May! I think it’s safe to say we’re out of winter … or are we?

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May 1^st, 2011 ~ MayDay Festival ~ 12 pm (noon) ~ Powderhorn Park, Minneapolis, MN

Every spring, the MayDay Parade explodes onto Bloomington Avenue! They own the street for the day, dancing and playing instruments with fiery verve.

They tell their story, section by section, each designed musically and visually by MayDay staff artists as a walking theatrical performance.

The Join-In section follows, where lively groups proclaim their names and causes, and folks who like to dress up strut their stuff! All together, 2000 participants march, boogie or roll down Bloomington every year.

Meanwhile, tens of thousands more line the streets, enjoying the spectacle and each other. People are everywhere – on rooftops and on lawns, toting babies in backpacks and toddlers in wagons, or sitting knee to knee along on the curbs. Everybody greets neighbors from near and far with a “Happy MayDay!!” The city feels intimate, overflowing with goodwill and spring fever.

FREE

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May 6^th – 7^th, 2011 ~ Cinco De Mayo Fiesta ~ 9 am ~ Plato & Wabasha, St Paul, MN

The Cinco de Mayo Fiesta is one of the 10 largest festivals of its kind nationwide, attracting more than 100,000 visitors to District del Sol on the West Side, one of St. Paul’s most diverse neighborhoods. Embracing the colorful history and rich traditions of Hispanic/Latino culture, this award-winning, family-friendly experience features over six blocks of food, music, dancing, children’s activities, a lowrider car show, colorful parade, a “People’s Choice” salsa tasting contest and more.

FREE – parking $6

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May 8^th, 2011 ~ Susan G Komen Race for the Cure ~ 7:00 am ~ Mall of America, Bloomington, MN

7:00 AM – Aerobic Warm-Up – Outside in North Parking Lot
7:25 AM – 5K Women’s & Men’s Wheelchair Race – Outside
7:30 AM – 5K Women’s & Men’s Combined Run – Outside
9:00 AM – 5K Walk – Outside

FREE

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May 14^th, 2011 ~ MN Scottish Fair & Highland Games ~ 9 am ~ Dakota County Fair Grounds, 4008 220th St W, Farmington, MN

Visit Scotland in your backyard. Join us where the Highlands meet the Prairie! A fair that transports you to Scotland for one day a year. Enjoy everything Scottish…Highland & Country Dancing, living history area, kid’s activities & prizes, Scottish Vendors & Clans, Pipers, Dancers and more. See men in skirts (kilts) throwing telephone poles (cabers) This year featuring Minnesota based Celtic musicians including Double Fiddles Iain MacGillavray & Chuck Butler.

Adults: $15

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May 21^st, 2011 ~ WaterFest 2011 ~ 10 am ~ 1600 Phalen Dr, St Paul, MN

Kickoff WaterFest with a parade. Stay for a free family celebration of our clean lakes and an opportunity for fun hands-on learning about clean water, wildlife, and land and water conservation. Highlights of WaterFest activities include: a raindrop mystery tour, Geocaching, a self-timed 5K walk/run, Voyageur canoe rides, fishing lessons, rain garden tours and native plant give-away, live animals, water games, landscaping and watershed exhibits, the Minnesota Renewable Energy Society’s annual solar boat Regatta and lots more.

FREE

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May 28^th, 2011 ~ Journeys Backyard Barbeque Tour ~ 12 pm (noon) ~ 3001 White Bear Ave N, Maplewood, MN

Free alternative sports & music tour. Top extreme sport athletes and XGames stars will fly through the air in gravity-defying demonstrations of the best of skateboard, BMX and freestyle motocross in a 60,000 square-foot “alternative sports playground.” Free headliner concert and Battle of the Bands for local acts. Interactive “Fun Zone” with free giveaways.

FREE

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May 30^th, 2011 ~ Military History Timeline ~ 10 am ~ Fort Snelling, 200 Tower Ave, St Paul, MN

Explore a living timeline of military life through history during this special day honoring America’s soldiers. Costumed staff and reenactors will interpret different eras of military history through uniforms, accoutrements, artifacts, and firing demonstrations.

Adults $10

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Other ongoing events in May:

Washburn A Mill Tour -Saturdays – St Paul, MN

Ballet Tuesdays – 2^nd Tuesday of every month til May 10th – St Paul, MN

March – Spring is coming – Get Ready!

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March 5^th, 2011 ~ Subway Bedrace for Bridging ~ 5 pm ~ Buck Hill Ski Area, 15400 Buck Hill Road, Burnsville, MN

Join hundreds of people dressed in outrageous costumes as they race down Buck Hill on mattresses to raise $100,000 for Bridging, a Twin Cities-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which is on a mission to provide beds, furniture and household goods to over 5,000 families and individuals every year transitioning out of homelessness and poverty.

FREE

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March 11^th – 13^th, 2011 ~ Ironman Adult Hockey Tournament ~ 5 pm / 1 pm / 1 pm ~ Schwan Super Rink, 1700 105th Ave NE, Blaine, MN

Five games in three days – can you handle it?

• Five game guarantee
• Six team round-robin format
• Championship game
• Three 17-minute running time periods
• Played at Schwan Super Rink, largest ice arena in the world
• B Fast and exciting division for players with advanced skills, just a bit older now, former high school, junior or college
• C Fun and challenging, now older and just like to play, former high school or junior
• D Fun division for teams with novice skill abilities

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March 19^th, 2011 ~ Sheep Shearing ~ 10 am ~ Gale Woods Farm, 7210 County Road 110 W, Minnetrista, MN

Watch the annual Gale Woods sheep shearing. Meet the sheep and learn how wool is processed from sheep to sweater through skirting, washing, carding, spinning and weaving demonstrations. Make a wool craft project to take home.

Adults $5

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March 19^th & 26^th, 2011 ~ Washburn A Mill Tour ~ 1 pm ~ Mill City Museum, 704 South 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN

Get an in-depth look at the historic Washburn A Mill complex and the award-winning Mill City Museum building. A museum interpreter will take visitors into the building’s many nooks and crannies, highlighting the lives of the men and women who worked there, how the building functioned during its peak flour milling years and the many changes to the building over time. Also covered will be how the mill ruin was converted to a museum and office building. Although many parts of the mill can be explored during regular museum visits, this is the public’s only opportunity for a guided tour through the entire museum building.

Tours will be held through May – check Mill City Museum’s website for more dates.

Adults – $12

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March 26^th, 2011 ~ 2011 Spring Break ~ 8 am ~ Dakota County Technical College, 1300 145th Street East (County Road 42) Rosemount, MN

Topics covered during the day include:

Hip Hop Portraits / Underwater Photography / Photo Law / Stock Photography / Shooting Owls / Photographing Birds / Shooting the Light / Lost in the Fog / Holy Crop! / Macro Flower Photography / Children Portraiture  / Portraits Studio Time followed by learning how to process and print what was taken in the studio – all hands-on.

There will also be demonstrations of Corel Paint Shop Pro, Corel Painter Essentials 4, Picasa and Portrait Professional 10.

Interclub Awards Ceremony held at 4 PM

Pre-registration: $35 ($45 at the door) – includes all workshops, lunch and coffee break

Registration: http://www.cameracouncil.org/images/2011SBRegistrationForm.pdf

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Other ongoing events in March:

FireJam – Thursdays – St Louis Park, MN

Ballet Tuesdays – 2^nd Tuesday of every month til May 10th – St Paul, MN
Eagle Spot Weekends – Red Wing, MN

April – Flowers are starting to bloom, there’s more daylight to shoot in, get yourself out for some photography!

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April 1^st – 30^th, 2011 ~ Farm Babies ~ 9 am ~ MN Zoo, 1300 Zoo Blvd, Apple Valley, MN

Meet the newest members of the Zoo family with baby chicks, piglets, lambs, calves, goat kids, bunnies, and ducklings.

Adults: $16

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April 10^th, 2011 ~ Camera & Artist Event ~ 8 am ~ Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, 1250 Kaufman Dr N, St Paul, MN

Spring Flower Show

Special time for artists and photographers the chance to bring in tripods and easels into the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory.

$5

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April 16^th, 2011 ~ Trail Mix Race Minnesota ~ 7:30 am ~ Hyland Lake Park Reserve, 10145 Bush Lake Road, Bloomington, MN

The Trail Mix Race is back for its 20th season at Hyland Lake Park Reserve. Join the tradition and support a great cause. Three different cross-country trail races are offered: 50K Ultra (solo runners), 25K (solo runners), and 50K Team (4-person teams/12.5K each runner).

The beautiful course is run over hill and dale on wood chip and grass trails. Each clearly marked loop is 12.5 kilometers (7.75 miles) in length with three water stops per loop.

FREE

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April 23^rd, 2011 ~ Victorian Easter Egg Roll ~ 12 pm ~ The Landing, 2187 Highway 101 East, Shakopee, MN

Celebrate with the family. Make your own miniature basket and decorate a wooden egg! Activities include egg spoon race, bunny hop relay, and an authentic egg roll. Join in some playtime with old-fashioned toys and games. Join a naturalist-led hike as we observe the birds’ spring return to the river valley. Enjoy a special guided tour in Eagle Creek Village and refreshments served at the O’Connor Boarding House.

$5

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April 29^th – May 1^st 2011 ~ MN Horse Expo ~ 8 am ~ MN State Fairgrounds, 1265 Snelling Ave N, St Paul, MN

Minnesota’s largest horse event – 300 horses 50 breeds/registries on display/performing in the Coliseum. Booths filled with horse information, products, equipment. Nationally recognized speakers, PRCA Rodeos, free horse, pony, wagon rides.

Adults: $9 — Rodeo: $4-10 (plus daily admission)

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April 30^th, 2011 ~ Le Sueur County Pioneer Power Swap Meet ~ 7 am ~ 27548 376th St, Le Sueur, MN

Antique machinery and farm collectibles, flea market and crafts. Over 1,000 vendors, largest of its type in the US.

FREE

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Other ongoing events in April:

Washburn A Mill Tour -Saturdays – St Paul, MN

Ballet Tuesdays – 2^nd Tuesday of every month til May 10th – St Paul, MN

February … Groundhog’s Day means the winter will end – sooner or later. Get out and photograph some winter activities before they are done (for this year!)

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February 5^th & 6^th, 2011 ~ City of Lakes Loppet ~ 8 am ~ Uptown, Minneapolis, MN

“What is a Loppet?” It is a great gathering of skiers who ski on a specifically groomed trail either classic (diagonal stride) or free (skating technique) of various distances. Enormous amounts of food and drink are consumed during the event. After there is a party and celebratory banquet with awards and prizes and usually a dance.

The Loppet means different things to participants. For some it is intense competition, for others it is a relaxing way to spend a day outside, taking in the pristine beauty of the country side or wilderness, and enjoying the home grown entertainment and great food and drink at the rest stops along the trail.

Events: Snow Sculpture Contest – Penn Ice-Cycle Loppet – Finn Sisu Sprints – Chuck & Don’s Skijoring Loppet – Rossignol Junior Loppet – Minne-Loppet – Luminary Loppet

2010 Photos

FREE

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February 5^th & 6^th, 2011 ~ Hudson Hot Air Affair ~ 7:30 am ~ E.P. Rock school grounds, 13^th & Summer, Hudson, WI

Wonderful family friendly events such as an evening parade, hot air balloon launches, geo-caching, shopping, smooshboarding, arts and crafts, hot air balloon moon glow and great food just to name a few. Since Hot Air Affair lands on SuperBowl weekend, this years theme is “When Pigskins Fly.”

FREE

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February 13^th, 2011 ~ Waseca Sleigh & Cutter Festival ~ 1 pm ~ downtown Waseca, MN

Ice Curling – Vintage Snowmobile Race – Sleigh & Cutter Parade

Parade starts at 1:00 from the Waseca Co Fairgrounds and runs through downtown Waseca. Parade Attractions: Gypsy Horses (1st time entry), Jesse James Gang, Cannon Old West Society Entertainers, as well as dozens of horse-drawn sleighs & cutters.

FREE

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February 19^th, & 20^th, 2011 ~ Scottish Ramble ~ 10 am ~ Landmark Center, 75 West Fifth Street, St Paul, MN

Time to bring out the tartan! Enjoy bagpipes, Highland dance competition, Scottish meat pies, shopping, educational presentations, information on area Scottish organizations/activities and music as the Scottish Ramble invades Landmark Center! Nothing’s cooler than kilts in February!

Adults: $5

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February 25^th, 26^th & 27^th, 2011 ~ World of Wheels ~ 11 am ~ RiverCentre, 175 W Kellogg Blvd St Paul, MN

49th Annual Summit World of Wheels is one of Minnesota’s largest indoor automotive events returns February 25 – 27, 2011. Over 300 one-of-a-kind magazine cover cars, hot rods, race cars, custom cycles, antiques and feature vehicles will fill all three floors St. Paul RiverCentre. The weekend will also feature vendors, celebrity appearances and autograph sessions.

Adults: $13

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Other ongoing events in February:

FireJam – Thursdays – St Louis Park, MN
St Paul Winter Carnival – Jan 27th through Feb 6th– St Paul, MN
John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon – Jan 29th through Feb 3rd– Duluth, MN
Night Trains – Saturdays through Feb 26th– St Paul, MN

January … The weather outside might be frightful – but there are still events to photograph or attend!

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January 14^th & 15^th – 21^st & 22^nd, 2011 ~ PSA Mpls-St Paul Print Circuit ~ 9 am ~ Christ of the Risen Christ , 9050 60th St N, Stillwater, MN

Judging of local and international prints by representatives of local camera clubs. A must see event if you interested in rapid-fire image judging and quality photography. Around 1,800 images were judged last year.

Judging Dates/Times:
January 14th and 21st (Fridays) start time = 6PM. — Dinner for judges and volunteers only, followed by start of small-print judging.
January 15th and 22nd (Saturdays) start time = 9AM.

FREE

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January 22^nd, 2011 ~ Ice Harvest Day ~ 11 am ~ Richardson Nature Center, 8737 East Bush Lake Road. Bloomington, MN

Discover a bit of Minnesota History during the days before electric refrigerators. Hardy ice harvesters sawed massive blocks of ice out of frozen lakes and ponds to keep food chilled. Meet ice harvesting historian, Tim Graf, and costumed interpreters from The Landing – Minnesota River Heritage Park as attendees use real ice harvesting tools. Cut blocks of ice out of the pond with an old fashioned ice saw, pull an antique plow to mark the ice, make ice cubes or shave ice out of blocks of ice, use a scale to weigh a block of ice and try out many other ice harvesting historical tools that can still be used today. Enjoy a wagon ride pulled by Percheron horses through the prairie. Discover how the Park District tests water quality. Keep warm by an outdoor campfire or head inside the nature center to watch an ice harvesting video.

Adults $5

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January 22^nd, 23^rd, 29^th & 30^th, 2011 ~ Hockey North American Championships ~ 8:30 am ~ Maynards, 685 Excelsior Blvd, Excelsior, MN

Pond hockey on 10 rinks that are all within the docks of Maynards and Bay Side grill. Well protected area within walking distance from the bars. Live entertainment Friday and Saturday nights.

Jan 22^nd & 23^rd: Women & Kids Division
Jan 28^th & 29^th: Mens Division

FREE

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January 26^th, 2011 ~ International Nordic Ski Jumping Competition ~ 6 pm ~ Bush Lake Ski Jump , 8401 East Bush Lake Rd, Bloomington, MN

Elite athletes from Norway, Finland, Poland, and all across USA will be taking to the skies in Head To Head competition under the stadium lights. Many former and future Olympians will be there perfecting their form in the 2nd leg of the Midwestern 4 Hills Tour. Skiers will be soaring up to 300 feet for trophies and cash prizes. Come enjoy the brand new chalet to watch all the high-flying action indoors!

Adults $5 – on-site parking (first come, first serve) $20 per vehicle

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January 29^th, 2011 ~ Speed Skating ~ 10 am ~ Lake Phalen, 1615 Phalen Dr, St Paul, MN

Speed skating competition held in conjunction with the St Paul Winter Carnival.

FREE

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January 29^th, 2011 ~ Polar Bear Plunge ~ 12 pm (noon) ~ Ramsey Beach, 5050 Lake Avenue N, White Bear Lake, MN

The Polar Bear Plunge — presented by Minnesota law enforcement as part of the year-round Law Enforcement Torch Run® events to benefit Special Olympics. An opportunity to photograph the strong emotions that go along with jumping into frigid waters for a good cause!

Just heard that the Minnesota Roller Girls will have a team there — EXCELLENT opportunity!

FREE

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January 30^th, 2011 ~ Pond Dakota Winter History Festival ~ 12 pm (noon) ~ Pond Dakota Mission Park, 401 East 104th St, Bloomington, MN

Experience winter on the Minnesota frontier from a dogsled! Dogsled Rides will be given continuously from noon – 4:00 p.m. (Note: please arrive by 3:30 p.m. to ensure your place in line for dogsled rides – additional $2 per person).

After your ride, stop off at the historic Gideon Pond House to warm up around the fireplace with some hot cocoa or cider. Gideon Pond himself will bring to life rich stories of early settlers of Bloomington. Play traditional Native American and Pioneer outdoor games including the ever popular snow snakes game! Experience one of the authentic 1800′s style magic shows scheduled throughout the day and prepare to be amazed!

• Free hot cider, cocoa and other treats will be available throughout the day.
• Limited parking is available in the Pond Dakota Mission Park parking lot (please do not park along the driveway).
• Additional free parking is available at Emmanuel Lutheran Church or in the Kelly Playfield lot.

$3 per person

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Other ongoing events in January:

FireJam – Thursdays – Minneapolis, MN
St Paul Winter Carnival – Jan 27th through Feb 6th– St Paul, MN
John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon – Jan 29th through Feb 3rd– Duluth, MN
Night Trains – Saturdays through Feb 26th– St Paul, MN

December! Don’t curl up in front of the fire just yet – there’s photography to be done!

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December 4^th, 2010 ~ LifeTime Fitness Reindeer Run ~ 9 am ~ Lake Harriet Bandshell, 4135 W Harriet Blvd, Minneapolis, MN

The event begins at 9:10 a.m. with the Kids K (1 kilometer) for kids 8 & under. For all ages running the 5K the start is at 9:30 am with Santa’s hearty Ho Ho Ho…GO!

Hundreds of runners, many in holiday costumes run around Lake Harriet in whatever kind of weather there is!

FREE

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December 4^th, 5^th, 11^th, 12^th, 18^th, 19^th, 2010 ~ Santa’s Train Shop ~ 10 am ~ Jackson Street Roundhouse, 193 Pennsylvania Ave. E., St Paul, MN

# Pictures with Santa, holiday shopping and 20 minute train rides
# Popcorn, hot chocolate, cider, coffee & treats, included in admission
# Entertainment & fun for the whole family
# Travel through history with in-depth exhibits featuring local & regional railway history
# Experience a genuine operating roundhouse turntable – one of the last of its kind in the country
# Witness restoration of historic railway operating equipment including vintage steam engines
# Take a caboose or bus ride
# Groups are always welcome and encouraged to come!

Adults $15

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December 11^th, 2010 ~ Holiday Train ~ 4:15 pm ~ Hastings, Cottage Grove, St Paul, Minneapolis

Each December, Canadian Pacific’s Holiday Train travels across Canada and the United States to raise food, money and awareness for local food banks. Illuminated by hundreds of thousands of festive lights, the Holiday Train makes its way across seven states and six provinces visiting over 100 Canadian and U.S. communities.

# Hastings 4:15 pm, CP Depot, 500 East Second Street
# Cottage Grove 5:45 pm, West Point Douglas Road, South of Seiben Bridge in front of the Youth Service Bureau
# St. Paul 7:15 pm, Upper level of Central Parking System ramp at Broadway & Kellogg in Lowertown
# Minneapolis (Shoreham) 9:30 pm, CP Shoreham Yard, 2800 Central Avenue NE

FREE (food donation recommended)

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December 17^th, 2010 ~ Folkways by Candlelight ~ 5 pm ~ The Landing, 2187 Highway 101 East, Shakopee, MN

Celebrate the holiday season with an evening visit to the 1800s Eagle Creek Village. Candlelight will lead the way to homes on the Town Square where costumed residents will share their holiday traditions. Join the carolers as they walk the village streets. Christmas Pageant in the Town Hall (6:30 pm). Park and enter from the West Entrance. Dress for the weather and a winter evening stroll. Last admission one hour before close.

Adult $5 (Optional)

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December 18^th, 2010 ~ Candy Cane Hunt ~ 1 pm ~ Silverwood Park, 2500 County Rd E, St Anthony, MN

Santa’s elves have hidden candy canes around Silverwood. Search for the hidden candy canes, find 3 and get a prize. Look for canes with golden ribbons for larger prizes. Enjoy a horse drawn wagon ride, warm treats, crafts, winter games, and photos with Santa.

Hunts for children ages 0-4 will begin at 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM
Hunts for children ages 5-10 will begin at 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM

Adult carriage rides: $2

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December 31^st, 2010 ~ Candlelight & Ice ~ 6 p ~ Wood Lake Nature Center, 6710 Lake Shore Dr, Richfield, MN

Celebrate the New Year with family and friends at WoodLake Nature Center. Follow hundreds of candle-lit luminaries on a trail through cattails and trees. Enjoy the evening while on the lookout for deer, fox, rabbits, and owls. Return to the building to warm up, drink hot cocoa, and roast marshmallows over a crackling fire. Make a craft, play a game, or just sit back and relax.

$4 per person

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Other ongoing events in December:

Holidazzle ’10 – Thurs-Sun – November 26^th – December 19^th – Minneapolis, MN

FireJam – Thursdays – Minneapolis, MN

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November 6^th, 2010 ~ Veteran’s Remembrance Day ~ 10:00 AM ~ The Landing, Shakopee, MN

Honor America’s military veterans at The Landing. Special program at 1:00 PM features speeches, music and Abraham Lincoln reciting the Gettysburg Address. Tour several historic buildings in the Village of Eagle Creek and observe Thanksgiving preparations. View military displays and enjoy refreshments served in the Town Hall. Enter park through West Entrance.

Adults: $5

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November 7^th, 2010 ~ World Run Day ~ Minnesota

On Sunday, November 7, 2010 runners worldwide will celebrate the sport of running wherever they live. Whether in a competitive race, on a training course, or even on a treadmill, all runners can participate. Many many races are being held all over Minnesota throughout the day.

Twin Cities locations

FREE

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November 10^th, 2010 ~ Edmund Fitzgerald Beacon Lighting ~ 4:30 PM ~ Split Rock Lighthouse, Two Harbors, MN

Beacon lighting, shipwreck information and bell ceremony to commemorate the loss of Lake Superior’s most famous ship and crew.

$5

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November 20^th, 2010 ~ Minnesota Roller Girls – Home Teams Bout ~ 7:30 PM ~ Roy Wilkins Auditorium, St Paul, MN

The Minnesota RollerGirls are part of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA), a national governing body for female-only, skater-owned, flat-track roller derby leagues. The Minnesota RollerGirls league was founded by the Donnelly sisters in August 2004 and has grown from 6 original members to a current roster of 80 skaters, 8 referees and coaches, and countless volunteers. All participants are unpaid amateurs and the league provides insurance coverage for practices and bouts.

Dagger Dolls vs. Rockits & Atomic Bombshells vs. Garda Belts

Trackside Seating: $13 advance / $15 at the door

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November 25^th, 2010 ~ Turkey Day 5K ~ 8:20 AM ~ Life Time Fitness – Target Center, Minneapolis, MN

The Turkey Day 5k is a holiday tradition, complete with all the trimmings. This festive holiday morning fun run and walk is for every body and every age.

Course Info

FREE

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Other ongoing events in November:

Holidazzle ’10 – Thurs-Sun – November 26^th – December 19^th – Minneapolis, MN

FireJam – Thursdays – Minneapolis, MN

For more: Holly Kuchera’s Shot Spots Calendar & http://cameracouncil.blogspot.com

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October 3rd, 2010 ~ Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon & 10 Mile ~ 7:00 AM ~ Minneapolis to St Paul, MN

The Twin Cities have become synonymous with championship road racing. In addition to hosting the USA Masters Marathon Championships for men and women for the 20th consecutive year, this year also includes the USA Men’s Marathon and Women’s 10 Mile Championships. Be sure to cheer on these extraordinary athletes!

Spectator’s Guide: http://www.mtcmarathon.org/Upload/documents/2010_SpecGd_F.pdf

FREE

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October 9th, 2010 ~ Zombie Pub Crawl ~ 4:00 PM ~ Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN

Very colorful and creative people creeping along the streets of Washington Ave. Some look scary, others funny. Definitely kooky and entertaining! 8,000 to 10,000 zombies expected!! The fun starts at Gold Medal Park…

From the FAQ:

What do zombies do?

Zombies like to horde-up whenever possible. They never walk in single file lines.They respect other peoples’ property. A zombie cannot turn down the chance to eat brains. And most importantly, zombies always act like zombies. So if you catch someone not being a zombie – eat their brains.

Photos from 2009: http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=minneapolis+zombie+pub+crawl

FREE (unless you want to go in the bars – then you must have a wristband — $10)

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October 22^nd & 23^rd, 2010 ~  Harvest Moon Festival ~ 1:00 PM ~ Dakota City Heritage Village, Farmington, MN

Harvest Moon Festival provides an opportunity to bring people of all ages to experience activities of the past in our Village through hands-on demonstrations. Activities may include: shelling corn, making a corn husk doll, pumping water at the Fire Barn, grinding coffee, playing old-fashioned games. Adults can enjoy showing everyone how things were done in the past or learn themselves from costumed demonstrators and volunteers. Harvest Moon Festival is for the young and the young-at-heart.

Adults (13 and over) – $3.00

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October 24th, 2010 ~ Artist & Photographer Day ~ 8:00 AM ~ Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, St Paul, MN

Opportunity to bring in easels and tripods before hours.

As summer turns to autumn, so does the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory when it opens the annual Fall Flower Show Saturday, October 9th.  The show will feature hundreds of chrysanthemums of many different cultivars with colors of yellow, orange, red, gold, highlighted with Chilly Chili ornamental peppers and ornamental grasses

$5

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October 30th, 2010 ~  Fort Snelling After Dark – Candlelight Tours ~ 6:00 PM ~ Fort Snelling, St Paul, MN

Have you ever wondered what Fort Snelling is like after dark? Come for a special evening as the gates are opened and you can explore the site by torchlight. Also, learn about the shadowy side of the fort as you participate in a court martial to help decide the fate of one of Fort Snelling’s soldiers. You won’t want to miss this one-of-a kind evening at Historic Fort Snelling.

$12 adults

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Other ongoing events in October:

MN Renaissance Festival – Weekends: August 21st – October 3rd — Shakopee, MN

Shafer Corn Maze – Fri–Sun – September 4^th – October 31^st – Shafer, MN

Cafesjian’s Carousel – Weekends: September 8^th – October 31^st – St Paul, MN

Light Maze & KTTC Lights – October 14^th – November 28th – Zumbro Falls, MN — Canceled due to flooding

For more: Holly Kuchera’s Shot Spots Calendar & http://cameracouncil.blogspot.com

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September 4th, 2010 ~ Championship PRCA Rodeo ~ 6 pm ~ Pine City, MN

Pro rodeo with bull riding, bareback riding, team roping, barrel racing, steer wrestling, tie down roping, saddle bronc, wild cow milking, cowboy poker, and calf scramble. Each night following the rodeo there will be a live band.

Advance Tickets (until Fri, Sept 3):

• Adults: $10, Children (4-12): $6, Under 3: Free

Day of the Rodeo Tickets:

• Adults: $12, Children (4-12): $6, Under 3: Free

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September 9th, – 11th, 2010 ~ Lowertown Concrete and Grass Music Festival ~ Mears Park, St Paul, MN

The Lowertown Concrete and Grass Music Festival is a free outdoor event held at Mears Park, downtown Saint Paul. The festival is a unique partnership of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, Minnesota Opera, Ordway Center, Schubert Club and the Twin Cities Jazz Festival.

Concrete and Grass celebrates the opening of the performance season and includes a range of genres, including: jazz, opera, chamber music, rock, dance, roots and world music.

FREE

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September 18th, 2010 ~ City of Lakes Trail Loppet ~ 7:30 am ~ Theodore Wirth Park, Minneapolis, MN

The Trail Loppet is a 5K (3 miles) and Half-Marathon on the trails of Theodore Wirth Park. Mostly on dirt paths, the Trail Loppet feels like it takes place in the north woods, but starts and finishes less than 3 miles from downtown Minneapolis.

FREE

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September 18th, 2010 ~  Great Neighbors’ Mississippi Duck Race ~ 11 am ~ Kaposia Landing, St Paul, MN

5000 yellow rubber ducks will race throughout the event. Lots of great prizes! Adopt a duck for five dollars each. Lots of food, kids games, and entertainment.

FREE

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September 19th, 2010 ~  A Harvest Moon Lantern Festival ~ 4 pm ~ Landmark Center, St Paul, MN

The event will commemorate the late autumn harvest celebrations that are native to Vietnam. Participants will handcraft origami and bamboo lanterns, and will assemble and decorate miniature storybooks telling the folktale of the moon festival. Storytellers, vendors and food (for purchase) will also be available. The festival will culminate with a foot parade in and around Rice Park at dusk, with lanterns lighting up the evening and songs filling the air!

FREE

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September 25th, 2010 ~ Fall Raptor Release ~ 10 am ~ Carpenter St Croix Valley Nature Center, Hastings, MN

See raptors released back to the wild, participate in children’s activities and educational displays, and observe live eagles, hawks, owls and falcons up close!

Releases are at 11:30am and 2:00pm.

FREE

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Other ongoing events in September:

Cafesjian’s Carousel – May 1st – September 6th – Como Zoo, St Paul, MN
Blooming Butterflies – June18th – September 6th – Como Zoo, St Paul, MN
Aveda Butterfly Garden – June19th – September 6th – MN Zoo, Apple Valley, MN
MN Renaissance Festival – Weekends: August 21st – October 3rd — Shakopee, MN
MN State Fair – August 26th – September 6th – St Paul, MN

Since there isn’t enough room here to show you everything that goes on, don’t forget to check out Holly Kuchera’s Shot Spots Calendar & http://cameracouncil.blogspot.com for more!

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August 1st, 2010 ~ Twin Cities Jr Sweeps Regatta ~ 9 am ~ Bryant Lake, Eden Prairie, MN

Twin Cities Youth Rowing will host this regatta at their home location on Bryant Lake, in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Racing will be on an 1800 meter, 4-lane buoyed course.

Entries are for Juniors only. In accordance with USRowing requirements: rowers must be 18 years of age or younger or, if older, be a full-time high school student graduating in 2010.

The following events will be hosted:

Junior Men 8+ Varsity * Junior Men 8+ Novice * Junior Men 8+ Dash * Junior Men 4+ Varsity * Junior Men 4+ Novice * Junior Men Pair * Mixed 8+ Dash * Junior Women 8+ Varsity * Junior Women 8+ Novice * Junior Women 8+ Dash * Junior Women 4+ Varsity * Junior Women 4+ Novice * Junior Women Pair * Mixed 8+ Dash

FREE

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August 5th, 9th, 12th, 14th & 26th, 2010 ~ MN State Track Championships (Velodrome Bike Racing) ~ National Sports Center Velodrome, Blaine, MN

Check NSC Events calendar for specific start times & more events at the Velodrome.

The Minnesota State Track Championships are held to determine the best rider in many different track cycling disciplines. They are also held for different categories of age and ability. The Elite Minnesota State Championships are also used as National Qualification Events by which riders can qualify to participate in the United States National Track Cycling Championships. In the Elite Men’s division, riders aged 17 and over, in categories 1-4 can participate in the individual timed events. Categories 1-3 may participate in the mass start events. In the Elite Women’s division, riders 17 and over, in categories 1-4 can participate in all events.

FREE

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August 13th – 15th, 2010 ~ Irish Fair ~ 10 am ~ Harriet Island, St Paul, MN

Grounds Map

Join in on the banks of the Mississippi River for a three-day celebration of Irish heritage with music, dance, family activities and good craic. Choose from the many activities the festival has to offer, like listening to music on one of the three stages, having a bit of Irish food and drink, learning about the many engaging aspects of Irish culture, taking part in a workshop on how to play the Irish bodhran, watching the incredible Irish dancers, and perusing through the Irish marketplace. And that’s just a start!

FREE

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August 15th, 2010 ~ Japanese Lantern Lighting Festival ~ 3 pm ~ Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, St Paul, MN

Taiko drums, martial arts, Ikebana, sushi and other aspects of Japanese culture, will be featured at the annual Como Park Japanese Lantern Lighting Festival, a family-friendly event, reminiscent of Japan’s annual Obon holiday. Obon is an important Japanese cultural and family holiday, at which ancestral spirits are said to revisit their families for three days. Families pay their respects at gravesites and put out offerings of food and drink on a tray before household altars. They also light lanterns or small fires outside the house to symbolically guide the souls to the home. On the last evening of Obon, lanterns again guide the spirits back to their resting places.

The Lantern Lighting Festival encompasses Japanese tradition—through music, dance, crafts, martial arts and lanterns.

Adults: $5

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August 20th – 22nd, 2010 ~ Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Wacipi (Pow Wow) ~ 1 pm ~ Pow Wow Grounds, 3212 Dakotah Parkway, Prior Lake, MN

The Wacipi is a social gathering where friends and relatives come together to celebrate their culture and way of life. A Wacipi is a homecoming of sorts, with many choosing to return every year to enjoy the dancers in their regalia, the singers at the drum, good food, and booths with arts and crafts for sale. Traditional moccasin games will also be played by Native American teams. The word Wacipi [wah-chee-pee] in the Dakota Language translates as “they dance.” A more common meaning is “Pow Wow.”

Held outdoors in a traditional dance arena, the Pow Wow will feature Native American vendors with arts, crafts, beadwork, jewelry, quillwork, and Native American foods for sale, including frybread, wojapi (berry pudding), wild rice, hominy soup, buffalo burgers, Indian tacos, and much more.

Fireworks will be held at 10 pm on Saturday.

“Can I take pictures at the Wacipi?:
While you are welcome to take pictures, there are times during the Wacipi when it is not appropriate. These include during prayers, Honor Songs, Naming, and Eagle Feather/Fallen Warrior Ceremonies. The MCs will usually announce if photographs should not be taken. If you take pictures outside the Dance Arena of individual dancers, please respect the dancers and ask for their permission first.”

Adults: $5

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Other new & ongoing events in August:

Cafesjian’s Carousel – May 1st – September 6th – Como Zoo, St Paul, MN
Blooming Butterflies – June18th – September 6th – Como Zoo, St Paul, MN
Aveda Butterfly Garden – June19th – September 6th – MN Zoo, Apple Valley, MN
Dakota County Fair — August 9th – 15th — Farmington, MN
Carver County Fair – August 11th – 15th — Waconia, MN
MN Renaissance Festival – Weekends: August 21st – October 3rd — Shakopee, MN
MN State Fair – August 26th – September 6th – St Paul, MN