Covering life, work, and play in the Historic Mill District and Downtown Minneapolis Riverfront neighborhoods. Have an opinion, local news or events to share? Contact us.
MJ from Sorella Wine & Spirits recently took 3rd Place out of 900+ entries (!) in a national online beard contest. Check it out:
Know anyone in the neighborhood doing something unique? We're happy to share it on Mill City Times - just drop me a line at kim@millcitymedia.org. :)
The Minneapolis Duathlon is a 3-mile run, 15-mile bike and 3-mile run from downtown Minneapolis along the Mississippi River and back. The first wave will start at 7:05am.
The following roads will be temporarily closed during this August 25 event:
West River Parkway from Plymouth Avenue North to Godfrey Parkway, Historic Main Street Parkway, 3rd Avenue South, and 2nd Street South. 6:50am to 11:00am. Please note that the duration of the closures is subject to change based on the event's start and finish times.
The run course begins on 3rd Avenue South, goes across the river and back down Main Street, returns on the Stone Arch Bridge and goes north on West River Parkway on a brief "out and back" to finish up the run. This is the same run course for the 2nd leg of the run.
The bike course goes out on 2nd Street, eventually to West River Parkway where bikers will travel south to the turnaround. Then the course takes bikers back up to 2nd Street to the bike dismount area near the transition.
;)
Sponsored by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB), People for Parks (PFP) and National Camera Exchange, the Picture a Park Photo Contest is designed to highlight photos taken year-round in Minneapolis parks.
Contest Categories
• Beauty in the Parks – Capture the everyday beauty within the parks, including wildlife, historic sites and breathtaking views.
• Events in the Parks – Photograph a whimsical event or community celebration in Minneapolis Parks.
• Fun in the Parks – Document a fun park activity, such as a concert, movie, bike ride or picnic.
• Photos by Youth – Budding photographers age 17 and younger can submit photos of their favorite Minneapolis Parks in any of the three subject areas – beauty, fun, events.
Entries can depict people, activities, events, nature and places in the Minneapolis Park System from any time of the year.
The contest is open to amateurs of all ages, Minneapolis residents and non-residents, with categories for both youth and adults. Photos must be unpublished, color, and taken within the Minneapolis Park System. Photographs from all seasons are encouraged and accepted. Photographers can submit up to three entries. There is no entry fee.
Prizes will be awarded for contest-winning photos, including gift certificates, Annual Patron Parking Permits, and water park and winter recreation passes. A public vote will take place online in September to choose among a selection of entries as the People’s Choice Award winner. Photo contest winners also have the opportunity to have their photo appear on the 2014 Annual Parking Permit, distributed to nearly 7,000 park patrons.
All photos and entry forms must be submitted online by Sept. 2, 2013 at 11:59 p.m. through the National Camera Exchange website.
Complete contest rules and guidelines as well as previous contest winning photos are available for viewing online.
While we're happy to see a Whole Foods opening soon in the 222 Hennepin building, we're concerned how that will affect the small independent downtown grocers like Mill City Market Grocery & Deli and to a higher extent, Local D'Lish.
I've visited Local D'Lish on a number of occasions, and it's a lovely little shop filled with locally sourced products. You may remember their mini-market at the Mill City Farmers Market in previous years, which they discontinued when they expanded the business. If you're not familiar with that store, here's a reason to get to know them - they offer cooking classes. Through August 31, they're offering a super promotion that's pretty hard to resist - $35 classes!
There's no limit on how many $35 coupons you can purchase, and better yet, there's no expiration date. You can order them over the phone (612-886-3047) or at the store (208 N. 1st Street) - just mention the "Preferred Customer Coupon". You'll receive a promotional code to use for online registration. They are also donating 10% of every coupon purchased to Youth Farm. Great idea to use as a gift, too.
Local D'Lish also offers private cooking classes for groups of 10-15. contact Ann at localdlish@gmail.com or 612-886-3047 for a special group rate.
I hope you'll get to know Ann and her staff before the shiny new box opens just a few blocks away. (Again, I'm a huge fan of Whole Foods - I go there for special items that aren't available elsewhere - but I'm also a huge fan of our small neighborhood businesses.)
Kids, dogs, horses and McGruff the Crime Dog. Does it get any better? Did I mention the SWAT Team?
The Runnin' With The Law 5K 2013 took place August 15 at Father Hennepin Bluffs Park.
In addition to the Kids Fun Run and 5K race, attendees got to meet members of the K-9 Unit, SWAT Officers, the Mounted Patrol, and McGruff the Crime Dog. Proceeds from this event benefit the Minneapolis Police Department’s Fitness Team. The Fitness Team is dedicated to establishing an active, healthy culture within the Minneapolis Police Department and local community.
Click here for more photos.
TRIA Orthopaedic Center was on hand with information on the comprehensive care they provide at their Bloomington location - including diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and surgery.
Scenes from the August 17 Market. Click here to view the full set of photos on Flickr. :)
Yay - sweet corn ice cream! :)
A growing boy shouldn't have to decide between Solomon's Bakery and Salty Tart - it's okay to have a treat from both!
The Minneapolis Park and Rec Board has released their September - December 2013 schedule. Check out their online brochure for fun activity ideas that will inspire you to explore the parks and discover all the great programs offered at their Recreation Centers.
You'll soon see why, in summer 2013, the Park Board received the first-ever “five park bench” rating on The Trust for Public Land’s ParkScore® index, finishing first among the 50 most populous U.S. cities. Those ratings are based on acreage, access, service and investment provided to Minneapolis residents.
John at Zen Box is a master with textures and flavors, and is always coming up with something yummy and creative. The latest new dish we tried was Tempura Brussel Sprouts. Absolutely loved them! :)
West River Parkway and Historic Main Street Parkway will be temporarily closed from 5:00pm – 10:00pm on August 15 for Runnin’ With the Law 5K.
Please note that the duration of the closures is subject to change based on the event's start and finish times. A complete list of current and upcoming parkway closures is available online.
Hennepin County Public Affairs proudly presents Summer on the Plaza thru August. Enjoy musicians, actors, dancers, educators and more from Noon to 1:00pm on select weekdays on the North Plaza of the Hennepin County Government Center.
Wednesday, August 14
Sheridan Zuther is an opera trained singer who sings in a wide range of genres from country to musical theatre and from cabaret to jazz. This performance will be a tribute to the songs of Bette Midler.
Thursday, August 15
Master Gardeners are University of Minnesota-trained volunteers who educate the public about a variety of horticulture topics. This session: What to plant in the Fall, ideas for pumpkins and squash, and Fall cleanup.
Friday, August 16
The Rising Sun is a group of 13 Japanese children who dance traditional Japanese folk dance and sing traditional Japanese songs.
Thursday, August 22
The Satin Dolls & Company are a senior tap dancing performance group. They entertain throughout the Twin Cities and are also the Senior Dance Team for the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx professional basketball teams.
Friday, August 23
Righteous Might is a four-piece original rock band with melodic tunes and introspective thought provoking lyrics.
Wednesday, August 28
Pride of the Prairie is a father daughter bluegrass/old time music duo with plenty of energy! Their main instruments are guitar, mandolin and harmonica, but they also work in some banjo and Appalachian clogging.
Thursday, August 29
Lehamore-Hudson is a two-man guitar band playing instrumental music in the Americana style - Blues, Rock, Country, Latin and other various styles in their own original music form.
Friday, August 30
Kevin Vincal is a solo dance performer adding life, through movement, to positive music lyrics.
Via an August 8 MacPhail Center for Music e-newsletter:
With sites already in Minneapolis, White Bear Lake and Apple Valley, MacPhail is now expanding to Chanhassen. The new site is located across the street from the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres and will open in January 2014. However, MacPhail will begin offering lessons in the Chanhassen High School this fall until the new site is ready.
"We are proud to welcome MacPhail Center for Music to downtown Chanhassen," says Tom Furlong, city of Chanhassen mayor. "As a premier organization, MacPhail Center for Music will complement other successful organizations in our area that are promoting the theater, music and arts."
Offerings at Chanhassen will include individual lessons for ages 5-adult in flute, clarinet, oboe, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, percussion, voice, piano, guitar, violin, viola and cello; Suzuki talent education beginning as early as 3 to 6 years in violin and cello; group lessons for all ages; music therapy for all ages; Early Childhood Music for ages 6 weeks to 8 years. (Early Childhood Music classes will be held at the Family Learning Center in Chaska until the new site opens in January.)
Mother nature could not have been any more gracious for the August 10 Market. Watermelon and cantaloupe arrived (Yay!), but take note - next Saturday may be the last chance for blueberries.
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The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul presents the 4th Annual Twin Cities Polish FilmFest Friday, August 9 - Thursday, August 15 at the St. Anthony Main Theatre.
Presented as part of the Twin Cities Polish Festival (August 10-11), the FilmFest will feature screenings of 8 classic and contemporary works of Polish cinema including a free outdoor screening at Aster Cafe, as well as two free "Chopin Celebration" concerts highlighting the works of the famous Polish composer.
Via an August 5 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board:
Planning for a new project is beginning Tuesday September 3: West River/ James I Rice Parkway Trail Improvements. Existing trails along the west bank of the Mississippi from Franklin Avenue to Plymouth Avenue will be reconstructed in 2014. An appointed Community Advisory Committee (CAC) will inform the planning occurring in September and October 2013. Applications for the CAC will be accepted from the public until Friday, August 16 and will be forwarded to the 21 appointers. Applications are available at the following link (West River / James I Rice Parkways Trail Improvements).
Public meetings (the public is invited) will be held Tuesday evenings 6:30-8:30 pm in the Board Room of MPRB Headquarters, 2117 West River Road, 55411. Dates of the meetings are as follows:
For more information contact:
Deborah Bartels, Registered Landscape Architect
Project Manager - Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
2117 West River Road
Minneapolis, Mn. 55411-2227
612-230-6438 direct
512-499-9088 cell
August 3 was Canning Fest at the Market, celebrated at the Meet Your Vegetables booth and the Mill City Cooks demo. Both demonstrated you don't have to go thru the intimidating pressure cooker process to "can". And BTW, Nistler Farms is back!
Special events at the August 3 Market included yoga and Qigong:
Excerpt from an August 1 Metropolitan Council e-newsletter:
Highlights
Energized train testing
- Testing will begin the week of August 5 and will continue thru September during overnight time periods which will typically be midnight to 5 a.m.
- Trains will run on Washington Avenue from West Bank Station to just beyond Stadium Village Station.
- Road closures will be in place during testing hours to protect vehicles and pedestrians.
- Washington Avenue will be closed from Walnut Street to Huron Blvd. Access will be provided to local businesses.
- Harvard Street, Walnut Street, and Ontario Street will be closed crossing Washington Avenue. Access to local businesses will remain open.
- Washington Avenue will be closed to pedestrian thru traffic between Pleasant Street and Harvard Street. Residential and business access will remain open.
- Pedestrians can cross Washington Avenue at the eastern pedestrian bridge, Harvard Street, Oak Street and Huron Blvd.
Closure of Washington Avenue Bridge:
Closure of Eastbound Washington Avenue Bridge
Beginning 5:00am Monday, August 12, thru 11:00pm Friday, August 16.
Traffic Details
- For eastbound vehicles: from West Bank, eastbound Washington Avenue closed at Cedar Avenue; detour via Cedar Avenue to northbound I-35W to University Avenue/4th Street exit, to eastbound University Avenue.
Sidewalk Details
- No changes to sidewalk access; the pedestrian deck on the Washington Avenue Bridge will remain open during vehicle deck closure.
Bus Stop Changes
- For eastbound buses: Metro Transit bus stop at Blegen Hall will be closed; use Cedar/ Washington Avenue bus stop.
Pedestrian Deck Details
- No change; pedestrian deck on Washington Avenue Bridge will remain open.
Construction Hours
- Construction activities will occur during daytime and nighttime hours.
Closure of Westbound Washington Avenue Bridge
Beginning 5:00am Monday, August 19, thru 11:00pm Friday, August 23.
Traffic Details
- For westbound vehicles: from East Bank, ramp to Washington Avenue Bridge closed from Pleasant Street; detour via westbound University Avenue to 4th Street to southbound I-35W to exit Washington Avenue to exit.
Sidewalk Details
- No changes to sidewalk access; the pedestrian deck on the Washington Avenue Bridge will remain open during vehicle deck closure.
Bus Stop Changes
- For westbound buses: Bus stop for Metro Transit and University of Minnesota Campus Connector at Willey Hall will be closed; use bus stop located on 3rd Street Ramp, west of Cedar Avenue for Metro Transit Buses. Use bus stop at the southeast intersection of 19th Avenue and 2nd Street for University of Minnesota Campus Connector.
Pedestrian Deck Details
- No change; pedestrian deck on Washington Avenue Bridge will remain open.
Construction Hours
- Construction activities will occur during daytime and nighttime hours.
Looks like we're not the only ones who love Bite Squad. :)
Our friends at Mississippi River Fund would like you to know about their second annual River City Revue - a two-part summer series of riverboat tours on the Mississippi River. Each cruise takes on a different theme, WORK and PLAY, where participants will explore the Mississippi River through art, science, music, games and adventure.
Accompanied by live music, storytelling, film, art and games, River City Revue engages the community with a unique and personal perspective of the Mississippi River.
August 7: “Work” is the first theme in the two-part summer series event. Participants will cruise down the river aboard the Jonathon Padelford Riverboat navigating through downtown St. Paul for an intimate view of the working docks and barges of the Mississippi. Live music will be played by Dick and Jane’s Big Brass Band while river workers teach participants how to tie nautical knots. Participants will also judge a ‘shout-boasting’ competition organized by literary magazine Revolver.
August 23: “Play” is the second theme in the summer series. Participants will travel upriver from Harriet Island, toward the confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers. Live bluegrass music performed by the Eelpout Stringers. Also, passengers will be able to try their luck in a game of “Minnesota Whist,” the local spinoff of a classic card game. Molly Balcom Raleigh designed the beautiful card parlor aboard the riverboat, called Table Talk. Additionally, passengers can win fun prizes by playing R.I.V.E.R. - a bingo game designed especially for River City Revue.
Cost is $15 for non-members and $10 for Mississippi River Fund member for each event. The boat leaves at 7 p.m. from the Padelford dock and will return at the same location at 9 p.m. Tickets are will call. Participants can purchase tickets online. Please check in at the registration table at the Padelford dock no later than 6:50 p.m. the day of the event.
Better get your tickets for The Soap Factory's 7th Annual Haunted Basement today - they sell out fast!
Directed for a second year by Noah Bremer, The Haunted Basement is a fully immersive terror adventure designed to traumatize new visitors and returning Haunted Basement fans alike. With a fiercely demented creative team, consisting of set designers, makeup & costume designers and even olfactory scientists, Bremer has crafted an experience that will disorient and terrify visitors at every shadowy twist and turn.
The 2013 Haunted Basement runs October 3 - November 3.
As we walk home form the Mill City Farmers Market each Saturday, it's always a pleasure to see this gentleman welcoming people to the Guthrie.
Mill City Times | 35W Bridge Memorial | Mill District Block Party | Mill City Media
Saturday, August 24, 2013 at 6:57PM