There will be a lot of water to look at Sunday - 26 ponds, many waterfalls, streambeds and fish in it - on the Parade of Ponds.

The event, which benefits Bismarck's homeless shelter, the Ruth Meiers Hospitality House, will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Most of the yards are in Bismarck, but six are in Mandan and one in Lincoln.

Roslyn Mischel, manager of Schneider's Flowerama, which organizes the event, said Thursday that more than half of the yards have never been on the tour.

One new yard on the tour in Mandan includes a waterfall, which turns a water wheel that creates the power to change still figures into animated ones: Two loggers saw logs and a woman churns butter. The yard owner plans to add more pond enhancements every year, Mischel said.

This is the sixth annual parade, and Mischel said it's an all-ages event. The many children in attendance are fascinated by the ponds, the bridges over them and other attractions.

Another yard on this year's tour has a double waterfall and double pond.

"It's like getting a tattoo. Once you've got one, you want more,"Mischel said.

Mischel's yard will be on the tour. She said she has a small yard and house on 10th Street, two blocks from St. Alexius Medical Center. People are surprised when they discover she has in her backyard a waterfall, 20-foot streambed and 11- by 16-foot pond with fish.

It has attracted a variety of birds and an occasional rabbit. For several months, a good-sized turtle, with a shell about 8 inches across, showed up and stayed.

Mischel said all proceeds will go to the shelter because "of the wonderful job they do.

"They're providing a place for people who have no place to go, helping them on their feet. … What's better than that?" She said.

Some of the homes will offer refreshments.

Tickets, which are $10 for adults and no charge for children, can be bought at Schneider's Flowerama, 210 N. 16th St. from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Ticket holders will get addresses and a route map. People are welcome to bring cameras and take pictures.

To buy tickets the day of, Sunday, or for other information, call Mischel at 258-8418.