Explore Minnesota Events Report Newsletter for July 25

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Explore Minnesota Events Report Newsletter for July 25

SOUTHERN MINNESOTA

The city of Olivia will present CORN CAPITAL DAYS from Thursday, July 26 through Sunday, July 29, with a family fun night, World Championship Corn Toss, Corn-Lympics, a sweet corn and bean feed, arts and crafts in the park, outdoor worship service, library book sale, pie & ice cream social, a grilled pork chop dinner, salsa contest, public salsa and chip sampling, a ? DJ Dok? Dance, Crazy Days sales, the Napa Monster Truck Car Crush, a kid?s fair, a car show, free Thomas? Train Rides, the Corn Capital Days Grand Parade, a fly-in breakfast and air show, and the Minnesota Minne-Rods Tractor Pull! For further information, dial 1-888-265-2676, or visit www.oliviachamber.org

The SONG OF HIAWATHA PAGEANT will be held Friday and Saturday, July 27 & 28 in Pipestone, with spectacular lighting and Native American music in an outdoor ampitheater. The ampitheater is located adjacent to the Pipestone National Monument. This pageant will also be offered August 3 & 4. And on Saturday, July 28, enjoy the KEEPERS POW WOW, and shop for hand-crafted American Indian artwork, try Indian tacos and buffalo burgers, and learn what makes Pipestone so unique. To find out more, dial 1-800-430-4126, or check out www.pipestoneminnesota.com

The city of Wabasha will be the site of the 29TH ANNUAL RIVERBOAT DAYS FESTIVAL, July 27 & 28. Highlights include an arts, crafts and antique fair, a classic car show, the Grumpy Old Men fishing tournament, a grand parade, horse and carriage rides, Crazy Days sales, pancakes in the park, a princess pageant, live music and beer garden, the Budweiser Clydesdales, a fireman's waterfight, live monkey show, and minnow races. In addition, the JULIA BELLE SWAIN will stop in Wabasha, July 27 & 28, and offer lunch, dinner and sightseeing cruises. To learn more, dial 1-800-565-4158, or visit www.wabashamn.org

Franklin's 32ND ANNUAL CATFISH DERBY DAYS will be held Friday through Sunday, July 27-29, with a channel and flathead catfish fishing contest on the Minnesota River. Other highlights include a street dance, kiddie and grand day parades, bean bag, chess and other tournaments with trophies and cash prizes, a variety show and pageant, firemen's water ball, kiddie pedal tractor pull, kiddie train rides, a chance to "Kiss The Catfish", square dancing, music in the park, a beer wagon and a raffle. For more information, dial 507/557-2259, or check out http://home.mchsi.com/~franklin/

The city of Houston will present HOUSTON HOEDOWN DAYS, July 27?29, with live music, nightly street dances, the 31st Annual Minnesota State Horsepull Championships, various tractor pulls, parades, antique cars & tractors, a soap box derby, craft & flea market, The King of Bucks Budweiser Exhibit, a beer barn, children's programs, a fireworks display, pie & ice cream socials, a nature center walk, Kaptain Kirby Train Rides, and more! For further information, dial 507/896-3010, or visit www.houstonhoedown.com

KOLACKY DAYS will be held July 27?29 throughout the city of Montgomery. Kolacky Days celebrates Montgomery's Czechoslovakian heritage and culture, with authentic Czech costumes, singing and dancing, as well as a variety of foods, modern and ethnic music, a huge truck & tractor pull, various tournaments, parade, a carnival, Kolacky eating & baking contests, a pageant, the famous Bun Run foot race, the Tour de Bun Bike Classic, a classic car show, kiddy & adult pedal tractor pulls, and lots of Kolackys--a fruit-filled Czech bun! To find out more, dial 507/364-5577, or check out www.montgomerymn.org

The city of Currie will be the site of MURRAY COUNTY'S 150TH CELEBRATION, July 27?29. Featured will be a fun re-enactment of Murray County history, with a unique battle for the Murray County Seat between the communities of Slayton and Currie. In addition, enjoy street dances, an antique car and tractor show, tractor pulls, a Cowpoke Clinic and other entertainment, beer gardens, fireworks, an ecumenical church service, a National Guard tribute, ice cream social, and a fun-filled baseball game played with 1860s baseball rules. Most events will be held at End-O-Line Railroad Park in Currie. To learn more, dial 507/836-6148, or visit www.murray-countymn.com

MADE IN AMERICA--AMERICAN INDIAN TECHNOLOGY will be offered Saturday and Sunday, July 28 & 29, at the Jeffers Petroglyphs Historic Site in Comfrey, with a chance to explore the world of American Indian technology through demonstrations and hands-on activities. Highlights include Atlatl competitions, demonstrations on making spear points from copper using stone tools, and information about American Indian tools, textiles and pottery. For more information, dial 507/628-5591, or check out www.mnhs.org/places/sites/jp/index.html

The 16TH ANNUAL ORANGE SPECTACULAR, ALLIS-CHALMERS TRACTOR, MACHINERY & TOY SHOW will be held July 28 & 29, just west of Hutchinson on Highway 7. This is North America's largest Allis Chalmers show, and features all kinds of family activities, a huge swap meet, tractor parade, field demos, and a tractor pull. Dial 320/587-3771 for more information, or visit www.explorehutchinson.com

Downtown Mankato will be the site of the 10TH ANNUAL HICKORY STREET RIBFEST, Thursday, August 2 through Sunday, August 5, featuring Soul Asylum and The Gear Daddies! In addition, enjoy another 25 popular acts on two stages, a variety of games and the best ribs from across the country! To learn more, dial 507/345-4519, or check out www.midwestwirelesscenter.com

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TWIN CITIES GREATER METROPOLITAN VICINITY

The 17TH ANNUAL LITTLE LOG HOUSE ANTIQUE POWER SHOW will be held Friday through Sunday, July 27?29, at the Little Log House Pioneer Village in Hastings. Highlights include tours of this pioneer village, an antique show, threshing demonstrations, gas engines, a rock crusher, antique tractors, cars & military vehicles, wood carving demonstrations, horse & carriage rides, a large indoor & outdoor craft & flea market, live music, flower gardens, a children's barnyard, tractor and truck pulls, reenactments by the Cannon Old West Society, and more. For further information, dial 651/437-2693, or visit www.littleloghouseshow.com

The city of Chaska will present RIVER CITY DAYS, Friday and Saturday, July 27 & 28, with live music & dancing, children's games, a Celebration Of Nations, arts & crafts show, a business & health expo, demonstrations, a medallion hunt, used book sale, a Family Beach Bash, pie & ice cream social, Picnic in the Park, sidewalk sales, merchant prize drawings, children's fishing contest, Chug-Chug Train Rides, fire department water fights and parades. To find out more, dial 952/448-5000, or check out www.chaskarivercitydays.com

The MINNESOTA FRINGE FESTIVAL will be held Thursday, August 2 through Sunday, August 12, at various venues throughout Minneapolis. This performing arts festival features drama, comedy, dance, aerial work, musical theater, the Kids' Fringe, a Teen Fringe, site-specific work, spoken word, sketch comedy and more. This is the largest non-juried theater festival in the nation. To learn more, dial 612/872-1212, or visit www.fringefestival.org

Little Canada will present LITTLE CANADA CANADIAN DAYS from Friday, August 3 through Sunday, August 5, to celebrate the city's sister-city relationship with Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. Head to Spooner Park for a corn feed, pancake breakfast, classic car show, kiddie and grand parades, a carnival, LC's Playland, fireworks, kittenball, and performances by the Rockin' Hollywoods, the Wombats, Splatter Sisters, and others. For more information, dial 651/766-4029, or check out www.canadiandays.org

August 3-5 is AUGUST ARTS WEEKEND in Minneapolis, when three major art fairs will be offered: the Loring Park Art Festival, the Powderhorn Art Fair, and the Uptown Art Fair. The UPTOWN ART FAIR, held August 3?5 in the vicinity of Lake Street and Hennepin Avenue, is considered to be one of the top ten art fairs in the Nation, with 350 fine art and fine craft artisans, 20 food vendors, night time entertainment, and more. The POWDERHORN ART FAIR, held August 4 & 5 at Powderhorn Park, is a regional fine arts and crafts fair featuring 180 artists, as well as acoustic music, good food and fun children's activities. And, the LORING PARK ART FESTIVAL, held August 4 & 5 at Loring Park, presents a broad range of high quality artwork in all media, with 140 artist booths circling the large pond. Acoustic music and other live entertainment are also offered. To learn more, check out www.uptownminneapolis.com, www.powderhornartfair.org, and www.loringparkartfestival.com

And just some of the upcoming concerts and performances will include:
KELLY CLARKSON at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, July 25
THE 104.1 JACKFEST: ZZ TOP, THE PRETENDERS & THE STRAY CATS at the Xcel Energy Center, July 28
POP-TARTS PRESENTS AMERICAN IDOLS LIVE at the Xcel Energy Center, August 4
SUSAN TEDESCHI at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater in Apple Valley, August 4
THE KINGS OF COMEDY at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, August 4
PATTI SMITH at the Historic State Theatre, August 6
PETER HIMMELMAN at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul, August 6
JOHNNY WINTER at the Cabooze in Minneapolis, August 10
JOSH GROBAN at the Xcel Energy Center, August 10
MARILYN MANSON & SLAYER at the Xcel Energy Center, August 14
MACY'S GLAMORAMA 2007: THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE BEAUTIFUL at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, August 17
THE WIGGLES at the Target Center in Minneapolis, August 17
HILARY DUFF at the Target Center, August 23
THE BANGLES at First Avenue in Minneapolis, August 23
CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVISITED at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel in Prior Lake, August 25
THE COUNTING CROWS, LIVE, AND COLLECTIVE SOUL at Midway Stadium in St. Paul, September 1
CROWDED HOUSE at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, September 9
RUSH at the Xcel Energy Center, September 9
GORDON LIGHTFOOT at the Historic State Theatre, September 22
JIM GAFFIGAN at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, October 12
DISNEY PRESENTS THE LION KING at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, October 25-November 25
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

The 25TH ANNUAL SUMMERTIME ARTS & CRAFTS CELEBRATION will be held Friday and Saturday, July 27 & 28, at Century School in Park Rapids. This event offers quality artwork and handcrafted items, ongoing demonstrations, food tasting and sampling, great music, and a women's showcase with free seminars and lots of information for women and families. To find out more, dial
1-800-247-0054, or visit www.parkrapids.com

Whiteside Park in the city of Ely will be the site of the 27TH ANNUAL BLUEBERRY ART FESTIVAL, Friday through Sunday, July 27?29, with 300 exhibitors of original art and handcrafted items, as well as ethnic foods, a variety of musical entertainment and children's activities. To learn more, dial 1-800-777-7281, or check out www.ely.org

The 51ST ANNUAL WATERAMA CELEBRATION will be held July 27?29 throughout the city of Glenwood. Just some of the highlights include grand and kiddie parades, water ski shows & competitions, 5k & 10k races, a boat regatta, fireworks display, street dances, an auto show, a lighted pontoon parade, live music and a craft fair. For more information, dial 1-866-634-3636, or visit www.glenwood-lakes-area.info

The city of Lake George will hold its annual LAKE GEORGE BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL, July 27?29, with a blueberry pancake breakfast, a Blueberry Ball, Blueberry Square Dance, an educational booth, pie sale, pig roast, Firemen's Bean Feed, a quilt show, arts & crafts show, flea market, outdoor gospel concert, a children's carnival, peddle tractor pull, bed races, and a Blueberry Parade. Dial 218/266-3977 for more information, or check out www.parkrapids.com

WELCOME HOME DAYS will be held July 27?29 throughout the city of Red Lake Falls. Featured will be an "Evening with the Oldies," a variety of food vendors, beer gardens, a fish fry, Corn on the Cob under the big tent, Raku in the Park, children's games in the park, the 2nd Annual Radio Control Airshow, and more. For further information, dial 218/253-2684, or visit www.redlakefalls.com

The town of Hoyt Lakes will be the site of the 52ND ANNUAL HOYT LAKES WATER CARNIVAL, Friday through Sunday, July 27-29. This three-day carnival features water-ski shows, open air dances, turtle races, a mechanical bull, midway rides and games, a 5k race, fireworks, a pancake feed and a parade. To find out more, dial 218/225-2654, or check out www.hoytlakescarnival.com

The 18TH ANNUAL TWO HARBORS FOLK FESTIVAL will be held July 27-29 at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Two Harbors, and features outstanding local, regional and national performers inspired by traditional styles of music, dance, art and storytelling. In addition, enjoy the Children's Tent, dances, workshops, arts and crafts, jam sessions, food, and family camping. And while in the area, head to Silver Bay's marina for SILVER BEAVER BAY DAYS, July 28 & 29. Highlights include a "Norwegian Invasion", a fish boil, Venetian lighted boat parade, car and cycle show, beer gardens, street dances, a library book sale, and a Blessing Ceremony at the Beargrease gravesite. To learn more, dial 1-800-777-7384, or visit www.twoharborschamber.com

Moonlight Bay on Cross Lake, in the city of Crosslake, will be the site of the 20TH ANNUAL ANTIQUE BOAT SHOW on Saturday, July 28, with over 50 restored classic and antique boats in a spectacular boat parade. In addition, there will be a beach bar with music, and delicious foods. Come and vote for your favorite boat! For more information, dial 218/829-2838, or check out www.explorebrainerdlakes.com

The annual FISHERMAN'S PICNIC will be held Thursday through Sunday, August 2?5, throughout the city of Grand Marais. Highlights include various sports and fishing tournaments, a kid's carnival, live music, a parade, fireworks, the Famous Fishburger Stand and other food vendors, rock skipping and log sawing contests, fun family activities, and a $10,000 grand prize raffle! For further information, dial 218/387-2524, or visit www.gmlions.com

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