May 5, 2010 Explore Minnesota Events Report Highlights this week and weekend include the Original Olmsted County Gold Rush at the Olmsted County Fairgrounds in Rochester, the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta - Minnesota's Spiciest Celebration in the District del Sol neighborhood of St. Paul, Smucker's Stars on Ice at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, International Migratory Bird Day and Plant, Shrub & Tree Sale at the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge in Zimmerman, a Candlelight Hike at Big Bog State Park in Waskish, and the Gunflint Green Up along the Gunflint Trail, running northwest of Grand Marais.
Southern Minnesota
The Original Olmsted County Gold Rush will be held at the Olmsted County Fairgrounds in Rochester, Friday through Sunday, May 7-9, with roughly 1,500 dealers from across the United States displaying and selling antiques, furniture, primitives, glassware, clocks, watches, lamps, coins and more! Admission is free. For further information, dial 507/288-0320, or check out
www.visitrochestermn.comDowntown Plainview and Carley State Park will host the 3rd Annual Carley Bluebell Festival on Saturday, May 8. Highlights will include guided wildflower walks, a trout fishing clinic for youngsters, pioneer games, a scavenger hunt with prizes, Mother's Day wildflower card painting, geocaching guided hunts for beginners, professional family photos, gardening exhibits and demonstrations, a pancake and sausage breakfast, pork chop dinner, raffle, a plant sale, a Women?s Expo, evening entertainment, and a pork, chicken, beef BBQ Contest, all amidst the beauty of millions of wildflowers! For further details and specific time and locations, dial 507/534-2229, or visit
www.plainviewcvb.comThe 9th Annual Wings on the Prairie festival will be held at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife's Waterfowl Production Area in Windom, Saturday, May 8, with early bird walks, a raptor program, Trumpeter Swan release, mistnetting, children's activities, a duck-calling program, retriever demonstrations, bison burger lunch, and a raffle drawing. This is the only location in Minnesota to observe the release of North America's largest waterfowl species. The district headquarters is located one mile east of Windom on Highway 71. And while in Windom on May 8, head to the Good Samaritan Society Sogge Memorial Chapel for a Mother's Day Bazaar, with hand-crafted jewelry and products created by women and girls rescued from human trafficking. One-hundred percent of the proceeds are returned to them. To find out more about either event, contact the city of Windom at 1-800-794-6366 or
www.winwacc.com. For more on Wings on the Prairie, dial 1-800-577-2875, or check out
www.fws.gov/midwest/windom/Farmamerica in Waseca will be the site of Springtime on the Farm on May 8, with lots of baby animals, garden planting, games, activities, food and refreshments, as well as many agricultural and community structures dating back to 1850 on a 120-acre site. For rates and times, dial 507/835-2052, or visit
www.farmamerica.orgPreston Trout Days will be held throughout the city of Preston, Friday through Sunday, May 14-16. Most activities take place on Saturday, including a children's fishing event, an adult fishing contest, garage sales, an art show and book sale, a craft show, car show, Chicken BBQ, firemen's pork burger lunch, a beer garden, Japanese fish printing on t-shirts, a coin hunt, the Trout Days Grand Parade, live music, dancing, and the Fillmore Street Family Fun Fest with train rides, carnival games, an exotic petting zoo, pony rides, camel rides, inflatables, and more! For further information, dial 507/765-2460, check out
www.trailhead-inn.comSpring Grove, located in the far southeast corner of the state, will be the site of the annual Syttende Mai Celebration, May 14-16, to celebrate Norwegian-American culture and heritage. Highlights include a Mutton Bustin? contest, large craft fair flea market, a Soap Box derby, motocross, a classic car show, a Gapa Tur nature walk, Fire Department challenge, remote control racing by Brinks Speedway, ?An Immigrants Tale? by Ole Oleson, and lots of musical performances. To learn more, dial 507/498-5221, or visit
www.sgsyttendemai.orgThe annual Stand-Still Parade will be held along Main Street in the town of Whalan on Saturday, May 15. Come stroll along and view the parade exhibits "standing still", and enjoy great food, live entertainment, and heritage of the area. Whalan is located 5 miles east of Lanesboro on Hwy. 16. To find out more, dial 1-800-944-2670, or check out
www.lanesboro.comTwin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity
The Minnesota State Fair Grandstand in St. Paul will host the Friends School of Minnesota Plant Sale, Friday through Sunday, May 7-9/ This event is the largest fundraising plant sale in the United States, and features over one million plants in roughly 2,300 varieties. And, on Mother's Day, all plants will be half price. Admission is free. For more information, check out
www.friendsschoolplantsale.com, or dial 651/917-0636
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta - Minnesota's Spiciest Celebration will be held along Cesar Chavez Street in the District del Sol neighborhood of St. Paul on Friday and Saturday, May 7 & 8. The Cinco de Mayo Fiesta is one of ten largest festivals of its kind nationwide celebrating Hispanic/Latino culture. This award-winning, family-friendly event features over six blocks of food, music, dancing and children's activities, as well as a lowrider car show, colorful parade, People?s Choice salsa tasting contest, and more! For further information, dial 651/222-6347, or visit
www.districtdelsol.com/cinco.htmlThe Anoka County Fairgrounds in the city of Anoka will be the site of the 6th Annual Fish Fair, Friday and Saturday, May 7 & 8. The Fish Fair is a fishing carnival for kids and their families. Participants of all ages will have a chance to fish for trout, race minnows, make lures, practice casting, and learn about all aspects of fishing. Information will be offered on habitat awareness, fishing techniques, species identification, and fishing opportunities with clubs and camps. There will also be a Sportsmen's Garage Sale and Auction. To find out more, dial 763/245-9829, or check out
www.fishingforlife.org/fishfair.htmlA Shepherds Harvest Festival will be held at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Lake Elmo, Saturday And Sunday, May 8 & 9. Come experience Minnesota's largest sheep and wool festival, with over 90 vendors, a variety of classes, and a wide array of sheep, goat, llama and alpaca breeds on display. Discover fibers, yarns, weavers, spinning wheels, potters and cheese makers from throughout the Midwest. This is a great family event, and admission is free. The fairgrounds is located just east of Lake Elmo at the intersection of Washington County Road 15 and State Highway 5. To learn more, dial 763/441-3452, or visit
www.shepherdsharvestfestival.orgStudios located throughout the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District will open their doors during Art-A-Whirl 2010, Friday through Sunday, May 14-16. Sponsored by the Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association, this event promotes the quality and diversity of artistic resources of Northeast Minneapolis, with over 500 artists participating! For more information, dial 612/788-1679, or check out
www.nemaa.orgRandolph Railroad Days will be held at Randolph School & Museum in the town of Randolph on Saturday, May 15. Featured will be a model train swap meet, operating layouts and displays, railroad collectibles, railroad books and magazines, antique toys, concessions, a bake sale, artifacts and historical information. The town of Randolph is located 5 miles south of Hampton on State Hwy 56. For further information, dial 507/263-3199, or send an email to RandolphMNHistory@yahoo.com
Stillwater's Lowell Park will be the site of the 32nd Annual Rivertown Art Festival, Saturday and Sunday, May 15 & 16, with roughly 200 of the top Midwest artists displaying and selling their fine artwork. There will also be lots of great food, and a large kids' area with inflatables. To find out more, dial 651/430-2306, or visit
www.RivertownArtFestival.comAnd just some of the upcoming concerts and performances will include:
Natalie Cole at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel in Prior Lake, May 9
Pat Metheny at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul, May 9
Smucker's Stars on Ice at the Xcel Energy Center, May 9
Brooks & Dunn "Last Rodeo" Tour at the Xcel Energy Center, May 14
Henry Rollins: Frequent Flyer Tour at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis, May 14
Mo'nique at the Target Center, May 14
Cats at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, May 14-16
The Barenaked Ladies at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, May 17
Daughtry at the Target Center in Minneapolis, May 19
The Goo Goo Dolls at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, 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, May 25
Soundset 2010 at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, May 30
Jewel at the O'Shaughnessy Auditorium in St. Paul, June 2
The Second City at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel, June 4
Russell Peters at the Pantages Theatre, June 16 & 17
Steve Martin at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, June 13
Rescue Me Comedy Tour 2 w/Denis Leary w/Lenny Clarke & Adam Ferrara at the Historic State Theatre, June 15
Aziz Ansari - Dangerously Delicious Tour at the Historic State Theatre, June 19
Patty Griffin at the Fitzgerald Theater, June 19
Sting with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the Xcel Energy Center, June 21
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers at the Xcel Energy Center, June 22
Cirque du Soleil : Alegria at the Target Center, June 23
Ween at at the St. Paul RiverCentre Roy Wilkins Auditorium, June 26
U2 360? Tour at the TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, June 27
Justin Bieber at the Target Center, June 29
Santana with special guest Steve Winwood at the Xcel Energy Center, June 30
Devo at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater, July 3
Levon Helm, John Hiatt & The Combo at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater in Apple Valley, July 6
Star Wars In Concert at the Xcel Energy Center, July 11
Simon & Garfunkel at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, July 12
Joan Baez at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater, July 13
Los Lobos at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater, July 14
Modest Mouse at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, July 14
Titanic at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center, July 15-31
Dave Koz & Jonathan Butler, at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater, July 16
Lynyrd Skynyrd at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel in Prior Lake, July 16
Lilith Fair at Canterbury Park, July 18
The Squeeze & The English Beat at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater, July 22
Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel, July 25
Vans Warped Tour at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, August 1
Marc Cohn at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater, August 6
Melissa Etheridge at The O'Shaughnessy Auditorium, August 6
Hanson at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater, August 10
Phoenix at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, August 12
George Thorogood & the Destroyers at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater, August 17
Jerry Jeff Walker at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater, August 21
Rush Time Machine Tour 2010 at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand in St. Paul, August 27
Virgin Mobile Presents the Monster Ball Tour Starring Lady Gaga at the Xcel Energy Center, August 30 & 31
Crowded House at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater, September 4
Pavement at the St. Paul RiverCentre Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul, September 12
The Dave Matthews Band at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, September 15
Muse at the Target Center, October 5
Buddy Guy at the Historic State Theatre, October 16
The Script at the Historic State Theatre, October 22
Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, December 3 & 4
For further information on any of these performances or events, please contact Ticketmaster at 651/989-5151
Central Minnesota
Lake Maria State Park in Monticello will offer an Outdoor Photography & Wildflower Hike on Saturday, May 8. A noted outdoor photographer will share tips for taking outdoor wildflower pictures, and recommend the best photography equipment and techniques. Afterwards, head outdoors for a short wildflower hike to try out your new skills. Participants are encouraged to bring their camera. To learn more, dial 763/878-2325, or visit
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/lake_maria/index.htmlInternational Migratory Bird Day will be celebrated Saturday, May 8, at the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge in Zimmerman. Enjoy guided bird tours, with a Songbird Search at 7:00 a.m. for experienced birders, and Birds of the Wetlands at 8:30 a.m. for beginning birders and families. A Plant, Shrub and Tree Sale will follow at the Old School House. Admission is free. For more information, dial 763/389-3323, or check out
www.fws.gov/midwest/sherburneThe Brainerd High School will be the site of a Spring Arts & Craft Festival on Saturday, May 15, with over 150 exhibitors offering quality, hand-crafted items. Admission is free, and refreshments will be available. And while in Brainerd on May 15, head to the Jaques Art Center for a Pie & Plant Sale and enjoy a piece of pie with ice cream, or take home an entire pie. There will also be a plant sale outside, hosted by the Lake and Woods Horticulture Club, with a Garden Boutique filled with creative garden art and used tools for sale. For further information, dial 1-800-450-2838, or visit
www.explorebrainerdlakes.comA Spring Feast will be offered at Glacial Ridge Winery in Spicer on Saturday, May 15. This annual luncheon includes a gracious buffet lunch, lawn games, tours of the winery, and an apple orchard in full bloom. To reserve your spot, dial 320/796-9463, or check out
www.glacialridgewinery.comCrane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge in Little Falls will offer a Spring Bird Tour along the 3.7 mile Platte River Trail on Saturday morning, May 15. Afterwards, head to the Minnesota Fishing Museum in Little Falls for the Fishing Museum Garage Sale, and find treasures for your home, yard, and outdoor activities. To find out more, dial 1-800-325-5916, or visit
www.littlefallsmn.comThe 6th Annual Sunburg Syttende Mai Celebration will be held Sunday, May 16, to honor Sunburg's Scandinavian heritage, with a parade, sports tournaments, and various fun, family activities. Before or after this event on May 16, take a quick jaunt over to Willmar for the 30th Annual Willmar Car Show & Swap Meet. To learn more, dial 1-888-815-7370, or check out
www.kandiyohi.com/visit/calendar.htmNorthwest Minnesota
Lake Bronson State Park, located two miles east of the town of Lake Bronson will offer Sharp Tailed Grouse Viewing Blind Reservations daily through May 15. Between early April and mid-May you may reserve a spot at the Lake Bronson viewing blind, and witness the comical and entertaining display of the male Sharp Tailed Grouse as they attempt to attract a mate. This is truly one of nature's most spectacular events. Viewing is best at dawn. Reservations are required and are limited to one per day. To learn more, dial 218/754-2200, or check out
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/lake_bronson/index.htmlThe Detroit Lakes Community and Cultural Center in Detroit Lakes will present Revolution: A Tribute to the Beatles on Friday, May 7 at 8:00 p.m. This worldwide touring Beatles tribute show features authentic Beatles sounds and costumes! For tickets and to find out more, dial 218/844-4221, or visit
www.dlccc.orgA Candlelight Hike will be offered at Big Bog State Park, located on Highway 72 just north of the town of Waskish, on Saturday evening, May 8. Come enjoy the fresh spring air as you hike the candlelit boardwalk one mile into the unique Big Bog wilderness. Expect to be astonished by the huge star-filled sky that can be seen from the viewing platform on a clear night! Bring a water bottle and comfortable shoes, and meet at the North Unit parking lot. For more information, dial 218/647-8592, or check out
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/big_bog/index.htmlLake Bemidji State Park will offer a Spring Birding program on Saturday, May 15, from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. Travel through the aspen and jackpine woods of Lake Bemidji State Park to the Bog Walk, and view the many returning birds. Binoculars and field guides are available on request. To learn more, 218/308-2300, or visit
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/lake_bemidji/index.htmlA Breakfast with the Birds will be offered at Hayes Lake State Park, located southeast of the town of Roseau, from 8:00 to 11:30 a.m. on May 15, with a chance to search various habitats for birds that have returned for the season. Start off the morning with a camp breakfast cooked by the Friends of Hayes Lake. Please register in advance. And, on Sunday, May 23, Hayes Lake will be the site of Geocaching 101, with hands-on and basic introduction to using a GPS unit and information on treasure hunt programs offered at state parks. A limited number of GPS units are available - please bring your GPS unit if you have one. To find out more, dial 218/425-7504, or check out
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/hayes_lake/index.htmlThe Minnesota State Community and Technical College in Detroit Lakes will be the site of the Detroit Lakes Festival of Birds, Thursday through Sunday, May 20-23. Come celebrate the spring bird migration in a unique transition zone of tall grass prairie, northern hardwood and conifer forests. Over 170 bird species were recorded during last year's event. Highlights include birding field trips, workshops, socials, vendors, and presentations on how to identify birds by sound and how birds fly. Online registration and program information is available at
www.visitdetroitlakes.com/things-to-do/events/festival-of-birds. For further information, dial 1-800-542-3992
Northeast Minnesota
The 15th Annual Eveleth City Wide Rummage Sale will be offered Friday and Saturday, May 7 & 8, with lots of Eveleth residents participating, and many merchants offering specials. For more information, dial 218/741-2717, or visit
www.laurentianchamber.orgGunflint Lodge, located at the end of the Gunflint Trail, 43 miles northwest of Grand Marais, will be the headquarters for the Gunflint Green Up, Friday and Saturday, May 7 & 8. In recognition of the second anniversary of the Ham Lake Fire which burned more than 35,000 acres at the end of the Gunflint Trail, this event brings people together for a weekend of education, tree "releasing," trail hikes, fun, food, live music, and celebration. Rates are dependent upon the activities and lodging selected. Go to
www.gunflintgreenup.com for more information, or dial 1-800-338-6932
Mother's Day at Glensheen will be offered Sunday, May 9, at the Glensheen Mansion in Duluth, with tours and buffet luncheons to celebrate Mother?s Day. For rates, times, and reservations, dial 1-888-454-GLEN, or check out
www.glensheen.orgThe Old Central School in downtown Grand Rapids will be the site of a Fishing Opener Community BBQ on Friday evening, May 14, with live music, children's activities, a casting contest, food vendors, and professional fishing advice, just in time for the opener! To learn more, dial 1-800-472-6366, or visit
www.grandmn.comThe 62nd Annual Minnesota Governor's Fishing Opener will be held on Lake Kabetogama, located within Voyageurs National Park at the community of Kabetogama. The public is invited to attend a Community Picnic, Friday evening, May 14, at the Kabetogama Lakes Visitors Center. Just some of the highlights include cooking demonstrations, kids' activities, fish filleting instruction, live entertainment, and educational information. To find out more, dial 1-888-629-6466, or check out
www.mngovernorsopener.comBear Head Lake State Park in Ely will present Birding at Bear Head, Saturday morning, May 15. Meet at the park office for a guided walk to listen and look for a variety of bird species. Bring your own binoculars if you can since only a limited number will be available to check out. Please dress for the weather - bug spray is recommended. This program will also be offered Saturday, May 22. For more information, dial 218/365-7229, or visit
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/bear_head_lake/index.html "The information in this report is provided courtesy of Explore Minnesota Tourism."
