March 9, 2010 Explore Minnesota Events Report

[mudbrook]

March 9, 2010 Explore Minnesota Events Report
   
Highlights this week and weekend include Eagle Spot Weekends at Colvill Park in Red Wing, the Minnesota Golf Show at the Minneapolis Convention Center, a St. Urho's Day celebration in the city of Menahga, the Sportsman's 2010 Snowmobile Rally on Oak Island, and the 4th Annual Mush For A Cure along the Gunflint Trail, northwest of Grand Marais.

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 National Eagle Center in Wabasha will be the site of Soar With The Eagles each Saturday and Sunday through 28. This weekend's theme is The Eagle, with special activities such as eagle feeding, raptor education, the Irish Minstrels band, photography classes, and a homing pigeon release. For rates and times, dial 1-877-332-4537, or check out www.nationaleaglecenter.org

The 27th Annual Farm & Home Show will be held at the Windom Area Middle & High School buildings 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 Steele County Fairgrounds Four Seasons Centre in Owatonna will be the site of the 9th Annual North American Farm & Power Show, Thursday through Saturday, March 18-20. 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 Austin Home and Vacation Show will be held at the Riverside Arena in Austin, Friday through Sunday, March 19-21, with more than 140 home, lawn, garden, vacation and recreation exhibitors. In addition, enjoy Home Depot staff offering do-it-yourself seminars, Linder Farm Network officials answering agriculture-related questions, Captain Jack Sparrow?s moving pirate ship with photo sessions for the kids, the Koster race car simulator, the Jaycees trout tank, and drawings for a number of grand prizes. Admission is free. To find out more, dial 1-800-444-5713, or visit www.austincvb.com

The Olmsted County Fairgrounds 4-H Building in Rochester will be the site of the 2010 Rochester Woodcarvers 34th Annual Show, 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. For more information, dial 507/285-1620, or check out www.rochesterwoodcarvers.com
Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity

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 information, 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, the Golf Academy Stage with instruction by some of the area's finest golf professionals, and the Golf Lounge where you can relax with your favorite beverage and watch the latest PGA tournament action! 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

Wild Wild Midwest, featuring the North Star Roller Girls, will be held at Minneapolis Convention Center on Saturday, March 20, featuring bouts between the Banger Sisters and Delta Delta Di, and between the Violent Femmes and the Kilmore Girls. Families and fans of all ages welcome, with pre-game entertainment by the cowboy yodeling band Rope Trick, children's activities by ARTrageous Adventures, and pre-game demonstrations on the basics of roller derby. To learn more, dial 612/208-9411, or visit www.northstarrollergirls.com

The Minneapolis Convention Center will be the site of the 78th Annual Northwest Sportshow, Wednesday through Sunday, March 24?28. This amazing outdoor fun marketplace offers everything for outdoor adventures, including hundreds of boats, the latest RVs, and gear and accessories for boating, fishing, hunting and camping! Witness dock dogs in action, register for vacation giveaways, fish tank demonstrations, the trout pond, Hunter's Laser Shot Gallery, and visit with outfitters and resorts to plan your next trip, book a vacation, and enjoy once-a-year deals! For rates and times, and to find out more, dial 1-800-777-4766, or check out www.northwestsportshow.com

And just some of the upcoming concerts and performances will include:
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
Brooks & Dunn "Last Rodeo" Tour at the Xcel Energy Center, May 14
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
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers at the Xcel Energy Center, June 22
U2 360? Tour at the TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, June 27
Pavement at the St. Paul RiverCentre Roy Wilkins Auditorium, September 12
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 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

Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge in Little Falls will present Habitat Day on Saturday morning, March 13, when participants will learn about two avian species that use nest boxes, the bluebird and wood duck. Activities include assembling a nest box to take home and set outside for new avian residents. There will also be numerous exhibits and information from resource-oriented groups and organizations. To find out more, dial 320/632-1575, or visit www.fws.gov/midwest/cranemeadows. For information on lodging and other area highlights, contact the Little Falls Visitors' Bureau at 1-800-325-5916, or www.littlefallsmn.com

Maple Syruping - From Tree to Taste will be offered at Sibley State Park in New London on Saturday, March 20. 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

WestRidge Mall in Fergus Falls will host the annual Spring Craft Show on Saturday, March 20. And on Sunday, March 21, head to the Charles Beck Gallery on the M State campus for the 39th Annual Area Invitational Art Show, where more than 50 artists from Fergus Falls and the surrounding area will have their paintings, carvings and ceramics on display. To learn more, dial 1-800-726-8959, or check out www.visitfergusfalls.com

A Maple Syruping Demonstration will be offered at Lake Maria State Park in Monticello on Saturday, March 27, with a chance to learn the basics of making real maple syrup. Highlights include on-going demonstrations on how to select and tap maple trees, and how to cook the sap. Afterwards, enjoy real maple syrup. For more information, dial 763/878-2325, or visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/lake_maria/index.html
Northwest Minnesota

The Sportsman's 2010 Snowmobile Rally will be held Friday and Saturday, March 12 & 13, at the Sportsman's Lodge on Oak Island, the northernmost point in Minnesota. Snowmobilers and spectators will enjoy two full days of fun runs and radar runs, 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

Night Ranger will perform at Northern Lights Casino in Walker on Saturday, March 27. And on Saturday and Sunday, March 27 & 28, head to the Walker Area Community Center for the annual Sport & Travel Show. For more information on these and other area activities, as well as area lodging information, dial 1-800-833-1118, or check out www.leech-lake.com

Lake Bronson State Park, located two miles east of the town of Lake Bronson, will present The Annual Spring Dance on Saturday, March 27. Come learn about Sharp-tailed Grouse and their annual courtship display. The presentation will also cover historic and natural information about Sharp-tailed Grouse. And, be the first to reserve your spot in a viewing blind which will open in April, where you can witness the dance for yourself. Meet at the Victor Johnson Visitor Center - the park access is on County Highway 28. To learn more, dial 218/754-2200, or visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/lake_bronson/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

The 4th Annual Mush For A Cure will take place along the Gunflint Trail, running northwest from Grand Marais, on Saturday, March 13. This non-competitive sled dog race celebrates the sport of dog mushing, with proceeds donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Spectators will want to come early for the many fun activities on Friday, March 12, including Cut For A Cure haircuts, the Pink Pasta Party to meet the mushers, the Bald, Brave and Beautiful competition, and a Pink Prom dance party. And after the race on Saturday, hang out with your new mushing friends and dance to the sounds of Rod ?n Real. To learn more, dial 218/388-2224, or visit www.mushforacure.com. For lodging information, contact the Grand Marais Visitors Bureau at 1-888-922-5000 or www.GrandMarais.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 2010 World Of Wheels will be held at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, Friday through Sunday, March 26-28, with a huge variety of award-winning customs, locally-owned and built trucks, 4x4s, racing carts, hot rods, street rods, race-cars, custom cycles, classics, antiques, and feature vehicles. There will also be a multitude of vendors and fun, family entertainment. For rates and times, dial 952/925-4848, or check out http://duluthworldofwheels.com

Papa Charlie's at Lutsen Mountain in the city of Lutsen will host a Spring Carnival Festival, Friday through Sunday, March 26-28. Highlights include a comedy show, lots of live music and dancing, a Summit Chalet Deck Party, a family fun race and obstacle course, a costume contest, fireworks display, and the 3rd Annual Beach Party! Show up to the Deck Party in your costume, bathing suit, beach gear or grass skirt for outdoor music and a BBQ, weather permitting. Admission is free. For further information, dial 218/406-1320, or visit www.lutsen.com

The Audubon Center of the Northwoods in Sandstone will host the annual Pancake Brunch and Maple Syruping Program on Saturday, March 27, when participants will have a chance to tap trees, collect sap, process to sap, and enjoy real maple syrup! To find out more, dial 1-888-404-7743, or check out www.audubon-center.org

Treasures of the Earth Green Art & Goods will be offered at the Unitarian Church in Duluth 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 learn more, dial 218/525-5098, or visit www.wendyupnorth.com