December 29, 2009 Explore Minnesota Events Report

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December 29, 2009 Explore Minnesota Events Report

Just some of the highlights this week and weekend include the Bentleyville Light Display and Learn To Ski & Board Free Day in Duluth, the Sertoma Winter Wonderland at the Northland Arboretum in Brainerd, Candlelight and Ice at the Wood Lake Nature Center in Richfield, and a Christmas Wonderland of Lights in Blue Earth .

This report is brought to you by Explore Minnesota Tourism.

Northern Minnesota

Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth will be the site of the Bentleyville Light Display daily through Saturday, January 2, with lots of beautiful light displays, as well as free hot beverages and cookies at the Cookie House, free popcorn from the Pop Corn Box, and marshmallows from the Marshmallow Hut to be roasted at any of the 15 fire pits! And on Sunday, January 3, head to the nearby Spirit Mountain for Learn To Ski & Board Free Day! For further information on any of these events, dial 1-800-4-duluth, or check out www.visitduluth.com

Downtown East Grand Forks will be the site of First Night on Thursday, December 31. Come celebrate the New Year and enjoy entertainment for all ages including concerts, comedians, magicians, dancers and storytellers. There will also be ice sculptures, concessions and fireworks at midnight. For rates and times, dial 218/230-4231, or visit www.firstnightggf.org

The Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard Run & Ice Box Days celebration will be held in the city of International Falls, Thursday through Sunday, January 14-17. Both spectators and participants will enjoy four days of quirky, crazy events, including the 5K & 10K Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard Run, fun snow sculptures, a moonlight ski, smoosh races, a beach party, turkey bowling, and outdoor family night in the park - seeing is believing! For more information, dial 1-800-325-5766, or check out www.rainylake.org

The city of Bemidji will hold their annual Brrrrmidji Polar Days Festival, Saturday, January 16. Highlights of this annual festival celebrating winter include a Polar Plunge, sled derby, broomball, and the 5K Polar Run & Walk. And, the 2nd Annual Beaver Pride Hard Water Classic Fishing Tournament will also be offered January 16. When the shotgun is heard, anglers will race by foot to fishing holes on Lake Bemidji, and compete for cash and prizes, including a fish house. There will also be a Kid's Fishing Fun House, on-ice concessions, and a raffle. Shuttles will be available. For further information, dial 1-800-458-2223, or visit www.bemidji.org

Back to Hack will take place on Birch Lake and throughout the city of Hackensack, Friday through Sunday, January 22-24. This celebration of winter includes a community bonfire, fireworks display, a lighted parade, Snowflake Pageant, ice racing, snowmobile radar runs, a craft show, treasure hunt, free movie matinee, a chili feed, a Penguin Plunge, and more! For further information, please dial 1-800-279-6932, or check out www.hackensackchamber.com
Central Minnesota

The Northland Arboretum in Brainerd will be the site of the Sertoma Winter Wonderland, Wednesday through Saturday, through January 2. Featured will be breathtaking lights reflecting off sparkling white snow and strung into captivating displays - many new displays have been added this year. Proceeds go to area charities. To learn more, and for rates and times, dial 218/829-8770, or visit www.sertomawinterwonderland.com

The St. Cloud Civic Center will present the Wedding Expo, Sunday, January 17. Featured will be florists, caterers, musicians, bridal boutiques, and everything needed to plan the wedding of your dreams. To find out more, dial 1-800-264-2940, or check out www.granitecountry.com

The Brainerd Jaycees $150,000 Ice Fishing Extravaganza will be held at Gull Lake?s Hole in the Day Bay in Brainerd on Saturday, January 23. This ice fishing contest pays out over $150,000 in cash and prizes! The tournament starts at noon, when the cannon is fired. For further information, or to enter, dial 1-800-450-2838, or visit www.explorebrainerdlakes.com

Charles A. Lindbergh State Park in Little Falls will host the Lindbergh Candlelight Ski and Snowshoe on January 23 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Come explore 1.5-miles of easy, candle-lit cross-country ski and snowshoe trails before relaxing with free refreshments in a wood-heated 1938 Works Progress Administration shelter building. The lit trails meander through stands of pine, oak and aspen and over Pike Creek. Ski rental is available in the city of Little Falls. Please contact the park for more information, by dialing 1-800-325-5916, or check out www.littlefallsmn.com
Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity

Wood Lake Nature Center in Richfield will host Candlelight and Ice on Thursday, December 31. Follow candle-lit luminaries along Wood Lake?s trails and watch for deer, fox, and owls. Return to the center to warm up and drink hot cocoa, or roast marshmallows over a crackling fire. There will also be craft activities and games. No pre-registration required - doors open at 6:00 p.m. For more information, dial 612/861-9365, or visit www.woodlakenaturecenter.org

The 2010 Land O'Lakes Kennel Club Dog Show will take place Friday through Sunday, January 8-10, at the St. Paul RiverCentre. Come see over 2,000 dogs competing for American Kennel Club honors. In addition, enjoy products and services offered by many excellent vendors of dog-related items and collectibles, as well as information from American Kennel Club staff. For further information, and for rates and times, dial 651/770-3279, or check out www.onofrio.com

The Target Center in Minneapolis will present Sesame Street Live, 1-2-3 IMAGINE with Elmo and Friends, Wednesday, January 13 through Sunday, January 17. All ages will enjoy singing and dancing with Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Big Bird, and all your favorite Sesame Street Live friends! This story of adventure and fun teaches children they can be anyone, do anything, and go anywhere with the power of imagination. To learn more, dial 612/673-1300, or visit www.targetcenter.com

The 2010 Sportsmen's Boat, Camping and Vacation Show will take place Wednesday through Sunday, January 13-17, at the St. Paul RiverCentre. Featured will be daily seminars by some of the most renowned fishing and hunting experts, live trout fishing, a DNR Lasershot Booth, special stage events, and exhibitors offering nearly everything for the outdoor enthusiast! For more information, dial 763/755-8111, or check out www.cenaiko.com/sports/sports_sp.html

An Animals, Books, and Children Weekend will be offered at the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley, Saturday through Monday, January 16-18. Come celebrate reading and wildlife fun with children's activities focusing on animal stories. There will also be costume characters, and families will have a chance to make their own pop-up books. For rates and times, dial 952/431-9500, or visit www.mnzoo.org

The Millennium Hotel Minneapolis in downtown Minneapolis will offer a Wedding Open House on Sunday, January 17, with tour of the unique reception and ceremony banquet space, as well as exhibits by many of the preferred vendors offering floral designs, entertainment, audiovisual enhancements, bridal party spa ideas, wedding cakes, photography, decorations and more. Refreshments and wedding cake will be served. To reserve a spot, dial 612/359-2227. To find out more, check out www.millenniumhotels.com/minneapolis

And just some of the upcoming concerts and performances will include:
Trampled By Turtles at the Fine Line Music Cafe in Minneapolis, December 31
New Year's Eve 2010 - Deep Space Danceteria at First Avenue in Minneapolis, December 31
The Steve Miller Band at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel in Prior Lake, January 2
Carnival China Style at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, January 10
Dreamgirls at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, January 12-17
Larry the Cable Guy at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, January 15
Everclear at the Fine Line Music Cafe, 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
Abba - the Music at the Historic State Theatre, February 6
Young Frankenstein at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, February 9-14
Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul, February 13
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
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

Christmas Night at the Museum - A Doll House Walk will be offered at the Waseca County Historical Society in Waseca through Wednesday, December 30. Featured will be over 15 doll houses all decked out for the holidays, including Victorian doll houses, manufactured doll houses of the late 1940s, amateur homemade houses of all skill levels, and even two townhouses. Donations graciously accepted. To find out more, dial 507/835-7700, or visit www.historical.waseca.mn.us

The city of Blue Earth will host a Christmas Wonderland of Lights, daily after dark through New Year's Eve, December 31, with spectacular animated holiday light displays along a three-mile route running through Blue Earth. For more information, dial 507/526-2916, or check out www.blueearthchamber.com

The Great Outdoor Expo will be held at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester, Friday and Saturday, January 8 & 9, with approximately 80 vendors offering everything related to outdoor activities! Admission is free. The 17th Annual Southeastern Minnesota Wedding Extravaganza will take place Saturday, January 9 at the Mayo Civic Center. Highlights include fashion shows, prizes, live entertainment, packages, and over 100 exhibitors. For rates and times, and for more information on either event, dial 1-800-422-2199, or visit www.mayociviccenter.com

The Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites in Owatonna will host Bridal Fair 2010 on Sunday, January 10, with roughly 65 exhibitors, as well as a fashion show, and thousands of dollars in door prizes. Admission is free. For further information, 1-800-423-6466, or check out www.owatonna.org

A Candlelight Ski & Walk will be offered Saturday evening, January 16, along the Harmony-Preston State Trail. Begin at the Preston Trail Head and walk or cross-country ski along candle-lit trails. Afterwards, warm up around a bonfire and enjoy free chili. For more information, dial 507/765-2153, or visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_trails/blufflands/harmony_preston.html

1-2-3 Imagine With Elmo & Friends will be held at the Verizon Wireless Center in Mankato, Monday and Tuesday, January 19 & 20. To find out more, dial 507/389-3000, or check out www.verizonwirelesscentermn.com

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