Minnesota Events Report July 8

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Minnesota Events Report July 8

Northern Minnesota

Moondance Jam will be held Wednesday, July 9 through Saturday, July 12, at Moondance Ranch in Walker, with live music by national and regional acts including Creedence Clearwater Revisited, Otis Day & the Knights, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Boz Scaggs, Sammy Hagar, The Guess Who, Poison, George Thorogood & the Destroyers, and Styx. For further information, dial 1-877-MOONJAM, or visit www.moondancejam.com

The city of Pelican Rapids will be the site of the 125th Anniversary Turkey Days celebration, Friday and Saturday, July 11 & 12. Highlights include a flea market & farmer’s market, car show, a kiddy parade, turkey BBQ , grand parade, a Girl Scout carnival, water wars, community worship service, a used book sale, old-fashioned bingo, a fashion show, beard-growing contest, ice cream social, youth street dance & foam party, pancake & sausage breakfast, a beer garden, and a street dance with music by Martin Zellar & The Hardways. For more information, dial 218/863-1221, or check out www.pelicanrapidschamber.com

The 59th Annual Deer River Wild Rice Festival will be held Friday through Sunday, July 11-13, throughout the city of Deer River, with wild rice specialties, a midway with carnival games & rides, a parade, fireworks display, large flea market, a medallion hunt, the Wild Rice Run & Walk, a variety show, Kiddy Sawdust Scramble, and beer gardens. To find out more, dial 218/246-2181, or visit www.deerriver.org

The town of Morris will present Prairie Pioneer Days, July 11–13, with food & craft vendors, live entertainment, a parade, walk & run, the Miss Midwest pageant, and a fireworks display. To learn more, dial 320/589-1242, or check out www.morrismnchamber.org

The Land of the Lady Slipper Festival will be held July 11–13 in the city of Kabetogama. Featured will be great food, music and entertainment, scenic nature walks and hiking trails, canoe rides, boat tours and cruises, naturalist-guided activities and workshops, and an exceptional group of artists and craft designers. For more information, dial 1-800-524-9085, or visit www.voyageurscountry.com/lady-slipper-festival.htm

Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth will be the site of 3rd Annual Bayfront Reggae Festival on Saturday, July 12. This is the largest reggae music festival in Minnesota, and includes international performers, Caribbean food, beverages and a variety of artisans. Part of the proceeds will benefit children’s programs in Jamaica. For further information, dial 218/834-5037, or check out www.bayfrontreggae.com

The 18th Annual Grand Marais Arts Festival will be held Saturday and Sunday, July 12 & 13, in downtown Grand Marais, with artwork by over 60 artists, as well as live music, food booths, a pie social, fiber arts demonstrations, and children’s activities. To learn more, dial 218/387-2737, or visit www.grandmaraisartcolony.org

The Phelps Mill festival grounds in Fergus Falls will be the site of the annual Phelps Mill Festival, July 12 & 13. Just some of the highlights include 165 arts and craft exhibitors, a variety of foods, a children’s activity area, and live music. To find out more, dial 218/739-5377, or check out www.phelpsmillfestival.com

Riverboat Heritage Days will be held Wednesday through Saturday, July 16-19, throughout the city of Aitkin, with children’s games, live music by four bands, a beer garden, free community picnic, free pancake breakfast, arts & crafts, the great Riverboat Race, a dunk tank, kid’s tractor pull, art contest, garage sales, and more! Some events require a Riverboat button for admittance. For rates, times and further information, dial 218/927-2316, or visit www.aitkin.com

Emily City Park will be the site of Emily Day on Saturday, July 19. Highlights include a craft fair, flea market, food booths, a pancake breakfast, children’s games, parades, chainsaw carving, beer gardens, live music, and fireworks at dusk. For more information, dial 218/763-3453, or check out www.emilymn.com
Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity

Pan-O-Prog will be offered throughout the city of Lakeville through Saturday, July 12, with over 50 celebrations, events and activities including a grand parade, classic car parade, pageants, the Battle Of The Bands, cookouts, Orchestra in the Park, a bazaar & bake sale, boat parade, street dances, pet and talent shows, a medallion hunt, and much more! For further information, dial 952/469-2020, or visit www.panoprog.org

The city of Lindstrom will hold Karl Oskar Days from Wednesday, July 9 through Sunday, July 13, to celebrate the city’s Swedish heritage. Highlights include arts and crafts, live music, a Taste of Sweden, live entertainment, a parade, a Snuff Box Treasure Hunt, farmers’ market, outdoor BBQ, kiddy parade, street dances, family bingo, a classic car show, Ladies’ Night shopping extravaganza, a Swedish sing-along, the Queen’s tug-o-war challenge, sidewalk sales and specials, used book sale, a showcase of local musicians & dancers, a Beatles tribute, and a fireworks display. For more information, dial 651/257-1177, or check out www.chisagolakes.com/kodays

Maple Grove Days 2008 will be held Thursday through Sunday, July 10-13, throughout the city of Maple Grove. Featured will be a parade with over 100 units, as well as city bus tours, a science fair, fireworks display, the Maple Grove medallion hunt, an art fair, autographs by former Minnesota Twin Tony Oliva, live music, a library book sale, an Intro to Geocaching, a silent auction, and a skateboard contest. To find out more, dial 763/494-5985, or visit www.maplegrovedays.com

Corcoran Lion’s Park will be the site of the Hamel Rodeo & Bull Ridin’ Bonanza, July 10–13, when 500 contestants from the United States and Canada will compete in this PRCA World Championship rodeo. To learn more, dial 763/478-6611, or check out www.hamelrodeo.org

The 14th Annual Cities 97 Basilica Block Party will be held Friday and Saturday, July 11 & 12, at the Basilica of Saint Mary in downtown Minneapolis. Come hear performances by a dozen popular acts, including Ziggy Marley, The Gin Blossoms, Gavin Rossdale, and One Republic. For more information, visit www.basilicablockparty.org. For tickets, dial 612/317-3511

Historic downtown Anoka will be the site of the Anoka Riverfest on Saturday, July 12, with over 100 hand-selected crafters displaying and selling their artwork. In addition, there will be live music on three stages, family activities, free boat rides on the Rum and Mississippi rivers, ghost tours, the Anoka Superstar competition, and much more. For further information, dial 763/421-7130, or check out www.anokariverfest.com

Dragon Festival 2008, Minnesota’s largest Pan-Asian cultural festival, will be held Saturday and Sunday, July 12 & 13, at Lake Phalen in St. Paul. Featured will be dragon boat races, cultural performances, martial arts demonstrations, authentic Asian food, cooking demonstrations, arts & crafts, and special children’s activities. Admission is free, and shuttle service will be offered from off-site lots. To find out more, dial 952/334-5626, or visit www.dragonfestival.org

And just some of the upcoming concerts and performances will include:
Crosby, Stills and Nash at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, July 11
Mark Knopfler at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, July 12
Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel in Prior Lake, July 14
Chris Rock at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, July 18
Ween at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul, July 19
Neil Diamond at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, July 20
Marc Cohn at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater in Apple Valley, July 22
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers at the Target Center in Minneapolis, July 23
Dave Koz and Friends at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater, July 25
Peter Frampton at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel, July 25
Bill Maher at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, July 26
Hootie and the Blowfish at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater, July 27
The Gear Daddies at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater, August 1
Judas Priest at The Myth in Maplewood, August 2
Nine Inch Nails at the Target Center, August 2
Los Lobos and Los Lonely Boys at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater, August 4
Chaka Khan at The Epic in Minneapolis, August 5
The Wiggles at the Target Center, August 7
Larry the Cable Guy at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel, August 8-10
Melissa Etheridge at The O’Shaughnessy Auditorium in St. Paul, August 9
Chris Isaak at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater, August 13
A Special Musical Performance by Rob Thomas at The Myth, August 21
Three Doors Down with Special Guests Staind and Hinder at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand in St. Paul, August 21
Brad Paisley, Jewel and Chuck Wicks at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, August 22
Jerry Jeff Walker at the Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater, August 23
The Backstreet Boys Concert at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, August 23
Jonny Lang and Buddy Guy at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, August 24
Dierks Bentley and Miranda Lambert at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, August 25
The Counting Crows and Maroon 5 at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel in Prior Lake, August 26
The PRCA Championship Rodeo at the Minnesota State Fair, August 28
A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, August 29
NBC’s Last Comic Standing at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel, August 29
The Black Crowes at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, August 30
Donna Summer at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel, August 31
Pop-Tarts Presents American Idols Live at the Target Center, August 31
Toby Keith at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, September 1
Chicago at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, September 9
Wayne Brady at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel, September 10
Great Big Sea at the Historic State Theatre, September 12
Journey at the Target Center in Minneapolis, September 16
Cirque Du Soleil-Saltimbanco at the Target Center, September 24
Defending the Caveman at the Hennepin Stages in Minneapolis, October 1
My Morning Jacket at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, October 2
Kathy Griffin at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, October 3
The Music Builds Tour with Third Day and Switchfoot at the Target Center, October 10
Tegan and Sara at the Historic State Theatre, October 11
Playhouse Disney Live! at the Xcel Energy Center, October 12
The Loft Literary Center presents David Sedaris at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, October 19
New Kids On the Block at the Xcel Energy Center, October 21
Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, October 23
Cinematic Titanic: Live! at the Historic State Theatre, October 25
Celine Dion at the Target Center in Minneapolis, October 30
Wicked-A New Musical at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, November 5
Menopause, the Musical at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis, November 5-9
Martin Sexton at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul, November 6
The Moscow Ballet at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, December 12 & 13
Celtic Thunder at the Target Center in Minneapolis, December 15
The Nutcracker Fantasy at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, December 19
For further information on any of these performances or events, please contact Ticketmaster at 651/989-5151
Southern Minnesota

The 43rd Annual North Mankato Fun Days celebration will be held Wednesday, July 9 through Sunday, July 13 in Wheeler Park and throughout North Mankato. Highlights include a carnival with rides and games, family fun shows, live music, bingo, beer gardens, a kiddie parade, the Fun Days parade, the Great American Graffiti car show, a petting zoo, kids’ pedal tractor pull, water fights, and fireworks. For more information, dial 507/387-4814, or check out www.northmankato.com/fundays.php

The city of Litchfield will host the annual Litchfield Watercade celebration, Thursday through Sunday, July 10–13, with a Grand Day parade, Art In The Park, fireworks, live music, a lip sync contest, adult and kids’ fun runs, a fishing contest, kiddie parade, water ski show, brat feeds, ice cream in the park, and a beach party at Lake Ripley Beach with lots of fun activities, dancing and prizes. To learn more, dial 320/693-8184, or visit www.watercade.com

Giant Days will be offered Friday and Saturday, July 11 & 12, throughout the city of Blue Earth, with a car show, food vendors, historical tours, sidewalk sales, children’s entertainment, tournaments, a parade, karaoke contest, a street dance, a Giant Days Run, and the Nicollet South bike ride. To find out more, dial 507/526-2916, or check out www.blueearthchamber.com

The city of Worthington will hold an International Festival on July 11 & 12. Featured will be opening ceremonies, Middle Eastern music and dance, mural painting for the kids, a local talent contest, African American dance, music and storytelling, polkas, waltzes, and Latin, country and bluegrass music. For further information, dial 1-800-279-2919, or visit www.worthingtonmnchamber.com

The NTPA Power Pull Nationals will be held July 11 & 12 at the McLeod County Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, with competitions in various classes, including 2-wheel drive trucks, 4-wheel drive trucks, modified tractors, heavy super stock diesel, super farm, and pro stock semis. The pits will be open at specific times so the public can see these earth-shaking machines, and meet their drivers! And while in Hutchinson, check out the many Crazy Days sales taking place July 10-12, watch the Saturday Night Car Cruise on July 12, and enjoy the 8th Annual Car Show & Swap Meet on Sunday, July 13. For more information, dial 1-800-572-6689, or check out www.explorehutchinson.com

Madelia’s Watona Park will hold their annual Park Days celebration, Friday through Sunday, July 11–13. Highlights include fireworks, a Grand Day parade, Crazy Days sales, a burnout competition, water wars, games for the kids, a classic car and tractor show, live music and entertainment, a pancake breakfast, and lots of craft and food vendors. To learn more, dial 1-888-941-7283, or visit www.visitmadelia.com

The 31st Annual Wilder Pageant will be held each Friday and Saturday, July 11-26, along the banks of Plum Creek in Walnut Grove. This outdoor drama is based on life of author Laura Ingalls Wilder in Walnut Grove in the 1870’s, and is performed at a hillside amphitheater with extensive lighting and special sound effects. And each Saturday, July 12-26, a Walnut Grove Family Festival will be offered at the Walnut Grove City Park, with craft and food vendors, art activities, demonstrations, and more. For tickets, and for further information, dial 1-800-528-7280, or check out www.walnutgrove.org

St. John’s Catholic Church in Rochester will be the site of the St. John’s Block Party on Saturday, July 12, with live music by a dozen acts on two stages, as well as great food and beverages, and fun entertainment for the kids. For rates and times, dial 507/288-7372, or visit www.sjblockparty.org

The SonShine Music Festival will be held Wednesday through Saturday, July 16–19, just north of Willmar, with continuous performances by a multitude of Christian music acts on three stages, as well as a talent contest, Sports stage, and a Kids’ stage with magic, music, juggling, puppets, crafts, and more! For further information, dial 1-800-965-9324, or check out www.sonshinefestival.com

The 60th Annual Song of Hiawatha Pageant and celebration will be held each Friday and Saturday, July 18-August 2 at the pageant grounds in Pipestone. Come witness this memorable performance in a lovely outdoor setting, with spectacular lighting and Native American music. A Pow Wow will also be offered. To find out more, dial 1-800-336-6125, or visit www.pipestoneminnesota.com

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