Minnesota Events Report: September 30, 2008

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Minnesota Events Report: September 30, 2008

Just some of this week’s highlights include the Big Island Rendezvous & Festival, a Fall Foliage Fest, Oktoberfest, Johnny Appleseed Days, a Leaf Spectacular, Fall Color Chairlift Rides, the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon, Halloween Haunt at Valleyscare, the Crossing Borders Studio Tour, and the Goose Festival.
Southern Minnesota

Downtown Harmony will be the site of a Fall Foliage Fest from Friday, October 3 through Sunday, October 5, with fall decorations, a farmer’s market, church and organization dinners, wagon rides, information on great fall color drives, Amish tours, cave tours, artist demonstrations and classes, chainsaw carving, pumpkin decorating and games. To find out more, dial 1-800-445-6481, or visit www.harmony.mn.us

An Oktoberfest celebration will be offered at the Holiday Inn and throughout downtown New Ulm, Friday and Saturday, October 3 & 4. This festival features musical entertainment, including New Ulm’s Concord Singers and bands from Germany, as well as dancing, and lots of German merchandise, food and drink. This event will also be held October 10 & 11. For more information, dial 1-877-359-2941, or check out www.newulmoktoberfest.com

The city of Lanesboro will present the Lanesboro Fall Fest on Saturday, October 4, with harvest activities, wagon rides, special promotions, a farmer’s market, cookie walk, used book sale, wine testing at Scenic Valley Winery, Lanesboro trolley tours, and live professional theatre performances. And head to nearby Historic Forestville, an 1899 village, for Harvest Day Saturday, and participate in the corn harvest, quilting bee, seed threshing, cider pressing and more! For further information, dial 1-800-944-2670, or visit www.lanesboro.com

The Scarecrow Fall-ies will be held throughout the city of Cannon Falls on Saturday, October 4. Highlights include a scarecrow contest, street arts & craft vendors, a farmer’s market, concessions, children’s activities, and a Harvest Dance. And on October 4 & 5, head to nearby Sogn Valley for the 35th Annual Sogn Valley Art Fair, when 20 artists will gather to display and sell their pottery, paintings, basketry, batiks, jewelry, and photography at Makarios Farm. Fresh local apples, honey and jams will also be available. To learn more, dial 507/263-2289, or check out www.cannonfalls.org

The Nelson Family Farm in Litchfield will host a Pumpkin Festival on Saturday and Sunday, October 4 & 5. Just some of the highlights include tractor drawn wagon rides, make-your-own scarecrows, pony rides, a gift shop, a straw maze, farm animals, and home-grown pumpkins, squash, corn shocks, decorative corn and other fall decorations for your yard. Walks through a corn maze are also offered. The Pumpkin Festival will also be held each Saturday and Sunday, October 11-26, including Thursday and Friday, October 16 & 17. To find out more, dial 320/693-7750, or visit www.nelsonfarm.com

The 22nd Annual Big Island Rendezvous & Festival will be held October 4 & 5 at Bancroft Bay Park in Albert Lea. This award-winning and largest early America and fur trade "living history" reenactment includes over 1000 participants, 250 tents, colonial cuisine, and lots of live entertainment. A variety of colonial crafts will also be for sale, including pottery, clothing, fiber arts, jewelry, and candles. For more information, dial 1-800-658-2526, or check out www.bigislandfestival.org

Lake City will be the site of the annual Johnny Appleseed Days Festival, October 4 & 5, to celebrate the region’s spectacular fall foliage and the abundance of apples that are harvested in this area each fall. Activities will include an arts & crafts fair, book sale, farmer’s market, children’s games, an apple pie and bake sale, basket raffles, a chili cook-off, kids’ inflatable rides, and a scarecrow hunt. And while in Lake City, head to Wild Wings store and gallery for the Wild Wings Fall Festival, October 4 & 5, when over fifty artists from across the United States will unveil their original paintings, sculpture and carvings. Demonstrations, wildlife and nature presentations, regional food vendors and family activities will also be offered. For further information, dial 1-800-369-4123, or visit www.lakecity.org

The Rivercrossings Art Fair In Motion will be held October 4 & 5 at various locations throughout the cities of St. Peter, Mankato and North Mankato. Come browse through artists’ studios, and enjoy musical and theatrical performances, all amidst the beautiful fall colors of the southern Minnesota River Valley bluffs. To find out more, dial 507/934-1556, or check out www.rivercrossingsart.org

Village of Yesteryear in Owatonna will be the site of a Harvest Fest & Cemetery Walk on Saturday, October 11. This fall festival features horse-drawn wagon rides, cider pressing, corn shelling, children’s activities, pumpkin painting, food stands, and more. And, people from the past will come back to life during the cemetery walk! To learn more, dial 507/451-1420, or visit www.steelecohistoricalsociety.org

A Haunted Corn Maze & Mill will be offered at Farmamerica in Waseca, Friday and Saturday evenings, October 10 & 11, when ghosts and goblins emerge from the darkness and lurk in the shadows. Adults must accompany any child under 10 years old. This event will be repeated October 17 & 18. For more information, dial 507/835-2052, or check out www.farmamerica.org
Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity

A Leaf Spectacular will be offered throughout Taylors Falls through Sunday, October 12. Just some of the highlights include guided tours of the 1855 Folsom House & Museum, boat excursions and canoeing on the St. Croix River, walks through the village, hiking at Interstate State Park, and other activities. On Saturday, October 4, enjoy a Rummage & Bake Sale at the United Methodist Church, and a Chili & Pie Social, craft fair and sale at St. Joseph Catholic Church. And on Saturday, October 11, enjoy a Harvest Festival, with hands-on-demonstrations of early crafts, and various competitions at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church. For more information, dial 651/465-5265, or check out www.taylorsfallschamber.org

Fall Color Chairlift Rides will be offered at Hyland Hills Ski Area in Bloomington on Friday and Saturday, October 3 & 4, with rides to the top of one of Hennepin county’s highest points. Come enjoy the beautiful fall colors and evening stargazing, meet live raptors, enjoy a BBQ dinner, or roast marshmallows over a campfire. Admission is $5.00. To find out more, dial 763/694-7676, or visit www.threeriversparkdistrict.org

Valleyfair in Shakopee will be transformed into Halloween Haunt At Valleyscare, October 3-5. Highlights will include over 200 ghosts, goblins, mutants and other strange creatures lurking in the fog. There will also be horrifying mazes, shocking scare zones, and Fright Feasts. Valleyscare will also be open October 10-12, 15-19, 24-26, and October 31 and November 1. For rates and times, dial 1-800-FUN-RIDE, or check out www.valleyscare.com

The 27th Annual Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon will take place Sunday, October 5, at 7:50 a.m. This 26.2 mile course begins near the HHH Metrodome in Minneapolis and ends at the State Capitol in St. Paul. Numerous public events are also offered over the course of the weekend, including the Target Health & Fitness Expo at St. Paul’s RiverCentre, Friday and Saturday, October 3 & 4, with hands-on health and fitness exhibits, great bargains on running and fitness gear, free samples, free massages, and seminars and information on equipment, nutrition, and other races. On Saturday, October 4, check out the Medtronic TC Family Events & 5K held at the State Capitol Grounds in St. Paul, featuring a 5K run & walk, children’s runs, and arts, crafts and games for the entire family. And on Sunday, October 5, the public is invited to 27th Mile for massages, event merchandise, a Post-Race Party Tent, and lots of free food, music, and fun! To learn more, dial 763/287-3888, or visit www.mtcmarathon.org

The Wildlife Science Center in Forest Lake will present Harvest Howl, A Celebration of Nature’s Bounty on Saturday, October 4. Visitors will enjoy Native American demonstrations, artwork by local artisans, various educational programs, archery, children’s games, pumpkin painting contests, and the resident wolves, raptors and other animals! For more information, dial 651/464-3993, or check out www.wildlifesciencecenter.org

The 5th Annual College Art Gallery Collaborative Fall Art Tour will be held Saturday, October 4 at St. Paul colleges and universities, as well as at nearby Augsburg College. Come enjoy an evening of art, artists, refreshments and music. Between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., free shuttles will take visitors to galleries at Augsburg College, Bethel’s 9th Street Entry Gallery, College of St. Catherine, College of Visual Arts, Concordia University, Macalester College, and the University of St. Thomas. For further information, dial 651/962-5560, or visit www.stkate.edu/fallarttour

The Landmark Center in St. Paul will offer the Festival of India on Sunday, October 5, with a chance to learn about the various states of India and its cultural diversity. Visitors will also enjoy the various dance forms, music, and delicious foods, as well as the many children’s activities. To find out more, dial 651/292-3225, or check out www.landmarkcenter.org

And just some of the upcoming concerts and performances will include:
Defending the Caveman at the Hennepin Stages in Minneapolis, October 1
My Morning Jacket at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, October 2
Ani DiFranco at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, October 3
Kathy Griffin at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, October 3 & October 5-7
Kenny Rogers at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel in Prior Lake, October 3
Weezer with Angels, the Airwaves, & Tokyo Police Club at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, October 3
Alanis Morissette at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, October 4
A Prairie Home Companion at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul, October 4
Joe Satriani at the Historic State Theatre, October 7
David Wilcox at the Fitzgerald Theater, October 9
Magnetic Fields at the Historic State Theatre, October 10
The Music Builds Tour with Third Day & Switchfoot at the Target Center in Minneapolis, October 10
Rascal Flatts at the Xcel Energy Center, October 10
Tegan & Sara at the Historic State Theatre, October 11
Playhouse Disney Live! at the Xcel Energy Center, October 12
Taj Mahal at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul, October 12
David Byrne at the Historic State Theatre, October 14
Jackson Browne at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, October 16
Rufus Wainwright at the Historic State Theatre, October 16
Ben Folds at The Myth in Maplewood, October 17
The Minneapolis Shrine Circus at the Target Center, October 17
Minnesota Roller Girls at the St. Paul RiverCentre Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul, October 18
K.D. Lang at the O’Shaughnessy Auditorium in St. Paul, October 19
So You Think You Can Dance Live Tour 2008 at the Xcel Energy Center, October 19
The Loft Literary Center presents David Sedaris at the Historic State Theatre, October 19
Rock Band Live with Panic at the Disco & Dashboard Confessional at the Target Center, October 21
New Kids On the Block at the Xcel Energy Center, October 21
Matthew Sweet at First Avenue in Minneapolis, October 22
Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, October 22 & 23
Little Feat at the Fitzgerald Theater, October 24
Reba & Kelly Clarkson: 2 Worlds 2 Voices Tour at the Target Center, October 24
Cheech & Chong Light Up America at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, October 25
Cinematic Titanic: Live! at the Historic State Theatre, October 25
Loretta Lynn at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel, October 25
Celine Dion at the Target Center, October 30
Wicked-A New Musical at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, November 5
Menopause, the Musical at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis, November 5-9
Martin Sexton at the Fitzgerald Theater, November 6
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular at the Target Center, November 7
The 2008 World Tour of Gymnastics Superstars at the Xcel Energy Center, November 9
Amos Lee at The O’Shaughnessy Auditorium, November 10
Joan Baez at the Historic State Theatre, November 13
Brian Wilson at the Historic State Theatre, November 15
Susan Tedeschi at the Pantages Theatre, November 21
AC/DC at the Xcel Energy Center, November 23
Leo Kottke at the Historic State Theatre, November 29
The Blenders at the Pantages Theatre, December 4
Kenny G. at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel, December 5
Lorie Line at the Historic State Theatre, December 6-13
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra at the Xcel Energy Center, December 7
The Moscow Ballet at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, December 12 & 13
Celtic Thunder at the Target Center, December 15
Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy Package at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, December 18-21
The Nutcracker Fantasy at the Historic State Theatre, December 19
Grease at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, December 30 through January 4
For further information on any of these performances or events, please contact Ticketmaster at 651/989-5151
Northern Minnesota

The 12th Annual Crossing Borders Studio Tour will be held through Sunday, October 5, at artist studios located along or near Highway 61 from Two Harbors to Thunder Bay. This self-guided tour of 17 artists’ studios offers a chance to learn about artists’ methods, and purchase art in various media from pottery to fabrics to fine jewelry. Brochures with maps will be available at various businesses along the way. For more information, dial 1-888-616-6784, or check out www.crossingbordersstudiotour.com

The Lindig Farms Fall Family Fun Celebration will be held each Friday through Sunday, through October 19, at Lindig Farms, just southwest of Fergus Falls. In addition to pumpkin-picking and fall produce, visitors will enjoy demonstrations, hayrides along the beautiful Otter Tail River, a farm animal petting zoo, the potato cannon, cow milking, a bone hut, children’s crafts, and a corn maze. And on October 4 & 5, also enjoy live music and information on brewing, distilling, and wine making. To find out more, dial 218/736-5086, or visit www.lindigfarms.com

The William A. Irvin Ore Carrier in Duluth will be transformed into a Floating Ghost Ship on Friday and Saturday, October 3 & 4. No child under the age of 12 will be admitted without a parent. Tours will also be offered October 9-11, 15-18, 23-26, and October 29 through November 1. For rates and times, dial 218/722-5573, or check out www.decc.org

The 34th Annual Goose Festival will be held Friday through Sunday, October 3-5, throughout the town of Middle River, located just north of Thief River Falls. Held during the goose hunting opener, highlights include goose calling and goose cook-off contests, the Steve Holmes Memorial Walk & Run, the Ms. Middle River Pageant, Saturday parade, community theatre presentations, children’s games and activities, a Sunday tractor pull, pet show & contest, the DNR Laser Shot Simulator, beer gardens, bed races, live music and dancing, a pumpkin decorating contest, craft & flea market, and much more! For further information, dial 218/222-3511, or visit www.nwatch.com/index.php?id=8173&task=view&option=com_content

A Wildlife Festival will be offered Saturday, October 4, at the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge in Zimmerman. Come celebrate birds and other wildlife during National Wildlife Refuge Week, and enjoy exhibits, a guided nature walk, archery and air rifle workshops, hay rides, a bonfire, nature crafts, a live raptor program, and a special performance. Refuge service roads will be open to vehicle traffic. To learn more, dial 1-877-721-4295, or check out www.fws.gov/midwest/sherburne

The East Grand Forks Civic and VFW arenas will be the site of the 36th Annual East Grand Forks Art & Craft Fair on Saturday and Sunday, October 4 & 5. This is the largest juried craft fair in the region, with free bus service offered between the two arenas. To find out more, dial 218/773-6525, or visit www.gochamber.org

An Oktoberfest Celebration will be held throughout Pelican Rapids, Thursday through Sunday, October 9-12. This old country family event includes live music and dancing, the "Best of the Wurst" sausage & beer tasting, a Can Drive for the Humane Society, the crowning of Oktoberfest royalty, a wine tasting, silent auction, children’s bingo, karaoke, beer gardens, a bonfire, raffle drawing, a Volksmarch, old-fashioned Sunday afternoon polka party and contest, and a German dinner. For more information, dial 218/863-1221, or check out www.pelicanrapidschamber.com

The city of Aurora will host a Pumpkin Fest on Saturday, October 11, with craft displays, a quilt show, children’s activities, stagecoach rides, great food, clowns, and plenty of pumpkins. For further information, dial 218/229-2245, or visit www.ci.aurora.mn.us/events.htm

A Fall Apple Festival will be offered Saturday, October 11 at Carlos Creek Winery in Alexandria. Highlights include performances by Tina & Lena, hay rides, face painting, pumpkin painting, bobbing for apples, a barn dance, food and craft vendors, contests for the best apple pie, heaviest pumpkin and largest green pepper, and lots of Carlos Creek apples and wines for sale. To find out more, dial 320/846-5443, or check out www.carloscreekwinery.com

The Lake Superior Zoo in Duluth will hold Boo At The Zoo, Saturday, October 18, with trick-or-treating all throughout the zoo. Boo At The Zoo will also be offered October 18. To learn more, dial 218/730-4500, or visit www.lszoo.org

“The information in this report is provided courtesy of Explore Minnesota Tourism.”