May 2023 Minneapolis Central City Tunnel Project Update

Via a May 27 e-announcement from the City of Minneapolis:

Project Overview

The City of Minneapolis Public Works Department is constructing a new parallel storm tunnel, enlarging a portion of the existing storm tunnel, and constructing a new tunnel access in Downtown Minneapolis.

The new tunnel is being constructed parallel to the existing tunnel located under Washington Ave S between Nicollet Mall and Chicago Ave. The existing tunnel under Chicago Ave between Washington Ave S and the Mississippi River is being expanded to handle the increased stormwater capacity. The purpose of this project is to reduce pressure in the existing tunnel, provide more room for future growth, and to reduce the need for future repairs and tunnel failures.

Project Map

Latest Project News

Mississippi River Portal

• Crews have completed excavation of the existing storm tunnel at the Mississippi River for the season and will resume later this fall when they can access the storm flow again. Until then, crews will continue to work on lining the tunnel with concrete through the summer.

2nd Ave

• Crews have completed mining the new parallel storm tunnel under Washington Ave from the new tunnel access shaft in the southbound lanes of 2nd Ave S, just north of the Washington Ave intersection for the season. Crews will continue to work on lining the tunnel with concrete through the summer.

Portland Ave

• Crews have completed mining the new parallel storm tunnel under Washington Ave from the existing tunnel access shaft at the northeast corner of the Washington Ave and Portland Ave intersection for the season. Crews will continue to work on lining the tunnel with concrete through the summer.

Tunneling Progress

The project has reached 97% completion with excavation. Crews have removed approximately 67,800 tons of material to date. As noted in the infographic above, this is equal to the weight of 6.7 Eiffel Towers. The final excavation will occur next winter. 

Lining progress

In May, crews continued to work on the concrete tunnel lining. To date, 3,700 cubic yards of concrete have been poured. As noted in the infographic above, this is approximately 1.12 times the volume of an Olympic swimming pool. This process is approximately 23% complete.

Long-term closures/restrictions

The north westbound lane, bike lane, and parking lane remains closed on Washington Ave between Portland Ave and Park Ave. These closures will remain in place until the project is completed.

• During this closure, pedestrians can still use the sidewalks along Washington Ave.
• Crosswalks across Washington Ave and Portland Ave will remain open.
• Bicyclists will share the traffic lane.
• The existing left turn lane on Washington Ave at the Portland Ave intersection will temporarily become a left turn and through lane.

The north sidewalk along Washington Ave remains restricted between Hennepin Ave and Nicollet Mall.

• During these restrictions, pedestrians share the bike lane on Washington Ave.
• The crosswalks at the Washington Ave intersections of Nicollet Mall and Hennepin Ave remains open.

The sidewalk on the east side of 4th Ave S remains restricted through the end of the project. The dewatering well and pumps are installed in this area.

• Pedestrians can use the sidewalk on the west side of 4th Ave S.
• The crosswalk at the Washington Ave and 4th Ave intersection remains open.
• Access to driveways off 4th Ave S remains open.

The west sidewalk of Portland Ave south of Washington Ave will remain restricted to pedestrians around the dewatering well and pumps until the project is completed.

The parking lot and trail near Mill Runs Park has reopened.

• During the summer, the trail will have flaggers to allow concrete trucks to pull into and out of the work site.

2nd Ave S remains a single lane in each direction using the northbound lanes between Washington Ave and 1st St S. Access will be restricted until the project is completed.

• Access to driveways off 2nd Ave S remain open. There may be short-term access delays while crews move equipment and materials around.

Stay Connected

There are multiple ways to get information including email updates and ongoing stakeholder meetings. Visit the project website for more information and to sign up for project updates: https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/projects/central-city-tunnel/

Email the project team: info@mplscentralcitytunnel.com

Contact the project hotline: 612-888-9418

Unique Pet-friendly June 3rd Urban Garage Sale at EaTo

Join the fun Saturday, June 3, from 11am to 2pm!

EaTo has downscaled its market, and their June 3rd Urban Garage Sale will feature specialty merchandise -  from upscale olive oils and balsamic vinegars to culinary tools to home décor - at amazingly low prices. Nothing is priced above $30, so now is the time to stock up on expensive merchandise at a fraction of the cost. Just in time for summer wedding gifts, birthday presents and personal indulgences!  

Proceeds from the sale go to Pet Haven, Minnesota’s oldest foster-based animal rescue. In addition, artists from Metro Dogs Daycare will be on hand to do pet portraits from a photo or the real deal. Dogs are always welcome on their patio.

Check out the merch while sipping a wonderful cocktail or glass of wine or beer. Invite friends and stay for lunch from the delicious new menu featuring salads, sandwiches and pizzettes (small pizzas for one).

Support a great cause, while getting a great deal!

3rd Annual Juneteenth Jubilee: Sweet Potato Pie Showcase - June 10 at Mill City Museum

Third Annual Juneteenth Jubilee: Sweet Potato Pie Showcase - It’s about the stories!

June 10, 9 – 10:30 am - Mill City Museum, 704 Second Street S

This will be Sweet Potato Comfort Pie’s 3rd annual celebration of the Juneteenth Jubilee through the Sweet Potato Pie. However, instead of this being a competition, it will be a “Showcase” paying homage to what is considered “the sacred dessert of Black culture.” Anyone can enter their pie.

This year up to 20 entries will be accepted. The two categories are Traditional and Non-Traditional sweet potato pies. Those who enter will get to share their story about why and how of their pie. There will be three pie demonstrations, including Rose McGee’s famous Sweet Potato Comfort Pie. Sweet Potato pie will be served to guests who attend. Due to health regulations, pies in the Showcase are unavailable for sampling to the audience. Community members will serve as judges, although not in the traditional way of selecting the best, but by engaging the audience and the pie makers. It’s really all about the stories! Free to attend.

AWARDS!

Gifts from various sponsors will be given to each of the 20 participants to reinforce this not being a competition but a “Showcase,” a celebration that promotes unity and understanding of the essence of freedom for all. 

Information and registigration.

Be That Neighbor Announces 2023 Yoga in Gold Medal Park Series

Saturdays, May 27 - August 26, 2023

Local non-profit Be That Neighbor will again host Saturday morning yoga sessions in Gold Medal Park. These free weekly 9am sessions are led by a professional yoga instructor. No registration required, bring your own mat. Namaste, neighbors!

LUSH Legacy Fund Launches In Time To Celebrate Pride

For almost a year, the owners of LUSH Lounge & Theater have been working with a team of nonprofit experts and a volunteer Board of Directors to create an organization dedicated to protecting the art of drag and creating a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC artists to perform. The result is the LUSH Legacy Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The LUSH Legacy Fund is committed to preserving safe and dynamic spaces where LGBTQ+ and BIPOC individuals and artists can gather, perform, and be appreciated.  

“After coming out, I struggled to find where I fit in until I started performing in drag,” said Jared Lawrence, LUSH Owner and LUSH Legacy Fund Board Member. “It truly gave me the purpose and confidence to be the proud gay man I am today. That’s why we’re so passionate about welcoming LGBTQ+ and BIPOC artists and performers onto the LUSH stage to showcase their talent and creativity and maybe help them find their own confidence and their place in the world.” 

“Vogue Down Minneapolis is a collective that promotes safe and healthy spaces for BIPOC people in the Twin Cities,” said Don Thompson and Yoni Light, Vogue Down Minneapolis Directors. “We want our community to grow, love on each other, and connect on a deeper level. It is very important to us to find a healthy space where artists and creatives of the Ballroom community, as well as outside of the community, can have a great time and leave with a smile on their faces. That’s why it’s so important to have an open and welcoming space like LUSH to perform.” 

The LUSH Legacy Board will continue to collaborate with LGBTQ+ and BIPOC artists and performers to develop programs and create opportunities to showcase their talent and address needs within the community. The nonprofit has also partnered with the team at Rainbow Health in support of their programs and services and will collaborate on designing and developing young adult programs for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. Rainbow Health offers in-person and teletherapy mental, chemical, and sexual health services for LGBTQ+ people, people living with HIV, and folks from communities that historically and currently face barriers to behavioral health support. 

The LUSH Legacy Fund is particularly proud to launch mission-driven fundraising collaborations to coincide with Pride. The nonprofit has collaborated with Tattersall Distilling on LUSH Impassioned Vodka, a flavored vodka infused with passion fruit and lychee, which will be available at LUSH and other participating retailers beginning in June. A similar collaboration with Modist Brewing Company is in the works producing a grapefruit golden ale called DeLUSHious. A portion of all proceeds from both collaborations will be donated to the LUSH Legacy Fund to further their work and mission. The public is invited to celebrate Pride at LUSH all week long starting with a Father’s Day Car Show on Sunday, June 18th followed by a week-long celebration, most of which are free to attend. For more information about Pride at LUSH and to make a tax-deductible donation in support of the important work of the LUSH Legacy Fund, visit lushmpls.com or join their social media community for updates.

The Twin Cities River Rats' 2023 Season Kicks Off June 1

The Twin Cities River Rats Water Ski Show Team provides action-packed themed water ski shows all summer long on the Mississippi River, between the Plymouth Avenue and Broadway Avenue bridges. The team began in the 1970s and has grown into a 100+ member, nationally ranked team. Skiers range in age from 5-55, from beginners to professionals, and bring all kind of talent to the water.

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Grab your chairs or blankets and experience a show - five tow boats, 100 costumed skiers, award winning sound crew and concessions. The shows are free, but this is an all-volunteer operation, so please bring cash for concessions and the tip bucket!

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Here's the 2023 schedule:

Minneapolis Elevated to 3rd Place in the 2023 Trust for Public Land ParkScore Index

Trust for Public Land announced today, May 24, that Saint Paul repeated its second-place finish on the annual ParkScore index. Minneapolis climbed to third, two spots ahead of 2022’s fifth place ranking. Minneapolis’ rise was based largely on improvements to park amenities.

Both cities finished just behind defending ParkScore champion Washington, DC, which retains the ParkScore title for the third consecutive year. The ParkScore index evaluates park systems in the 100 most populous U.S. cities.

Both Minneapolis and Saint Paul received strong marks on all ParkScore rating factors. Ninety-nine percent of Saint Paul residents, and 98 percent of Minneapolis residents, live within a 10-minute walk of a park, far above the national ParkScore city average of 76 percent. Both cities also far exceeded the national average for Park Investment, spending more than twice the national ParkScore average per capita. Both cities also improved their park amenities scores this year, with the addition of dog parks in Saint Paul and new park openings in Minneapolis.

Park equity remains an area for improvement in the Twin Cities. According to The Trust for Public Land, Saint Paul neighborhoods where most residents identify as people of color have access to an average of 32 percent less park space than predominantly white neighborhoods. Residents in low-income neighborhoods have access to 34 percent less park space than residents in high-income neighborhoods. In Minneapolis, the differences are 59 percent, and 65 percent, respectively. Among all U.S. ParkScore cities, the average disparity is 43 percent less park space in neighborhoods where most residents identify as people of color, and 42 percent less park space in low-income neighborhoods.

“Minneapolis is honored once again to rank among the very best city park systems in the United States. We are especially proud of our equity-based investments in park improvements and programming, and that more than 98 percent of Minneapolis residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park,” said Al Bangoura, Superintendent of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. “We are committed to increasing access to parks and are actively focusing on low-income neighborhoods and areas where residents identify as people of color.”

Accompanying the annual ratings list, Trust for Public Land published new research reporting that cities with high ParkScore rankings are healthier places to live. Residents of cities rated 1-25 on the ParkScore index are nine percent less likely to report poor mental health than are residents of lower ranking cities. Residents of higher-ranking cities are also 21 percent less likely to be physically inactive. This correlation, based on PLACES data produced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, holds true even after controlling for race/ethnicity, income, age, and population density.

The new research, The Power of Parks to Promote Health, also reported an increasing focus on community health solutions at park departments nationwide, with surging interest in mental health and wellness. The research is based on nearly 800 examples of park-based health-focused activities shared with Trust for Public Land researchers, including innovative partnerships with health care providers, such as writing “prescriptions” for spending time in nature and funding fitness classes at parks and community centers. 

Minneapolis and Saint Paul are among the national leaders working to promote community health at local parks. For example, Minneapolis waived youth fees at 17 recreation centers and increased investment in youth programming and services by $2.6 million last year. Saint Paul used funding from the American Rescue Plan Act to waive fees for youth sports programs, doubling participation in popular soccer and basketball leagues.

“Health professionals have long understood that physical play and exercise is essential for childhood development, but we’re just starting to grasp the mental health benefits. Simply being in a quiet natural place promotes stress reduction and attention restoration, and evidence suggests that local green space serves as a gathering point that fosters community cohesion, allowing for people to know their neighbors and form social bonds that promote health and safety,” says Dr. Georges C. Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association.

Most cities included in the ParkScore index have launched programs welcoming beginners and other residents who might feel uncomfortable in traditional sports-oriented fitness settings. Park leaders rate these among their most successful health promotion efforts. For example, 39 park systems describe wellness-oriented classes, such as yoga or dance, as “most effective,” and 31 have redesigned parks to support non-competitive physical activity. Design changes include the installation of walking loops, inclusive play equipment for visitors with disabilities, and community garden plots.

“Innovation is the key to future success. Today, parks departments across the country are writing a new playbook to ensure that all residents can enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of their neighborhood park. As an organization dedicated to connecting everyone to the outdoors, Trust for Public Land is excited by what we’ve seen this year and will continue working with city leaders throughout the United States to support park access for all,” says Diane Regas, President and CEO of Trust for Public Land. 

PARKSCORE RANKINGS FOR 2023

Washington, DC, was rated the best big-city park system in the country for the third consecutive year. The city scored well on all ParkScore rating factors. Twenty-four percent of land in the District of Columbia is reserved for parks, among the highest in the United States. The District also outperformed on ParkScore’s park access and park equity metrics. Residents of Washington, DC, who identify as Black, Latino, Indigenous and Native American, or Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are equally likely to live within a 10-minute-walk of a park as are residents of neighborhoods where a majority of the population identifies as white. Park space per capita is also distributed nearly equally in Washington.

By contrast, among all ParkScore cities, neighborhoods where most residents identify as people of color have access to an average of 43 percent less park space than predominately white neighborhoods. Residents in low-income neighborhoods have access to 42 percent less park space than residents in high-income neighborhoods.

Irvine climbed significantly in the ParkScore rankings, rising from eighth position last year to fourth in 2023. Irvine’s rise was driven by significant increases in publicly accessible park space. The city now offers 94 percent of residents access to a park or open green space within a 10-minute walk of their home. Last year, 89 percent of Irvine residents enjoyed 10-minute access. San Francisco (seventh place) and Boston (tenth) remain the only ParkScore cities to provide 10-minute walk access to 100 percent of local residents. The national average for park access among ParkScore cities is 76 percent.

Other major ParkScore movers this year include Boise, Idaho (+15 to twenty-second), North Las Vegas, Nevada (+17 to thirty-seventh) and Memphis, Tennessee (+14 to seventy-ninth).

Boise defended its title as the best park system for dogs, with a nation-leading 7.5 dog parks per 100,000 residents, outscoring Portland, Oregon, and Norfolk, Virginia. St. Paul received top marks for basketball hoops, Las Vegas scored best for playgrounds, and Boston earned top marks for splashpads and other water features.

PARKSCORE METHODOLOGY AND RANKINGS

The annual ParkScore^® index ranks park systems in the 100 most populous U.S. cities and is widely considered the gold standard for park evaluation. ParkScore rankings are based equally on five factors: 

• Park access measures the percentage of residents living within a 10-minute walk of a park.
• Park equity compares per capita park space and 10-minute-walk park access in communities of color vs. white communities and in low-income neighborhoods versus high-income neighborhoods. Park systems score higher if disparities are minimal or non-existent.
• Park acreage is based on a city’s median park size and the percentage of city area dedicated to parks.
• Park investment measures park spending per resident.
• Park amenities assesses the availability of six popular park features: basketball hoops, off-leash dog parks, playgrounds, splashpads and other water-play structures, recreation and senior centers, and restrooms. 

According to Trust for Public Land, the 10 highest-ranking park systems in the United States are:

Rank	City	ParkScore (Max 100)
1.	Washington, DC	84.9
2.	St. Paul, MN	80.8
3.	Minneapolis, MN	80.4
4.	Irvine, CA	80.0
5.	Arlington, VA	78.9
6.	Cincinnati, OH	76.9
7.	San Francisco, CA	76.4
8.	Seattle, WA	74.7
9.	Portland, OR	73.7
T10.	New York, NY	72.7
T10.	Boston, MA	72.7

The ParkScore index uses advanced GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and spatial analysis to evaluate park accessibility. Instead of measuring distance to a local park, the rating system’s GIS technology considers the location of park entrances and physical obstacles to access. For example, if residents are separated from a nearby park by a major highway, the ParkScore index does not count the park as accessible to those residents, unless there is a bridge, underpass, or easy access point across the highway.

Municipal leaders use ParkScore information to guide park improvement efforts, studying park access on a block-by-block basis and pinpointing the areas where new parks are needed most. The ParkScore website, www.tpl.org/parkscore, is free and available to the public, empowering residents to hold their elected leaders accountable for achieving equitable access to quality parks for all.

Trust for Public Land (TPL) is a national nonprofit that works to connect everyone to the benefits and joys of the outdoors. As a leader in equitable access to the outdoors, TPL works with communities to create parks and protect public land where they are needed most. Since 1972, TPL has protected more than 4 million acres of public land, created more than 5,364 parks, trails, schoolyards, and iconic outdoor places, raised $93 billion in public funding for parks and public lands, and connected nearly 9.4 million people to the outdoors.

Father Hennepin Bluff Park Update: Restroom Building Open, Park Expected to Reopen in June

New restrooms are open, fencing scheduled to come down in June, concerts return July 11

Father Hennepin Bluff Park is on track to fully reopen in June after a major renovation project. 

The new restroom building next to the Stone Arch Bridge is open, along with a new drinking fountain and water dish for dogs. Park Forestry staff will remove storm-damaged tree branches in the park as soon as spring tree planting is finished.

New grass that was seeded throughout the park this spring still needs more time to establish before fencing can come down and the park can fully reopen, likely sometime in June. Please stay off these areas and respect signage and fencing. An update will be sent as soon as an opening date is decided.

Minneapolis Music and Movies in the Parks returns to Father Hennepin on July 11 with a 7 pm concert from local R&B artist Barlow followed by a special movie screening from the Twin Cities Black Film Festival. Free weekly concerts will take place on the new stage next to Stone Arch Bridge throughout July and August. Use the link below to view the lineup.

Father Hennepin Bluff Music in the Parks Schedule

Project Details

This Father Hennepin Bluff Park Improvements project includes:

• A new performance stage with seasonal restrooms
• New park entry plaza spaces
• Upgraded lights, path connections, wayfinding signage and trail markings
• Landscape and stormwater management improvements

The improvements are focused on the upper part of the park, not the lower paths closer to the Mississippi River.

Project Page

May 20 at the Mill City Farmers Market

In this week's Mill City Farmers Market shopping basket: Hmong Chicken Herb Mix, seedlings and rhubarb from Mhonpaj's Garden, aspargus from Bean Market, black walnuts and spring onions from Prairie Hollow Farm, natural peanut butter from Tare Market, cucumbers from GVY, ice pops from Saint Pops, Skyr from Shepherd's Way, spinich and arugula from WEI, eggs from Sunshine Harvest Farm, cilantro salsa from Atacama and juice from Pure Ginger for You.

Meet a New Vendor!

Charles Lodges' "simple quest for exercise and morels" lead him to start Forest Gold Botanicals. The tinctures he created for his own health benefit are now available for you! His products are produced in small batches, following a best practice procedure ensuring purity and highest quality. Charles' next MCFM date is  June 17th. 

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See more photos from the May 20th Mill City Farmers Market here (once there, you can drill down further by clicking on "Back to albums list" and then "Photostream" to view more).

Downtown to Feature 1,800+ Events and Activities Thru September

Summer is kicking off in downtown Minneapolis with a jam-packed schedule that includes more than 1,800 events now through September.

More employees are spending time in the office. That, coupled with a dynamic and full event schedule, will make Downtown a busy and vibrant destination this summer.

As a kickoff to summer downtown, all workers, residents, and visitors are invited to participate in Downtown Field Day on June 1 at The Commons. Come to work, stay to play! Activities, games, friendly competitions, food trucks, celebrity appearances, live music, and happy hour will take place throughout the day between 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Downtown Field Day 

• Thursday, June 1
• The Commons, 425 Portland Avenue S
• 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

“This is a great time to be downtown Minneapolis, and we invite you to join us this summer,” said Leah Wong, Vice President External Relations of the mpls downtown council. “With more than 1,800 events and activities, there is something for everyone. Come to the office, plan a dinner outing, see an outdoor movie, or take in a major concert. There are limitless options for you to explore downtown.”

Tuesdays through Thursdays are the busiest in-office workdays, and we are bookending those days with weekly opportunities to connect downtown, including: 

• Tuesdays: Nicollet xChange. Sustainability marketplace with themed weeks. Includes Street Eats/food trucks, giveaways, exchanges (fashion, home goods, sporting goods, media, books), music, and more. 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. on Nicollet between 8th & 9th Streets
• Wednesdays: Go Outside with Hennepin County summer sessions over lunch hours, outdoor movies/music and the Mpls Park Market at The Commons, and Beyond the Box performances at 5th and Nicollet
• Thursdays: Downtown Thursdays: Click here for a full list of 24 Downtown Thursdays promotions, including:

• Food: Come Pho Soup, Dairy Queen, EaTo, Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis, Hell’s Kitchen, Jolliet House, Lutunji’s Palate Bakery & Café, Sawatdee Thai Restaurant, The Burger Place 
• Beverages: Brit’s Pub, Fulton Brewing, Modist Brewing Co., O’Donovan’s Irish Pub, On the Rox
• Work/Parking: Life Time Work, Expansive Workspace, 910 LaSalle Ramp
• Retail: B’YOUtique, Bonobos, ChiroWay Chiropractic, FedEx, Hotel Indigo, Lontis Spa and Salon, Tropictrends

Last year, downtown welcomed more than 8.6 million patrons for major events. This summer, with 57 days of 15+ events, 27 days of 20+ events, and 3 days of 30+ events, it is anticipated that these converging events and activities will help those attendance numbers exceed 2022.

A full schedule of downtown events is available at mplsdowntown.com. Don’t miss out on the fun festivities this summer, including major events such as: 

• Pianos on Parade presented by PNC Bank—June 1 – 30
• Music in the Park—June through September
  • At The Commons (Wednesdays at 12 p.m. and Thursdays at 7 p.m.)
  • At Water Works Park & Pavilion (Mondays at 7 p.m. and Fridays at 12 p.m.)
  • At Loring Park (Tuesdays at 12 p.m. and Fridays at 7 p.m.)
• Movies in the Park through August at the Commons on Wednesday nights at dusk
• Go Outside with Hennepin County: Movie Nights and Fitness Classes at Target Field Station, and lunchtime activities at Government Center South Plaza
• 15 major concerts including 6 at downtown’s major stadiums:
  • Taylor Swift (June 23 & 24) and Ed Sheeran (August 12) at U.S. Bank Stadium
  • Twin Cities Summer Fest at Target Field (July 14 & 15)
  • P!NK at Target Field (August 10)
  • 9 concerts at Target Center
• 16 total days of festivals including:
  • Stone Arch Festival (June 17 – 18)
  • Twin Cities Pride (June 23 – 25)
  • Taste of Minnesota (July 2 – 3)
  • International Day of Music (July 15)
  • Aquatennial (July 19 – 22)
  • Loring Park Art Festival (July 29 – 30)
  • Downtown Minneapolis Street Art Festival (August 12 – 13)
• 53 Twins games at Target Field
• 18 Lynx games at Target Center
• 4 Vikings games at U.S. Bank Stadium
• 16 performances of Broadway shows at The Orpheum:
  • Tootsie (June 20 – 25)
  • Jagged Little Pill (August 8 – 13)
• 24 performances of “It’s Not the Heat, It’s the Stupidity” at Brave New Workshop (June 1 – August 5)
• 164 performances of shows at The Guthrie:
  • Murder on the Orient Express (May 13 – July 2)
  • Into The Woods (June 17 – August 13)
  • Shane (July 15 – August 27)
• 240+ live concerts at First Avenue, The Armory, The Fillmore, Dakota, and more
• 44 Minnesota Orchestra concerts at Orchestra Hall
• Patio happy hour specials
• 185 Street Show performances
• 100+ activities and performances at Peavey Plaza

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome our fans downtown as we celebrate the 25th season of Lynx basketball,” said Carley Knox, President of Business Operations for the Minnesota Lynx. “Downtown offers Lynx fans a full game-day experience before and after games, and we are excited to tip-off our season.”

Overall, there are more than 430 restaurants and retail shops open downtown, and each week there are new ways to enjoy all that downtown has to offer.

“Downtown Minneapolis is critically important to the vitality of our city, state and, region,” said Ben Hawn, President & Chief Operating Office, Pohlad Companies. “We believe in downtown, we continue to be committed to bringing our employees to our downtown office space, and we are excited to help connect people together in our city’s core this summer.”

There is a wide variety of markets and places to stroll and browse each week in downtown including: 

• Daily: Minneapolis Farmers Market – Lyndale Avenue, open 6 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Tuesdays: Nicollet xChange (food, giveaways, exchanges, music, and more), 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. 
• Wednesdays: Mpls Park Market featuring The Black Market Events at The Commons, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Thursdays: Downtown Thursdays (food, music, giveaways, and more), 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
• Fridays: Mpls Park Market featuring indigenous makers at Water Works, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Saturdays: Mill City Farmers Market, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.  

“For Target, Minneapolis is not only home to our headquarters, it’s also a community where so many of our team members live,” says Amanda Nusz, Senior Vice President of Corporate Responsibility and President of the Target Foundation. “We have immense pride in our city and are proud to partner with the Minneapolis Downtown Council on this initiative to celebrate and support the things that make it a great place to live, work and shop.”

The mpls downtown calendar includes upcoming events and can help you plan your next visit. Find the calendar, and enjoy interactive guides, patio/happy hour ideas, and more at www.mplsdowntown.com/events.

Plus, share your experiences on social media tagging #mymplsdt, and look for downtown giveaways including tickets, gift cards, and experiences on the @mplsdowntown Instagram account.

Downtown Minneapolis will be busy with a jam-packed summer events schedule. Now through September 30, there are more than 1,800 events taking place downtown including professional sports, theatre, concerts, performances, outdoor movies, markets and more. The mpls downtown summer campaign is supported in partnership with Pohlad Family Foundation, Target, U.S. Bank, Thrivent, mpls downtown council, Delta Dental, Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Lynx, Minnesota Timberwolves, Sleep Number, Meet Minneapolis, the City of Minneapolis, the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, and many more. For more information, visit www.mplsdowntown.com.

Mill City Museum Exhibit Celebrates the History of LGBTQIA+ Communities and Community Spaces Across Minneapolis

In celebration of Pride Month 2023, the Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) is proud to celebrate LGBTQIA+ history with its new exhibit, Going Out, Coming In: LGBTQ+ Spaces at Mill City Museum.

Going Out, Coming In brings to life the sights, heart, and energy of Downtown Minneapolis’s LGBTQIA+ community spaces in their first decades. The exhibit immerses visitors in queer resistance, love, and community as it tracks the neighborhood’s evolution from the 1940s to 2000.

The exhibit features information and visual elements of various sites where queer Minnesotans organized or created community while addressing the systemic challenges of legal and extralegal discrimination, urban renewal, and the HIV/AIDS crisis.

“One of the key goals of Going Out, Coming In is to deepen understanding of the people who lived, visited, and worked in downtown Minneapolis,” said Gale Research Fellow Noah Barth. “We hope visitors leave with an understanding of the importance of community spaces, a sense of empathy and solidarity with LGBTQIA+ people, and a feeling of belonging and empowerment in seeing queer history woven into the landscape of the city.”

The grand opening will take place on Thursday, June 1 from 7:00p–9:00p. The evening event will exude the vibe of “going out,” as reflected in the exhibit’s stories of Downtown LGBTQIA+ spaces. The Mill Commons will provide a space for visitors to mingle, snack on hors d’oeuvres, enjoy refreshments, dance to curated music by DJ Michel.Be, and explore the exhibit at their own pace. The event is free, and registration is encouraged, although not required. 

Going Out, Coming In is part of an ongoing partnership between the Minnesota Historical Society and Twin Cities Pride. It is inspired by the Twin Cities LGBTQ+ History Tours developed by MNHS and TC Pride in 2022.This exhibit is made possible through funding provided by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Cardigan Donuts is Celebrating 6 Years With Tasty Deals!

You're Invited to Cardigan Donuts' 6th Birthday Celebration!

NEW: Brownie Batter Birthday Bismark! Who needs a cake when this donut has it all? It's filled with edible brownie batter, topped with white & blue buttercream, dressed with cosmic sprinkles, and finished with a house made brownie bite in the center. Available through May 24th.

Win Free Donuts for a Year! Enter the Sweet Life Raffle for a chance to win a free dozen every week for a year. Every in-store purchase made from May 17th-24th earns a ticket. Enter as many times as you can! Follow Instagram for raffle updates.

What's cake without ice cream?

Stop by Cardigan's IDS location this Friday, May 19th to grab an ice cream scoop for $1 - your flavor of choice: Vanilla Bean, Chocolate, Irish Cream Brownie, or Birthday Cake.

Visit the City Center or IDS location on Monday, May 22nd to order your $1 Old Fashioneds. First come, first serve, while supplies last.

Theatre in the Round Players Present Ken Ludwig’s Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood

Sherwood runs June 9 to July 2. Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2pm.

Theatre in the Round Players (TRP) continues its 71st season with Ken Ludwig’s Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood, running weekends June 9 to July 2, 2023 with a Monday Pay-What-You-Can performance on June 19.  10% of all opening night ticket sales will be donated to the Afghan Cultural Society, a neighboring nonprofit that provides support for the mental and social health, economic self-sufficiency, and cultural well-being of newly arriving refugees and established immigrant communities. Opportunities to support this organization will be available to patrons throughout the run.

Packed with thrills, romance, laughter, and immortal characters like Little John, Friar Tuck, and Maid Marian, Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood tells the enduring story of a hero of the people who takes on the ruthless powers that be. To compliment this joyful and immersive play, Saturday night performances are designated as “Dress up nights;” audiences are welcome (but not required) to show off their best Ren-Fest costumes.

Stephanie Long directs the fourteen-member cast with sets designed by Sadie Ward, costumes by Colleen O’Dell and Carolann Winther, lighting by Mark Kieffer, props by Vicky Erickson, and sound by Robert Hoffman.

Tickets are $25. For information, call the theatre’s box office at 612-333-3010 or visit the website.

MacPhail Center for Music Announces McKnight Fellowship Recipients 2023-24

MacPhail Center for Music proudly announces the four recipients of the 2023-24 McKnight Fellowship for Musicians: Shaiwna Adams aka The Lioness, Rascal Miles, Evelyn Speers aka EVV and Ann DuHamel.

The process for the recipients began in January, with 59 solo musician applications consisting of recording samples, artist statements, and resumes. Nine finalists were chosen by a four-member panel of experienced and well-respected music professionals. The four previously mentioned recipients were selected to receive the $25,000 McKnight Fellowship for Musicians at the finals on Friday, May 5, 2023.

MacPhail Center for Music administered the McKnight Fellowship for Musicians, a component of the McKnight Artists Fellowships Program, for the 27th year. Founded on the belief that Minnesota thrives when its artists thrive, the McKnight Foundation’s arts and culture program is one of the oldest and largest of its kind in the country. Support for individual working Minnesota artists has been a cornerstone of the program since it began in 1982. The McKnight Artist Fellowships Program provides annual, unrestricted cash awards to outstanding mid-career Minnesota artists in 14 different creative disciplines. Program partner organizations administer the fellowships and structure them to respond to the unique challenges of different disciplines. Currently the foundation contributes about $2.8 million per year to its statewide fellowships.

The 2023-2024 McKnight Musician Fellows

Shaiwna Adams aka The Lioness, Vocalist – Hip Hop, Minneapolis

The Lioness is a native of North Minneapolis, Minnesota. Having started her hip-hop career 19 years ago, she has inevitably become one of the Twin Cities’ premier homegrown artists'. The conscious lyricist speaks to the souls of marginalized populations by addressing issues of racial inequalities and social justice, in efforts to encourage and empower Black bodies, bodies of culture, queer bodies, and women across the country.

The Lioness’s solo projects include: The Most Anticipated (2011); Lost Tapes (2012); Queen (2013); Growing Pains (2016); Greater Vision (2018) and her latest, gemINI (2021).

Taking her passion and skills to a broader audience, The Lioness has completed six national and two international tours. With her rapidly growing fanbase and mission to encourage and inspire, it is only a matter of time before she becomes a global headliner.

Rascal Miles, Voice, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Bass Guitar, Drum Set, Mandolin, Cello, Banjo, Percussion, Glockenspiel, Piano, Keyboards, Synths, Trombone, Soundscapes, Digital Audio Workstations - Indie Art Rock Minneapolis

Rascal Miles (he/they) is a songwriter, one-man-band and multi- disciplinary artist based in Minneapolis whose work always revolves around three things: sound, storytelling, and emotion. To talk about Miles’ music, think Radiohead’s creativity meets Andrew Bird’s curiosity, but with a healthy dose of tender authenticity that only an underdog could know. Originally from a small town in Florida, Miles spent over a decade growing roots in the indie, folk & DIY punk scenes in the Pacific Northwest, recording in friends’ living rooms and touring the West Coast, both solo and in other bands.

When the pandemic hit, Miles was 6-months-sober, had recently come out as trans and had top surgery, lost his job, and was living alone in a tiny basement studio, events which together became the perfect storm for Miles to dive headfirst into audio engineering and write his self-recorded (including full instrumentation), debut full-length album Tailor-Made. Fueled by the fundamental truth that representation in art and media create the change we want to see in the world, each song on the record is a chronological chapter of his trans experience throughout his life. His story has gone on to earn the stamp of approval from NPR Music, including a special feature by indie icon Phoebe Bridgers, to award him two Make|Learn|Build grants from the Regional Arts & Culture Council, and to provide performance opportunities with queer musical heroes such as Chris Pureka and Esmé Patterson. Miles continues to craft his songs from the perspective of misunderstood characters, like the monsters in his 80’s New Wave-inspired Halloween EP Songs for the Graveyard, as well as the robot surviving the human apocalypse in his upcoming dystopian (more-electronically-focused) concept album.

As a highly sensitive, neurodiverse sound nerd with ADHD, Miles is always exploring new ways to manipulate sounds and build worlds for his characters, often blurring lines between genres, learning new techniques for sound design and production, adventuring on nature trips to collect textural field recordings, designing plugins to use while recording, implementing the element of chance into his writing process, searching for what is lingering in the air but isn’t being said, and then saying it with his distinctive musical voice.

Ann DuHamel, Piano – Classical, Morris 

Praised as poetic and “… a delight for the ears and the soul” (Encuentro Universitario Internacional de Saxofón, Mexico City), pianist Ann DuHamel delights in a multi- dimensional and eclectic musical career. Her performances have spanned 18 countries and 37 of the United States, including Carnegie Weill Recital Hall.

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Hailed as a “forward thinking classical pianist” (Midwest Record) and applauded for “the depth of programming and playing” (Piano Magazine) for her debut album Rückblick (Furious Artisans, 2020), Ann actively champions contemporary composers, commissioning all of the works for this release. She can also be heard on Tyler Kline: Orchard (Neuma Records, 2022); Fanfare Magazine praised her performance as “alive … [played with] aching expression.” Tracks from Rückblick and Orchard have been featured on radio stations across the U.S.

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Ann’s project “Prayers for a Feverish Planet” responds to the climate crisis with 60+ new works from composers around the world. In the spirit of eco-artivism, the program asks urgent questions of the listener: How can we live more mindfully as global citizens? How can we use our artistic talents to make a difference?

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Featured in interviews on Modern Notebook Radio (WSMR) and Minnesota Public Radio’s All Things Considered with Tom Crann, Ann has been awarded artist residencies at Tofte Lake Center (MN) and Everwood Farmstead Foundation (WI), in addition to grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board, the Lake Region Arts Council, and the University of Minnesota. She currently serves as Associate Professor of Music at the University of Minnesota Morris, where she devotes herself to the mission of sharing high quality traditional and contemporary classical music with students and the greater community.

She is Immediate Past President of the Minnesota Music Teachers Association.

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Evelyn Speers aka EVV, Lead Vocals/Lead Guitar – Blues, Metal, Indie, Jazz, Rock, Minneapolis

EVV is a Minneapolis-based musician that refuses to claim a genre. Drawing influences from blues, jazz, metal, and rock, the solo project of Ev Speers is one that is years in the making. With each song, EVV sings about heartbreak and their experiences as a black femme in today's society. EVV hopes to inspire young black folks to pursue the art that inspires them, and to let their voices be heard.

In addition, five solo artists were named finalists and will receive $1,000: Ben Noble of Minneapolis (guitar, keys, voice – Indie Folk), Nyttu Chongo of Fridley (kora, mbira, timbila, inanga, guitar, xipendani, xizambi - World Music/jazz Bantu), Tonia Hughes of Minneapolis (Vocalist – Contemporary), Gregory Byers of Minneapolis (cello, bass, voice – Jazz, Latin, Fusion) and Tearra Rosario (voice, percussion - Afro Boricua).

The Dayton’s Project Announces Buyers Support Group as Newest Tenant

Retail Services company, Buyers Support Group, leases 13,000 SF downtown

The Dayton’s Project announced a new lease, welcoming Buyers Support Group (bsg) to the historic redevelopment. Buyers Support Group is set to occupy 13,444 SF of the building. Like other tenants of The Dayton’s Project, Buyers Support Group works closely with companies headquartered downtown Minneapolis, like Target. As bsg approaches their 40th year in business, they – like The Dayton’s Project – are looking to the future, and see the move as part of their commitment to providing engaging, inspiring and energizing spaces for their employees and business partners.

A sign of momentum for both downtown Minneapolis and The Dayton’s Project, Buyers Support Group is the latest in an exciting list of new tenants, including Unilever, Prudential, EY, and Uncommon.

“Our team is thrilled to have Buyers Support Group as part of The Dayton’s Project,” said Kristin Longhenry of Transwestern. “This new lease continues to illustrate a renewed vibrancy in downtown Minneapolis. The Dayton’s project is the perfect place for companies to office, providing tenants with rare outdoor space, a luxury gym, and flexible places to work and meet within the building.”

The Dayton’s Project was built in 1902 and originally was used as the Dayton’s Department Store, which later became Target. In 2017, ownership group 601 W. Companies bought the property with the goal of taking the 1.2 million square foot project into retail and modern office space. The Dayton’s Project now boasts exclusive amenities for tenants, including a rooftop deck, private lounge, high-end fitness center, and library.

A retail services group, Buyers Support Group helps their manufacturing and retail partners grow their business using sales intellect, performance analysis, guest inspiration, and strategic business insights.

Nathan Arnold of Lee and Associates represented Buyers Support Group in the deal. Jim Montez and Alex Baron of Transwestern represented ownership.

Sherman Associates Closes on Financing of Multifamily Housing in Northstar Center East Conversion

Final phases of $250 million in financing secured to reposition office towers in downtown Minneapolis

Sherman Associates closed on the $91 million purchase and adaptive reuse for Northstar East, its historic conversion of the 13-story office tower to 216 apartment homes in Minneapolis’ central business district.

The 329,000-square-foot office tower is currently vacant, having spent the past several years being strategically positioned for conversion. The office-to-housing conversion will provide new, amenity-rich, high-quality housing in the downtown core and remove outdated office space from the oversaturated Twin Cities office market. The building’s unique design allows for over 10,000 square feet of amenity space including a media lounge, sports simulator, and virtual reality rooms as well as a maker space, coworking lounge, expansive fitness center, and rooftop club room.

Each unit will be equipped with smart home technology as well as high-end appliances and solid surface countertops. Unit sizes will average over 900 square feet.

“Our investment in this historic conversion indicates our commitment to downtown Minneapolis. We see this project as a catalyst that will pave the way for creative redevelopment in both Minneapolis and cities across the country, as we reimagine our downtown communities,” said Chris Sherman, President of Sherman Associates. “This project will have positive environmental and social impacts on the local community through its historic preservation, creation of hundreds of jobs for the construction and management of the project, and in expanding high-quality living options for downtown.”

Financing partners include First National Bank of Omaha for the first mortgage, American National Bank as the bridge lender, National Bank of Commerce as the tax increment financing lender, Stonehenge Capital as the federal historic tax credit investor, and Enhanced Historic Credit Partners as the state historic tax credit investor. Financing for this project was provided in part by the Hennepin County Environmental Response Fund and the City of Minneapolis.

“Projects of this magnitude and innovation are rare. This project has been years in the making. There is no precedent for a historic, functionally related complex being simultaneously redeveloped by at least three separate organizations,” said Trevor Martinez, Senior Developer at Sherman Associates. “This project was comprised of a new residential financing tool, physical reinvention, and change of use which made it highly complex. We are excited to pioneer this unique approach to redevelopment.”

The financing for Northstar East closes in conjunction with the financing of Northstar Center West which together with the recently completed Hotel Indigo at the Northstar Center complex secures more than $250 million in collective investment into the overall Northstar Center redevelopment to reposition over one and a half million square feet of office, hotel, and parking ramp space in the heart of downtown Minneapolis.

Polaris Properties Group and Taconic Capital Advisors, who have master planned Northstar Center’s redevelopment since 2019, also closed this week on its financing to redevelop, reposition, and lease the West office tower. Northstar Center West’s renovation will introduce not only repositioned office space, but also a unique large-scale public-facing meetings and events facility, several food and beverage concepts, and hospitality staff that will service the building’s office suites.

“The intention of our project is not just to introduce more office space into the Minneapolis CBD, but rather to introduce a new type of workplace product that’s integrated with its surrounding uses, including the residential use. We think that the reinvented Northstar Center complex will offer compelling reasons for people to choose to work downtown,” said Matt Legge, Principal of Polaris Properties. “We believe in downtown Minneapolis, and it was important to us that whoever stepped in as the steward of Northstar East was a group who was equally committed to investing in the downtown core and helping Northstar Center reach its highest potential. We’ve certainly found that in Sherman Associates.”

The boutique-style Hotel Indigo opened earlier this year in the south Northstar Center building after renovation by Wilson Street Hotel Group. The fully renovated Hotel Indigo has 218 re-designed rooms with unique modern amenities including Nespresso coffee, 50” televisions, and clothing steamers. The hotel restaurant, Star Bar & Bistro, will open June 5th and features a dramatic 35’ diameter rotunda bar with a recently uncovered star constellation ceiling from the original Northstar historic complex. 

Once all phases are complete, the Northstar building will be a large-scale example of a complex that was repositioned to its highest and best use. With housing, office, hotel, and restaurants/retail, it will serve downtown Minneapolis as a destination to live, work, play, and stay. All components of the project will be connected to the skyway system.

Construction is expected to start immediately on Northstar East, with completion planned for September 2024. Kraus Anderson is the general contractor and RSP Architects is the architect.

Green Minneapolis Presents Summer at Peavey Plaza!

Green Minneapolis is excited to announce our second year of free performing arts events, Summer at Peavey Plaza! - an outdoor series of over 100 free performances, from live music to dance, including our 2023 artist in residence, Phil Thompson. Phil is an internationally recognized singer and piano player known for his performances of everything from Billy Joel and Elton John to country western and 80’s hits.   

From May through September, Peavey Plaza will be the Twin Cities’ best place to go for free music, dance and theater performances in a beautiful outdoor setting. Join us every Wednesday and Thursday lunch hour for performances by MNspin artists and every Saturday morning for Music in Motion with the Children’s Theatre Company, perfect for young audiences. And don’t miss the Peavey Plaza Piano Bar brought to you by Phil Thompson every Tuesday afternoon and his Tribute Concerts the last Thursday of the month.

Additional performing partners include the Minnesota Orchestra, Cantus, ARENA DANCES, MIRAGE Performing Arts, Joe Davis & The Poetic Diaspora, The Minnesota Horn Quartet, Enzyrose, with new partners including James Sewell Ballet, Threads Dance Project and the Pan Asian Arts Alliance. Funding for this programming is made possible by charitable contributions to Green Minneapolis.

For those who want to break a sweat at Peavey Plaza this summer, you can join the YWCA Minneapolis every Wednesday evening for free Yoga in the Plaza from May 24 to October 11 and the James Sewell Ballet for improv jams and movement classes in September.

For a complete listing of performances and activities, visit greenminneapolis.org/events.

Pianos on Parade Program Returns to Downtown June 1-30

Photo credit Jim Olson, as seen on the That's So Minnesota Facebook Group

Spoiler alert - squirrels playing mini pianos are not part of the program! ;)

The 2023 Pianos on Parade program, presented by PNC Bank, is produced by the mpls downtown council in partnership with Keys 4/4 Kids.

25 pianos will be placed throughout downtown, all of which are painted by local artists. The beauty of the Pianos on Parade program is anyone can use the pianos to share their talents with the community.

During the month of June, scheduled piano performances will take place Thursdays at noon.

May 13 at the Mill City Farmers Market

New in the basket this week: Rosemary Salt from Heirloomista, Blackberry Bakery's cobblers, pound cake and cookies, sourdough bread from Atacama, Well Rooted Teas' "Spring" variety featuring lemony herbs and rhubarb, a beautiful olive wood spoon from Tugi Enterprises, pea shoots from Mhonpaj’s Garden, plus a Bookstore Roadmap courtesy of Babycake's Book Stack.

Meet Some New Vendors!

Kelley Love of Heirloomista utilizes her 5-acre plot to grow heirloom tomatoes and other produce. She also makes a variety of Herb Salts. Kelley will return once per month through October.

With her pound cake, cookies and jarred cobblers (all favorite Southern bakery items from her youth), Whitney Robinson of Blackberry Bakery will quickly become a new favorite for shoppers with a sweet tooth. Whitney returns to the Market on May 27.

Tugi Enterprises offers an enormous array of rich olive wood products, all of which are antibacterial and food safe. I wasn't familiar with olive wood, but a Google search revealed just how prized it is for cutting boards, bowls, plates, serving and eating utensils. I am now the proud owner of the perfect serving spoon. The next time you'll find Tugi at the Market is June 17.

For anyone with kids, Babycake's Book Stack is a super addition to the Market! You'll find Zsamé Morgan and her impressive bus parked in front of the Market every second Saturday through October (this ties in with the Market's Story Time and Power of Produce initiatives). There is so much going on inside and out - with books, activities, toys and more - geared to be inclusive and relatable for kids of all backgrounds.

Tanaǧidaŋ To Wiŋ (Tara) of Blue Hummingbird Woman honors the traditional medicine teachings of her grandmothers and creates plant based balms, creams, soaps and more. Tara's next Market date is May 20.

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See more photos from the May 13th Mill City Farmers Market here (once there, you can drill down further by clicking on "Back to albums list" and then "Photostream" to view more).

Douglas Dayton YMCA at Gaviidae Announces June 15 Rooftop Opening Celebration / Member Appreciation Party

Douglas Dayton YMCA at Gaviidae - Thursday, June 15 

Schedule:

11:00a-1:00p: Health Fair

4:00p-6:00p: Games, Raffles, Refreshments, Live Entertainment by the Percolators and more!

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BRING A FRIEND! Visit the Service Desk for more information.

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This event is open to the public. Photo ID and completed information form are required for non-members.