Explore Minnesota Events Report Tuesday, June 3

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 Explore Minnesota Events Report Tuesday, June 3

Northern Minnesota

The FargoDome, located just west of Moorhead, will be the site of Rib Fest 2008, from Wednesday, June 4 through Saturday, June 7. Highlights include great food by some of the best ribbers from throughout the country, as well as the Games Galore Midway, a Riblet Fest for the kids, and live entertainment by national acts each evening at the Miller Time Stage. For further information, contact the Fargo-Moorhead Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-800-235-7654, or visit www.fargoribfest.com

The 11th Annual Spring Boreal Birding & Northern Landscapes Festival will be held Thursday through Sunday, June 5-8 in Grand Marais and the surrounding area, with guided tours, speakers, classroom discussions, workshops, presentations and free time to discover the birds, wildflowers, geology and rich northern landscape of the area. Many events are based at the North House Folk School in Grand Marais. To reserve a spot, and for rates and times, dial 1-888-387-9762, or check out www.northhouse.org

The Nisswa Pioneer Village in downtown Nisswa will be the site of the 9th Annual Nisswa Stamman Scandinavian Folk Music Festival, Friday through Sunday, June 6-8. This is one of the largest Nordic music festivals in the Upper Midwest, featuring 150 costumed folk musicians playing the music of Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland. In addition, enjoy dancing, Scandinavian food, workshops, and a children’s tent with lots of activities. For more information, dial 218/963-2620, or visit www.nisswastamman.org

The 3rd Annual Birding Festival will be held Friday through Sunday, June 6-8, at the Audubon Center in Sandstone. Participants will have a chance to view over 200 species of birds. There will also be live raptor presentations, observation hikes, field trips to various sites, interesting speakers, bird banding, and more! All-inclusive weekend packages are available. Please call ahead for rates, times and availability at 1-888-404-7743, or check out www.audubon-center.org/birding_festival.htm

Whiteside Park in Ely will be the site of the DockDogs Northern Stars Competition, June 6-8, when dogs will compete in Big Air, Extreme Vertical and Speed Retrieve events. And on Saturday, June 7, head to nearby Bear Head Lake State Park for their MinnAqua Fishing Event, and try fishing with a variety of rigs, make your own pop-can fishing rig to take home, and learn about the history of fishing. All equipment will be provided. This event is held during Take-A-Kid Fishing weekend, when Minnesota residents 18 and older can fish for free when accompanied by an angler younger than 16. To find out more, dial 1-800-777-7281, or visit www.ely.org

A Take A Kid Fishing & Bike Rodeo Day program will be offered Saturday, June 7, at Glenwood City Park, with a chance to teach your kids how to fish, and learn water safety, bicycle safety and hand signals. Bike helmets and bikes will be given away as prizes! To learn more, dial 1-866-634-3636, or check out www.glenwoodlakesarea.info

Timber Hall in the city of Embarrass will be the site of the 22nd Annual Finnish American Summer Festival on Saturday, June 14. Highlights include a Finnish American dinner, tables of Finnish and American crafts and goods, ethnic entertainment programs, a boot throwing contest, and a tour of century old farmsteads. An antique appraiser may also be on hand to evaluate antiques for free! For more information, dial 218/984-3503, or visit www.embarrass.org

The Great American Think-Off will be held June 14 at the James W. Mann Center for the Performing Arts in New York Mills, when essay finalists will debate the question “Does immigration strengthen or threaten the United States?” For further information, dial 218/385-3339, or check out www.think-off.org
Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity

The James J. Hill House in St. Paul will be the starting point for Summit Avenue Walking Tours each Saturday and Sunday, through September 28, with guided tours focusing on the architecture, original owners, social history, and current preservation issues facing this nationally-recognized historic district. For rates and times, dial 651/297-2555, or visit www.mnhs.org/hillhouse

The Great American Gem Show & Sale will be held Friday through Sunday, June 6-8, in the Progress Center at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in St. Paul, when exhibitors from around the world will offer a huge selection of loose gemstones, fine finished jewelry, fashion jewelry, beads, findings, minerals, fossils, and more! And on Saturday and Sunday, June 7 & 8, the Minnesota State Fairgrounds will also host the 3rd Annual Minnesota Antique Dealers Show, with 40 members offering a variety of quality antiques, within a variety of price ranges. This show will be held in the Fine Arts Center. The 26th All GM Car/Truck Show & Swap Meet will take place at Machinery Hill at the Fairgrounds on Sunday, June 8. For more information on any of these events, and for rates and times, dial 651/288-4310, or check out www.mnstatefair.org

The city of Spring Lake Park will offer a Tower Days Community Celebration, June 6-8. Just some of the many highlights include a Friday parent-child miniature golf tournament, Friday and Saturday night street dances with Boogie Wonderland, and city-wide garage sales all three days. On Sunday, June 8, enjoy all day fun at Lakeside Lions Park, with games, contests, live entertainment, an arts and craft show, car show, pony rides, fishing on the pier, fireworks display, and much more! For further information, dial 763/742-7201, or visit www.towerdays.com

A Canine Carnival will be offered Saturday, June 7 at the Wildlife Science Center in Forest Lake in a tribute to dogs both wild and domestic. Featured will be presentations by visiting canine groups, as well as by staff on the resident wolves, wolf-dog hybrids, and foxes. There will also be an opportunity to meet the new wolf puppies. Visitors are encouraged to bring their pets! For rates and times, dial 651/464-3993, or check out www.wildlifesciencecenter.org

On Saturday, June 7, head to Peavey Plaza, located at the corner of Nicollet and 11th Street in Minneapolis, for the 4th Annual Famous Dave’s BBQ & Blues Festival. Come enjoy outstanding national and Twin Cities-based blues acts on two stages, along with incredible BBQ ribs! Admission is free! To find out more, dial 952/294-1299, or visit www.famousdaves.com

The 18th Annual Mississippi River Carp Fest & Fishing Contest will be held June 7 at the Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park in Coon Rapids. This fishing contest is open to families and individuals of all ages and abilities. Prizes will be awarded for the heaviest and lightest carp, and include a boat, motor and trailer, a kayak package, fishing gear, bicycles, and much more! Other highlights include a climbing wall, education trailer, National Park Service Jr. Ranger activities, MinnAqua Fish Tank, and other family activities and educational information. To learn more, dial 763/757-4700, or check out www.anokacountyparks.com

And just some of the upcoming concerts and performances will include:
R.E.M. at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, June 5
The Stone Temple Pilots at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul, June 6
True Colors: Cyndi Lauper, The B-52s, and Very Special Guests at the Target Center in Minneapolis, June 9
The Kanye West Glow in the Dark Tour at the Target Center, June 11
Walking with Dinosaurs - The Live Experience at the Xcel Energy Center, June 11-15
Aimee Mann at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater in Apple Valley, June 12
A Prairie Home Reunion Show with Garrison Keillor at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul, June 15
Peter Murphy at the Fine Line Music Cafe in Minneapolis, June 16
Return To Forever at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, June 19
The Monster Truck Challenge at Raceway Park in Shakopee, June 20
Rick Springfield at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel in Prior Lake, June 27
John Hiatt at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis, June 28
Lucinda Williams at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater, June 30
Merle Haggard at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel, July 1
The Steve Miller Band at the Target Center, July 3
George Michael at the Xcel Energy Center, July 7
Coldplay at the Xcel Energy Center, July 8
Crosby, Stills and Nash at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, July 11
Mark Knopfler at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, July 12
Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel, July 14
Ween at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul, July 19
Neil Diamond at the Xcel Energy Center, July 20
Marc Cohn at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater, July 22
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers at the Target Center, July 23
Dave Koz and Friends at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater, July 25
Peter Frampton at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel, July 25
Bill Maher at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, July 26
Hootie and the Blowfish at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater, July 27
The Gear Daddies at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater, August 1
Nine Inch Nails at the Target Center, August 2
Los Lobos and Los Lonely Boys at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater, August 4
Larry the Cable Guy at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel, August 8-10
Melissa Etheridge at The O’Shaughnessy Auditorium in St. Paul, August 9
Chris Isaak at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater, August 13
Three Doors Down with Special Guests Staind and Hinder at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand in St. Paul, August 21
Brad Paisley, Jewel and Chuck Wicks at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, August 22
Jerry Jeff Walker at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater, August 23
The Backstreet Boys Concert at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, August 23
Jonny Lang and Buddy Guy at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, August 24
Dierks Bentley and Miranda Lambert at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, August 25
The Counting Crows and Maroon 5 at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel in Prior Lake, August 26
Pop-Tarts Presents American Idols Live at the Target Center, August 31
Toby Keith at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, September 1
Cirque Du Soleil-Saltimbanco at the Target Center, September 24
Defending the Caveman at the Hennepin Stages in Minneapolis, October 1
My Morning Jacket at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, October 2
Kathy Griffin at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, October 3
The Music Builds Tour featuring Third Day and Switchfoot at the Target Center, October 10
Playhouse Disney Live! On Tour at the Xcel Energy Center, October 12
The Loft Literary Center presents David Sedaris at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, October 19
New Kids On the Block at the Xcel Energy Center, October 21
Celine Dion at the Target Center in Minneapolis, October 30
Menopause, the Musical at the Pantages Theatre, November 5-9
The Moscow Ballet at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, December 12 & 13
For further information on any of these performances or events, please contact Ticketmaster at 651/989-5151
Southern Minnesota

The city of Glencoe will host Glencoe Days, Friday through Sunday, June 6-8. Just some of the festivities include a Friday night fireworks display, Saturday car show, children’s carnival, live music, a micro brew fest, fun run and walk, a parade, carnival, Kid’s Zone, and kiddie pedal tractor pull. This event also includes the Mike Popelka Memorial Auto, Bike and Tractor Show, one the area’s newest and largest car shows. To learn more, dial 320/864-3650, or check out www.glencoechamber.com

The 24th Annual Buffalo Days celebration will be held June 6-8 throughout the city of Luverne. Highlights include a Friday night Cruise-In, a walk and run and professional bull riding event, and Saturday parade, motorcycle rally, Belgian waffle feed, Arts In The Park with over 100 vendors, duck races on the river, live entertainment, classic car auction and swap meet, and World Famous Buffalo Chip Throwing Contest. And on Sunday, head to Blue Mounds State Park for free buffalo burgers, and watch the South Dakota Skydivers Jump. For more information, dial 1-888-283-4061, or visit www.luvernechamber.com

The Kandi Mall in Willmar will be the site of the Kandi Mall Antique Power Show, Friday through Sunday, June 6-8, when the West Central Antique Power Collectors will display their antique tractors and farming equipment. Admission is free. And on Friday, June 6, visitors will want to check out the many garage sales offered in the nearby town of Kandiyohi! For further information, dial 1-800-845-TRIP, or check out www.kandiyohi.com

The 3rd Annual Great Camden Campout-the Pioneer Way will be held at Camden State Park in the city of Lynd, Friday through Monday, June 6-9. Activities taking place this weekend include campfire storytelling, a MinnAqua children’s fishing clinic, pioneer camp cooking, pioneer toys and games, and a search for the lost Camden History Medallion. To find out more and to reserve a campsite for this weekend only, dial 507/865-4530, or visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/camden/index.html

Whitewater State Park in Elba will offer a Take-A-Kid Trout Fishing program on Saturday, June 7, to introduce youngsters ages five to 15 years to trout fishing. Guides will take small groups of children and their parents fishing, and lunch will be provided. Bring a spinning rod and reel if available. One adult must sign up for each youth participating in the program. To learn more, dial 507/932-3007, or check out www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/whitewater/index.html

Lanesboro’s Rhubarb Festival will be held on Saturday, June 7, at Sylvan Park in Lanesboro, with free samples of rhubarb pies, chutneys, crisps and drinks. Another highlight is the Garrison Keillor - The Man on the Radio in the Red Shoes Sneak Preview at the St. Mane Theatre. There will also be a Rhubarb Olympics, with five events for adults and children, as well as a Rhubarb Rant Speakers Corner, contests, music, fun and prizes. For more information, dial 1-800-944-2670, or visit www.lanesboro.com

Four Seasons Park in the city of Arlington will be the site of Arlington Town & Country Days, Friday and Saturday, June 13 & 14, with a Breakfast on the Farm, Miss Arlington pageant, a road race, children’s programs, tractor show & parade, a car show & parade, street dances with live bands, and a beer garden. For further information, dial 507/964-5177, or check out www.arlingtonmn.com

Kandi Is Dandy Days will be held June 13 & 14 in the town of Kandiyohi, located just east of Willmar. Featured will be a pancake breakfast, family entertainment, a street dance, games for the kids, a parade, antique tractor pull, and a business appreciation supper. For more information, dial 320/382-6100, or visit www.kandiyohi.com

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