Explore Minnesota Events Report February 18, 2010

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   February 18, 2010 Explore Minnesota Events Report
   

Highlights this week and weekend include the Lake City Sportsmen's Club Annual Ice Fishing Contest on Lake Pepin, the 2010 Minnesota Home and Patio Show at the St. Paul RiverCentre, the St. Cloud Boat Show at the St. Cloud Civic Center, the International Eelpout Festival in Walker, and the 43rd Annual Boat, Sports and Travel Show in Duluth.

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.


Southern Minnesota

The city of Waseca will be the site of the 60th Annual Sleigh & Cutter Festival through Sunday, February 21. Just some of the highlights taking place this weekend, February 20 & 21, include the 7th Annual Diabetes Golf Tournament, Minnesota Skydiver Jumps, tandem jumps, and a free youth ice fishing event. To find out more, dial 507/835-7711, or visit www.sleighandcutter.org

The Lake City Sportsmen's Club Annual Ice Fishing Contest will be held Saturday, February 20 on Lake Pepin, with games, food, door prizes, and monetary prizes. To learn more, dial 651/345-6324, or check out www.lakecity.org

Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo in Rochester will offer an Owls program on Saturday afternoon, February 20. Come learn about the local owl species and their natural history during owl courtship time! Dial 507/775-2451, or visit www.co.olmsted.mn.us/parks/  for more information.

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
Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity

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/

The Minnesota Monthly Food and Wine Experience will take place Saturday and Sunday, February 20 & 21 at the Minneapolis Convention Center in downtown Minneapolis. Come enjoy more than two hundred companies sampling hundreds of fine wines, specialty beers and gourmet cuisine, along with displays of the latest culinary gadgets! Learn from top local chefs at the Local Chef Challenge and the organic Fresh Taste Stage. Attend wine seminars by celebrated winemakers and wine experts, and discover "The Reserve," an intimate tasting, featuring wines valued at $20 or greater (separate ticket required). And if the Food & Wine Experience isn't enough, head to Macy?s Minneapolis for the 3rd Annual Macy?s Gourmet Gathering on Thursday and Friday, February 18 & 19, where you will find three floors of food sampling from top local restaurants, as well as culinary demonstrations, fine wines and spirits. To learn more, dial 612/371-5857, or check out www.foodwineshow.com

On Sunday afternoon, February 21, the Urban Expedition: Hungary! will be offered at the Minnesota Landmark Center in St. Paul, with a chance to celebrate this beautiful country and enjoy its rich and varied customs, rituals and crafts! Admission is free. For more information, dial 651/292-3293, or visit www.landmarkcenter.org

RiverCentre in St. Paul will be the site of the 48th Annual O'Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels, Friday through Sunday, February 26-28. This is Minnesota's largest annual indoor hot rod show featuring the Midwest's finest hot rods, race cars, trucks, customs and cycles. For further information, check out www.worldofwheels.com. Otherwise, for general RiverCentre information, dial 651-265-4800

The 2010 Forest Lake VFW FISHAPALOOZA Ice Fishing Contest will be held Saturday, February 27 in Forest Lake. This is the Twin Cities' largest ice fishing contest, with over $150,000 in cash and prizes. For rates and times, dial 651/249-1091, or visit www.icefishingforestlake.com

And just some of the upcoming concerts and performances will include:
The Wailin? Jennys at The O?Shaughnessy Auditorium in St. Paul, February 19
A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul, February 20
B.B. King and Buddy Guy at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, 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 in Minneapolis, 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
George Lopez at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, 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
Carol Burnett at the Historic State Theatre, April 14
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
Central Minnesota

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 as a variety of accessories and tools to help your prepare for 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

The McLeod County Fairgrounds in Hutchinson will be the site of the Journey Expo, February 27 & 28. This new event is designed to introduce people to organic and natural products, alternative and holistic services, and spiritual arts and abilities. There will be a wide variety of vendors, speakers, door prizes and demonstrations throughout the two days, as well as lots of great foods and music. Admission is free, with a Food Shelf donation. For further information, check out www.thejourneyexpo.com, or contact the city of Hutchinson at 1-800-572-6689

Carlos Creek Winery in Alexandria will host a number of events on Saturday, February 27, including a Bridal Expo and Dog Sled Rides, as well as live music by Finestra! For more information, dial 320/846-5443, or visit www.carloscreekwinery.com
Northwest Minnesota

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

An Energy Fair & Health Expo will be offered at Century School in Park Rapids on Saturday, February 27, with a chance to interact with exhibitors, participate in energy and money saving workshops, listen to presentations on renewables, the environment and health. A professionally staffed kids' corner will be available. To learn more, dial 1-800-247-0054, or visit www.parkrapids.com

The city of Bemidji will be the site of numerous fun and exciting events on Saturday, February 27, including the Lake Bemidji Pond Hockey Classic, where hockey is played in it?s pure and original form, followed by fireworks over the lake and live music in a warming tent! Additional events include a bluegrass concert by Monroe Crossing at the Paul Bunyan Playhouse, and the Bemidji Dining Extravaganza at Headwaters Science Center. For more information about these and other activities in Bemidji, dial 1-877-250-5959, or check out www.VisitBemidji.com

A Celtic Festival will be offered at the Hjemkomst Center in Moorhead on Saturday, March 13, to celebrate the rich culture of the seven Celtic Nations featuring. Enjoy a day filled with traditional Celtic music, watch bagpipers and the impressive footwork of dancers, participate in Make-And-Take craft activities and workshops, and feast on traditional Celtic foods! Admission to the Celtic Festival is free. For further information, dial 218/299-5340, or visit www.cityofmoorhead.com/parks
Northeast Minnesota

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

The Audubon Center of the North Woods, located on the east side of Grindstone Lake in Sandstone, will offer a Cabin Fever - Candlelight Ski, Snowshoe & Skate event on Saturday, February 20. Featured will be cross-country ski and snowshoe instruction, with complimentary snowshoes and skis included in admission. Please call for reservations. In addition, enjoy bonfires, hot beverages and snacks. To find out more, dial 1-888-404-774, or check out www.audubon-center.org

The Annual Snow Grooming Equipment Demo will be offered at Wendigo Lodge Conference Center in Grand Rapids on Friday and Saturday, February 26 & 27. On Saturday, February 27, the Women's Wellness & Lifestyle Expo will be held at the Itasca Community College. Other highlights offered in Grand Rapids on February 27 include an Antique & Old Snowmobile Display at Central Square Mall, and a performance by the Itasca Symphony Orchestra. For more information on these and other Grand Rapids events, dial 1-800-355-9740, or visit www.VisitGrandRapids.com

Saturday and Sunday, March 20 & 21, Giants Ridge Golf & Ski Resort in Biwabik will host their annual Giants Ridge Spring Carnival, with a fun-filled weekend of ski and snowboard competitions, live music and costume contests. For further information, dial 1-800-688-7669, or check out www.giantsridge.com

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