January 27, 2010 Explore Minnesota Events Report

[mudbrook]

January 27, 2010 Explore Minnesota Events Report
   
Highlights this week and weekend include the 27th Annual John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon running from Duluth to Grand Portage, WinterFest 2010 at the city of Spicer, the 124th Saint Paul Winter Carnival at various parks and venues throughout the city of St. Paul, and the Frozen River Film Festival at various locations throughout Winona.

This report is brought to you by Explore Minnesota Tourism.

Northern Minnesota

The Volks Ski Fest will be held on trails throughout Cook County through Sunday, January 31, with a chance to ski 400 kilometers of professionally groomed cross-country ski trails. In addition, enjoy a candlelight ski, snowshoe hikes, bonfires and sleigh rides. Check out www.volksskifest.com , or dial 218/663-8058 for more information.

The North Shore of Lake Superior, running from Duluth to Grand Portage, will be the site of the 27th Annual John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon on January 31. Mushers and their dog sled teams will race along a rugged 390-mile course. Race week events held January 29 through February 4 include the Cutest Puppy Contest, Opening Ceremonies, a Mini Sled Dog Race, a Gala Dinner & Silent Auction, an ice lantern making class, and Winter Camping Village classes on camping and cooking, and a chance to 'Meet the Mushers' at the race start. To learn more, dial 1-800-4-duluth, or visit www.beargrease.com

The 12th Annual Park Rapids Legion Community Ice Fishing Derby will be held Saturday, February 6 on Fishhook Lake and at the American Legion in Park Rapids, with over $110,000 in prizes given away. In addition, there will be a grand prize raffle. Dial 1-800-247-0054, or check out www.parkrapids.com for more information.

Buena Vista Ski Area in Bemidji will be the site of Logging Days on February 6, with old-time logging demonstrations, historic events, live music, sleigh rides, a lumberjack camp meal, and more. For further information, dial 1-800-777-7958, or visit www.bvskiarea.com

The Laskiainen Finnish Sliding Festival will be held at the Loon Lake Community Center in the town of Palo on Saturday and Sunday, February 6 & 7, with the heritage of Finnish customs, Finnish crafts, music and sports, a Finnish marketplace and foods, and of course sliding! The Loon Lake Community Center is located 10 miles south of Aurora on Hwy 100, and 1.4 miles north of Hwy 4. This is a true family event. Admission is free! To find out more, dial 218/638-2551, or check out www.ironrange.org
Central Minnesota

WinterFest 2010 will be held throughout the city of Spicer each Saturday and Sunday through February 6 & 7, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., with a wide array of fun and entertaining events. Just some of the events scheduled for this Saturday, January 30 include a Spa Getaway at the Glacial Ridge Winery, and a Polar Plunge - Freezin' for a Reason and dancing with "Shirts 'N Skins" at Melvin's on the Lake. To learn more, dial 320/796-8066, or check out www.spicermn.com

The Brainerd Lakes area will be the site of numerous events this Saturday and Sunday, January 30 & 31, including the 30th Annual Snow Golf Tournament, the Brainerd Snodeos Club Ride, a Winter Gala for Equine Enthusiasts, and the Lumberjack Jaunt Ski Race. For more information, dial 1-800-450-2838, or visit www.ExploreBrainerdLakes.com

The 7th Annual Crosslake Winterfest will be held Friday and Saturday, February 5 & 6, throughout the city of Crosslake. Highlights include a medallion hunt, arts and crafts sale, bake sale, games, a bonfire, pond ice skating, s'mores, horse drawn hay rides, D.J. music, pancake breakfast, a Soupfest, ice sculpturing demonstrations, helicopter rides, radar runs, indoor children's games, ice car races, a snowman building contest, and human bowling. Some events may be cancelled due to poor weather conditions. For further information, dial 218/692-4027, or check out www.crosslake.com

The Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge in Zimmerman will present Winterfest on Saturday, February 6, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Highlights will include a scavenger hunt, snowshoeing, nature crafts, face painting, a bonfire, brat and hot dog lunch, sleigh rides, exhibits, and presentations on wildlife. There will also be a celebration to honor the 106th anniversary of the National Refuge System. This event is free. To find out more, dial 763/389-3323, or visit www.fws.gov/midwest/sherburne

Lake Minnewaska and the Lakeside Ballroom in Glenwood will be the site of the 13th Annual Winterama on Saturday, February 13. Just some of the highlights include the Poor Man's fishing tournament, a ring toss, long putt, turkey bowling, snow sculpture contest, a Waterama Polar Bear Plunge, minnow eating contest, chili cook-off, a D.J. and dancing, and a fireworks display. For further information, dial 1-866-634-3636, or check out www.GlenwoodLakesArea.org
Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity

Various parks and venues throughout the city of St. Paul will be the site of the 124th Saint Paul Winter Carnival through Sunday, January 31. Since 1886 the Winter Carnival has brought together family and friends for fun and festivities such as the Moon Glow Pedestrian Parade, the King Boreas Grande Day Parade, Kids Day Parade, Torchlight Parade, the Overthrow of King Boreas, the 40th Annual Queen of the Snows Fashion Show, the Pioneer Press Treasure Hunt for the Medallion, the Great Winter Carnival Scavenger Hunt, Ice Carving competition, the 2010 Royal Coronation, Hot Air Balloon Lift-Off, the Saintly City Cat Show, Winter Carnival Orchid Show, Carnival Fireworks, and the Lake Phalen Sleigh & Cutter Event. Most events are free! For more information, dial 651/223-4700, or visit www.winter-carnival.com

The Minneapolis Women's Expo will be held Friday through Sunday, January 29?31, at the Minneapolis Convention Center in downtown Minneapolis. Enjoy specialty exhibitors, prizes, product sampling, guest speakers, quick & easy meal ideas, health information, shopping, and more! For rates and times, dial 612/309-8545, or check out www.mplswomensexpo.com/mpls/

The Science Museum of Minnesota in St. Paul will present the 18th Annual African Americans in Science event on Saturday afternoon, January 30. Come meet science and educational professionals, learn about what they do through interactive displays and presentations, and discover the inspiring contributions they've made to technology, education, health care, and innovation in Minnesota. This event is free with Science Museum admission. For further information, dial 651/221-9444, or visit www.smm.org

The 10th Annual Snow Day will be held Saturday, January 30, at the Wargo Nature Center in Lino Lakes, with a chance to enjoy a variety of activities including snowshoeing, ice fishing, kick-sledding, cross-country skiing, winter crafts, visits with live animals, and more! This event is free. To find out more, dial 651/429-8007, or check out www.anokacountyparks.com

North Center Lake and other locations in Center City will be the site of the Celebration of the Lakes 2010, Saturday and Sunday, January 30 & 31. Highlights will include hot air balloon launches, sled dog rides, snowmobile racing, family ice-skating, Belgian horse-drawn hayrides, a 5k walk & run, helicopter rides, a fishing contest, medallion hunt, vintage snowmobile displays, and a concession tent with hot food and beverages. Most activities are free and take place on the ice! If the lake ice is determined to be unsafe, events will be moved to Ki Chi Saga Park in Lindstrom. To learn more, dial 651/257-1177, or visit www.ChisagoLakesChamber.com

Visit Korea during Urban Expedition! at the Landmark Center in St. Paul on Sunday, February 7. Spend the afternoon celebrating Korea's rich culture, music, food and dance, with demonstrations and even a marketplace. Come discover another continent without leaving your own backyard. There will also be an opportunity to "visit" Hungary on February 21, and Colombia on February 28. Admission is free! For further information, dial 651/292-3225, or check out www.landmarkcenter.org

And just some of the upcoming concerts and performances will include:
Everclear at the Fine Line Music Cafe in Minneapolis, January 28
American Carnage Tour: Slayer and Megadeth with Testament at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium at the St. Paul RiverCentre, February 4
The Music of Led Zeppelin & Queen at the Target Center in Minneapolis, February 4
A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul, February 4, 13 & 20
Abba - the Music at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, February 6
Young Frankenstein at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, February 9-14
The Pink Floyd Experience at the Fitzgerald Theater, February 11
The Wailin? Jennys at The O?Shaughnessy Auditorium in St. Paul, February 19
B.B. King and Buddy Guy at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, February 20
A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul, February 20
Rickie Lee Jones at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul, February 22
Jeff Foxworthy at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel in Prior Lake, February 27
John Mayer with Special Guest Michael Franti & Spearhead at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, March 2
Pat Donahue at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul, March 6
Mamma Mia! (Touring) at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, March 9-14
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis, March 14
Experience Hendrix featuring Joe Satriani, Billy Cox & Sacred Steel at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, March 17
Norah Jones at The O'Shaughnessy Auditorium in St. Paul, March 17
Baby Wants Candy at The O?Shaughnessy Auditorium, March 19
Bill Engvall at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center, March 20
Alice In Chains at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium at St. Paul RiverCentre, March 21
The Black Eyed Peas at the Xcel Energy Center, March 22
Celtic Woman - Songs from the Heart at the Xcel Energy Center, March 24
Cheech & Chong at the Historic State Theatre, March 26
The Wizard of Oz at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, March 26-28
Michael Bubl? at the Xcel Energy Center, March 28
The Magnolias 25th Anniversary Show at the 7th Street Entry in Minneapolis, April 23
Pat Metheny at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul, May 9
Smucker's Stars on Ice at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, May 9
Cats at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, May 14-16
Nickelback with Breaking Benjamin, Shinedown and Sick Puppies at the Target Center in Minneapolis, May 24
Carole King / James Taylor - Troubadour Reunion at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, May 25
U2 360? Tour at the TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, June 27
For further information on any of these performances or events, please contact Ticketmaster at 651/989-5151
Southern Minnesota

Various locations throughout Winona will be the site of the Frozen River Film Festival, Thursday, January 28, through Sunday, January 31. The Frozen River Film Festival offers programs that engage, educate and activate viewers to become involved in the world, and provide a unique perspective on environmental issues, sustainable communities, extreme sports, adventure travel and diverse cultures. Featured will be a wide array of films, speakers, discussions and workshops, as well as a buffet and a farmers market. For rates and times, dial 480/522-7940, or check out www.frff.org

The Rochester Sports & Vacation Show will be held at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester, Friday through Sunday, January 29-31. Featured will be a wide array of exhibitors, as well as presentations by area professionals on such topics as catching king salmon, musky tackle, river walleyes, smallmouth bass tactics, Boundary Waters canoeing and wildlife photography, and recreational sailboats. There will also be a kids' fishing clinic. For rates and times, and for more information on either event, dial 1-800-422-2199, or check out www.mayociviccenter.com

The Verizon Wireless Center in Mankato will host the Baby & Kids Expo on Saturday, February 6. Anyone planning a family, expecting a baby, or having children up to age 12, will enjoy this event. Come visit the Health & Wellness area, visit with exhibitors focused on health, nutrition, child products and services, clothing and toys, and enjoy the interactive area. Admission is free. To learn more, dial 507/345-3683, or visit www.eventsandexpos.com

The Big Bobber Ice Fishing Contest will be held February 6 on Lake Washington in Mankato. Participants can register up until 10:00 a.m. the day of the contest, and head out to claim their pre-drilled fishing spots. Registration is limited to 3,000 participants. The fishing contest will begin at noon and conclude at 3:00 p.m. as anglers compete for a $2,500 cash prize for the largest catch. There will be a total of 100 prizes awarded, determined by fish weight and time entered, not necessarily in the order expected! In addition, various food vendors and exhibitors will be on hand, along with a Schell?s Brewery?s On The Ice Bean Bag Tournament. Tickets for the Big Bobber Ice Fishing Contest are $35. To participate, check out www.msumavericks.com. For more information, dial 507/389-6010

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