Aquatennial, sesquicentennial events, July 18–27
At a Town Council meeting on July 20, 1858, the people of Minneapolis voted to become a town. 150 years later, the city will celebrate the sesquicentennial as part of its annual Aquatennial, which runs July 18–27.
Past and current city officials will kick off the festivities with a special 150th anniversary City Council meeting on Friday, July 18, beginning at 10 a.m. in City Council Chambers, room 317 of City Hall. A photo shoot will take place at 9:30 a.m. in the City Hall rotunda, where Mayor R.T. Rybak will host a reception immediately following the meeting.
The City Hall event is only the tip of the iceberg, with 10 days of events to follow, many of them in within The Bridge coverage area. Below is a list of Bridge¬-area events; to see a full list of “Minneapolis 150 events,” visit “www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/150”:http:// www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/150. For the full list of Aquatennial events, visit www.aquatennial.org.
Note: Many of these event listings were taken directly from a long list emailed by Ann Calvert of the Minneapolis Community Planning and Economic Development Department.
Quicksteps Baseball Match
Sat., July 19, 11 a.m.
BF Nelson Park (between Boom Island and Nicollet Island)
Elected officials from Minneapolis will face the folks from Quicksteps in this vintage baseball match.
ILLUME
Through July 20, viewing hours: dusk–midnight
Stone Arch Bridge
View award-winning photos of adventure and extreme sports on 25 cubes placed down the middle of the Stone Arch Bridge. Each cube has large backlit photos on two sides and mirrored surfaces on the other two sides. Note: The bridge remains open to the public throughout this exhibit. However, since the cubes utilize the middle portion of the surface, both bikes and pedestrians will be sharing the remaining area, so please be extra careful. http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/art/19820369.html?location_refer=$sectionName
ARTIST-DESIGNED DRINKING FOUNTAINS – ANNOUNCEMENT OF DESIGNS, LOCATIONS AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Tuesday, July 22, 11 am
Guthrie Theater, 818 Second Street South, endless bridge
The City of Minneapolis is commissioning ten artistic drinking fountains to be placed in ten sites around the city. The program, a partnership of the City of Minneapolis Art in Public Places Program and the Department of Public Works, celebrates the role water has played in Minneapolis history as part of the city’s 150th anniversary. The focus of the project is to reestablish public drinking fountains as central to the health and wealth of the city and to foster the commitment to honor and protect water as fundamental to all life. You are invited to meet the community partners and the artists and view the artists’ drinking fountain designs.
MINNEAPOLIS SESQUICENTENNIAL HISTORY SPECIAL EVENT SERIES
Tuesday, July 22; 5 – 6 pm social hour; 6 – 8:20 pm (for both sessions)
Minneapolis Central Library, 300 Nicollet Mall, Pohlad Hall
Sessions are FREE. Before the programs (5 — 6 p.m.), visit with local authors available for book sale and signing, and historical and ethnic groups and organizations; boxed dinners may be ordered for $15 by calling 612-630-6081. For “information”:http://www.mplib.org/features.asp?item=mplshistory.
Session 1: 6 — 7 p.m.: Before Minneapolis: The Land, Native People
Learn about the pre-Minneapolis landscape and lives of the native people, contrasting views of archaeology and Dakota and Ojibwe oral histories, perspectives on inter-tribal conflicts and Native-Anglo conflicts, and the evolving lifestyles and relocations of indigenous populations during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Scott Anfinson, Minnesota State Archaeologist
Joe Bendickson, Dakota language educator and author
Brenda Child, University of Minnesota, professor of American Studies
Moderator: Amy Ollendorf, environmental consultant specializing in archeology and history, Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission
Session 2: 7:20 — 8:20 p.m: American Indians 20th Century Relocation to Minnesota Cities
Discussion will include Native American urbanization of the last 50 years, resettlement programs, formation of the Indian community in Minneapolis, assimilation, political movements and more.
Roger Buffalohead, University of Minnesota, former faculty member of American Indian Studies
Clyde Bellecourt, founder and director of the American Indian Movement
Laura Waterman Wittstock, author, Native American community activist
Taste of the Twin Cities Originals
Tuesday, July 22, 6–9 p.m.
Nicollet Island Pavillion
The second annual Taste of the Twin Cities Originals will take place July 22, 6–9 p.m., at the Nicollet Island Pavilion, with the hopes of promoting and exposing Minnesotans to the variety of independently-owned restaurants in Minneapolis and St. Paul. According to culinary coalition Twins Cities Originals (TCO), the event will feature food from 35 Twin Cities restaurants, along with a complimentary wine and beer tasting. Tickets may purchased for $35 online through the “Twins Cities Originals website”:http://www.tcoriginals.com, or for $40 at any TCO-member restaurant.
CENTERPOINT ENERGY AQUATENNIAL TORCHLIGHT PARADE
Wednesday, July 23, 8:30 pm
Hennepin Avenue downtown
This year’s parade will include floats and other entries celebrating Minneapolis’ first 150 years.
EXPLORING EVA GAY’S MINNEAPOLIS
Thursday, July 24, 6:30 pm
Take a walking tour led by costumed History Player Eva Valesh, whose undercover reporting for the Saint Paul Globe in 1888 and 1889 exposed the harsh working conditions of women in mills along the riverfront. Learn about factory life for girls at the North Star Woolen Mill, still standing at the west end of the Stone Arch Bridge. Eva Valesh, a labor writer and orator, known by her pen name Eva Gay, served as labor editor for the Saint Paul Globe, a skilled orator for the National Farmer’s Alliance and labor editor for the Minneapolis Tribune. She went on to national acclaim, working for Samuel Gompers as Assistant Editor of the American Federationist. Fee (includes admission to the museum gallery): $14 adults, $12 seniors and college students, $10 children 6-17 and MHS members. Reservations required; call 612-341-7555. For more information visit the Mill City Museum website.
Queen of the Lakes Coronation
Friday, July 25, 7–9 p.m.
Ted Mann Concert Hall
2128 Fourth Street South
West Bank, University of Minnesota
Cost: $28 individual tickets (includes $4 processing fee and $1 facility fee) OR $25/ticket for orders of 10 tickets or more (plus a $7 order fee)
The 2008 Queen of the Lakes Coronation will be held July 25, 7 p.m. at Ted Mann Concert Hall on the West Bank Campus of the University of Minnesota. The event will be emceed by 1994 Queen of the Lakes, Sara Borg Holie, and WCCO Radio’s Tim Russell. It will include the crowning of this years’ newly selected Queen of the Lakes, as well as the Aquatennial Princesses.
The Queen of the Lakes and Aquatennial Princesses are selected from approximately 50 female candidates between the ages of 18 and 22 years old through various stages of competition. Judging is based on several factors, such as education, poise, and current and future goals.
Once selected, the Queen and Princesses spend one year of service representing the City of Minneapolis, traveling abroad, and appearing at festivals and events throughout the nation and the world. At the end of one year, they receive educational scholarships and earn the title of Aquatennial festival ambassadors.
Tickets for the 2008 coronation are being sold through the University of Minnesota Arts Ticket Office, which may be reached at (612) 624-2345.
MINNEAPOLIS RIVERFRONT WALKING TOURS
Saturday, July 26, 11 am, and Sunday, July 27, 1 pm
Walk the Minneapolis riverfront and learn about its dramatic past and bright future. Participants will visit the historic district at St. Anthony Falls, which was once the milling center of the world and is now a growing cultural, recreational, and residential neighborhood. A guide from Mill City Museum will lead visitors onto the Stone Arch Bridge for a spectacular view of the falls, the historic buildings surrounding it, and downtown Minneapolis. The guide also will tell stories of the people who have worked and lived in the area and how it has changed over the years. Each tour begins and ends at Mill City Museum where participants can visit the museum gallery (included in the price of the tour), and enjoy refreshments at the Mill City Museum Café. Fee: $12 adults, $10 seniors and college students, $8 children 6-17 and MHS members. Reservations: required, call 612-341-7555. For more information visit the Mill City Museum website.
Xcel Energy River Blast
Saturday, July 26, 6–10 p.m.
West River Parkway between Portland Avenue and the Third Avenue Bridge
Along with food and a variety of family-oriented activities, The Xcel Energy River Blast will celebrate the Aquatennial with several live music acts, each playing half-hour sets. Starting off the musical line-up at 6:30 p.m. is early childhood entertainment group, The Teddy Bear Band, followed by the dance-able funk group 8 Switch Assembly and California-based blues and rock artist Corey Stevens. The Minnesota Sinfonia, under the direction of Jay Fishman, will close out the music in time for the Target Fireworks show, which is scheduled to take place at 10 p.m. directly after a tribute to Minneapolis’ Sesquicentennial.
Target Fireworks Show
Saturday, July 26, 10–11 p.m.
Along the Mississippi River near the Third Avenue Bridge
On July 26, 10–11 p.m., on the Mississippi Riverfront, the Target Fireworks Show will take place. Fireworks will be set off from the Third Avenue Bridge, making the best spot for viewing them near St. Anthony Main and the Lock and Dam along the river banks. The Target Fireworks Show is claimed by officials to be one of the largest of its kind west of the Mississippi.
FATHER HENNEPIN BLUFFS PARK CONCERTS
All shows from 7 to 8:30 pm
Father Hennepin Bluffs Park, southeast Minneapolis bank of the Mississippi River at the Stone Arch Bridge
Monday, July 21 — Blue Garden; Blues, Gospel, Country
Wednesday, July 23 — Rich Lewis Band; Soulful Mix of R&B/New Orleans
Concert schedule is subject to change. Please check the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board’s Website for the most up to date concert and parking information
MINNEHAHA FALLS CONCERTS
All Shows at 7 pm except as noted
Minnehaha Falls Park (in case of rain, concerts will be held in the Minnehaha Falls Pavilion)
Monday, July 21 — Flute Cocktail; A Flute Choir with Pizzazz
Tuesday, July 22 — Zuhrah Shrine Band; Concert Band
Wednesday, July 23 – Patchouli; Modern Acoustic Power Folk
Thursday, July 24 — Classic Brass Inc.; Brass Quintet Fun
Concert schedule is subject to change. Please check the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board’s Website for the most up to date concert and parking information.
ST. ANTHONY MAIN OUTDOOR CONCERT SERIES
May 30 – August 24, Fridays and Saturdays, 7:30 – 10:30 pm; Sundays, 5 – 8 pm
Outdoor stage at St. Anthony Main between Tugg’s Tavern and VIC’s, 219 Main Street SE
Friday, July 25, 7:30 pm – Billy Johnson Roadshow; Pop rock
Saturday, July 26, 7:30 pm — Jack Brass Band; Alt. Rock
Sunday, July 27, 5 pm — Gyspy Mania; World Beat Jazz
Concerts are FREE and open to all ages.
RIVER QUEST – FABLED FALLS AND FORGOTTEN WALLS (a “Birthplace/First Place” event)
Saturday, July 26, 10 am
Meet at bench at west end of Stone Arch Bridge
Explore the birthplace of Minneapolis using a river-focused treasure map. This first quest (watch for more to come) focuses on the west side milling district. FREE, but reservations are required; call 612-313-7793 or e-mail millruins@minneapolisparks.org. For “more information:”http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=4&parkid=413 (This link also will get you to a self-guided version of the quest that you can do at any time).
KILT NIGHT
Saturday, July 26, 9:30 pm
Keegan’s Irish Pub, 16 University Avenue NE
Enjoy the music of Drunk and Disorderly. For more information and a full event calendar (including regular pub quiz nights, Irish music and Irish lessons), visit www.keeganspub.com.
last revised: July 18, 2008