March 31, 2010 Explore Minnesota Events Report

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March 31, 2010 Explore Minnesota Events Report
   
Highlights this week and weekend include Ice Age 2010: An Exhibit of Mammoth Proportions at the Quarry Hill Nature Center in Rochester, Farm Babies at the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley, Easter in the Garden at the Landsburg Landscape Nursery in Brainerd, Sharp Tailed Grouse Viewing at Lake Bronson State Park at the town of Lake Bronson, and Springtime On The Mountain - Sweetwater Shakedown Spring Music Festival at Lutsen Mountain in the city of Lutsen.

Southern Minnesota

The Quarry Hill Nature Center in Rochester will present Ice Age 2010: An Exhibit of Mammoth Proportions through Sunday, April 4. Come meet the beasts of the Ice Age, with a life-sized fossil replica of the largest and most complete woolly mammoth ever found. There will also be a saber-tooth cat, giant ground sloth, and a mummified baby mammoth. For further information, dial 507/281-6114, or visit www.qhnc.org

The 35th Annual Rochester World Festival will be held at the Mayo High School in Rochester on Friday and Saturday, April 9 & 10, with children's' activities, cultural displays, ethnic foods, organizational displays, the Parade of Nations, an International Marketplace with ethnic items for purchase, and a variety of performances and demonstrations. For more information, dial 507/289-5960, or check out www.visitrochestermn.com

The Steele County Fairgrounds Four Seasons Centre in Owatonna will be the site of the Minnesota Alpaca Expo, Friday through Sunday, April 9-11. Featured will be hundreds of Alpacas, as well as a variety of vendors, exhibits, halter competitions, and more! Admission is free. To learn more, dial 1-800-423-6466, or visit www.minnesotaalpacaexpo.com

The 13th Annual Ibsen Festival will be held Friday through Sunday, April 16-18, throughout the city of Lanesboro. Highlights include a world premiere adaptation of the rarely-produced John Gabriel Borkman. In addition, enjoy lectures, fine art, music, post show discussions, and many other events designed to put this deeply personal work into context. For a complete schedule of events, check out the Ibsen Festival Website. For more on the city of Lanesboro, dial 1-800-944-2670, or visit www.Lanesboro.com

The Veterans Memorial Center in downtown Tracy will be the site of the 4th Annual Prairie Women's Expo on Saturday, April 17, with special seminars, a huge variety of exhibits, a fashion show, hourly door prize drawings, and great food throughout the day. In addition, the first 200 women will be greeted with a "goodie bag" filled with items from area businesses. Before or after the show, head to the Tracy Area High School for the 8th Annual Tracy Area Sportsmen's Show and the 4th Annual Tracy Area Sportsmen's Car and Motorcycle Show. To find out more, dial 507/629-4021, or contact the Tracy Area Chamber at www.tracymnchamber.com
Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity

A Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice exhibit will be offered at the Minnesota Children's Museum in St. Paul through Sunday, April 11. Travel back in time and enjoy a prehistoric spring break, with dino-related activities. Additional special programs will be offered, such as a discussion with a paleontologist the morning of March 27. The Museum is closed on Mondays, as well as on Sunday, April 4. To learn more, and for rates and times, dial 651/225-6001, or visit www.MCM.org

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska will offer Bees and Blossoms family weekend activities each Saturday and Sunday in April, with a chance to discover who lives in a hive and what jobs they have. You can also sample sweet comb honey, make your own beeswax lip balm, create a nature journal to take along on a woodland wildflowers walk, and pot up flowers to feed the pollinators in your garden. And on Saturday, April 10, be sure to head to the Arboretum for Plantcetera: Plant Info Fair, when more than 25 plant societies, garden clubs and educators will be on-site to share information. To find out more, dial 952/443-1400, or check out www.arboretum.umn.edu

Farm Babies will be offered daily at the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley during the month of April. Come enjoy the sights and sounds of spring at the Wells Fargo Family Farm, and interact with baby chicks, piglets, lambs, calves, goat kids, and bunnies in the touch-and-feel area. Special kids? activities on the farm will be provided Friday and Saturday, April 2 & 3, and a "Peter Rabbit? costume character will greet visitors on Saturday, April 3. Tram rides from the Grain Elevator to the Farm will be offered Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in April. And on Saturday and Sunday, April 17 &18, head to the Minnesota Zoo for EarthFest, a party for the planet. Highlights will include hands-on, eco-friendly activities, information on recycling and sustainable living, live music, crafts, and more! For further information about any of these events, dial 952/431-9200, or visit www.mnzoo.com

The Warner Coliseum at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in St. Paul will be the site of the Osman Shrine Circus, Thursday, April 8 through Sunday, April 11. This annual 3-ring circus features animals, aerialists, clowns, elephant rides, and other great attractions. The state fairgrounds will also host numerous popular shows the weekend of April 16-18, including the Antique Spectacular Show & Flea Market, the Super Golf Sale, the Munchkin Markets Spring/Summer Children's Consignment Sale, and the Military Relic Show. For more information, and for specific dates, rates and times, check out www.mnstatefair.org, or dial 651/288-4400

The annual Lake Home & Cabin Show will be held Friday through Sunday, April 9?11, at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Anyone that already owns a lake home or cabin, wants to own one, or wants to decorate an existing home in a northwoods d?cor will enjoy this show. Just some of the highlights include rustic and specialty furniture, furnishings and products, remodelers, recreational properties, sporting gear, outdoor equipment, bird and wildlife feeding and viewing equipment, landscaping and lakeshore products, realtors, builders, and special lake and cabin services. To learn more, dial 952/471-1192, or visit www.lakehomeandcabinshow.com

The St. Paul RiverCentre will be the site of the 2010 St. Paul Women's Expo on Saturday and Sunday, April 10 & 11. Featured will be specialty exhibitors, the latest trends, incredible deals, product samples, guest speakers, quick and easy meal ideas, and giveaways. To find out more, check out www.mplswomensexpo.com/stpaul, or contact the St. Paul RiverCentre at 651/265-4800

And just some of the upcoming concerts and performances will include:
Eddie Griffin at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, April 3
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, April 28
The Bangles at the Fine Line Music Cafe in Minneapolis, April 29
Craig Ferguson at the Historic State Theatre, April 30
Simon & Garfunkel at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, May 8
Natalie Cole at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel in Prior Lake, May 9
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
Henry Rollins: Frequent Flyer Tour at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis, May 14
Cats at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, May 14-16
The Barenaked Ladies at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, May 17
Daughtry at the Target Center in Minneapolis, May 19
The Goo Goo Dolls at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, 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, May 25
The Second City at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel, June 4
Steve Martin at the Historic State Theatre, June 13
Aziz Ansari - Dangerously Delicious Tour at the Historic State Theatre, June 19
Patty Griffin at the Fitzgerald Theater, June 19
Sting with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the Xcel Energy Center, June 21
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers at the Xcel Energy Center, June 22
Cirque du Soleil : Alegria at the Target Center, June 23
Ween at at the St. Paul RiverCentre Roy Wilkins Auditorium, June 26
U2 360? Tour at the TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, June 27
Justin Bieber at the Target Center, June 29
Star Wars In Concert at the Xcel Energy Center, July 11
Titanic at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center, July 15
Pavement at the St. Paul RiverCentre Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul, 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

Easter in the Garden will be offered at the Landsburg Landscape Nursery in Brainerd, Friday and Saturday, April 2 & 3. Get inspired for spring, and enjoy cute little bunnies and chicks, and a special Easter egg hunt for the kids. To find out more, dial 218/829-5519, or visit http://landsburgnursery.com

The Benton County Fairgrounds in Sauk Rapids will be the site of the 10th Annual Minnesota Spring Horse Fest, Saturday and Sunday, April 10 & 11. Featured will be great speakers, demonstrations, seminars, rare horse breeds, pony rides, over 200 booths offering everything related to horses, a huge tack swap, and more! For further information, dial 218/678-4125, or check out www.centralmnhorsefest.com

The First Steps Baby Expo will be held at the St. Cloud Civic Center on Saturday, April 17. New and expecting parents will find an abundance of information, products and services for their new little one. Just some of the highlights include car seat safety demonstrations, Newborn Necessities and Breastfeeding Basics information sessions, and a fun maternity fashion show. And while in St. Cloud, head to Crossroads Center Mall for the annual Gingerbread Arts and Crafts Show, held April 16-18. For more on these and other area events, contact the St. Cloud Visitors Bureau at 1-800-264-2940, or visit www.granitecountry.com

The Brainerd Civic Center will host the 9th Annual Lakes Area Women?s Expo on Saturday, April 17, with a wide array of vendors and information sessions for women of all ages. Admission is free. To learn more, dial 218/851-1974, or contact the Brainerd Lakes Visitors' Bureau at www.explorebrainerdlakes.com

The 18th Annual Family Shotgun Fair Sportsman?s Extravaganza will be held Saturday & Sunday, April 17 & 18, at LeBlanc's Rice Creek Hunting and Recreation in Little Falls. Highlights include Benelli's Trick Shooter Tim Bradley, the Central Minnesota Trophy Whitetail Exhibit, performances by the Minnesota Mounted Shooters, the Black River Bandits cowboy fast draw, a youth obstacle course, rock climbing, free shooting for youths, a baby farm animal petting zoo, a silent auction, raffles, and lots of great food such as pheasant wild rice soup and duck chili. For more information, dial 320/745-2232, or visit http://www.ricecreekhunting.com/up_files/2010_gun_fair3.pdf
Northwest Minnesota

Lake Bronson State Park, located two miles east of the town of Lake Bronson, will offer Sharp Tailed Grouse Viewing Blind reservations from April 1 through May 15. Between early April and mid-May you may reserve your spot at the viewing blind and view the comical and entertaining display of the male Sharp Tailed Grouse as they attempt to attract a mate. This is truly one of nature's most spectacular events. Viewing is best at dawn. Reservations are required and are limited to one per day. 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

The Community Center in Vergas will be the site of the Vergas Maple Syrup Fest on Saturday, April 10, with pancakes, sausage and pure maple syrup. In addition, enjoy the "Saps Running" 5K Maple Run & Walk, "Eat to the Beat" performances, a Spring Craft Show at local churches, and Sugar House tours, weather permitting. To find out more, dial 218/342-2700, or visit www.vergasmn.com

Spring Rummage Sales will be held in and around the city of Barnesville, Friday and Saturday, April 16 & 17, with more than 70 area sales. To learn more, dial 218/354-2479, or check out www.barnesvillemn.com

The John Glas Field House, located on the campus of Bemidji State University, will be the site of the 34th Annual Bemidji Jaycees Home, Sport & Travel Show, Friday through Sunday, April 16-18. More than 130 exhibitors will present a wide variety of home, sport and travel ideas at this much-anticipated show. For further information, dial 218/556-2709, or visit www.bemidjijaycees.com

A Murder Mystery Dinner & Wine Tasting will be offered at the Lodge on Lake Detroit on Saturday, April 24. Be part of the action, and enjoy a night of secrets, scandals and scoundrels during this inter-active getaway. A Cruise Ship Cocktail Reception with dinner buffet, wine sampling, and crime solving fun will also be offered. Advance reservation is required. For rates and times, dial 1-800-761-VIEW, or check out www.thelodgeonlakedetroit.com
Northeast Minnesota

Springtime On The Mountain - Sweetwater Shakedown Spring Music Festival will be offered at Lutsen Mountain in the city of Lutsen, Thursday through Saturday, April 1-3. In addition to spring skiing in unusually mild temperatures, enjoy a variety of bands performing American roots music, including Trampled by Turtles, and Hot Tuna, featuring original members of The Jefferson Airplane. And if you miss the Sweetwater Shakedown, head to Lutsen Mountain April 10 & 11 for the Mountain Meltdown, when Lutsen Mountain will offer performances by ten bands throughout the weekend, as well as a street party, outdoor barbeque and late night live music. Several ski and stay packages are also available. For further information, dial 218/406-1320, or visit www.lutsen.com

The Reif Performing Arts Center in Grand Rapids will present The Passing Zone: Gravity Attacks!, Saturday evening, April 10. Performed by veteran jugglers, this performance offers an ever-escalating array of dangerous objects, ranging from sickles to fire torches, and even running chainsaws - the only thing left to juggle is the audience! This is not just a juggling show, it's a hilarious comedy show. For rates and times, dial 218/327-5780, or check out www.reifcenter.org

The 2nd Annual Iron Range Earth Fest will be held at various locations in Mountain Iron on Saturday, April 17. This annual show centers on sustainable living, and offers a chance to learn about new and existing technological approaches, rediscover some long-standing local traditions, tap into the knowledge of cutting-edge experts, and check out a variety of exhibits, demonstrations, speakers and vendors. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. To find out more, dial 218/742-9504, or visit www.ironrangeearthfest.wordpress.com

Galleries and artist studios located throughout Duluth will open their doors to the public during the 20th Annual Art for Earth Day Gallery Hop on Saturday, April 17. Come meet area artists, view and purchase fine artwork, and enjoy free receptions. The Port Town Trolley will offer free shuttle service between sites. On Saturday and Sunday, April 17 & 18, Duluth public schools and St. Scholastica will offer a celebration of northern Minnesota's native heritage during the 2nd Annual United Schools Pow Wow, with grand entries each day. And while in Duluth don't miss the Twin Ports Pet Expo at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, April 17 & 18. For more on these and other events, dial 1-800-4-duluth, or check out www.visitduluth.com

The 11th Annual Children's First Expo will be held at the IRA Civic Center in Grand Rapids on Saturday, April 24, with a free breakfast, kids' carnival games, storytellers, live music, door prizes, a teddy bear clinic, Boy Scout Pinewood Derby, and Lego robotics. Admission is free. To learn more, dial 218/327-5730, or visit or www.visitgrandrapids.com

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