Explore Minnesota Events Report for November 14

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Explore Minnesota Events Report for November 14

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SOUTHERN MINNESOTA

CHRISTMAS AT HISTORIC MAYOWOOD will be offered Fridays through Tuesdays, through November 18, at the Historic Mayowood Mansion in Rochester. The mansion will be festively decorated for the holiday season by area clubs, businesses and individuals. Enjoy room interpretation by guides and docents, followed by light refreshments and a trip to the gift shop. Visitors will need to carpool from the History Center to the Mayowood. Reservations are required. For rates and times, dial 507/282-9447, or visit www.olmstedhistory.com

Bluff Valley Campground in Zumbro Falls will be the site of a LIGHT MAZE & KTTC LIGHTS AT BLUFF VALLEY, the first autumn season drive-thru light show, through November 25. Highlights include a 1 1/2-mile drive-through light tour, with 19 theme areas featuring over 450 light displays. In addition, enjoy nightly live entertainment, wagon rides, and Pepsi NightLight Park & Play activities, including nightlight glow-in-dark miniature golf, disc golf and basketball golf. For rates and times, dial 1-877-GO-SEE-IT, or check out www.BluffValley.com

A HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE will be offered along historic Main Street in Pipestone, Thursday through Saturday, November 15–17, with many stores offering holiday specials and holiday treats! To find out more, dial 1-800-336-6125, or visit www.pipestoneminnesota.com

The city of Madelia will be the site of a RAZZLE DAZZLE LIGHTED PARADE on Friday, November 16th at 6:30pm. Highlights include music performed by local school bands and carolers, visits with Santa Claus, live reindeer, activities, and lots of warm refreshments and holiday treats during the parade. Specialty shops will also be open late for holiday shopping. To learn more, dial 507/642-8822, or check out www.visitmadelia.com

The 20TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE will be offered Friday through Sunday, November 16–18, at the Historic Hormel Home in Austin. Built in 1871, this beautiful home of founder George A. Hormel will be decorated with 20 Christmas scenes. The tour includes famous cranberry cake with butter sauce and a beverage. Afterwards, head to Oak Park Mall for a CRAFT SHOW. And on Friday, November 23, downtown Austin will be the site of the traditonal lighting of the Christmas tree, holiday caroling, lots of live entertainment, and refreshments, treats and specials at several downtown stores during CHRISTMAS IN THE CITY. For more information, dial 1-800-444-5713, or visit www.austincvb.com

The city of Redwood Falls will hold CHRISTMAS BY CANDLELIGHT, November 16-18. Just some of the festivities include horse-drawn sleigh rides, carolers, a live nativity, a soup supper with Santa and Mrs. Claus, hundreds of luminaries, a Children's Story Hour, the Holid-Ice Santa Spectacular, a Holiday Tour of Homes, and various drawings for gifts! Please call ahead for specific days and times, at 1-800-657-7070, or check out www.redwoodfalls.org/RACT/christmas_by_candlelight.htm

A TUNDRA SWAN WATCH BUS TOUR will be offered Saturday, November 17 at the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge in Winona. Come see migrating tundra swans and other waterfowl on the upper Mississippi River. Interpreters will be on-board to answer questions, with binoculars, spotting scopes, a box lunch and brochures provided. Reservations are required. For rates and times, dial 1-888-291-5719, or visit www.fws.gov/midwest/UpperMississippiRiver

The city of New Ulm will offer a CHRISTMAS PARADE OF LIGHTS on Friday, November 23, with over 30 units covered with twinkling Christmas lights traveling through the downtown New Ulm. Afterwards, head to New Ulm Telecom for visits and pictures with Santa during SANTA CLAUS IS HERE! To find out more, dial 1-888-463-9856, or check out www.newulm.com

The 6TH ANNUAL DOWNTOWN RED WING HOLIDAY STROLL will be held November 23, with a holiday parade, spectacular holiday lighting ceremony, chili feed, wagon rides, prizes, a performance by the Sheldon Brass Band, roasted chestnuts, carolers, and a live nativity scene. To learn more, dial 651/388-7737, or visit www.redwingholidaystroll.com

Historic downtown Albert Lea will be the site of a HOLIDAY ART STROLL from Friday, November 23 through Monday, November 26. Featured will be the artwork by more than 30 artists, as well as art demonstrations, live music and refreshments. Other highlights on Friday, November 23, include the ARRIVAL OF SANTA CLAUS at Northbridge Mall, and a HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE at the Story Lady Doll & Toy Museum. For more information, dial 1-800-345-8414, or check out www.albertleatourism.org

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TWIN CITIES GREATER METROPOLITAN VICINITY

The American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis will be the site of A NORDIC CHRISTMAS through Sunday, January 6. Come discover the holiday traditions of Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland and Finland, with decorated trees and table settings. This year's theme is "Christmas of Light." The ILLUMINATION OF A SAINT: THE LEGEND OF SANTA LUCIA will also be offered through January 6, with photographs and story panels detailing Lucia's beginnings as a fourth-century Christian martyr, the legends surrounding her, and how the holiday is celebrated today. And on November 17, enjoy music, food, gifts, books, craft activities and more during A CHRISTMAS FAIR. For more information, dial 612/871-4907, or visit www.americanswedishinst.org

A VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS will be offered Friday through Sunday, November 16–18, at the historic Stillwater Courthouse. Come see costumed vendors and volunteers, and beautiful decorations throughout the building and grounds, and enjoy live music, a tea room, and fine arts and crafts in the oldest standing Courthouse in the state! For further information, dial 651/275-7075, or check out www.co.washington.mn.us/hc

The LeDuc House in the city of Hastings will be the site of the HASTINGS ARTISTS SHOW through Saturday, November 17, with original artwork and fine crafts by local artists. And on November 17, visitors will also enjoy the WINTER SEASONAL & LOCAL FOOD FESTIVAL, when the Northern Heartland Food & Wine Learning Center will host a winter and holiday food market, with various educational programs. To learn more, dial 651/437-7055, or visit www.dakotahistory.org

CALHOUN SQUARE'S ANNUAL COFFEE FESTIVAL will be held November 17 at Calhoun Square in Minneapolis, with a chance to sample coffee, tea and treats from local and national vendors. In addition, enjoy live entertainment, such as improvisational comedy shows, Salsa Havana music & dance, and information and demonstrations on coffee cupping. Proceeds benefit local charities. To find out more, dial 612/824-1240, or check out www.calhounsquare.com

The city of Taylors Falls will hold its annual LIGHTING FESTIVAL, Friday through Sunday, November 23–25, with the grand lighting of the village, a Santa parade, horse-drawn wagon rides, an outdoor holiday booya, reindeer, Christmas dogs, holiday craft fairs, an International Bazaar & Bake Sale, house tours, and performances by the community chorus, the St. Croix Valley Orchestra, and the Green Fire Irish Dancers. And, from Friday, November 23 through Sunday, December 2, head to the 1855 Folsom House in Taylors Falls for CHRISTMAS AT THE FOLSOM HOUSE, when eight rooms of this five generation family home will be enhanced for the holidays by professional area designers. The 1884 Jail, Cave, and two other bed & breakfast units at the Old Jail B & B will also be open for tours. For more information, and specific days and times, dial 1-800-447-4958, or visit www.taylorsfallschamber.org

MACY'S HOLIDAZZLE PARADES will be offered Friday through Sunday, November 23–25, along Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis. Each parade will feature brightly lit floats, marching bands, celebrity grand marshals and nearly 250 costumed characters from popular children's stories. Before or after the parade, head to Macy's for their annual ANIMATED HOLIDAY DISPLAY featuring the Nutcracker story. The display will be open during regular story hours through December 31. Both events are free! MACY'S HOLIDAZZLE PARADES will also be offered each Thursday through Sunday, November 29 through December 23. For further information, dial 612/376-SNOW, or check out www.macysholidazzle.com

Chisago City’s annnual LIGHTING FESTIVAL will be held Sunday, November 25, when 33 trees will be lit in Moberg and Triangle parks. In addition, there will be free Clydesdale horse-drawn wagon rides, music, caroling, roasted chestnuts, a stove to toast marshmallows, and of course, Santa Claus! If possible, please bring along toys for Santa Anonymous, and a non-perishable food item. To find out more, dial 651/257-1177, or visit www.chisagolakeschamber.com

And just some of the upcoming concerts and performances will include:
DISNEY PRESENTS THE LION KING at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, through November 25
CELTIC WOMEN at the Excel Energy Center in St. Paul, November 16
KEITH URBAN at the Excel Energy Center, November 17
THE CRIBS at the Varsity Theater in Minneapolis, November 21
DANE COOK at the Target Center in Minneapolis, November 23
LEO KOTTKE at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, November 24
THE REPLACEMENTS BOOK RELEASE PARTY at First Avenue in Minneapolis, November 28
CHICAGO at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, November 30
THE CULT at The Myth, November 30
MOSCOW BALLET'S GREAT RUSSIAN NUTCRACKER at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, December 1
MODEST MOUSE at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, December 3
THE BLENDERS at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis, December 7
THE KDWB JINGLE BALL 2007 at the Target Center, December 7
DISNEY'S HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL: THE ICE TOUR at the Xcel Energy Center, December 13-16
THE HOLIDAY PAGEANT at the Pantages Theatre, December 17
LOYCE HOULTON'S NUTCRACKER FANTASY at the Historic State Theatre, December 20-24
SOUL ASYLUM at First Avenue, December 21
PETER OSTROUSHKO at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul, December 22
The GEAR DADDIES at the Fine Line Music Cafe in Minneapolis, December 28
TRAMPLED BY TURTLES at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, December 31
VH1'S ROCK OF LOVE NEW YEARS EVE with BRET MICHAELS at The Myth, December 31
BARRY MANILOW at the Xcel Energy Center, January 11, 2008
SESAME STREET LIVE : WHEN ELMO GROWS UP at the Target Center, January 16, 2008
THE 2008 U.S. FIGURE SKATING CHAMPIONSHIPS at the Xcel Energy Center, January 20, 2008
B.B. KING at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel in Prior Lake, February 5, 2008
JERSEY BOYS at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, March 19-April 20, 2008
MONTY PYTHON'S SPAMALOT at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, May 27 through June 1, 2008
For further information on any of these performances or events, please contact Ticketmaster at 651/989-5151

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NORTHERN MINNESOTA

The North House Folk School in Grand Marais will hold a WINTERER’S GATHERING & ARCTIC FILM FESTIVAL from Thursday through Sunday, November 15-18. This educational event celebrates the crafts, customs, landscape, history and stories of winter travel and traditional ways of life in the north. Winter travel enthusiasts and northern culture admirers will enjoy four days of winter travel seminars, courses and workshops, complimented by evenings of inspiring and thought-provoking international films about arctic life. To find out more, dial 1-888-387-9762, or check out www.northhousefolkschool.com

The CHRISTMAS CITY OF THE NORTH PARADE will be held Friday, November 16 in Canal Park and downtown Duluth, with colorful lighted floats, marching bands, pageantry and Santa. On Saturday, Novenber 17, head to Miller Hill Mall in Duluth for SANTA'S ARRIVAL. On Saturday and Sunday, November 17 & 18, over 100 of the area's top crafters and vendors will display their wares at Lake Superior College during A FESTIVAL OF TREES. And, train buffs will want to head to the Radisson Hotel, November 17 & 18, for the 2ND ANNUAL LAKE SUPERIOR & MISSSISSIPPI RAILROAD MODEL TRAIN SHOW, when model railroad layouts from Canada, Wisconsin and Minnesota will be on display. To learn more, dial 1-800-4-DULUTH, or visit www.visitduluth.com

The Ralph Engelstad Arena in Thief River Falls will be the site of a HOLIDAY FAIR on Saturday, November 17, with 40-50 craftspeople participating. Afterwards, head to the Eagles Club for a spaghetti supper, bingo, a consignment auction, white elephant auction, and meat raffles during A TASTE OF ITALY. For more information, dial 1-800-827-1629, or check out www.visitthiefriverfalls.com

The EAST MEETS WEST DRYLAND CHALLENGE DOG SLED RACES will be held Saturday and Sunday, November 17 & 18, at the Brainerd International Raceway in the city of Brainerd. This dryland sled dog competition features mushers and their sled dogs competing on a dirt trail by pulling mountain bikes, three-wheel carts and two-wheel scooters. There’s even an event for runners harnessed to their dogs. Last year’s event attracted 88 teams from throughout the United States and Canada, and even a Jamaican Team, sponsored by singer/songwriter Jimmy Buffet, that will also be competing this year! For further information, dial 1-866-444-4455, or visit www.isdra-dryland-racing.info

Between Thursday, November 22 and Saturday, December 29, head to the city of Cloquet for the BENTLEYVILLE TOUR OF LIGHTS. This free family event features several million Christmas lights, 600-plus snowflakes suspended from trees, and 230 lighted reindeer scattered throughout 3 acres of woods. Santa will greet kids daily through December 23. Cider, coffee and cookies are even free of charge. Donations are accepted to defray expenses, and visitors are encouraged to bring nonperishable food and toy donations for the Salvation Army. And on Saturday, November 24, head to downtown Cloquet for an OLD FASHIONED CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION, with a parade, horse-drawn carriage rides, a pie-eating contest, all-day bonfire, ski races, and the crowning of Miss Cloquet. To learn more, dial 1-800-554-4350, or check out either www.bentleyvilleusa.com or www.cloquet.com

The 16TH ANNUAL WORLD-FAMOUS FISH HOUSE PARADE will be held Friday, November 23 in the city of Aitkin. This much anticipated and hilarious event has been featured on national T.V. and radio broadcasts, and includes wacky floats, dressed-up fish houses, and celebrity guests. In addition, enjoy a craft fair, live music, and lots of great food and refreshments! To find out more, dial 1-800-526-8342, or visit www.aitkin.com

The city of Little Falls will be the site of the CITY OF LIGHTS KICKOFF on November 23, when all buildings in the historic downtown district will glisten with white lights. Also enjoy the SANTA PARADE running through downtown Little Falls, and tours during the LINDEN HILL OPEN HOUSE. And on Saturday, November 24, head to the Charles A. Lindbergh Historic Site for A 1917 CHRISTMAS WITH THE LINDBERGHS, when living history characters will portray family members and hired workers readying the house for Christmas. Learn about the political and social landscape of Minnesota at the time, and discover how the Lindberghs viewed the war in Europe. The program includes a 45-minute tour of the home and admission to the gallery exhibits. This event will be repeated Saturday, December 1. For more information, dial 1-800-325-5916, or check out www.littlefallsmn.com

A FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS will be offered November 23 in downtown Walker. In addition to lots of holiday lights and decorations, visitors will enjoy photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, free children's movies, and horse and buggy rides. For further information, dial 1-800-833-1118, or visit www.leech-lake.com

The city of Melrose will be the site of a HOLIDAY KICK OFF & MINIDAZZLE PARADE on November 23, with the arrival of Santa and his reindeer at Lake Wobegon Trail Park. In addition, enjoy lots of family activities, a Mini-Dazzle Parade, and a fireworks diplay. And, while in Freeport, head to the Freeport State Bank for horse-drawn wagon rides, hot dogs and pop, and live music. To learn more, dial 320/256-7174, or check out www.melrosemn.org
http://www.wisconsinoutdoor.com/events.htm

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