Aquatennial, sesquicentennial events this weekend
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).
last revised: July 25, 2008