Explore Minnesota Events Report March 2, 2010

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March 2, 2010 Explore Minnesota Events Report
   

Highlights this week and weekend include the 8th Annual International Festival of Owls in Houston, the annual Subway Bedrace for Bridging at Buck Hill Ski Area in Burnsville, the 5th Annual Gull Lake Frozen Fore at various resorts and restaurants on Gull Lake, the 5th Annual North Country Women's Expo at the Northern Lights Casino & Event Center in Walker, and the 7th Annual Chisholm Chilly Open on Longyear Lake in Chisholm.

Southern Minnesota

Eagle Spot Weekends will be offered each Saturday and Sunday through March 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. For more information, dial 1-800-498-3444, or visit www.redwing.org

The city of Houston will be the site of the 8th Annual International Festival of Owls, Friday through Sunday, March 5-7. Come immerse yourself in owls at the only annual, full-weekend, all-owl festival in the world. Festivities will include eight species of live owls, live owl programs, and fun, educational speakers and presentations. Participants on Friday will also have a chance to take an Owl Prowl Bus Trip to call in wild owls and visit a saw-whet owl banding site. Saturday's highlights include additional family activities, such as owl crafts, a kids' owl calling contest, owl face painting, an owl-themed bake sale, and owl face pancake breakfast! To find out more, dial 507/896-4668, or check out www.festivalofowls.com

The 2010 Spring Fling will be held at Mount Kato Ski Area in Mankato on Saturday March 6th, with fun events for everyone including a Gnome Hunt, Coin Hunt, Ski Pole Dizzy Race, Kiditarod, a skier/boarder cross, costume contest, tug o' war, and a Pond Skim! To learn more, dial 1-800-668-5286, or visit www.mountkato.com

The National Eagle Center in Wabasha will be the site of Soar With The Eagles on Saturday and Sunday, March 6 & 7. This weekend's theme is Soar The Flyway, with artists, authors, flying bird shows, a Save Our American Raptors program, the Minnesota ZooMobile, photography classes, an eagle calling contest, scrapbooking class, and lunch presentations. Soar With The Eagles with different themes will be offered each Saturday and Sunday, March 13-28. For rates and times, dial 1-877-332-4537, or visit www.nationaleaglecenter.org

A Coin, Stamp & Paper Money Show will be held at the Holliday Inn in Owatonna on Sunday, March 7, with a wide array of coins, stamps and paper money on display and for sale. Admission is free. For more information, dial 1-800-423-6466, or check out www.visitowatonna.org

The Windom Area Middle & High School buildings will be the site of the 27th Annual Farm & Home Show on Saturday, March 13, with over 80 vendors displaying their products and offering information on their services. There will also be educational seminars, a quilt show, live entertainment, a performance by the Zoo Man, and a petting zoo. Enjoy a great lunch here as well. Admission is free. For further information, dial 1-800-794-6366, or visit www.winwacc.com

The 9th Annual North American Farm & Power Show will be offered Thursday through Saturday, March 18-20, at the Steele County Fairgrounds Four Seasons Centre in Owatonna. Featured will be a wide range of indoor and outdoor agricultural and ag-related exhibits, products and information. To learn more, dial 1-800-423-6466, or check out www.visitowatonna.org

The Olmsted County Fairgrounds 4-H Building in Rochester will be the site of the 2010 Rochester Woodcarvers 34th Annual Show on Saturday and Sunday, March 20 & 21. This annual woodcarving show offers the public an opportunity to see the wide variety of carving styles used by woodcarvers. There will be a People's Choice Competition, and carvings, tools, blanks and wood will be for sale. Admission is free. To find out more, dial 507/285-1620, or visit www.rochesterwoodcarvers.com
Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity

The Subway Bedrace for Bridging will be held Saturday, March 6 at Buck Hill Ski Area in Burnsville, when teams of four will race down Buck Hill's tubing hill on specially covered queen-sized mattresses to raise money for Bridging, Inc. Non-participants will also enjoy a post-race concert and a costume contest by Cities 97. Bridging, Inc is a non-profit organization that distributes household goods to individuals and families in transition. Advance registration is encouraged to participate in the Bedrace. To learn more, dial 952/888-1105, or check out www.subwaybedrace.org

The Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis will host the Twin Cities Pet Expo, Saturday and Sunday, March 6 & 7. The Expo will showcase a wide range of products and services, including pet food & treats, toys, beds, art work, pet photographers, therapy services, service dog groups, and accessories. There will also be demonstrations, presentations and entertainment. The 37th Annual Twin Cities Auto Show will also be held at the Minneapolis Convention Center, Saturday, March 6 through Sunday, March 14. Featured will be 29 new 2010 model year vehicles, representing nearly every car manufacturer in the world! In addition, enjoy a NASCAR Simulator, live entertainment, and a chance to win $5,000 towards the purchase of a new vehicle all 9 nights of the show! For rates and times, dial 612/335-6000, or check out www.minneapolisconventioncenter.com

Urban Expedition - Israel! will be held at the Landmark Center in St. Paul on Sunday, March 7, with a chance to learn about and celebrate the rich culture, music, food, dance, demonstrations, and marketplaces of Columbia. Urban Expedition is free and open to the public. To find out more, dial 651/292-3225, or visit www.landmarkcenter.org

The Carpenter Nature Center in Hastings will offer All About Owls on Sunday, March 7, with programs held at at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. Come learn about the many species of owls, the importance of their existence, and see owls from all over the world. There will also be a sprecial free-flying demonstration. Reservations are required. For more information on this and other events, dial 651-437-4359, or check out www.carpenternaturecenter.org

The St. Paul RiverCentre will present the 21st Annual Let's Play Hockey Expo, Friday and Saturday, March 12 & 13. Held in conjunction with the Minnesota boy's state high school hockey tournament, the Expo features more than 150 companies displaying the latest in hockey equipment and merchandise, hockey schools and camps, training devices and retail sales. Come try out new skates, sticks and helmets, and test your skills at many interactive booths. There will also be many door prizes and giveaways. Admission is free. For more, dial 612-729-0023, or visit www.letsplayhockey.com

The Minnesota Golf Show will be held at the Minneapolis Convention Center, Friday through Sunday, March 12?14. In addition to over 100 exhibitors, enjoy the indoor driving range, the $100,000 putting contest, the Closest to the Pin contest, the First Tee Kid's Clinic, the new 2nd Swing golf area, and much more! For further information, dial 612/335-6000, or check out www.minnesotagolfshow.com

The Landmark Center in St. Paul will hold the annual Day of Irish Dance on Sunday, March 14, with all things Irish including lively Celtic music, dancing and authentic vendors. And on Wednesday, March 17, head to the Landmark Center for the St. Patrick's Day Irish Celebration, with Irish culture, dance, music and vendors - at noon, head outside for the 44th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade. To find out more, dial 651/292-3225, or visit www.landmarkcenter.org. For more on the parade, check out www.stpatsassoc.org

And just some of the upcoming concerts and performances will include:
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 in St. Paul, 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
Nickelodeon Presents Storytime Live! at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, April 28
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
The Barenaked Ladies at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, May 17
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
The Dave Matthews Band at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, September 15
For further information on any of these performances or events, please contact Ticketmaster at 651/989-5151
Central Minnesota

The 5th Annual Gull Lake Frozen Fore will be held Friday through Sunday, March 5-7, at various resorts and restaurants on Gull Lake in and near the city of Nisswa. At each of the nine locations participants will tee off using a tennis ball, and then travel to the next location by either snowmobile or a free shuttle. There will also be plenty of food and refreshments, as well as live music, a digital scavenger hunt, and family-friendly games. To find out more, dial 218/828-2344, or check out http://gulllakefrozenfore.com

The St. Cloud Civic Center will present the 2010 St. Cloud Home Show, Friday through Sunday, March 5-7. Get ideas and learn from more than 100 vendors and exhibitors, enjoy remodeling and building seminars, watch the Backyard Barbeque Bash Buddies, and don't miss the fun kids' sessions. To learn more, dial 320/255-7272, or visit www.granitecountry.com

The 43rd Annual Home & Garden Show will be held March 6 & 7 at the Douglas County Fairgrounds Runestone Community Center in Alexandria, with nearly 100 exhibitors offering everything needed to improve and expand your home, inside and out. Register for some great prizes too! Admission is free. For more information, dial 1-800-235-9441, or check out www.alexandriamn.org

The city of Menahga will hold their annual St. Urho's Day celebration on Friday and Saturday, March 12 & 13. Just some of the festivities and highlights include a pancake breakfast, the Changing of the Guard, a parade, bar stool races, a dance, and a pageant/talent show. Menahga is located 11 miles south of Park Rapids. For further information, dial 218/564-4754, or visit www.cityofmenahga.com

The 36th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade & Celebration will be held Saturday, March 13 in the city of Crosslake. The St. Patrick's Day Parade will travel through downtown at 2:00 p.m. Just some of the other festivities include hot air balloon tether rides, Leprechaun coloring contest, a food & beverage garden, and live music and dancing all day. To learn more, dial 1-800-450-2838, or check out www.explorebrainerdlakes.com

Sibley State Park at New London will present Maple Syruping - From Tree to Taste on Saturday, March 20. Come join park staff as they demonstrate a springtime tradition, and explore the history of maple syruping, the tools of the trade, sap collection, processing, and best of all ? tasting! Reservations are required. To find out more, dial 320/354-2055, or visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/sibley/index.html
Northwest Minnesota

The 5th Annual North Country Women's Expo will be held at the Northern Lights Casino & Event Center in Walker on Saturday, March 6, with dozens of vendors and artists exhibiting their products and works of art. In addition, there will be demonstrations, special live entertainment, a spa room. To find out more, dial 218/547-4360, or visit www.leech-lake.com

Old Mill State Park, located west of Newfolden, will offer Sleigh Rides on March 6. Come enjoy the park on a horse-drawn sleigh and see the snow-covered landscape of this beautiful park. Teams of horses will make loops through the park periodically throughout the afternoon. For more information, dial 218/754-2200, or check out www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/old_mill/index.html

The Sportsman's 2010 Snowmobile Rally will be held Friday and Saturday, March 12 & 13. Snowmobilers and spectators will enjoy two full days of fun and fast machines, with a chance to win a 2010 600 IQ Shift Polaris Snowmobile. Other highlights include live entertainment, great food, snow games, children's games, and a Polar Splash. To learn more, dial 1-800-772-8411, or visit www.snowrally.sportsmanslodges.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 check out www.cityofmoorhead.com/parks

Big Bog State Park, located on Upper Red Lake at Waskish will present Ice Fishing on Ludlow Pond on Sunday, March 21. Bring your jiggle stick or an ordinary fishing pole and try your luck at catching some Ludlow Island panfish. The holes will be pre-drilled, and bait will be provided. Meet at the North Unit parking lot. To find out more, dial 218/647-8592, or visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/big_bog/index.html

The Jose Cole Circus will perform at the Huck Olson Memorial Civic Center in Thief River Falls, Tuesday evening, April 6. For more information, dial 1-800-827-1629, or check out www.visittrf.com
Northeast Minnesota

Longyear Lake in Chisholm will be the site of the 7th Annual Chisholm Chilly Open on Saturday, March 6. In addition to a great day of golf on ice, enjoy a banquet dinner, door prizes, and a raffle. For more information, 218/254-7930, or check out www.ironrange.org/attractions/calendar?551

The 3rd Annual WolfTrack Classic Sled Dog Race will be held March 6-8 along trails branching out from the city of Ely. Sixty mushers and over 400 sled dog superstars will race. There will also be a chance for spectators to learn about the sport of dog sledding and interact with the sled dogs. To learn more, dial 1-800-777-7281, or visit www.wolftrackclassic.com

The IRA Civic Center in Grand Rapids will host the 43rd Annual Jaycee's Home, Sport & Travel Show, Friday, March 19 through Sunday, March 21. And don't miss Fun Day on Sunday, March 21 at Mount Itasca, located in nearby Coleraine, featuring games, races, and more! For further information, dial 1-800-355-9740, or check out 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 more information, dial 1-800-688-7669, or visit www.giantsridge.com

The annual Pancake Brunch and Maple Syruping Program will be held at the Audubon Center of the Northwoods in Sandstone on Saturday, March 27, with the tapping of trees, collecting of sap, processing, and taste-tasting! For rates and time, dial 1-888-404-7743, or check out www.audubon-center.org

The Unitarian Church in Duluth will host Treasures of the Earth Green Art & Goods on Saturday, March 27. Over 30 regional artists will display and sell items made out of recycled material or local natural materials. There also will be local nature photographers and paint artists. Come shop, learn, and support local artists. Admission is free. To find out more, dial 218/525-5098, or visit www.wendyupnorth.com

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