May 27, 2010 Explore Minnesota Events Report Highlights this week and weekend include the Rice County Steam & Gas Engines, Inc. Swap Meet & Flea Market in the town of Dundas, located just southwest of Northfield, Freedom Day Tours & The Timeline of the American Soldier at Historic Fort Snelling in Minneapolis, Awake the Lakes will be held throughout the city of Alexandria, a Memorial Day Pow-Wow at the Palace Casino Memorial Pow-Wow Grounds in Cass Lake, and Dylan Days held throughout the city of Hibbing.
Southern Minnesota
The Nicollet County Fairgrounds in St. Peter will be the site of the Key City Kennel Club Dog Show, Saturday and Sunday, May 29 & 30, with approximately 150 different AKC registered breeds, totaling roughly 1,000 dogs. Admission is free, but there is a parking fee. To find out more, dial 1-800-473-3404, or visit
www.tourism.st-peter.mn.usThe Spomer Classics Show and Shine will be held Saturday, May 29 at Spomer Classics & Museum in Worthington. In addition to a car show, enjoy automotive memorabilia, and various porcelain and neon signs. Then on Sunday, May 30, head to the Nobles County Speedway for Memorial Day Vintage Car Racing, during Grain Exchange Night. To learn more, dial 507/76-9557, or check out
www.worthingtonmnchamber.comThe town of Dundas, located just southwest of Northfield, will be the site of the Rice County Steam & Gas Engines, Inc. Swap Meet & Flea Market on May 29 & 30, with a consignment auction, tractor pull, swap meet, flea market, collectibles, crafts, and more. For further information, dial 952/652-2062, or visit
www.ricecountysteamandgas.com Buffalo Days will be held throughout the city of Luverne on Friday and Saturday, June 4 & 5. Just some of the highlights on Friday include a Cruise-In for all vehicles including motorcycles, as well as a live rock 'n roll street dance. On Saturday, enjoy a parade, motorcycle rally, a waffle feed, live entertainment, the World Famous Buffalo Chip Throwing contest, 5K and 10K Run & Walk, and Art In The Park with over 100 vendors. For more information, dial 1-888-283-4061, or check out
www.luvernechamber.com Sylvan Park in Lanesboro will be the site of the annual Rhubarb Festival on Saturday, June 5. Come celebrate rhubarb, Minnesota's sweet-tart favorite. There will be free samples of a variety of rhubarb treats, a Rhubarb Olympics for all ages, the Rhubarb Rant Speaker's Corner, a farmers' market, music and entertainment. And Art: Kids Create! will also be offered, with family art projects and rhubarb art! To find out more, dial 1-800-944-2670, or visit
www.lanesboro.com Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity
The grand opening of Faces of the African Forest will take place Saturday through Monday, May 29-31, at the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley. Featured will be the introduction of the new Colobus monkeys. In addition, enjoy performances by an African dance company, Faces of the African Forest keeper talks, Tropics scavenger hunts, an African stilt walker, and face painting. Anyone who brings a new or slightly used book to the Zoo will receive discounted admission, May 29-June 20, during the Books for Africa drive. For more information, dial 952/431-9200, or check out
www.mnzoo.orgFort Snelling State Park in St. Paul will offer Go-N-Seine on Saturday afternoon, May 29, and learn about the habitat requirements of different fish species, and how the health of a fishery is partially determined by using a seine. On Sunday, May 30, enjoy Birding for Beginners in the morning, and take a birding hike and learn about the basic techniques of bird identification from the park naturalist. And on Monday, May 31, enjoy Geocaching 101 and Fishing for Fun. Pre-registration is required. To learn more, dial 612/725-2389, or visit
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/fort_snelling/index.htmlFreedom Day Tours will be offered at Historic Fort Snelling in Minneapolis on Memorial Day, Monday, May 31, with tours at 11:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:00 p.m. These special tours will focus on the lives and experiences of Dred and Harriet Scott, and the twenty or more slaves who lived and worked at the site during the 1820s, 1830s & 1840s. Fort Snelling will also present The Timeline of the American Soldier on May 31 from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., with a chance to explore a living timeline of 225 years of military life as presented by costumed staff. To find out more, dial 612/726-1171, or check out
www.mnhs.org/places/sites/hfs The Wildlife Science Center in Forest Lake will offer a Canine Carnival on Saturday, June 5, in a tribute to dogs both wild and domestic. Come join us at the Wildlife Science Center in Forest Lake for the Canine Carnival -The Wildlife Science Center will honor the working and playing dogs of the community with Enjoy staff presentations on the resident wolves, wolf-dog hybrids, and foxes, and by visiting canine groups. Bring your pet along for the fun! For more information, dial 651/464-3993, or visit
www.wildlifesciencecenter.orgThe 12th Annual Anoka Antique Show & Flea Market will be held at the Anoka County Fairgrounds in the city of Anoka, Saturday and Sunday, June 5 & 6, with more than 100 dealers, indoors and out, offering glassware, pottery, jewelry, furniture, art toys, books, collectibles, and much more. For further information, dial 612/558-8097, or check out
www.anokacountyfair.comGrand Avenue in St. Paul will be the site of the 37th Annual Grand Old Day celebration on Sunday, June 6. This is the largest one-day festival in the Midwest and includes more than 20 local bands on seven stages and free activities for all ages. And, the newly expanded Family Fun Area features a petting zoo, rides, games, prizes, inflatables, a 20-foot tepee from the Gibbs Museum, interactive learning, cultural arts and performances, and the Teen Battle of the Bands. To learn more, visit
www.grandave.com/grandolddayAnd just some of the upcoming concerts and performances will include:
Soundset 2010 at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, May 30
Jewel at the O'Shaughnessy Auditorium in St. Paul, June 2
The Second City at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel in Prior Lake, June 4
Russell Peters at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis, June 16 & 17
Steve Martin at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, June 13
Rescue Me Comedy Tour 2 with Denis Leary with Lenny Clarke & Adam Ferrara at the Historic State Theatre, June 15
Aziz Ansari - Dangerously Delicious Tour at the Historic State Theatre, June 19
Patty Griffin at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul, June 19
Sting with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, June 21
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers at the Xcel Energy Center, June 22
Cirque du Soleil : Alegria at the Target Center in Minneapolis, June 23
Ween at at the St. Paul RiverCentre Roy Wilkins Auditorium, June 26
U2 360? Tour at the TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, June 27
Justin Bieber at the Target Center, June 29
Santana with special guest Steve Winwood at the Xcel Energy Center, June 30
Devo at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater, July 3
Levon Helm, John Hiatt & The Combo at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater in Apple Valley, July 6
Star Wars In Concert at the Xcel Energy Center, July 11
Simon & Garfunkel at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, July 12
Joan Baez at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater, July 13
Los Lobos at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater, July 14
Modest Mouse at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, July 14
Titanic at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center, July 15-31
Dave Koz & Jonathan Butler at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater, July 16
Lynyrd Skynyrd at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel in Prior Lake, July 16
Lilith Fair at Canterbury Park, July 18
The Squeeze & The English Beat at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater, July 22
Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel, July 25
The Lowertown Music Fest in the Lowertown District of St. Paul, July 31
Vans Warped Tour at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, August 1
Annie Jr. at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center, August 4
Marc Cohn at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater, August 6
Melissa Etheridge at The O'Shaughnessy Auditorium, August 6
Hanson at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater, August 10
Wicked : A New Musical at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, August 11
Phoenix at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, August 12
George Thorogood & the Destroyers at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater, August 17
Jerry Jeff Walker at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater, August 21
Rush Time Machine Tour 2010 at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand in St. Paul, August 27
Seether with special guests Hinder and Black Cherry Stone at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, August 30
Virgin Mobile Presents the Monster Ball Tour Starring Lady Gaga at the Xcel Energy Center, August 30 & 31
Crowded House at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater, September 4
KISS at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, September 4
Jonas Brothers in Concert with Demi Lovato and friends from Camp Rock at the Xcel Energy Center, September 8
Pavement at the St. Paul RiverCentre Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul, September 12
The Dave Matthews Band at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, September 15
John Prine at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, September 25
Muse at the Target Center, October 5
Buddy Guy at the Historic State Theatre, October 16
The Script at the Historic State Theatre, October 22
Tony Sandler at the Pantages Theatre, November 28
Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, December 3 & 4
For further information on any of these performances or events, please contact Ticketmaster at 651/989-5151, or visit
www.ticketmaster.comCentral Minnesota
Hutchinson Mall in the city of Hutchinson will hold Memorial Day Weekend Sidewalk Sales, Friday through Monday, May 28-31, with great specials offered by many mall merchants. And while in Hutchinson, enjoy a Corvette Car Show at Library Square in downtown Hutchinson on Saturday, May 29, from 1:00 -4:00 p.m., and the Corvette Autocross at the Hutchinson Recreation Center Parking Lot on Sunday, May 30, from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. To find out more, dial 1-800-572-6689, or visit
www.explorehutchinson.com Awake the Lakes will be held throughout the city of Alexandria, Friday through Monday, May 28-31. The event kicks off on Friday with a Rib Fest and beer garden, live music and dancing. In addition, enjoy breakfast with Big Ole, a Show N Shine Car Show, the Habitat for Humanity Motorcycle Ride, sidewalk sales, a fireworks display, bicycle rodeo, children's inflatables, Viking Speedway races, a Worship Service at City Park, and the annual Memorial Day parade. For more information, dial 1-800-235-9441, or check out
www.awakethelakes.com Brainerd Parks & Recreation will offer a Kids' Fishing Clinic on Saturday, May 29, from 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at Lum Park beach in Brainerd. This free clinic for boys and girls of all ages consists of informational sessions, a shore lunch, and time to fish from shore or dock. Each participant will receive free tackle to take home, and door prizes will be given away as well. Registration is not required. And while in Brainerd on May 29, head north to the Pine River Riding Stable, located 4 miles west of Pine River on County Road 2, for the Wiley West Stunt Show, featuring western arts, whip cracking, gun spinning, knife throwing, high falls, old-time fights, and animal tricks. For further information, dial 1-800-450-2838, or visit
www.explorebrainerdlakes.com A Memorial Day Pow-Wow will be held May 31, from 12:00-5:00 p.m. at the Mille Lacs Indian Museum & Trading Post in Onamia. Come participate in this social and cultural gathering honoring our Veterans past and present, and experience the excitement and joy of a contemporary Pow-Wow, featuring song, dance and food vendors. Admission to the Pow-Wow is free. Regular admission prices apply for the museum. To learn more, dial 320/532-3632, or check out
www.mnhs.org/places/sites/mlim El Rancho Manana Resort in Richmond will host the Minnesota Homegrown Kickoff, Friday through Sunday, June 4-6. This three day outdoor music and camping festival includes stage shows by twenty regional bluegrass, old-time, and related acoustic music groups. In addition, enjoy workshops, great food, and jam sessions. The campground offers horseback riding, boat rental, fishing, and a swimming beach. To find out more, dial 1-800-635-3037, or visit
www.MinnesotaBluegrass.orgFamily Fun Days & Free Open Houses will be offered at various sites in Little Falls on Sunday, June 6, including the Lindbergh Historic Site, the Pine Grove Zoo, the Minnesota Fishing Museum, and the historic Musser and Weyerhaeuser mansions. And while in Little Falls on June 6, head to the Linden Hill Pavilion for a Plant Sale Fundraiser & Vintage Yard Sale. For more information, dial 1-800-325-5916, or check out
www.littlefallsmn.com Northwest Minnesota
WWI & WWII Posters will be on display at the Hjemkomst Center in Moorhead through May 31, with a collection of over 50 original posters from the State Historical Society of North Dakota. And the Red River Watercolor Society?s 17th Annual National Juried Watermedia Exhibition will also be held at the Hjemkomst Center - artwork will be on display through June 19. For more information, dial 218-299-5511, or check out
www.hjemkomst-center.comA Memorial Day Pow-Wow will be held at the Palace Casino Memorial Pow-Wow Grounds in Cass Lake, Friday through Sunday, May 28-30, with Grand Entries each day, as well as flag raisings, feasts, and Junior and Senior Royalty contests. For more information, dial 1-800-228-6676, or visit
www.palacecasinohotel.com Itasca State Park, located 23 miles north of Park Rapids on U.S. Highway 71, will offer numerous fun and educational events and activities Memorial Day weekend. Programs on Saturday, May 29, include a Pioneer Farmers Tour, Ask The Naturalist: The Common Loon, Ask The Naturalist: Black Bears, Curious Kids: Turtle Talk and Walk and The Common Loon & Campfire Gathering. And on Sunday, May 30, enjoy Ask The Naturalist: Lake Life, A Walk in the Woods: Exploring Itasca?s Wildflowers, and Itasca?s Music Under the Pines at Alabaster Falls. To find out more, dial 218/266-2100, or check out
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/itasca/index.html Lake Bemidji State Park at the city of Bemidji will host an All Camp Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, May 30, beginning at 8:00 a.m. This all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast includes juice, coffee, and sausages. Afterwards, enjoy Bog Watcher Sunday, 11:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., when naturalists will assist in the search for common and uncommon flowers of the bog, including a variety of orchids and insect eating plants. To learn more, dial 218/308-2300, or check out
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/lake_bemidji/index.html A Street Faire at the Lakes will be held along Washington Avenue in downtown Detroit Lakes on Friday and Saturday, June 4 & 5. This juried arts and craft show features invited artisans from across the country, with over 120 artists participating. In addition, enjoy stage entertainment, strolling musicians, food venues, bingo, and a street dance. For more information, dial 1-800-542-3992, or visit
www.visitdetroitlakes.com Downtown Baudette will be the site of the 19th Annual Willie Walleye Day on Saturday, June 5, with a 5K Run, craft vendors, food booths, live entertainment, and a street dance. For further information, dial 1-800-382-FISH, or check out
www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com/annual.asp Northeast Minnesota
The Hill Annex Mine State Park at the town of Calumet will offer Fossil Tours each Wednesday through Saturday during the summer months, beginning May 26. Tours are 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., and include hunts for fossils from the Cretaceous era - participants can even keep what they find! Summer Mine Tours will also be offered Wednesday through Saturday, beginning May 26, when visitors will board a bus and trace the route miners took to get to work at the mine. Tours begin at the historic Club House Museum. For rates and times, dial 218/247-7215, or visit
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/hill_annex_mine/index.html Dylan Days will be held throughout the city of Hibbing, Thursday through Sunday, May 27-30, to honor hometown musician Bob Dylan. Highlights include creative writing, visual arts and songwriter contests, Bobby Zimmerman Guided Bus Tours of ?Dylan?s Hibbing,? a youth talent competition at the Hibbing High School auditorium, lots of live music, and many other fun events. To find out more, dial 1-866-305-3849, or check out
www.dylandays.com On Saturday and Sunday, May 29 & 30, the town of Blackberry will be the site of the 26th Annual North Central Minnesota Farm & Antique Association's Swap Meet & Consignment Auction. Come see numerous antique, restored gas and steam tractors, as well as a windmill and other tools from early 1900's farm life. For rates and times, dial 218/752-6592, or visit
www.visitgrandrapids.com An Art on the Shore Memorial Day Event will be held at Last Chance Fabricating in Lutsen. In addition to fine artwork by local artists, enjoy live jazz and light refreshments on Saturday, May 29. And on Sunday, May 30, there will be live art demonstrations including painting, paper-making and sculpting. This event is free and open to the public. To learn more, dial 218/663-7008, or check out
www.lastchancefab.com The North House Folk School in Grand Marais will host the Boreal Birding & Northern Landscapes Festival, Thursday through Sunday, June 3-6. Come discover the birds, wildflowers, geology and more of this dynamic and rich northern landscape through a series of inter-related, field-focused workshops and courses from 1-3 days in length. Each course offers participants its own unique mixture of field trips, classroom discussions and afternoon workshops, complemented by evening presentations and programs. For more information, and for specific rates and times, dial 1-888-387-9762, or visit
www.northhouse.orgAnother Boreal Birding Festival, held in conjunction with the Boreal Birding & Northern Landscapes Festival at the North House Folk School, will be offered at Wolf Ridge in Finland on Saturday, June 5, with three festival classes including a Bird in Hand, Birding for the Entire Family, and Peregrines and Other North Shore Raptors. Come discover the birds, wildflowers, geology of the area, explore various bird adaptations, learn basic birding and binocular techniques, and meet several live raptors. This event is geared toward families, and everyone is welcome. Pre-registration is not required. For rates and times, and to find out more, dial 1-800-523-2733, or visit
www.wolf-ridge.orgThe North West Company Fur Post in Pine City will offer a Free Open House on Sunday, June 6, when visitors will enjoy free admission to the North West Company Fur Post, take a guided tour, explore the Visitor Center exhibits, and participate in hands-on activities at the reconstructed 1804 wintering post. To learn more, dial 320/629-6356, or check out
www.mnhs.org "The information in this report is provided courtesy of Explore Minnesota Tourism."
