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.
For the first time since I started monitoring the progress, Mill City Farmers Market has been knocked out of first place in the America’s Favorite Farmers Markets contest. If you haven't voted yet, please take a minute to do so now by Clicking here.
It's not unusual to spot a local celebrity at the MCFM. Andrew Zimmern (Bizarre Foods, Mpls. St. Paul Magazine) was there today.
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We post the monthly Books & Bars gatherings held at the Aster Cafe under the Events section, but as of yet we haven't had the chance to enjoy one. Karen Runyon, a Mill District neighbor, was at the July 12 event and provided us with some pictures and feedback.
From Karen Runyon:
The patio was full, 80+ people to discuss the Harry Potter series. All ages, teens to grandmothers. Some very passionate readers, great food and drink (the Aster made a butter beer for the occasion), and a spirited facilitator.
Passersby stood outside the patio listening for various lengths of time.
Jeff Kamin moderates these events, as seen below.
Thank you for the review and pictures, Karen! We welcome contributions from our readers, it's easy - send us an email with a picture and a short (or long) description or story.
Although we've published a Mill District Business Spotlight on Bierbrauer Chiropractic, and posted numerous articles from Dr. Bierbrauer under the Mill City Tmes Fitness Blog, I haven't had to seek chiropractic care - until now.
I made an appointment with Dr. Bierbrauer hoping to get relief from neck pain, and I wasn't disappointed. The entire experience - from getting set up as a new patient thru the initial consultation and session - was easy, efficient and relaxing.
He sent me home with printouts of simple daily exercises that will counter the strain caused by too many hours slouched over a keyboard. I'll also be replacing the office chair I've been using since 1996 and make an honest effort to sit up straight.
Gone are the old days of setting up a series of follow up appointments. With Dr. Bierbrauer, he asks that you do the exercises, take whatever other corrective action was discussed, and call him if there are follow up questions or things aren't improving.
Another nice benefit is the Bierbrauer Chiropractic website - it's packed with scads of helpful info. If you've been considering chiropractic care, I would highly recommend making an appointment.
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Look out, Pedal Pub, here comes City Cycle Tours!
I first learned of City Cycle Tours through an article in Finance and Commerce. While Dave and I haven't personally encountered one on the street yet (the inaugural run in Minneapolis was June 4), the pictures reflect a sleek machine.
Company representative Daniel O'Brien took time to educate me on how City Cycle Tours compares to Pedal Pub.
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Now, I am in no way denigrating Pedal Pub, but CCT has some really cool features - from top to bottom.
Being on the short side, my first question was regarding a minimum height requirement (PP's is 5’3", which disqualifies me from pedaling). CCT's vehicle has adjustable seats, and Daniel noted they've had riders ranging from 4'11" to 6'6" who were able to adjust their seats to a comfortable height for pedaling. CCT is equipped with soft, cushioned Schwinn bicycle seats.
Although rental prices are the same between the two companies, with CCT you'll have two staff on board - one to drive and one to assist with refreshments. Speaking of which, Daniel said their vehicle has full suspension and a custom designed chassis that could support laps around a race track. Two advantages - a smooth ride, and your keg of beer won't get foamed up. If you prefer cans, there are two 66 liter coolers under the bar floor (enough space to keep 300 cans cold and out of the way).
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In addition to storing beverages under the bar, CCT features space above the riders and purse/bag hooks. There is a lip around the outside edge of the bar plus 12 cup holders to prevent your drinks, cell phones, etc., from flying off.
What if it gets dark before you're done pubbing? No problem - in addition to the headlights and tail lights, there are over 10 LED lights. For music, there's an aftermarket, amp-powered 6 speaker sound system with a CD deck made for a car. It has an iPod hook up - so bring your favorite mix.
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Several more features exclusive to CCT are a hand rail and a standing platform under the seats. The platform makes getting on and off much easier, and prevents injury from falling off the vehicle. It also keeps the bar at a normal height - around the chest - when you’re standing between seats; with PP, if your not seated you'll need to stand on the ground, making the bar face level or higher.
I asked Daniel about any unique events they've been involved with so far. He mentioned a recent 3-day Susan G Komen walk in St. Paul during which they gave free rides and raffled off a tour to support that cause. He also mentioned they're currently checking into how CCT can be involved with St. Paul's first Zombie Pub Crawl coming up in October.
Per Daniel, "Feedback so far has been fantastic, we've had nothing but positive feedback about the vehicle and the way we run it. In our short amount of operating time, we've already had people re-book."
Find out more about City Cycle Tours via the following links: Main Website, Features Website, Facebook and Twitter
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You can now download three free Sony Music selections each week through Freegal, a new online music database offered by Hennepin County Library. The songs are yours until you delete them.
All you need is a MN library card that is registered at Hennepin County Library. Access Freegal on the HCL website's "Music" page. The music is in MP3 format and will work on any computer (Mac or PC) and on any MP3 player, including iPods, and can be loaded onto iTunes.
You can access Freegal on your home computer, or on HCL's internet-connected workstations that use PC Reservation sign-ups. Freegal limits customers to three downloads per week, and updates its catalog with new additions continually. You can even listen to a sample click before downloading.
For more information, visit the HCL/Freegal website.
Click here to cast your vote for Mill City Farmers Market in the America’s Favorite Farmers Markets contest!
NOTE - You can see MCFM Founder Brenda Langton in action on Sunday, July 10, at the Park Nicollet Move and Grove Family Fest at the Basilica of St. Mary, part of the Basilica Block Party. This free event celebrates kids' fitness, healthy eating, and wellness in a fun, interactive environment.
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Watch for Spider-Man about 1:25 minutes into the video! (Superman also ran, but unfortunatley we didn't get a shot of him.)
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The Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District(DID) has announced their "The Future of Nicollet Mall Poetry Contest".
Share your vision for Nicollet Mall by incorporating one or more of the following words into a poem: Change, Vision, Community, Future, Gather, Vibrant and Commerce. You could see your winning poem displayed in public or win gift cards to down town establishments.
The deadline for submitting your original poem is July 22nd. Click here for all the details.
Funds raised from the inaugural Hot Dam 5K Fun Run will benefit future Red, White and Boom Celebrations in Minneapolis.
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Per their most recent e-newsletter, MacPhail Center for Music is now offering technology-based innovations to enhance musical study, including:
· Live, online one-on-one lessons via the internet.
· Online lesson additions to supplement classes like Piano for Children.
· Electronic lessons for some Early Childhood Music classes featuring video links to songs sung in class, research articles and sheet music.
· Video enhancements for the Crescendo Program.
· Online video tutorials for All-State Band etudes.
We had a preview of their new technologies at the Music Matters Luncheon in April - very impressive. Check out their newly re-designed website for more information.
Dave and I became members of Mill City Commons for a number of reasons, one of them being the interesting member-only events.
There were two exclusive MCC events on June 30. The first was a tour of Graywolf Press, 250 Third Avenue North, publisher of poetry, fiction and non-fiction. Below, Development Assistant Stephanie Shockley starts the tour.
Using the book Assumption by Percival Everett (available Fall 2011) as an example, staff members shared the process of publishing a book - from editing, to cover design and marketing. Attendees received a copy of Invisible Strings, a collection of poems by Jim Moore.
Afterwards we toured several artist studios at Artspace, the innovative nonprofit developer behind the potential ArtCube projecton Washington Avenue South next to the new American Academy of Neurology site.
Later that day, MCC members gathered for a pre-opening tour of the Bachelor Farmer Restaurant & Marvel Bar at 200 First Street North. Owners Eric and Andrew Dayton led us through their restaurant and bar, which together encompass three levels.
As of July 1, Mill City Farmers Market held the most votes over all Minnesota farmers markets in the America’s Favorite Farmers Markets contest! Click here to cast your vote for Mill City Farmers Market.
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Hundreds of 4-legged supporters turned out for the 2011 Pride Parade:
Despite the wind (which at times seemed strong enough to turn the performers into human kites) Saturday afternoon's Global Water Dances event was by all accounts a perfectly executed event. The shows audio was broadcast simultaneously on FM 88.5, and there were boom boxes spaced closely together on the bridge allowing everyone in attendance to clearly hear the music and oration.
Prior to the Dances, spectators could stroll along the Stone Arch Bridge reading Mississippi mile markers that showed water quality at various towns and cities along the river. Below is a sample:
The entrance of Women of the Water was part of the event welcome:
Dancers were stationed high and low along the river, and were later joined by 3 kayaks and streamer bearers:
People of all ages gathered to watch the performances. Global Water Dances took place at 60 locations around the world - that our beautiful Mississippi neighborhood was one of them speaks volumes.
HeartBeat 5000 5K celebrates the work of Children's physicians, nurses, staff, and volunteers and recognizes the quality of life provided by innovation and technology.
In it’s short history, this event has raised over $1.2 million dollars for the cardiovascular program and family needs fund at Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota. Children’s has one of the largest cardiovascular programs in the region and cares for nearly two-thirds of pediatric patients hospitalized for cardiac surgery in the metropolitan area. The proceeds from this event have helped fund outlook materials that provide valuable information for newly diagnosed families, 48-hour digital heart rhythm recording equipment, and ultrasound transducer adapters that help improve diagnostic capabilities.
Don't forget to cast your vote for Mill City Farmers Market in the America’s Favorite Farmers Markets contest!
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StarTrib writer Jessica Bakeman provides a behind the scenes look at what goes into preparing for the annual summer solstice celebration - the Global Water Dances. You can watch the performances live if you get to the Stone Arch Bridge by 5pm this Saturday, June 25. Click here for the June 22 online article (or see the Variety section in today's paper).
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We recently learned of a fun new activity coming to the Mill District Saturdays, July 2 - October 15: The Taste Twin Cities Minneapolis Riverwalk Tour.
President Rebecca Pfeiffer explained the inspiration behind Taste Twin Cities Food Tours, and how she decided to base a tour in the Mill District:
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"Being an avid traveler and food lover, it was suggested to me to participate in a food walking tour while on my last vacation. It was a fabulous experience to try food at local eateries that I would have never thought to try, while at the same time meeting other foodies and learning about the history and culture of that city. I enjoyed it so much I wanted to bring this experience to the Twin Cities for our local residents and visitors; to get to know our rich food scene and unique neighborhoods.
Our first tour is called the Minneapolis Riverwalk Tour. This tour was created to enjoy vibrant historical neighborhoods, amazing views of the Mississippi River all while eating food and enjoying drinks that are proudly Minnesota made or owned."
Each tour is limited to 12 guests, beginning at Gold Medal Park and ending in Northeast Minneapolis (Hennepin Avenue & SE University Avenue). With six tasting stops along the way, think of it as a very leisurely lunch (11:30am - 2:30pm). To learn more, visit their website and Facebook, and follow them on Twitter.
If you love to eat, try new foods and enjoy a fun experience learning about the history of the Twin Cities, this tour if for you! Reservations are required, and at $43 per person it's an entertainment bargain. We look forward to adding this tour to our 2011 Must Do List!
We launched Mill City Times in June 2010, starting with the Stone Arch Festival of the Arts. Over the past 12 months, we've accumulated thousands of pictures, videos and articles, and have met numerous people who collectively make the Mill District a vibrant, engaged community. Below are just a few of our favorites.
Favorite Picture - Happy Baby at the 2010 Aquatennial.
Favorite Event Video - Dog's eye view of the 2011 Dog Day K5:
Best New Business Award - Mill City Market Grocery and Deli (Opened Summer 2010).
Rick Pratt and his staff run our neighborhood grocery store and deli in the Bridgewater Lofts building. They have it all - coffee and bakery items in the morning, hot entrees and fresh sandwiches at lunch, salad bar, roasted whole chickens for dinner, and a great selection of general grocery items.
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Favorite Music Videos- J.D. Steele and the MacPhail Community Youth Choir:
1) Enjoy the Holiday
2) You've Got a Friend (Mr. Steele's intro really captures the passion and commitment of both himself and MacPhail Center for Music.)
3) Every Burden Shall Be Rolled Away
Neighborhood Champion Award - Naomi Williamson of Sanctuary the restaurant.
In addition to supporting local artists, participating in causes such as Dining Out for Life, and offering promotions with other businesses in the neighborhood, Naomi is very active with social media - creating a constant buzz. (And the restaurant is pretty incredible, too!)
Most Valuable Public Officials -
Lisa Goodman, Minneapolis City Council Ward 7 Representative
Scott Vreeland, Minneapolis Park & Rec Board Commissioner District 3
Coolest Event of the Year - The Zombie Pub Crawl (October 9, 2010)
We had so much fun taking pictures of the living dead that we created The Zombie Crawl Blog where you can see a new zombie every day until the 2011 Crawl rolls around!
Most Popular Series - 49 Steps to Insanity (Crown Hydro)
Saddest Loss - CorAzoN's Washington Avenue South location
Susan Zdon consolidated her business to the East Lake Street location in February, 2011, and we still feel the loss today. From her funky inventory, promotional parties, art displays, and book signings - we miss Susan and her staff!
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Most Inspiring Community Service - People Serving People
Can you imagine the fear, panic and despair a family with small children experiences when they suddenly find themselves homeless? People Serving People (PSP) offers a clean, safe, structured environment while helping families get back on their feet.
We have been in awe of the work they do since our tour in January.
Community Cornerstone Award -
Mill City Museum
Much of the Mill District's history can be learned at the Mill City Museum - through countless tours and programs, by exploring the building and courtyard, and in the wall of books for sale in the gift shop.
We have used the Museum as our own personal History class since moving to the neighborhood.
Most Freakish Event- Metrodome Roof Collapse, December 12, 2010.
Favorite Live Music Venue- MacPhail Center for Music
Whether it's the Spotlight Series or a recital, Antonello Hall is exquisite.
Favorite Activity (May - October) - The Mill City Farmers Market, of course!
Again, these are just a few of our favorites. Everything we've experienced over the past year in this wonderful Mill District neighborhood could fill a book. THANK YOU to everyone for the contributions that have helped make Mill City Times an interesting and informative site!
Mill City Times | 35W Bridge Memorial | Mill District Block Party | Mill City Media
Saturday, July 16, 2011 at 5:52PM
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