August 25: Mississippi River Visitor Center Grand Reopening

Mississippi National River and Recreation Area Celebrates Centennial with New Visitor Center

Joining a national effort to connect with the next generation of park visitors, supporters, and advocates, the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area has remodeled its visitor center just in time for the National Park Service centennial. Located in the lobby of the Science Museum of Minnesota, the new visitor center will provide gateway experiences to the Mississippi River and other national parks across the country. The grand reopening will take place on Founders’ Day, the 100^th anniversary of the National Park Service, with an early-morning sneak preview for press and members of Mississippi Park Connection.

“Mississippi National River and Recreation Area is excited about this project,” said Superintendent John Anfinson.  “The new exhibits will provide an interactive and fun way to learn about the Mississippi River in the Minneapolis and Saint Paul area.” The new exhibits will introduce people to a national park experience without leaving the Twin Cities.

Mississippi Park Connection, the park’s nonprofit partner, has co-led the project and raised funds for the new exhibits. Katie Nyberg, executive director of Mississippi Park Connection, noted that “The new exhibits will give people unique experiences like seeing inside a bald eagle’s nest. All the exhibits will be interactive, hands on and fun.”

The project has garnered $630,000 of support from local and national sources, including the National Park Service Centennial Challenge, National Park Foundation, 3M, the Patrick and Aimee Butler Family Foundation, and the Prairie Island Indian Community.

Who:    Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, Mississippi Park Connection

What:   Mississippi River Visitor Center Grand Reopening

Where: Science Museum of Minnesota, 120 W Kellogg Blvd, Saint Paul, MN 55102

When:  August 25, 2016 – 8:00-9:30 am Remarks will begin at 8:30.

Scheduled speakers include Representative Betty McCollum, St. Paul City Council Member Chris Tolbert, Superintendent John Anfinson, and Mississippi Park Connection Executive Director Katie Nyberg

About the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area

The national park’s 72-mile boundary stretches along the Mississippi River from Dayton/Ramsey, through Minneapolis and Saint Paul, to just south of Hastings. It includes a range of cultural, economic and natural resources — from historic sites like Fort Snelling to unique features including the river’s only major waterfall, to public parks and wildlife refuges. In addition to protecting the river’s nationally significant resources and providing access points for recreation, the park offers a range of volunteer and educational activities, including ranger-led canoe, fishing, biking and hiking programs, and school programs. www.nps.gov/miss.

About Mississippi Park Connection

Mississippi Park Connection is the official charitable partner of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. The connection supports programs that educate, encourage recreation, revitalize our community, and restore our natural spaces. Mississippi Park Connection  also provides capacity for the park to enhance and expand programs that serve the general public, including outdoor activities, cell phone tours, web programs, and volunteer experiences. www.parkconnection.org

About the National Park Service

More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for the 412 parks in the National Park System and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Visit us at www.nps.gov, on Facebook www.facebook.com/nationalparkservice, Twitter www.twitter.com/natlparkservice, and YouTube www.youtube.com/nationalparkservice.

Scenes from the August 20 Mill City Farmers Market

Well, Mother Nature did not cooperate for World Honey Bee Day at the August 20 Market. I rolled in at 8a sharp and managed to get the shopping done, but to avoid getting my purchases and camera soaked, I didn't get a chance to visit the community booths: Coloration of PolliNation™, The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Market Science, and Land O’Lakes, Inc.  :(

Worker B introduced a new line of Barrel-Aged Raw Honey:

...and Sonny's had an Organic Goat Cheese with Organic Honey (from Ames Farm) ice cream.

Yes! The super, super sweet corn arrived at the Nistler Farms stand this week.

Dang it! The Mill City Cooks demo was rained out.  I was really looking forward to seeing guest Chef Robin Absell.

Darrold and Marty of Sunrise Flour Mill were recently featured in a StarTrib article by Beth Dooley.

Stop by the Wedge Community Co-op Pop-Up Market each week to check out a new recipe.  After hearing a lot of buzz about farro for the past year, I'm finally going to try it. It was the featured grain this week at the Wedge Pop-Up.

Milly the Goat!

Looking head - next week is Gluten-Free Day at the Market.  Buy gluten-free baked goods from Sift Gluten Free Bakery, gluten-free cereals from Bliss Gourmet Foods, gluten-free pasta from Sunrise Creative Gourmet and Dumpling & Strand, enjoy a gluten free buckwheat crepe from Spoonriver restaurant's booth at the market, and learn how to prepare a delicious gluten-free salad from the Wedge Co-op's catering department at the Mill City Cooks cooking demo!

Rebirth: The Mississippi's National Park to be re-aired on TPT

Produced for Friends of the Mississippi (FMR) by award-winning local filmmakers John Kaul and Tom Reiter with Twin Cities Public Television, and narrated by Minnesota Public Radio's Steve Seel, Rebirth: The Mississippi's National Park tells the little known story of the creation of the Mississippi River's first and only national park right here in the Twin Cities.

This designation, initiated locally by self-proclaimed "river rat" Tom Kelley and championed at the federal level by Sen. David Durenberger and Rep. Bruce Vento, sparked the local river renaissance we enjoy today — a river that is thriving with fish and bald eagles, a river increasingly connected to our communities via parks and trails, a river seen as an asset instead of a convenient dumping ground.

"Rebirth" will air on TPT-MN August 28, 6:30pm and September 4, 12:30am, 6:30am and 12:30pm (channel guide). You can watch the entire film below:

With challenges like agricultural pollution, development pressure and habitat degradation, this story reminds us of the powerful, long-term impact citizen-based stewardship and advocacy can have on the natural wonders we love.

Here's What's on Tap From the Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul

NOW SHOWING & COMING SOON to the Film Society’s St. Anthony Main Theatre, 115 SE Main:

Starting Friday, August 26, the Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul opens the 2016 Sundance romantic comedy SOUTHSIDE WITH YOU. Inspired by Barack and Michelle Obama's first date, Richard Tanne's romantic drama recounts the eventful summer day in 1989 when a charming young law associate tries to woo a reluctant attorney during a day-long date spanning numerous Chicago landmarks.

Now thru August 25 - THE SEVENTH FIRE

Now thru August 25 - HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE 

August 18 at 7pm - YARN 

August 19-21 - CZECH THAT FILM - A touring program of eight new and classic Czech films.

August 26-September 8 - SOUTHSIDE WITH YOU

September 8 at 9pm - ONE MORE TIME WITH FEELING -One night special screening of Nick Cave documentary.

September 9-15 - MORRIS FROM AMERICA

September 15-22 - THE BEATLES: EIGHT DAYS A WEEK - THE TOURING YEARS 

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT: mspfilm.org or at the box office before each show.

2025 Plan Quarterly Forum To Highlight Downtown Community, August 16 at First Avenue

Via an August 15 Press Release from the Minneapolis Downtown Council:

MINNEAPOLIS (August 15, 2016) — Two of the Intersections: The Downtown 2025 Plan’s 10 initiatives are to end street homelessness in the City of Minneapolis by the year 2025 while also building a festival of ideas that celebrates and taps into the innovative nature of our city.

Both will be on display during the Minneapolis Downtown Council’s 2025 Plan Quarterly Forum on Tuesday, August 16 from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm at First Avenue in Downtown Minneapolis. The event will feature networking, tours of First Avenue pre- and post-event, and a presentation that includes a closer look at the work The 2025 Plan’s Ending Street Homelessness and Festival of Ideas-Minneapolis Idea eXchange (MiX) committees are currently working on.

Tuesday’s Quarterly Forum lineup includes:

• Joseph Desenclos, Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District Livability Team Supervisor, Ending Street Homelessness Committee Co-Chair
• Jennifer Gilhoi, The Line Magazine Director of Engagement & Development, Festival of Ideas-MiX Committee Co-Chair
• Steve Cramer, Minneapolis Downtown Council & Downtown Improvement District President & CEO to provide overview of other four 2025 Plan Committees’ progress
• Out in the Cold movie trailer focused on sharing an inside look on homelessness in Minneapolis
• Brave New Workshop improvisation – What is MiX?

“Ending Street Homelessness in a major city like Minneapolis is a challenging goal, but it’s incredibly important and something our 2025 Plan committee is working diligently to address,” said Steve Cramer, President & CEO of the Minneapolis Downtown Council and Downtown Improvement District. “Another piece of a vibrant downtown is providing a forum for civic engagement, which is why the Minneapolis Idea eXchange’s vision for bringing people together will help with our mission for creating a consistently compelling downtown experience.”

The Ending Street Homelessness Committee is currently working on facilitating meaningful daytime activities for those in need in the downtown area, finding innovative ways to help with transportation needs, and creating an education campaign for the public that will help highlight ways to engage in helping our community end street homelessness.

Minneapolis Idea eXchange launched in 2014 and holds an annual event each year that blends culture, stirs thought and kindles solutions through bringing people together and fostering ideas that can power our community. MiX will host its next event on Wednesday, October 12 at Brave New Workshop, and Gilhoi will outline what MiX is and how it can impact our community.

Cramer will provide updates on The 2025 Plan’s remaining four committees, which include Development, Downtown Experience, Greening & Public Realm and Transportation.

MDC is also currently taking nominations for The 2025 Plan Leadership Awards, which are presented annual to individuals, organizations or initiative that help to move forward The 2025 Plan’s goals in six focused areas. To make a nomination, visit www.downtownmpls.com/2025awards.

For more information on the 2025 Plan’s initiatives or overall development downtown, follow @MplsDowntown on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #DowntownMpls.

About the Minneapolis Downtown Council:

Founded in 1955, and one of the most historic central business associations in the nation, the Minneapolis Downtown Council (MDC) is a membership-based entity that works to create an extraordinary downtown. The MDC’s collaborative developments of Intersections: Downtown 2025 Plan was designed to help downtown businesses, community leaders and citizens build on downtown assets and implement future goals. For more information, please visit www.downtownmpls.com.

About the 2025 Plan: 

Intersections: The Downtown 2025 Plan is a vehicle to help leaders and citizens build on Downtown’s assets and guide its development in ways that reflect the community’s aspirations for a Downtown Minneapolis that is thriving, livable, green, connected and welcoming in the decades ahead. This includes initiatives to double downtown’s residential population, transform Nicollet Mall into a must-see destination, implement a Gateway connection and other green elements throughout downtown, create a compelling and walkable environment around the clock, lead the nation in transportation options, end street homelessness, forge connections with the University of Minnesota and more. The 2025 Plan is a Minneapolis Downtown Council initiative established in 2010.

Scenes from the August 13 Mill City Farmers Market

I had to do a double take - Zestar apples at the August 13 Market? Per Ames Farm owner Brian Fredericksen, these beauties are running about 10 days ahead of the usual harvest time.

August 13 was Gut Health Day at the Market, and Adrienne from Kiss My Cabbage had an array of fermented veggies for shoppers to choose from.

And the Ginormous Cabbage Award goes to . . . Prairie Hollow Farm!

My personal faves - Chinese Long Beans from the Bean Market. A must try - roast, stir fry or grill to fully bring out their wonderfulness.

A heaping basket of banana bread from Heritage Breads disappeared in the blink of an eye.

Jonathon from Market Chef Pantry joked that he had to go a long way to get the maple syrup for his Maple Brown Mustard (his booth is next to Horner's Corner, so Steve can just hand over a bottle).  Many of the MCFM vendors use each others products - love it.

These little kids were gleefully cuttin' a rug to Jack Klatt!

Nistler's team works as a well-oiled machine to quickly move sacks of sweet corn from the truck to their stand. 

This pie plate from Fringe & Fettle reminded me of my mothers old stoneware pie plates (without the hairline cracks and fruit stains acquired by decades of weekly pie making, of course).

This young fellow was enjoying his carrots.

Thank you to the Wedge Community Co-op Pop-Up Market for expanding the grain selection at the MCFM. I'm making a couscous salad for this week's office lunches using the semolina couscous they demo'd at the August 13 Market.

Wow - those are some spectacular tomatoes from Loon Organics.

Milly the goat!

 

Northbest: Ads of Minnesota Launches This September

Via an August 12 Press Release from the Minneapolis Downtown Council:

MINNEAPOLIS (August 12, 2016) — The Minneapolis Downtown Council, in partnership with AdFed MN and Intersections: The Downtown 2025 Plan’s Downtown Experience Committee, announced today a new event that highlights and celebrates the achievements of the Minneapolis creative community.

Northbest: Ads of Minnesota will take place Thursday, September 22 at The Commons beginning at 8 pm. The event will focus on Minneapolis’ innovative strength through its nationally- and internationally-recognized work, offering local creative agencies the opportunity to see their work celebrated with the public in an entertaining screening outdoors in downtown Minneapolis.

The event is free and open to the public and will include food trucks, beverages and networking along with the creative screening.

In addition to the announcement of Northbest, the Minneapolis Downtown Council today opened up a Request For Submissions for local creative agencies to submit their best work. The Request for Submissions can be found here.

“We’re excited about this opportunity to showcase Minneapolis’ brightest creative talents and productions,” said Leah Wong, Vice President of Events and Marketing, Minneapolis Downtown Council. “Highlighting our area’s advertising ingenuity at The Commons offers a way for us to come together as a community to celebrate and enjoy our collective talent and take part in a fun, compelling evening in our new downtown park.”

Agencies are encouraged to submit all advertisements created locally within the past 10 years. While there is no strict limit on the running time of each advertisement, they should fall within the generally accepted range of 30 seconds to three minutes. Shorter or longer may work on a case-by-case basis.

Submissions must include:

Submissions must include:
· Name of commissioning company and product
· Name of agency
· Name of agency executive/manager lead on project.
· Name of project creative director
· Name of advertisement director
· Run time (min:sec)
· Year of production
· Any interesting details relating to filming in Minneapolis

“We have incredibly creative organizations and individuals in our city,” said Meredith Speier, Vice President, AdFed MN Board of Directors. “This event will provide an opportunity for them not only to get recognition for their talents, but they’ll be able to showcase them front and center for their peers and the general public under the downtown skyline.”

This year the new Northbest: Ads of Minnesota event will coincide with the AdFed MN Silver Medal Awards and season kickoff. To learn more about the Silver Medal Awards, visit www.adfed.org.

For more information on the Minneapolis Downtown Council, its initiatives or the upcoming event, visit www.downtownmpls.com or follow @MplsDowntown on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #DowntownMpls.

About the Minneapolis Downtown Council:

Founded in 1955, and one of the most historic central business associations in the nation, the Minneapolis Downtown Council (MDC) is a membership-based entity that works to create an extraordinary downtown. The MDC’s collaborative developments of Intersections: The Downtown 2025 Plan was designed to help downtown businesses, community leaders and citizens build on downtown assets and implement future goals. For more information, please visit DowntownMpls.com.

About AdFed:

Advertising Federation of Minnesota [AdFed] is a non-profit, professional trade organization that serves the Minnesota advertising community including agencies, advertisers, suppliers and students. AdFed is part of The American Advertising Federation [AAF], the nation’s oldest national advertising trade association. AdFed of Minnesota members volunteer their time and talents to plan and execute community events that are overseen by a board of directors. AdFed offers networking opportunities, seminars, speaker presentations and other fun and industry-focused events. AdFed celebrates the Twin Cities’ market strength and the global impact that our community makes through leading brands, creative advertising campaigns and sound business practices. For more information about AdFed, visit http://www.adfed.org.

About Northbest: Ads of Minnesota:

Northbest: Ads of Minnesota is an event produced by the Minneapolis Downtown Council in partnership with AdFest MN and the Intersections: The Downtown 2025 Plan’s Downtown Experience Committee. The name Northbest: Ads of Minnesota was developed by local agency Periscope. Northbest offers a chance for the local community to celebrate the vision of our creative community, which accounts for roughly 65,000 jobs within our local workforce. The event itself aligns with The 2025 Plan’s vision for creating a consistently compelling downtown experience. For more information on The 2025 Plan, visit www.2025plan.com or follow along on social media using the hashtag #2025Plan.

Washington Avenue Reconstruction Project Update

Via an August 11 Hennepin County e-newsletter:

Washington Avenue reconstruction project between Hennepin Avenue and Fifth Avenue South

Detour shifts to Portland Avenue starting early morning August 15

The starting point for the westbound detour of Washington Avenue will shift east to Portland Avenue starting early morning on Monday, August 15. This is being done to allow for crews to begin the county's reconstruction activities in this area.
 
The detour for motorists and bicyclists will follow Portland Avenue, Third Street South, Hennepin Avenue and then return to Washington Avenue. There is no detour for pedestrians or eastbound Washington Avenue, however eastbound will be reduced to two lanes through the work area.

This detour will be in place until the end of this year's construction activity, which is anticipated to be mid-November.

Map of work area and detour beginning Monday, August 15

Hennepin County, in coordination with the City of Minneapolis, is reconstructing Washington Avenue South (County Road 152) between Hennepin Avenue and Fifth Avenue South.

When complete, this section of Washington Avenue will have:
• One-way cycle tracks (protected bike lanes)
• More space and shortened crossing distances for pedestrians
• Enhanced streetscaping, including trees, plantings and benches
• Improved driving surfaces
• Dedicated turn lanes at key intersections

Project website
If you want additional background information or want to check on the project status throughout the course of the project, you can visit the project website: www.hennepin.us/washingtonavenue.

Project email
If you have a question during construction, send an email to the project at washingtonavenue@hennepin.us. The project email will be checked frequently during regular construction work hours.

The Minneapolis Foundation Launches the OneMpls Community Hub

Via an August 9 e-newsletter from Minneapolis Foundation:

The OneMpls Community Hub features new perspectives, exciting trends, and tips and information about local needs, challenges, and innovation within The Minneapolis Foundation’s six focus areas:

• Arts & Culture
• Civic Engagement
• Community Health
• Economic Vitality
• Education
• Environment & Conservation

On the hub, you can watch video interviews with local and national thought leaders, take quizzes to test your knowledge of community issues, and read stories about up-and-coming changemakers in Minneapolis.

You’ll find insights from:

• Nekima Levy-Pounds, President of the Minneapolis NAACP and Vice Chair ofThe Minneapolis Foundation’s Board of Trustees, on her vision for OneMinneapolis
• Generational expert Phil Gwoke of BridgeWorks on helping families plan their charitable giving together
• Sahra Noor, CEO of People’s Center Health Services, on delivering affordable health care to a diverse population

Visit the hub to learn, engage, share knowledge, and join with other community members to help build OneMpls – a place where social, racial, and economic equity thrives! 

Mark Your Calendar for the Aug 27 Guthrie Open House!

Time: 11:00am - 3:00pm

Location:  Guthrie Theater, 818 Second Street South

ALL ARE WELCOME AT THIS FREE, FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENT! 

Come on over for a day jam-packed with exploration, discovery and play. No reservations required. Here's what's on tap:

• Take a peek backstage and into our workshops on a self-guided tour.
• Curl up in our storytelling corner to hear a tale told by a Guthrie artist.
• Let your imagination run wild at our mask-making station.
• Tap into your talent in a mini-class for teens and adults.
• Be wowed by theatrical magic on our signature thrust stage.
• Snap a selfie using real Guthrie costume pieces and props.

With the Mill City Farmers Market open until 1 p.m., consider making a day of it and grabbing a bite to eat while you visit. For more information, call the Box Office at 612-377-2224.

City of Minneapolis and Minneapolis Park and Rec Board Seeking Developer for Upper Harbor Terminal Phase 1 Redevelopment

Via an August 8 Press Release from the City of Minneapolis, CPED: 

Monday, August 08, 2016 (Minneapolis, MN) - The City of Minneapolis (City) and Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board (MPRB) are seeking a qualified and creative real estate developer to be a part of the rebirth of the Upper Harbor Terminal (UHT) site.  UHT is a 48-acre, former multi-modal shipping terminal property located on the west bank of the river between 33^rd Avenue N. and about 40^th Avenue North in Minneapolis, MN just a few miles from the city’s thriving downtown. 

“The end of barging at the Upper Harbor Terminal in 2013 created new momentum for the redevelopment of this hidden jewel in our city,” said Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges. “The City of Minneapolis is eager to work alongside the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board in selecting a developer that, with imagination and creativity, will work with us to transform this site into the world-class amenity that North Minneapolis needs and deserves.”

"The Upper Harbor has the potential to transform North Minneapolis and its relationship to the river,” said Council President Barbara Johnson. “I have confidence that we will see proposals that will offer entertainment, recreation, housing and economic development opportunities for this unique site."

UHT is the largest City-owned redevelopment site in Minneapolis. The property includes almost a mile of riverfront along the mighty Mississippi River, offers excellent freeway access, and does not appear to present significant environmental challenges.

“For decades the City of Minneapolis and MPRB have sought to redefine the relationship between Minneapolis and the Mississippi River,” said MPRB Superintendent Jayne Miller. “The Upper Harbor Terminal site represents an incredible opportunity to create a new, vibrant space on this key piece of riverfront land, and we’re excited to see the process move forward to create a great destination in North Minneapolis.”

Redevelopment of the site is a high priority for the City and MPRB because of its potential to address some of the long-standing disparities evidenced in the quadrant of the City where it is located. The project will include creating significant park and destination amenities to put the Northside of Minneapolis on par with other areas of the city. Work along the upper river follows upon the highly successful redevelopment of the central riverfront near downtown Minneapolis, which has seen more than $2 billion in private investment in the last few decades.

The City and MPRB goal is to select a development team with whom the City and MPRB can create a coordinated plan for private and park development. The selected team will be offered the opportunity to enter into an exclusive rights agreement to collaboratively design a plan for, at minimum, the northern half of the site, with the eventual goal of the developer implementing the private development portions of that coordinated plan.

Interested developers must submit a summary of their qualifications and an initial development program. The request for qualifications and accompanying information about the site and redevelopment goals may be found at the City’s and MPRB’s newly-launched shared web site at www.upperharbormpls.com. The RFQ may be downloaded here. 

The deadline for submission is Wednesday, October 14, at 4:00 pm (CDT).  A mandatory pre-submission meeting and tour is scheduled for Wednesday, August 31, at 9:30 am.

Scenes from the August 6 Mill City Farmers Market

The Mill City Farmers Market celebrated National Farmers Market Week (August 7-13) at the August 6 Market.  Chipotle Mexican Grill sponsored the distribution of free five dollar shopping vouchers to the first 1,000 visitors. The vouchers were eligible for all take-home grocery items, as part of the Mil City Farmers Market and Chipotle’s mission to provide “farm fresh food for all.” 

August 6 community booths included Wellness Minneapolis and Ingredient Magazine/Butternut Magazine. Look for separate articles on these organizations later this week on our Farmers Market blog.

It is perfectly acceptable to eat raw sweet corn - especially when it's freshly picked and sold by Nistler's. :)

You say you have a hankerin' for melon? Welcome to the Mother Lode!

A visit from Council Member Jacob Frey.

This dangling head of cauliflower reminded me of an old 50's sci-fi movie where you can see the wire connected to the toy UFO: 

Probably even more so than the kids, I love listening to stories read by the animated Guthrie Theater actor, H. Adams. :) 

This adorable little girl with a bouquet of dill stopped by the Info booth with her mother.

Milly the goat!

2016 National Night Out (NNO) - The Mill District is a Great Place to Call Home

Thanks to a group of dedicated volunteers led by Cynthia Kriha, Mill District residents enjoyed another successful National Night Out (NNO) party on August 2nd. Per Cynthia, the estimated attendance for 2016 was 500.

New this year: food trucks! Chef Shack and Peeps Hot Box offered menus with a little something for everyone. I think it was brilliant on the part of the planning committee to discontinue putting on a huge spread of food while attempting to cater to possible allergies and special needs. In addition to the tremendous amount of time it took to order, coordinate, transport, set up, etc., in the end there was quite a bit of waste. 

A cool treat on a steamy night - Izzy Pops, compliments of Betsy Lucas.

$630 was raised for the Dollar$ for Diaper$ drive, which goes to help People Serving People keep stocked with diapers for their littlest guests.  Thank you to bartenders Ramji Kamakoti and Doug Cousins for encouraging people to donate!

The thoroughly enjoyable Rich Lewis Band returned for a second year, this time with a female vocalist.

Also returning for the second time was the SPARKit mobile play area, sponsored by Cynthia Froid Group. That trailer is loaded with all kinds of games and activities to keep kids occupied and interacting with each other.

Thank you to Council Member Jacob Frey and members of law enforcement for being part of the event.

All partied out.  :D

Get Your 2016 Greening Awards Nomination Submitted by August 8

Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District is accepting nominations  for the 2016 Greening & Public Realm Awards for green spaces the public feels are the best in the downtown area.

You have until Monday, August 8, to email them at info@minneapolisdid.com, leave a comment on their Facebook page, Tweet or comment on Instagram with your nominations.  They'll announce finalists and begin their annual public vote in mid-August. Click Here for more info on the 2016 Greening Awards Nominations.

Each 2015 winner received a yard sign showcasing they won the public vote in their respective category, and each will receive a commemorative award from Wood from the Hood. CLICK HERE to learn more about the 2015 winners, which includes seven first-time recipients chosen by a record-number of online voters. The DID thanks you for your participation and helping them celebrate downtown greening.

Haunted Basement X Tickets go on Sale Today!

Haunted Basement X Tickets go on Sale Friday, August 5

Ten years ago, a volunteer explored the depths of The Soap Factory’s basement and emerged with a fiendishly simple idea: hand people a poorly functioning flashlight, send them downstairs into the darkness and commit every terrified visitor to one important rule: DON’T LET GO OF THE ROPE.

A decade later, this simple idea has transformed into an ever-evolving annual tradition. The Haunted Basement has grown into one of the most notorious Halloween attractions in the Midwest. In addition, it has become a breeding ground for demented new talent ranging from visual artists and set designers to actors, dancers and all-around Creeps.

As the project has grown, one core directive has remained exactly the same since day one: to scare the living daylights out of every miserable soul who descends the entrance steps. This year, in the tenth iteration of the Haunted Basement, the themes of the basement will focus on a twisted view of real-life horrors with the designers’ mangled interpretation of a day in the life of a typical tortured soul.

This year they will also be offering other unique ways to experience the Haunted Basement: “Blind Invocation” is a special solo experience with encounters with multiple exclusive environments specially crafted to guarantee in-depth, one-on-one encounters;”Fraidy Cat Tours” is a special lights on, no actors tour of the full Haunted Basement sets; and “Un-Happy Hour” is the ‘No Touch’ Haunted Basement experience (for those who want to participate in the fun, but like their personal space).

More information. 

New Paddle Share Stations Bring Kayak Rental to the Minneapolis Riverfront!

A rendering of the new paddle share station coming soon to North Mississippi Regional Park

Via an August 4 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park and Rec Board:

Pilot program will allow park users to rent kayaks and explore Mississippi

New agreements between the National Park Service’s (NPS) non-profit charitable partner Mississippi Park Connection (MPC), the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) and the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO) created a pilot program that will bring “paddle share” stations to Minneapolis’ Upper Riverfront this summer.

The NPS and its partner, Mississippi Park Connection, hope to launch the pilot program in late August, pending all necessary permits and approvals.  Read more

About Paddle Share Stations

Paddle share stations are similar to a bike share stations like Nice Ride Minnesota, but there are some differences. Once the program launches, users go online to www.paddleshare.org (not available yet, targeted for late August) to reserve kayaks for a specific date and time, review safety precautions and a safety video, sign a waiver and pay for the reservation.

Once the reservation is paid, users will receive a code that unlocks a station on the selected date and time at either North Mississippi Regional Park (near Kroening Interpretive Center) or the MWMO Stormwater Park and Learning Center, enabling them to get all necessary equipment (kayak, paddle, life jacket). Check with the NPS for times staff and volunteers will be available onsite to help explain the paddle share program and share information about the river and the national park.

Users can paddle upriver or downriver, but the rental equipment must be returned to the return station at Boom Island Park (on the southern edge of the park next to the existing canoe racks) before the allotted time is up. All stations are aligned with Nice Ride Minnesota bike share stations so users are able to paddle downriver and then bike back to where they started. Check Nice Ride bike availability and transit schedules at www.rivertripplanner.org. 

Announcing the Temporary Closure of Restaurant Alma and the Opening of Café, Hotel and Restaurant Alma

Via an August 2 e-newsletter from Restaurant Alma:

ALMA “2.0”: Restaurant, Café and Hotel

In 2013, fourteen years after the opening Restaurant Alma, the wonderful opportunity came along to purchase our building, and together as a team we began the journey of expanding the Alma experience to include an all-day cafe and boutique hotel. We also planned some much needed renovations to the original restaurant space. The process has taken longer than we expected, presenting many challenges and great learning experiences along the way. Most importantly, our work with the Minneapolis City Council, Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood Association, and many supportive neighbors, ultimately resulted in changes to the city lodging ordinance: allowing the operation of small hotels in Minneapolis (for the first time in nearly 100 years), and breathing life into our new concept.

The Temporary Closing of Restaurant Alma

Alma “1.0“ will serve the last dishes from our Summer Menu on Friday, August 12th. Unavoidably, we must close for three months to connect the restaurant and cafe kitchens and to make significant mechanical and equipment upgrades. At the same time, the dining room will be undergoing renovations to improve the comfort of the guest experience, while also preserving the feel and layout of the original space. To reserve a table before August 12th please reserve via our website or call the restaurant after 2pm at 612-379-4909.
 
Perhaps the most important goal for us in the next seventeen years is to keep Alma very much the same. Since our first day of business we have believed in the saying, “a kitchen is only as good as the last meal it served,” knowing it applies equally to customer service. We believe our continued success is dependent on maintaining this humble—yet imperative—standard. One thing is for sure: the magic of excellent food and exceptional hospitality is never something we can turn into a simple recipe or set of instructions. We will continue our pursuit of excellence until the last plate is served at Alma 1.0, during our closure and preparations, and into the future with the arrival of Alma “2.0” this fall.

Our projected reopening date is the week of November 7th, 2016, landing almost seventeen years from our opening day in 1999. To share our progress and more about our expansion, we would like to invite you to read a weekly blog on our website, where we will chronicle construction progress, special events, design, menu development, hiring, and profiles of our dedicated team while we prepare for our first day as a restaurant, cafe and hotel.

Booking Hotel Alma

We are launching our online hotel-booking site to the public on Saturday, October 1st. To honor you, our longtime guests, we will be offering room reservations for mid-November stays, by invitation only. Expect another email from us in late September with a promotional code to book. 

Tonight - August 2: 2016 National Night Out in the Mill District!

Location: On the Chicago Avenue Mall (between Humboldt Lofts & the Guthrie)

National Night Out is an annual nationwide event that encourages residents to get out in the community, holding block parties and getting to know their neighbors as a way to encourage crime prevention. It's a great way to promote community-police partnerships and enjoy a Minnesota summer evening surrounded by friends and family. For more information, see the Minneapolis NNO mission statement.

Gather with your Mill District neighbors 6:00pm-9:00pm and enjoy:

• Beverages (Day Block and Fulton beers, wine, water and lemonade) and snacks
• Family Fun Zone with the SPARKit trailer sponsored by the Cynthia Froid Group
• Music - Rich Lewis Band
• Izzy Pops compliments of Betsy Lucas
• Food trucks (food for purchase) Chef Shack and Peeps Hot Box
• Community Giving Challenge: Dollars for Diapers for People Serving People. Please bring a few dollars for the diaper fund.
• The City is dropping off two temporary bike racks for block party attendees to use tonight. Feedback is appreciated as we continue to work with the City on temporary bike racks for various events.

Thank you to the hardworking group of volunteers led by Cynthia Kriha for consistently making the annual Mill District National Night Out (NNO) party a success! If you'd like to volunteer to help with clean up or the snack table, please contact Cynthia at 612-940-3827.

Last year's attendance was estimated at 525. Here are some scenes from that party:

Washington Avenue Reconstruction Project Open House, Aug 4 at Open Book

Via an e-newsletter from Hennepin County:

Project Construction Open House

You are invited to an open house for the Washington Avenue (County Road 152) reconstruction project.

Time and date: 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 4

Location: Open Book's Target Performance Hall at 1011 Washington Avenue S

There is no formal presentation. You can come at any time.

Project leaders will be at this informal event to provide you with an overview of the project, including information about the different stages of the project, details about the various improvements and overviews of the detours and traffic changes during construction.

About this project

Hennepin County, in coordination with the City of Minneapolis, is reconstructing Washington Avenue South (County Road 152) between Hennepin Avenue and Fifth Avenue South.

When complete, the project will:

•Add dedicated turn lanes at key intersections
•Provide more space for pedestrians and shorten crossing distances at intersections
•Provide one-way cycle tracks, or protected bike lanes

To learn more about the project, visit www.hennepin.us/washingtonavenue.

Project contact:
Stan Lim, project engineer
612-596-0292

Scenes from the July 30 Mill City Farmers Market

July 30 was Youth at the Market Day.  Farm2School and the Minneapolis Public Schools' Food Truck were on hand with information on bringing food direct from the farm to schools, samples and games. Look for a separate post on these organizations later this week on our Farmers Market blog. 

Shoppers were treated to a preview of Donald Giovanni in Cornlandia: A Picnic Operetta, which is touring in August and September.

Lobster mushrooms from Prairie Hollow Farm:

Milly the goat!