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Possibly after viewing Victoria's very successful Water Carnival of August 1913 some energetic citizens of Nelson decided to organize a carnival in Nelson for 1914. The first reference to a carnival appeared in September 19131 announcing a prize of $25 for naming the proposed event. Already there was a provisional committee which consisted of a number of prominent citizens to organize the event. It was also mentioned that a company would be formed to operate the event.
In November it was announced that the successful name was Chocko-Mika, Chinook for "You Come."2 Three names had been selected from the 67 proposed, and the suggestion of R. A. Cockle of Kaslo won over Kootenay Karnival and Carnagatta at a meeting held November 5th.3 The spelling of the name very quickly morphed into Chahko Mika. By late November the dates had been set for July 13 to 20, 1914* and events proposed included land sports, a rifle shoot, a flower show, and a multitude of water sports and races, and more events were to be added later. In January 1914, the chairman of the committee in charge, H. W. Rust, was quoted as saying that the intention was to promote a carnival which would be of interest to Nelsonites, and also attract visitors from the coast, neighbouring provinces and south of the line (U.S.). The water sports were more fully outlined as rowing contests, launch races, canoe races, and swimming competitions. It was anticipated that there would be lacrosse, baseball and athletic competitions on land. A desire was also expressed that many of the normal sporting competitions usually spread throughout the summer would be concentrated in one gala week. The gun club was going to manage the shooting competitions and the YM.C. A. was going to manage the athletic competitions. A parade was in the planning stage as were get-togethers of pioneers, veterans and fraternal organizations.5
It was proposed to incorporate a company to raise as much as $12,000 by selling shares. Pledges of $3,000 were made within several hours of the announcement being made. The Nelson Carnival Company, was incorporated on March 5, 1914.6 Its list of subscribers to shares is long, but there is little...