For over thirty years, The Mankato Kiwanis Club has hosted the Kiwanis Thunder of Drums, drum and bugle corps competition featuring performances by the most elite marching ensembles in the world! The Thunder of Drums is a must-see annual delight, averaging over 3000 spectators and 600 performers, showcasing artistry, pageantry, and precision through the fusion of music, marching, and choreography. 

Impact:
Over $120,000 dedicated to children, including over $85,000 to Kiwanis youth programs and over $30,000 to the Mankato ’77 Lancers Marching Band Over 1,000 music students engaged in youth clinics 
Over 80,000 Fans have attended with Visitors from 26 States & 147 Minnesota Cities

 
Kiwanis Thunder of Drums Website

Nestled on the shores of Lake Washington in southern Minnesota, Kiwanis Camp Patterson annually hosts more than 2,600 children during the three-month camping season. With 165 beds spread among 14 cabins, Kiwanis Camp Patterson has been serving four generations of youth campers.

Over 115,000 youth have attended programming that builds self-esteem and friendships, and outdoor activities that are fun and invigorating.

Softball/baseball, archery, sand volleyball, basketball, plus a sand beachfront with swimming area, canoes, kayaks, gaga pit, and fire ring.

The dining hall with a storm shelter overlooks the lake.

Kiwanis Camp Patterson Website

This celebration of holiday lights for the Greater Mankato area and region builds on past traditions and promotes the communities we serve, while raising non-perishable food donations for those in need.