February 9, 2010 Explore Minnesota Events Report

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February 9, 2010 Explore Minnesota Events Report
   

Highlights this week and weekend include the Ely Winter Festival at the city of Ely, the 13th Annual Winterama in Glenwood, the 43rd Annual Minneapolis/St. Paul RV, Vacation and Camping Show at the Minneapolis Convention Center, and the 60th Annual Sleigh & Cutter Festival in the city of Waseca.

This report is brought to you by Explore Minnesota Tourism.

Check out our events calendar for more information on many of these and other upcoming events.

Northern Minnesota

The Ely Winter Festival will be held throughout the Ely vicinity through Sunday, February 14. This 10-day celebration highlights the unique culture, art, history and traditions of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. The main attractions are the International Snow Sculpting Symposium, the Ely ArtWalk, Historic Voyageur Encampment, crafts fair, sled dog rides, concerts, and spaghetti dinner. To find out more, dial 1-800-777-7281, or visit www.elywinterfestival.com

The city of Detroit Lakes will host their annual Polar Fest through Monday, February 15. Come experience more than a week filled with events to celebrate winter! Highlights include an Ice Tee Golf Tourney, theatre performances, hockey and curling tournaments, a Daddy's Little Sweetheart dance, the Freeze Your Buns Run, and a Polar Plunge into Little Detroit Lake. To learn more, dial 1-800-542-3992, or visit www.VisitDetroitLakes.com

The Carlton Winterfest will be held Friday through Sunday, February 12-14 at Carlton High School and on Chub Lake in the town of Carlton, with a chili cook-off, ice fishing tournament, dog sled dog races, children's activities, and the 8th Annual Hook and Slice Golf On Ice tournament! For more information, dial 1-800-625-4661, or check out www.cloquet.com

The 11th Crow Wing Lake in Akeley will be the site of the 5th Annual Audrey's Purple Dream Fishing Tournament on Saturday, February 13. In addition, enjoy a pancake breakfast, raffles, and the Purple Polar Plunge. Before or after the tournament, head to nearby Park Rapids for the Headwaters Animal Shelter Book Sale, with books, puzzles and more! For further information on either event go to www.parkrapids.com, or dial 1-800-247-0054

The 43rd Annual Boat, Sports and Travel Show will be held the Duluth Entertainment & Convention Center in Duluth, Wednesday through Sunday, February 17-21. Come see what top retailers have to offer in the way of tackle, marine and camping equipment. There will also be shows, seminars and information from area resorts and travel destinations. To learn more, dial 952/431-9630, or visit www.shamrockprod.com

Walker city park and Walker Bay on Leech Lake will be the site of the International Eelpout Festival, Friday through Sunday, February 19-21. The Eelpout Festival is an experience not to be missed, with events such as ice drilling, the Eelpout On-Ice Auto Race, a Polar Plunge, sled dog rides, and of course the legendary eelpout fishing contest. To find out more, dial 1-800-833-1118, or check out www.eelpoutfestival.com
Central Minnesota

The Nisswa Winter Jubilee will be held Friday through Sunday, February 12-14, throughout the city of Nisswa, with festivities including the Miss Nisswa Pageant, snow sculptures, a parade, wood-splitting contest, ice fishing derby on Nisswa Lake, and a tug-o-war! To learn more, dial 1-800-950-9610, or check out www.nisswa.com

Lake Minnewaska and the Lakeside Ballroom in Glenwood will be the site of the 13th Annual Winterama on Saturday, February 13. Just some of the highlights include the Poor Man's fishing tournament, a ring toss, long putt, turkey bowling, snow sculpture contest, a Waterama Polar Bear Plunge, minnow eating contest, chili cook-off, a D.J. and dancing, and a fireworks display. For further information, dial 1-866-634-3636, or check out www.GlenwoodLakesArea.org

A Winter Beach Party will be offered at the Falls Ballroom in Little Falls on Friday, February 19. Take a break from winter, and enjoy a night of summertime fun, with games, prizes, dancing, and music by Bob and the Beachcombers, Minnesota's own beach band. For more information, dial 1-800-325-5916, or visit www.LittleFallsMN.com

The St. Cloud Civic Center will host the St. Cloud Boat Show, Friday through Sunday, February 26-28. Featured will be the newest in boats and other watercraft, as well accessories and tools to plan your next outing. To find out more, dial 320/255-7272, or check out www.granitecountry.com

An Ice Race Weekend will be offered on Lake Mille Lacs at the city of Garrison on Saturday and Sunday, February 27 & 28, with pro and vintage snowmobile racing and ice car racing in front of the Blue Goose Inn. In addition, there will be kids races, as well as ATV and motorcycle competitions. To learn more, dial 1-800-346-7646, or visit www.garrisonmn.com
Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity

The 43rd Annual Minneapolis/St. Paul RV, Vacation and Camping Show will be held Thursday, February 11, through Sunday, February 14, at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis. This is the largest consumer show in the five-state area, and features an amazing selection of pop-ups, travel trailers, conversion vans, park models, and Class A, B and C motorhomes. In addition, learn about campgrounds from across the region, shop for camping and RV gear and accessories, gather great ideas, and enjoy a variety of entertainment for the entire family: For more information, dial 763/383-4400, or visit www.agievents.com

Central Park in North Branch will be the site of Winter Fest on Saturday, February 13. Activities will include ice sculpting demonstrations, the Chili Show Down & Healthiest Chili Contest, turkey bowling, vintage snowmobile ride & expo, and family ice skating with Frosty! To learn more, dial 651/674-4077, or check out www.NorthBranchChamber.com

The annual Scottish Ramble will take place at the Landmark Center in downtown St. Paul on Saturday and Sunday, February 13 & 14. Bring out your tartan, and enjoy bagpipes, Highland dance competitions, Scottish meat pies, shopping, educational presentations, information on area Scottish organizations, activities and music! To find out more, dial 651/292-3225, or visit www.landmarkcenter.org

RiverCentre in St. Paul will be the site of the 2010 Twin Cities Midwest Kids Fest on Saturday and Sunday, February 13 & 14. Just some of the fun activities for the kids include moonwalks & bounce houses, obstacle courses, face painting, magicians, puppet shows, live music, pony rides, live reptile displays, a Princess Pavillion, Crazy Kids Zone, a Spin Zone, and appearances by Scooby Doo, Nordy, Ragnar & Mr. Fun. In addition, there will be parental education booths, a charity raffle, Cutest Baby & Kid contests, and much more! For further information, visit www.midwestkidsfest.com

A Tropical Beach Party will be held at the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley, Saturday through Monday, February 13-15. Come play in the large, indoor sandbox and enjoy the warmth and humidity of the beautiful Tropics Trail, as well as calypso music, zookeeper talks, and crafts. For more information, dial 952/431-9500, or check out www.mnzoo.org

RiverCentre in St. Paul will host the 2010 Minnesota Home and Patio Show, Thursday through Sunday, February 18-21, with nearly 400 exhibitors offering the best and most respected local resources and products for your home and garden needs. In addition, there will be a kid's potting table, an Ask The Gardeners booth, bulb sale, the Minnesota Green Zone, local celebrity speakers, gardening seminars, and instruction by Home Depot professionals. To find out more, dial 763/755-8111, or visit http://homeandpatioshow.com/

And just some of the upcoming concerts and performances will include:
A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul, February 13 & 20
Young Frankenstein at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, February 9-14
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, February 20
Rickie Lee Jones at the Fitzgerald Theater, 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
The Jagermeister Country Tour featuring Eric Church & Josh Thompson at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, March 25
Willie Nelson at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel in Prior Lake, March 26
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
Trampled By Turtles at First Avenue in Minneapolis, April 9
The Magnolias 25th Anniversary Show at the 7th Street Entry in Minneapolis, April 23
The Bangles at the Fine Line Music Cafe in Minneapolis, April 29
Pat Metheny at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul, May 9
Smucker's Stars on Ice at the Xcel Energy Center, May 9
Cats at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, May 14-16
Daughtry at the Target Center in Minneapolis, May 19
Nickelback with Breaking Benjamin, Shinedown & Sick Puppies at the Target Center, May 24
Carole King / James Taylor - Troubadour Reunion at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, May 25
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

The city of Waseca will be the site of the 60th Annual Sleigh & Cutter Festival through Sunday, February 21. Don't miss the 60th Annual Sleigh & Cutter Parade, featuring sleighs, cutters, bob sleds, wagons, buggies, horseback riders, and the "Jesse James Gang" on Saturday, February 13. Other highlights taking place this weekend, February 13 & 14, include performances by the Cannon Old West Society, the Kruger Memorial - Minnesota Snowmobile Drag Racing Series on Clear Lake, an ice curling bonspiel on Clear Lake, snow sculpting judging, a Sleigh & Cutter prime rib dinner, and the Kruger Memorial Vintage Snowmobile Race and Ride on Clear Lake. To find out more, dial 507/835-7711, or visit www.sleighandcutter.org

The 31st Annual Rochester Area Builders Home Show will be held at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester, Friday through Sunday, February 12-14, with over 300 exhibitors, as well as a Friday Happy Hour, a Family Fun Day and free seminars on Saturday, and a Taste of Rochester on Sunday. For further information, dial 1-800-422-2199, or check out www.mayociviccenter.com

Turner Hall in New Ulm will be the site of the annual Fasching celebration on Saturday, February 13. Fasching, a German Mardi Gras, features live music, dancing, ethnic food and drink, and the hilarious "Parade of Costumes" - costumes are encouraged. And while in New Ulm on February 13, head to Schell?s Brewery grounds for the Schell's Bock Fest where you can enjoy an award-winning beverage beside a large bonfire. And be sure to participate in the Bock Medallion Hunt, and use clues to find ?bocks? to win cash and merchandise prizes. For more information, dial 1-888-4-New-Ulm, or visit www.newulm.com

The Frontenac Sportsmen's Club Annual Ice Fishing Contest will be held February 13 on Frontenac Pond, just north of Lake City, with games, food, door prizes, monetary prizes, and a Kids' Fishing contest. If you are unable to attend, then head to Lake City on Saturday, February 20 for the Lake City Sportsmen's Club Annual Ice Fishing Contest held on Lake Pepin. To learn more, dial 651/345-6324, or check out www.lakecity.org

Northbridge Mall in Albert Lea will host the 17th Annual Historical Faire, Saturday and Sunday, February 13 & 14, when reenators from four states will sell their handmade and reproduction colonial crafts and artwork. Demonstrations will be offered both days. To find out more, dial 1-800-658-2526, or visit www.bigislandfestivalandbbq.org

Eagle Spot Weekends will be offered Saturday and Sunday, February 20 & 21, at Colvill Park in Red Wing, where many bald eagles either overwinter or stop during migration. Experienced volunteers will be on-hand to answer questions about eagle behavior, ecology and recovery, and there will be spotting scopes and binoculars for spectacular close up views. Eagle Spot Weekends will also be offered each Saturday and Sunday, February 27 through March 21. For more information, dial 1-800-498-3444, or check out www.redwing.org

Mississippi Parkside Marina in Wabasha will be the site of the annual Grumpy Old Men Festival, Friday and Saturday, February 26 & 27, with an ice fishing contest, a Pet Pageant, bingo, cribbage tournament, Raghetti's Spaghetti, a stretch raffle, live music, and more! For further information on these and other activities, dial 1-800-565-4158, or visit www.wabashamn.org

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