and the community has made Allianz Field an unbelievable place to play,” Quintero said in a press release. “I’m honored to represent Minnesota United at the CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade and hope our fans will bring their enthusiasm out to join me at Aquatennial.”

Quintero was chosen as a representative due to his outstanding form for the Loons since his arrival from Club America. The Colombia native has 18 goals and 20 assists since arriving in the summer of 2018.

The second Grand Marshal, Ann Kim, is the chef and owner of Young Joni and Pizzeria Lola in Minneapolis and Hello Pizza in Edina. The three restaurants have boasted immense success for Kim, earning her accolade from all around the country.

In a press release from the Aquatennial, it was noted that Young Joni was named the best new restaurant in America by GQ and Eater while the Minneapolis Star Tribune named it it’s restaurant of the year in 2017.

The festivities of the 80th annual Aquatennial will cover four days, with over two dozen activities taking place; it will end Saturday, Jul 27 with a ‘Target’ fireworks show. A few other activities include a blood drive, a 5k, a farmers market and a multitude of food vendors.

A full list of the events can be found here.

The Loons return to action Saturday, July 27 when they host the Vancouver Whitecaps.