Minnesota Events Report: April 15

[mudbrook]

Minnesota Events Report: April 15

Southern Minnesota

Heritage Hill, located just east of Montevideo on Highway 7, will be the site of a Spring Swap Meet, Friday and Saturday, April 18 & 19. Come trade, buy and sell antique and modern tractors and equipment parts, as well as other antiques, crafts and artwork. For further information, dial 320/793-6633, or visit www.heritagehill.us

The Southwest Minnesota Prairie Birding Fest will be held April 18 & 19 at various locations in and around Luverne. Evening presentations will be offered on Friday. Saturday highlights include birding at Blue Mounds State Park and Touch the Sky Prairie, a breakfast, workshops, and a release program. For more information, dial 1-888-283-4061, or check out www.luvernechamber.org

The Veterans Memorial Center in Tracy will be the site of the Prairie Women’s Expo on Saturday, April 19, with a variety of exhibitors and vendors, as well as Wine 101 seminars, a fashion show, and lots of food and refreshments. The first 250 women will receive a “goodie bag” filled with items from exhibitors and area businesses. On Saturday and Sunday, April 19 & 20, head to the Tracy Area High School, for the 6th Annual Sportsmen’s Show, one of the premiere shows in southwestern Minnesota, with great speakers and exhibitors offering everything related to sporting activities. A Car Show will also be offered. To learn more, dial 507/629-4021, or visit www.tracymnchamber.com

An International Festival will be offered Sunday, April 20, at the East High School in Mankato to celebrate and raise awareness of cultural diversity in the Mankato vicinity. Enjoy taste-testing a variety of foods from throughout the world, view colorful costumes and dance demonstrations, and check out the flag parade, style show, silent auction, cultural displays and vendors, and the children’s area for making crafts. To find out more, dial 507/385-6660

The Pioneer Power Showgrounds, located just east of Le Sueur, will be the site of the 31st Annual Pioneer Power Swap Meet, Friday through Sunday, April 25-27. This is the largest event of its type in the United States, with over 1,000 vendors offering antique machinery, farm collectibles, flea market items and crafts. Featured in 2008 will be M, Super M, and MTA IH tractors, and Wheel Horse tractors. For further information, dial 507/931-2296, or check out www.pioneerpowershow.com

The 8th Annual Bluff Country Studio Art Tour will be held April 25–27 at studios located in the hills and valleys of southeastern Minnesota’s Bluff Country region. In addition to an abundance of fine art, visitors will enjoy bead-making, wood-carving and pottery demonstrations. Galleries located in Harmony, Spring Grove, Lanesboro and Winona will also participate. For more information, dial 1-800-428-2030, or visit www.bluffcountryarttour.com

The Lac qui Parle Fairgrounds in Madison will be the site of the 2nd Annual Lac qui Parle Outdoor Expo, Saturday and Sunday, April 26 & 27. This family oriented event is designed to increase awareness of the relationships between people, wildlife and a healthy environment, and to raise awareness of Western Minnesota’s vast resources. Highlights include nature, hunting and conservation exhibits, as well as educational seminars, activities and presentations. To find out more, dial 1-866-866-5432, or check out www.prairiewaters.com

The Salt Lake Birding Weekend will be held April 26 & 27 at various locations surrounding the cities of Madison and Marietta. Birder’s from around the country will visit Salt Lake to view over 125 species of migrating birds. To learn more, dial 320/598-7301, or visit www.madisonmn.info
Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan Vicinity

The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at the Como Zoo in St. Paul will be the site of the Spring Flower Show in the Sunken Garden, daily through April 27, when the conservatory will be filled with tulips, hydrangeas, peonies, daffodils and lilies. For more information, dial 651/487-8200, or check out www.comozooconservatory.org

Earth Day events will be offered Saturday, April 19, at the Wargo Nature Center in Lino Lakes. This free fun-filled family event includes live entertainment, a petting zoo, climbing wall, canoeing, art projects, and local organizations and businesses offering information and activities related to earth-friendly practices and products. For further information, dial 651/429-8007, or visit www.anokacountyparks.com/qlinks/wargonc/wargonc.htm

The National Sports Center in Blaine will be the site of the Spring Home Improvement and Design Expo, Saturday and Sunday, April 19 & 20, with hundreds of decorators, builders, remodelers, designers, suppliers and other professionals with expertise in the home and design industry. In addition, enjoy live entertainment, free seminars and demonstrations, special Door Buster Goodie Bags, and on-going prize drawings and give-aways. Bring two non-perishable food items for the United Way Food Shelfs, and admission is free! To learn more, dial 952/238-1700, or check out www.ExpoGuys.com

Earthfest, A Party For The Planet will be held April 19 & 20 at the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley, with hands-on, eco-friendly activities for everyone. Participants will learn about recycling, composting, sustainable building and green living, and enjoy live music and craft activities. To find out more, dial 952/431-9310, or visit www.mnzoo.org

The Scott-Carver Thresher’s Grounds, located just west of Jordan, will be the site of the Scott-Carver Thresher’s Annual Auction & Swap Meet, Saturday and Sunday, April 19 & 20. Items will include mid-70’s and older farm machinery, tractor parts, gears, radiators, sheet metal, wheels, farm toys, tools, horse equipment, buggies and wagons, sleds, sleighs and harnesses, and collectible cars & trucks. In addition, there will be craft vendors, a flea market, pancake breakfast, bingo, and log sawing demonstrations each day. For more information, dial 952/492-2062, or check out www.scottcarverthreshers.org

The Spring St. Paul Art Crawl will be held Friday through Sunday, April 25–27. This self-guided tour includes over 250 art studios and galleries located in more than 26 buildings in Lowertown and other St. Paul neighborhoods. In addition to a wide array of fine art, visitors will enjoy special events, live music, and discounts at participating restaurants and clubs. Free bus transportation will be offered to various buildings and parking lots. For a complete list of participants, and a map identifying locations and bus routes, check out www.artcrawl.org. For further information, dial 651/292-4373

And just some of the upcoming concerts and performances will include:
Jersey Boys at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, through April 20
Bret Michaels’ Rock of Love Tour at the Myth in Maplewood, April 17
Justin Currie of Del Amitri at the Fine Line Music Cafe in Minneapolis, April 17
Orpheus & Euridice at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis, April 18
The Backyardigans Live! at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, April 19 & 20
Santana at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, April 21
The Mars Volta at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul, April 21
Casting Crowns at the Xcel Energy Center, April 26
The Minnesota Vikings Draft Party at the Minnesota Vikings Winter Park Facility in Eden Prairie, April 26
Michael and Friends Benefit Concert at the Fine Line Music Cafe, April 27
Alicia Keys at the Target Center in Minneapolis, April 30
Greg Brown at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul, May 2
Jesus Christ Superstar at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, May 2-4
Dan Zanes at the Fitzgerald Theater, May 4
Trampled By Turtles at the Cabooze in Minneapolis, May 9
Engelbert Humperdinck at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel in Prior Lake, May 11
KT Tunstall at the Historic State Theatre, May 14
The Minnesota Dance Festival at the Fitzgerald Theater, May 16
Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel, May 17
Rush at the Xcel Energy Center, May 22
Kid Rock at the Target Center, May 24
Soundset 08 at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, May 25
Eddie Izzard at the Historic State Theatre, May 27
The Honda Civic Tour: Panic at the Disco at the Myth, May 27
Jay Leno at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel, May 31
Monty Python’s Spamalot at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, May 27-June 1
Death Cab for Cutie at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, June 2
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, 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
Return To Forever at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, June 19
The Steve Miller Band at the Target Center, July 3
Merle Haggard at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel, July 1
Rick Springfield at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel, July 1
George Michael at the Xcel Energy Center, July 7
Crosby, Stills and Nash at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, July 11
Mark Knopfler at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, July 12
Ween at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul, July 19
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers at the Target Center, July 23
Peter Frampton at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel, July 25
Larry the Cable Guy at the Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel, August 9
Melissa Etheridge at The O’Shaughnessy Auditorium in St. Paul, August 9
Brad Paisley, Jewel and Chuck Wicks at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand in St. Paul, August 22
The Backstreet Boys Concert at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, August 23
Toby Keith at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, September 1
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
For further information on any of these performances or events, please contact Ticketmaster at 651/989-5151
Northern Minnesota

The Red Horse Ranch Arena in Fergus Falls will be the site of the 2nd Annual RHRA 8 Second Challenge on Friday and Saturday, April 18 & 19. This indoor bull riding event features the country’s best professional bull riders, as well as fast-paced women’s barrel racing, beer gardens, and a chance to ride a mechanical bull. Both shows will be followed by a dance, with music by Silverado. For more information, dial 218/736-3000, or visit www.RedHorseRanchArena.com

The 40th Annual Handmade in America Juried Arts & Craft Festival will be held Saturday, April 19 at the IRA Civic Center in Grand Rapids, with roughly 100 local artisans offering a wide array of handmade items. To find out more, dial 218/326-2697, or check out www.macrostieartcenter.org

Several downtown Duluth galleries, the Duluth Art Institute and the Tweed Museum of Art in Duluth will offer an Art for Earth Day Gallery Hop on Saturday, April 19, with free shuttle service by the Port Town Trolley to all event sites. Admission is free. To learn more, dial 218/722-4011, or visit www.vistitduluth.com

The 16th Annual Family Gun Fair will be held at Rice Creek Hunting & Recreation in Little Falls on Saturday and Sunday, April 19 & 20, featuring shooting star, Tom Knapp. In addition, enjoy free target shooting, fun shooting games, three sporting clay courses, The Minnesota Mounted Shooters, a K-9 demonstration, dog training seminar, vendors, gun dealers, and a retail tent. Admission is free. For further information, dial 320/745-2232, or check out www.ricecreekhunting.com

The Rainy Lake Visitor Center within Voyageurs National Park at International Falls will offer a National Park Week Open House on Saturday, April 26, with various activities for the entire family, including the 5th Annual Kids Art Contest, Wildlife Bingo!, cake and refreshments, and an awards ceremony. For more information, dial 218/283-6670, or visit www.nps.gov/voya

A Boy Scout Exposition will be offered Sunday, April 27 at the Huck Olson Memorial Civic Center in Thief River Falls. Come see 30 different scouting and hobby booths, and experience scouting in action. Admission is free. For more information, dial 218/681-1624, or check out www.visitthiefriverfalls.com

Robinson Park and Banning State Park in Sandstone will be the site of the Kettle River Paddle Fest, Friday through Sunday, May 2-4, with a full weekend of paddling activities for white water and flat water paddlers. Participants will enjoy paddling on the upper or lower Kettle River, a paddlers dinner, fireworks display, Kayak Rodeo, boat demonstrations, paddling clinics, and more! For further information, dial 320/245-5344, or visit www.kettleriverpaddlefest.com

A Citywide Rummage Sale will be offered Friday and Saturday, May 2 & 3, throughout the city of Eveleth. To find out more, dial 218/741-2717, or check out www.evelethmn.com

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