Minnesota Events and Activities Report, 5.01.07

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Minnesota Events Report, 5.01.07
 
SOUTHERN MINNESOTA

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 Windom Wetlands Management District in Windom will be the site of the SIXTH ANNUAL WINGS ON THE PRAIRIE on Saturday, May 5. Just some of the activities include early riser bird walks, a raptor program, wood duck box construction, retriever demonstrations, children's activities, a duck calling program, a Bison Burger lunch, raffle drawings, Trumpeter Swan release, and the Tadpole Parade Band Interactive Musical Event. In addition, enjoy the 2ND ANNUAL CITY-WIDE AUCTION on May 5. And on Sunday, May 6, head to the Windom Arena for the SOUTHWEST TRAIL RIDERS ASSOCIATION HORSE SHOW. To learn more about the SIXTH ANNUAL WINGS ON THE PRAIRIE, dial 1-800-7-WINDOM. For information on any of the other Windom area events, dial 1-800-577-2875, or check out www.winwacc.com

The GREAT RIVER BIRDING & NATURE FESTIVAL will be held at various Minnesota and Wisconsin birding hot spots located on Lake Pepin and in the surrounding area, Friday through Sunday, May 11-13. Come celebrate spring on the Mississippi Flyway, and enjoy a variety of birding trips, such as birding by boat and kayak, aboard mini-railcars through wetlands, and birding hikes and walks through a variety of habitat. In addition, there will be educational seminars, workshops, and live birds of prey. Further details can be found at www.mississippi-river.org/birding, or by dialing 1-877-525-3248

The Olmsted County Fairgrounds in Rochester will be the site of the ORIGINAL OLMSTED COUNTY GOLD RUSH, Saturday and Sunday, May 12 & 13, with 1,500 dealers from across the United States displaying their wares. To learn more, dial 507/288-0320, or visit http://iridescenthouse.com/

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TWIN CITIES GREATER METROPOLITAN VICINITY

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

CINCO DE MAYO FIESTA-MINNESOTA'S SPICIEST CELEBRATION! will be held Friday and Saturday, May 4 & 5, in St. Paul's District del Sol neighborhood. This event is one of the ten largest festivals of its kind nationwide, and attracts more than 100,000 visitors to learn about and enjoy the colorful history and rich traditions of Hispanic/Latino culture. Highlights include over six blocks of food, music and dancing, as well as children's activities, a lowrider car show, colorful parade, a “People’s Choice” salsa tasting contest, Cinco Sports Zone, Community Wellness Village, and craft vendors. To learn more, dial 651/222-6347, or check out www.districtdelsol.com/cinco.html

Various Anoka County Parks will be the site of a BIRD WALK SERIES on Saturday, May 5. Birders of all skill levels will be led by an experienced birder through several Anoka County parks to see and hear 20-50 species of birds. Also on Saturday, May 5, head to Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, another Anoka County Park, for a KIDS FISHING CLINIC. The Fishing Clinic is free and open to children ages 5 and up. Children will learn about lure selection, casting, boat and water safety, fishing ethics and more. All participants and their chaperones will receive a free hot dog, chips, and pop lunch. Children will also receive a kit of fishing equipment and accessories. No reservations are required, however registration closes at 11 a.m. For more information, dial 651/429-8007, or visit www.anokacountyparks.com

SPRING RAPTOR RELEASE 2007 will be offered May 5 at Carpenter Nature Center in Hastings. Come watch in awe as rehabilitated birds are returned to the wild! In addition, enjoy live music by Michael Monroe, hands-on children's activities and educational displays. For further information, dial 612/624-9753, or check out www.theraptorcenter.org

The Minnesota State Fairgrounds Grandstand Building in Falcon Heights will be the site of the LIVING GREEN EXPO, Saturday and Sunday, May 5 & 6. This fun and educational family event features vendors, demonstrations and seminars, with information, resources, products and technology designed to help attendees be more earth-friendly. The Expo also includes an "Eco-Fashion Show", an art exhibit, food & cooking stage, and fun children's activities. Admission is free! For further information, check out www.livinggreen.org

The HEART OF THE BEAST MAYDAY PARADE & FESTIVAL will be held Sunday, May 6 at Powderhorn Park in Minneapolis. This unique, annual outdoor parade and festival draws roughly 50,000 people to see towering puppets and fantastic floats, participate in a sun-welcoming ceremony, and listen to music and spoken word. The parade travels south along Bloomington Avenue, between 25th and 34th streets, and culminates in Powderhorn Park. To find out more, dial 612/721-2535, or visit www.hobt.org

And just some of the upcoming concerts and performances will include:
LOREENA MCKENNITT at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, May 3
ELVIS COSTELLO & THE IMPOSTERS at The Myth in Maplewood, May 8
ALL SHOOK UP at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, May 8-13
BILLY JOEL at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, 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
FEIST at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis, June 20
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 Falcon Heights, July 20
THE 104.1 JACKFEST: ZZ TOP, THE PRETENDERS & THE STRAY CATS at the Xcel Energy Center, July 28
PETER HIMMELMAN at the Fitzgerald Theater, August 6
JOHNNY WINTER at the Cabooze in Minneapolis, August 10
JOSH GROBAN at the Xcel Energy Center, August 10
THE WIGGLES at the Target Center, August 17
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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NORTHERN MINNESOTA

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

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