Minnesota Events Report , 4.24.07

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NORTHERN MINNESOTA

An ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION will be offered at the Northland Arboretum in Brainerd on Friday and Saturday, April 27 & 28. Highlights include Arboretum tours, horse logging demos, a banquet dinner, old time fiddle, Celtic & bluegrass music, an early morning bird walk, forestry classes, Light on the Land equipment, portable sawmill demos, indoor exhibits, and a silent auction. For rates, times and to register, check out www.mnforest.com, or dial 1-800-821-TREE

St. Cloud State University will hold their 22ND ANNUAL MISSISSIPPI MUSIC FEST on Sunday, April 29, with a full day of musical performances. In addition, enjoy carnival games and rides, arts and crafts vendors, a variety of foods, nine-hole miniature golf, frisbee spin art, caricature artists, and a children's area with crafts, face painting and a bounce house. Admission is free. For further information, dial 320/308-2205, or visit www.stcloudstate.edu/upb/committees/mmf.asp

DULCIMER DAY IN DULUTH will be held at the First United Methodist Church on Skyline Parkway in Duluth on Saturday, May 5. Come hear master dulcimer musicians perform, with various folk music classes also offered. Advanced registration is recommended. To learn more, dial 218/525-5098, or check out www.dulcimersinduluth.com

The Mille Lacs Indian Museum, located 12 miles north of Onamia, will be the site of a DREAMCATCHER DEMONSTRATION on Saturday, May 5. The Dreamcatcher, used to ward off bad spirits from the dream world, will be explained, with weaving demonstrations throughout the day. Visitors can also purchase a kit, and learn to weave their own dreamcatcher. To find out more, dial 320/532-3632, or visit www.mnhs.org/millelacs

A BREAKFAST WITH THE BIRDS will be offered at Lake Bemidji State Park on Saturday, May 12, with a morning of birding, topped off with a camp breakfast. Pre-registration is required. To learn more, dial 218/755-3843, or check out www.dnr.state.mn.us/events/index.html?keywords=&month=5&year=2007

Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge in Zimmerman will offer INTERNATIONAL MIGRATORY BIRD DAY festivities on Saturday, May 12, to celebrate the return of millions of migratory birds to their breeding areas. Experienced and beginning birders will enjoy guided bird tours, including "Birds In The Wetlands," and a "Songbird Search" to view warblers. Tours are free and open to the public. Pre-registration is requested. Please call for further details at 763/389-3323, or visit www.fws.gov/midwest/sherburne

A VOYAGEUR MILITIA MUSTER will be offered at the Northwest Company Fur Post in Pine City, Saturday and Sunday, May 12 & 13, when voyageurs will gather to defend the West in an 1812 battle. Visitors will experience camp life, talk with soldiers about military life, and make their own militia hat. For more information, dial 320/629-6356, or check out www.mnhs.org

The Glensheen Mansion in Duluth will be the site of GLENSHEEN'S MOTHER'S DAY DINING on Sunday, May 13, with three options for dining and tours. For rates and times, dial 1-888-454-GLEN, or visit www.glensheen.org

DYLAN DAYS will be held throughout the city of Hibbing, Bob Dylan's hometown, Wednesday through Sunday, May 23–27. Highlights include a welcome party, youth talent show, feature film showings of "Gotta Serve Somebody: The Gospel Songs of Bob Dylan," a music jam, literary night with guest speaker Barton Sutter, a creative writing workshop, a singer/songwriter contest, a guided Dylan Bus Tour, Dylan Days Spiritual Breakfast, and a concert by folk singer Maria Muldaur--singer of the hit "Midnight at the Oasis." To learn more, dial 1-800-4-HIBBING, or check out www.dylandays.com

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TWIN CITIES GREATER METROPOLITAN VICINITY

The Minneapolis Institute of Arts will be the site of the 24TH ANNUAL ART IN BLOOM from Thursday, April 26 through Sunday, April 29. This spring celebration features more than 100 floral artists, whose designs will be on display next to the works of art that inspired them. In addition, enjoy lectures, demonstrations, free guided tours, Italian treats, the Garden & Gift Shop, Garden Guru Booth, and a complimentary Flowers After Hours Party with a scavenger hunt and art-trivia contest. Admission to the museum to view the floral arrangements is free. To learn more, dial 612/870-3131, or visit www.artsmia.org/art-in-bloom-2007

VALBORGSMÄSSOAFTON will be offered at the Gammelgården Museum in Scandia on Saturday, April 28, with a bonfire, singing and roasting hot dogs to welcome spring! In addition, there will be free tours, the opening of the Scandia Butik, and a performance by the Swedish Male Chorus. To find out more, dial 651/433-3430, or check out www.scandiamn.com/gammelgarden

The Science Museum of Minnesota in St. Paul will present EL DIA DE LOS NINOS on Saturday, April 28. This Latino celebration honors and celebrates the hopes and dreams of the children in every community. Come meet science and education professionals from the Twin Cities' Latino communities, participate in make-and-take activities, and enjoy entertainment with a Latino flair. For further information, dial 651/221-9444, or visit www.smm.org

URBAN EXPEDITION: MOROCCO! will be offered on Sunday, April 29, at the Landmark Center in St. Paul. Visitors will explore Morocco's rich cultural heritage, and learn how it has been influenced by being a North African nation and situated near the Middle East. For more information, dial 651/292-3225, or check out www.landmarkcenter.org

The St. Paul RiverCentre will be the site of the 5TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF NATIONS, Thursday through Sunday, May 3-6. Enjoy one of the nation's largest and longest-running multi-ethnic events, and travel the world without a passport. Ninety-seven different ethnic groups will share their foods, crafts and traditions that form the mosaic of our American culture. To find out more, dial 651/647-0191, or visit www.FestivalofNations.com

And just some of the upcoming concerts and performances will include:
BRIGHT EYES at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, April 25
ROD STEWART at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, 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
ELVIS COSTELLO & THE IMPOSTERS at The Myth, May 8
ALL SHOOK UP at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, May 8-13
BILLY JOEL at the Xcel Energy Center, May 9
CHAMPIONS ON ICE at the Target Center in Minneapolis, 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
THE HONDA CIVIC TOUR 2007 featuring FALL OUT BOY at the Target Center, May 16
JON STEWART at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, May 18
THE ROWDY FRYNDS TOUR: HANK JR & SKYNYRD at the Target Center, May 19
PAT BENATAR & NEIL GIRALDO at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel in Prior Lake, May 22
COMEDY CRAZE: MARCUS COMBS, BLT, B. COLE and JAZZ at the Historic State Theatre, May 24
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
THE DOOBIE BROTHERS at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel, June 11
JOAN ARMATRADING at the O'Shaughnessy Auditorium in St. Paul, June 17
THE DEFTONES at The Myth, June 17
TOOL at the Xcel Energy Center, June 26
AN EVENING WITH ROGER WATERS at the Xcel Energy Center, June 30
THE POLICE at the Xcel Energy Center, July 3
THE MOODY BLUES at the Target Center, July 15
CAR CRAFT MAGAZINE SUMMER NATIONALS at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in St. Paul, July 20
THE 104.1 JACKFEST: ZZ TOP, THE PRETENDERS & THE STRAY CATS at the Xcel Energy Center, July 28
RUSH at the Xcel Energy Center, September 9
JIM GAFFIGAN at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, October 12
MOSCOW BALLET'S GREAT RUSSIAN NUTCRACKER at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, December 1
DISNEY'S HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL: THE ICE TOUR at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, December 14
For further information on any of these performances or events, please contact Ticketmaster at 651/989-5151

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SOUTHERN MINNESOTA

The 30TH ANNUAL PIONEER POWER SWAP MEET will be held Friday through Sunday, April 27-29, at the Pioneer Power Showgrounds, located 6 miles east of Le Sueur. Featured will be over 1,000 antique machinery, farm collectible, flea market and craft vendors. This is the largest show of its type in the United States! For further information, dial 507/931-2296, or visit www.pioneerpowershow.com

The city of Harmony and the Southeastern Minnesota Historic Bluff Country will be the site of the 7TH ANNUAL STUDIO ART TOUR, Saturday and Sunday, April 28 & 29. Art enthusiasts will find exciting treasures in the hills and valleys of the bluff country. In addition, enjoy the emergence of spring when traveling the scenic back roads to roughly 30 studios of the area's finest artists. The tour encompasses three counties in Minnesota, as well as one county in Wisconsin and two counties in Iowa. To learn more, check out www.bluffcountryarttour.com, or dial 1-800-428-2030

The SALT LAKE BIRDING FESTIVAL will take place April 28 & 29 in Lac Qui Parle and southern Big Stone counties. This is one of the finest areas in the state for viewing rare birds during springtime. Participants will enjoy field trips to Salt Lake and other birding sites, a Saturday morning breakfast at the Marietta American Legion, and a Saturday evening dinner at the Sons of Norway Hall in Madison. A species tally will be conducted after dinner. Reservations are required for the dinner. To find out more, dial 952/595-9265, or visit http://moumn.org/trips.html. And while in Madision, check out the LAC QUI PARLE OUTDOOR EXPO at the Lac qui Parle County Fairgrounds, April 28 & 29, with displays, competitions, seminars, concessions, and special appearances. For more, dial 320/598-7301, or visit www.madisonmn.info

Thirteen communities from Red Wing to Winona, Minnesota, and from Alma to Bay City, Wisconsin, will participate in the 100 MILE GARAGE SALE AROUND LAKE PEPIN, Friday, May 4 through Sunday, May 6. Maps of registered sales will be available in some communities. For more information, dial 651/345-0185, or check out www.lakecitymn.org

MAI FEST will be held throughout the city of New Ulm, May 4-6, with a wide array of nature and environmental events, craft and specialty shop sales, art shows, an outdoor play, Renaissance Faire, food and bake sales, early openings at attractions, and more! For further information, dial 1-888-4-NEW-ULM, or visit www.newulm.com


 "The information in this report is provided courtesy of Explore Minnesota Tourism."
http://www.wisconsinoutdoor.com/events.htm