Ken Hafften is no stranger to the AAO - he's been volunteering with the Aquatennial in some capacity since 1972! Ken has served as a Vice Commodore (1988-1990), the General Festival Chair (1991); he was the FIRST Aquatennial Captain in 1995, and still serves the AAO by being the historian.
What is one of your favorite memories of being an Aquatennial Ambassador?
Visiting the various communities, and especially presenting the Honorary Commodore Award.
In what other capacities have you been involved in the AAO?
I started as an Aquatennial volunteer in 1972 in the Parade Division; served on the Aquatennial Board of Directors over several years; member of the strategic planning committee; judge for Aquatennial Ambassadors; compiled along with Eileen, the book Aquatennial Memories - A Tribute to 75 Years of the Minneapolis Aquatennial. I currently work with the Hennepin HIstory Museum relative to the history of the Minneapolis Aquatennial.
What are your hopes for the Aquatennial and/or the AAO?
My hopes for the Aquatennial and AAO include more alumni involvement, a continuation of financial growth to be able to expand programming and events, and a continuation of spreading the AAO mission for leadership growth of the young women of Minnesota to the communities of Minnesota.
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Ken is married to Eileen Hafften (previously featured in Faces of AAO), and they have two children: Emily and Nick, along with Carlos the cat. Ken has retired from Medtronic, and he enjoys gardening, history, reading, creating pressed flower blank note cards, curling, and visiting museums.