Minnesota Events Report 3.27.07

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Minnesota Events Report for March 27
       
 Minnesota Events Report for March 27
Please note that events and individual activities may be postponed or cancelled without notice due to unsafe ice, insufficient snowcover or extreme temperatures.

SOUTHERN MINNESOTA

MAPLE SYRUP MAKING TIME will be offered at Whitewater State Park, located 3 miles south of Elba on State Highway 74, west of Winona, on Saturday, March 31. Come learn about the long history of maple syrup- and sugar-making. Participants will also tap trees, gather and boil sap, and taste test pure maple syrup! For more information, dial 507/932-3007

The History Center of Olmsted County, located in Rochester, will be the site of an ANTIQUES APPRAISAL FAIR on March 31. A fee will be charged for each appraisal. And while in Rochester on March 31, head to the Rochester Senior Center for the RETIRED TREASURES SALE, with a wide array of kitchen items, furniture, tools, jewelry, books, antiques, pictures and more. In addition, there will be barbeque lunch, pie for dessert, and a bake sale. To find out more, dial 1-800-634-8277, or visit www.visitrochestermn.com

A MAPLE SYRUPING DEMONSTRATION will be offered at Sibley State Park, located in New London, on March 31. Come explore the history of maple syruping, the tools of the trade, sap collection, processing, and sampling! Reservations are required. To learn more, dial 320/354-2055

The city of Lanesboro will offer LADIES DAY IN LANESBORO on Saturday, April 14, with a style show, luncheon, spectacular door prizes, store coupons and special promotions. Afterwards, enjoy a performance of "Ghosts" at the Commonweal Theatre. Reservations are required. For further information, dial 1-800-944-2670, or check out www.lanesboro.com

A WORLD FESTIVAL will be offered Friday and Saturday, April 20 & 21, at the Mayo High School in Rochester. Highlights include a cultural diversity show, ethnic food tasting, children's activities, cultural displays and demonstrations. For more information, dial 1-800-634-8277, or visit www.visitrochestermn.com

The Winona State University Science Lab Center in Winona will be the site of an EARTH DAY CELEBRATION on Saturday, April 21. The celebration will open with an ecumenical ceremony, followed by workshops to prepare puppets and costumes for the Procession of the Earth parade. In addition, there will be educational activities for the kids, bio-diesel and solar energy demonstrations, education on the Lakota Indians, and a chance to visit educational booths and a wide array of vendors. To find out more, dial 507/457-8258

An INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL will be offered Sunday, April 22, at the Mankato East High School in Mankato. This event is designed to celebrate and raise awareness of the cultural diversity of the area. Enjoy sampling a variety of ethnic foods, and viewing colorful costumes and dance demonstrations from a wide array of countries. To learn more, dial 1-800-657-4733, or check out www.greatermankato.com

Camden State Park in the city of Lynd will offer a BIRDERS' GEM OF BLUE on April 22, to celebrate the return of the Eastern Bluebird. A bluebird expert will share his enthusiasm and knowledge of the life history of bluebirds, and explain how you can attract bluebirds to your backyard by establishing your own bluebird trail. Construction plans to build a bluebird nest box will be available. For more information, dial 507/865-4530

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TWIN CITIES GREATER METROPOLITAN VICINITY

The 75TH ANNUAL NORTHWEST SPORTSHOW will be held at the Minneapolis Convention Center in downtown Minneapolis, Tuesday through Sunday, March 27 through April 1. Highlights include a wide array of boats, RV's, fishing and hunting gear, and vacation information. There will also be live entertainment, educational displays, seminars, shopping spree giveaways, and Adventure Trail Pass programs for the kids. For further information, dial 1-800-777-4766, or check out www.northwestsportshow.com

The Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley will present FARM BABIES each Friday, Saturday and Sunday, March 30 through April 22. Come meet the newest members of the Minnesota Zoo family, with baby chicks, piglets, lambs, calves, goat kids, bunnies and ducklings. There will also be children's activities and tractor rides, with volunteers available to answer questions and assist with "hands-on" interaction with the new arrivals. For rates and times, dial 1-800-366-7811, or visit www.mnzoo.org

The NORDEAST MINNEAPOLIS GERMAN WALK will be held Saturday, March 31, along historic Northeast Minneapolis streets and along the Mississippi River. Walk past artist shops, followed by dinner at the ((GAAST-HOF ZER GEMUTE-LIC-KITE)) Gasthof Zur Gemutlichkeit restaurant. To learn more, dial 763/571-8041, or check out www.geocities.com/tcvwalking

The University of Minnesota Raptor Center in St. Paul will be the site of a SPRING OPEN HOUSE on Sunday, April 1. Come see eagles, hawks, owls and falcons, hear their stories, and meet the veterinarians who treat hundreds of birds of prey each year. In addition, there will be live animal demonstrations, exhibits, and fun activities for kids of all ages. This event is free and open to the public. To find out more, dial 1-800-970-8636, or visit www.theraptorcenter.org

The 21ST ANNUAL AMERICAN CRAFT SHOW will be held Friday through Sunday, April 13-15, at RiverCentre in downtown St. Paul. Featured will be more than 250 new and established artists displaying and selling handcrafted jewelry, clothing, furniture, home décor, and more. There will also be Crafts 4 Kids, and Best of Show awards. For rates and times, dial 1-800-836-3470, or www.craftcouncil.org/stpaul

And just some of the upcoming concerts and performances will include:
The OSMAN SHRINE CIRCUS at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in St. Paul, March 29
THE BLUE MAN GROUP--HOW TO BE A MEGASTAR at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, March 30
DOODLEBOPS LIVE! at the Xcel Energy Center, April 6
SNOW PATROL at the Northrop Auditorium in Minneapolis, April 6
CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING at the Target Center in Minneapolis, April 6
LINDSEY BUCKINGHAM at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis, April 7
LUCINDA WILLIAMS at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, April 11
JOHN LEGEND at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, April 12
LEE ANN WOMACK at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel in Prior Lake, April 12
ANTIGRAVITY at the Historic State Theatre, April 13
A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION with GARRISON KEILLOR at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul, Fridays and Saturdays, April 13-21
MARTIN SEXTON at the Pantages Theatre, April 14
THE STREET DREAMZ TOUR FEATURING YOUNG JEEZY, LIL' WAYNE AND BIRDMAN at the Target Center, April 15
CELTIC WOMAN at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, April 17 & 18
BILL GAITHER AND FRIENDS at the Target Center, April 20
MODEST MOUSE at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, April 20
WILLIAM BOLCOM at the Fitzgerald Theater, April 21
BILL COSBY at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel, April 22
HAIRSPRAY at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, April 24
BRIGHT EYES at the Historic State Theatre, April 25
ROD STEWART at the Xcel Energy Center, April 25
INSANE CLOWN POSSE & TWIZTID at The Myth in Maplewood, April 29
CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES at the Plymouth Playhouse in Plymouth, May 2
LOREENA MCKENNITT at the Historic State Theatre, May 3
BILLY JOEL at the Xcel Energy Center, May 9
CHAMPIONS ON ICE at the Target Center, May 12
A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION with GARRISON KEILLOR at the Historic State Theatre, May 12 & 19
KENNY CHESNEY at the Xcel Energy Center, May 13
THE KILLERS at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium at the St. Paul RiverCentre, May 15
HONDA CIVIC TOUR 2007 featuring FALL OUT BOY at the Target Center, May 16
THE ROWDY FRYNDS TOUR: HANK JR & SKYNYRD at the Target Center, May 19
PAT BENATAR & NEIL GIRALDO at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel, May 22
GWEN STEFANI at the Xcel Energy Center, June 5
MAMMA MIA at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, June 5-16
SOUL2SOUL 2007 with TIM MCGRAW & FAITH HILL at the Xcel Energy Center, June 8
THE FRAY at the Target Center, June 11
AN EVENING WITH ROGER WATERS at the Xcel Energy Center, June 30
THE POLICE at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, July 3
For further information on any of these performances or events, please contact Ticketmaster at 651/989-5151

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NORTHERN MINNESOTA

The Brainerd Civic Center and Gold Medal Arena will be the site of the BRAINERD LAKES AREA COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY SHOW, Friday and Saturday, March 30 & 31, with area businesses gathered to promote their products and services. In addition, there will be live entertainment, demonstrations and fun events. And while in Brainerd, enjoy the READY, SET, GROW! 2007 GARDEN EXPO on March 31 at Central Lakes College, with a variety of presentations, vendors and exhibits, as well as a luncheon, door prizes, quilt raffle and silent auction. For rates and times, and for further information, dial 1-800-450-2838

The 30TH ANNUAL BEMIDJI JAYCEES' HOME, SPORT & TRAVEL SHOW will be held at the Bemidji State University Fieldhouse in Bemidji from Friday, March 30 through Sunday, April 1, when area businesses will display, demonstrate and sell their products and services. In addition, there will be a fundraiser to raise money to be donated back to the community. And while in Bemidji, check out the BELTRAMI COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS SPRING GARDEN PARTY at the Beaux Arts Ballroom at Bemidji State University on Saturday, March 31, with information for northern gardeners, including the use of native plants, design principles, and floral design tips. Door prizes will be given out throughout the day, and vendors will offer garden related merchandise. To find out more, dial 1-800-458-2223, or check out www.bemidji.org

Hinckley's West Side Park and Community Center will be the site of an EASTER EGG HUNT on Saturday, March 31 at 10 a.m., with a visit from the Easter Bunny, as well as games and prizes for the kids. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, dial 1-800-952-4282

MARSH MADNESS will be offered on March 31 at the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center in Fergus Falls. Visitors will discover the wonders of wetlands and the magic of marshes in a variety of family activities. And while in Fergus Falls, enjoy the NORTH CENTRAL MINNESOTA REINING HORSE ASSOCIATION COMPETITIONS at the Red Horse Ranch Arena on Saturday, March 31, with a chance to witness the athletic ability of a ranch horse. For further information, dial 1-800-726-8959, or visit www.visitfergusfalls.com

Giants Ridge Golf & Ski Resort in Biwabik will be the site of the WSA SNOWMOBILE HILL CLIMB, Saturday and Sunday, March 31 & April 1. This World Snowmobile Association Hill Cross Racing event features professional and amateur riders competing in climbing one of Giants Ridge's most advanced ski runs. In addition, there will be skiing and snowboarding events, as well as food and drink specials. To find out more, dial 1-800-688-7669, or check out www.giantsridge.com

The 15TH ANNUAL TIMES HOME, SPORT AND CRAFT SHOW will be held March 31 and April 1 at the Huck Olson Memorial Civic Center in Thief River Falls, with over 150 exhibitors participating. In addition, enjoy seminars on how to grow fruit in the north on Saturday, and how to grow perennials in the north on Sunday. To learn more, dial 218/681-4450, or visit www.nwatch.com

The Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center in downtown Duluth will be the site of the 41ST ANNUAL ARROWHEAD HOME & BUILDERS SHOW, Wednesday, April 11 through Sunday, April 15. Featured will be 900 individual exhibitors offering everything needed to build, remodel, furnish and decorate a home, inside and out. In addition, enjoy a live stage show and various seminars at the Home Show Café and Lounge area. For rates and times, dial 952/431-9630, or check out www.shamrockprod.com

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