Stone Arch Bridge Over Downtown East by Ric Rosow

Submitted by Ric Rosow

Stone Arch Bridge Over Downtown East

The Stone Arch Bridge has a large impact on the Mill District of Minneapolis. It is a prime point of interest for people who live in this area, and an attraction that brings in people from all over the city and the larger metro area. This photograph is a blend of an image of the Stone Arch Bridge and a Cityscape image that captures the Mill District and more. The image of the Stone Arch Bridge was enlarged to about twice the images original size to emphasize the impact that bridge has on Downtown East and the Mill District.

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You can see more of my work, including other photographs of the Stone Arch Bridge, at ricrosowphotography.com.

Father Hennepin Bluff Park is Open!

Concerts will debut at the new stage in Father Hennepin Bluff Park on July 11

Father Hennepin Bluff Park reopened today, Thursday, June 15! A major renovation project built a new performance stage and attached bathroom building, completely redone paths and park entry plazas, and upgraded lighting, landscaping and stormwater management.

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board sincerely appreciates everyone's patience while these upgrades were constructed over the last year, especially during the last two months when fencing remained in place to allow freshly planted grass and landscaping beds to establish before crowds return to the park.

The chain link fencing was removed today and people are encouraged to enjoy the renovated park. Temporary orange fencing remains in place to protect new plants, grass and garden beds. Do not go in areas that remain fenced off.

A celebration is planned to commemorate the completion of these exciting new park amenities and upgrades on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, at 6:45 pm! Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board representatives will give brief remarks and host a ceremonial ribbon cutting before the first Music in the Parks concert on the new stage. Local R&B artist Barlow will perform, followed by a special movie outdoor movie screening of "The Upside" 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. Movie screenings will follow concerts every other Tuesday through August: July 25 (The Italian Job), Aug. 8 (Hoodwinked) and Aug. 22 (Mr. Right).

Minne-Golf Tee’d Up for Downtown Thursdays

FREE 9-hole custom downtown Minne-Golf course

The mpls downtown council has announced that beginning this week (June 15), Downtown Thursdays will feature a free-to-play Minne-Golf putt-putt course on Nicollet between 6th and 7th Streets. Minne-golfers can get puttin’ each third Thursday of the month through September from 11:30am – 1:30pm.

Minne-Golf will feature nine custom-made holes, each representing an iconic location or experience related to mpls downtown. Holes will showcase downtown entertainment venues, famous buildings, the Stone Arch Bridge, sports teams, murals, skyways, our restaurant scene, and neighborhoods.

Plus, this weekend will feature more than 70 events downtown. It’s a great chance to get together and check out a Twins game at Target Field; concerts at Water Works Park, Loring Park, The Armory, and First Avenue; and Saturday is the ever popular Stone Arch Bridge Festival along West River Parkway.

BONUS! There will be a different prize every month for golfers to sign up for when they play. This month features a chance to win a $50 gift card to Hell’s Kitchen.

More Downtown activity info: https://www.mplsdowntown.com/guides_activities/summer/, and www.mplsdowntown.com/events.

Kolman & Reeb Gallery Announces Light Tales by Jil Evans: A Project Space Exhibition

Light Tales by Minnesota Artist, Jil Evans

A Kolman & Reeb Gallery Project Space Exhibition

June 17 - August 19, 2023 

Artist Reception: June 24, 6p–8p / Artist Talk: August 3, 6:30p–7:30p

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The Kolman & Reeb Gallery will take patrons on an immersive exploration of light and shadow with its next Project Space grantee exhibition,  Light Tales, by internationally known Minnesota artist, Jil Evans. With her dynamic and energetic style, Evans captures the essence of Minnesota’s seasons using video, a new medium for her, through light and shadow to reflect the inner experiences of our minds. By using the gallery space in a unique and captivating way, this show is sure to impress the contemporary and abstract audience the gallery appeals to most.

For over four decades, Evans has used her visual vocabulary to explore abstraction. Through her project space grant, she examines how light dances to mesmerize; how in solid form, it can stop movement with a sudden jolt; or how it travels in gentle, rhythmic waves to narrate a foreboding story. Evans' immersive experience displays light as it takes us to the limitless possibilities of infinity and then back to the microcosmic constraints of our imagination. From awestruck to heartbroken, light is the medium Evans uses to translate her inner realm of consciousness to the viewer.

“Like nothing we’ve exhibited before, Jil’s show will use the gallery’s space in a new and creative way,” says Anita Sue Kolman, Kolman & Reeb Gallery co-founder and co-partner. “We established our project space program so artists have the time and resources to explore their vision and talents. This show proves Jil has taken full advantage of her grant opportunity.”

Jodi Reeb, gallery curator and co-partner, comments on how, even as Evans uses this new medium of video to immerse the viewers, they will surely find her recognizable energy and style. "I'm excited to experience Jil's time-based narrative video to show us her inner world as she makes visible her connection to nature."

Jil Evans

Evans’ artwork has been exhibited nationally and internationally. Her work is held in both private and public collections, including the Minneapolis Institute of Art and Walker Art Center. Evans has also participated in residencies and was a featured painter in the documentary film, Painting the Place Between.

Pillsbury A-Mill Artist Lofts Exhibit Artist Reception is June 22

Don't miss this opportunity to celebrate with the Pillsbury A-Mill Artists at the Artist Reception on Thursday, June 22nd from 5pm - 7pm

The A-Mill Arts Council invites you to experience the work of the Pillsbury A-Mill Artist Lofts residents in this first-ever exhibition. Creatives of all genres, including painting, sculpture, ceramics, fashion, digital media and more are being invited to show in their home gallery.

Exhibit hours are 10am to 7pm on June 17th in conjunction with the A-Mill Music and Art Fair. 

Volunteers will be onsite between the hours of Noon to 4 pm on the following weekends:  June 17-18, June 24-25, and July 1-2

Visit on Monday - Friday for the duration of the exhibition by appointment. Email amillartshow315@gmail.com to schedule your visit.

The exhibit will close on July 7th.

This exhibition is curated by guest curator Herman Milligan, Residents Wendy Frieze and Becca David. Sponsored by the A-Mill Arts Council

June 10 at the Mill City Farmers Market

New items in this weeks Mill City Farmers Market shopping basket: Nett Lake Wild Rice from Blue Hummingbird Woman, hazelnut flour from American Hazelnut Company, red popcorn and strawberries from Bean Market, garlic scapes and carrots from Prairie Hollow Farm.

REMINDER: Vote for the Mill City Farmers Market in the USA Today 10 Best Farmers Market Readers Choice 2023. As of June 11, MCFM was in 6th place, but you can move them up to #1 by casting a vote everyday thru the end of this month. (Cool side note - the photo USA Today used for the MCFM was taken by Mill City Times!)

Meet a New Vendor!

David Swenson of Swenwares Ceramics and Sound had a remarkable display of ceramics, both large and small, at the June 10th market. His work combines motifs from different cultures that have similarities in feeling or shape or theme.

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MCFM sponsor Minnesota Farmers Union treated shoppers to caprese cup samples prepared by Farmers Kitchen + Bar, featuring products from farmers at the market. 

Also happening during the June 10th market was the Juneteenth Jubilee: Sweet Potato Pie Showcase inside the Mill City Museum, paying homage to what is considered “the sacred dessert of Black culture.” Each participant received a prize bag courtesy of Nordic Ware and the Mill City Museum gift shop.

Second Saturdays at the market are a great time to bring the kids for story time, produce sampling (kids receive $2 market tokens) and Babycake’s Book Stack.

8:30am and 10am 60-minute Market Yoga classes are free to the public and take place on the lawn across West River Parkway.

The Bean Market had the first strawberries of the season.

Ward 3 Council Member Michael Rainville with Martha Archer, MCFM Executive Director.

Ceramic artist Christy Wetzig created mugs with the MCFM logo, available for purchase at the info booth.

Handy way to take items home from the market - in an insulated backpack!

See more photos from the June 10th 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).

Courtyard Family Days at Mill City Museum

Museum will host free family-friendly activities in the ruin courtyard on select dates this summer

Mill City Museum is excited to welcome families to the Charles H. Bell Ruin Courtyard for free activities during Courtyard Family Days, taking place on three occasions throughout the summer. 

Courtyard Family Day: Stone Arch Bridge Festival

Saturday, June 17, 10 am–7 pm

Sunday, June 18, 10 am–5 pm

• Try out historic flour milling
• Make Father’s Day cards
• Photo op with the UCare Bicycle
• Add to the Stone Arch Bridge weave art
• Open Eye Puppet Theater’s Driveway Tour of Tucker’s Robot at 1 pm on Sunday 

Courtyard Family Days: Archaeology

Saturday, July 22, 10 am–2 pm

• Meet archaeologists
• Try an artifact challenge
• Discover the tools archaeologists use to find sites 

Courtyard Family Day: Mill Workers

Saturday, August 19, 10 am–2 pm

• Try your hand at moving flour sacks
• See workers’ equipment used in flour mills
• Play Figure This Out, an artifact challenge game
• Make a craft to take home

June 3 at the Mill City Farmers Market

New items in this weeks Mill City Farmers Market shopping basket: Golden beets and kohlrabi from GVY, peas from Clover Bee Farm, Buffalo Nuts (spicy peanuts) from Tare Market, beef from TanTum BlackHill Farm, pita bread from YummyTizers, Tokyo Bekana lettuce from Urban Roots, and maple sugar from Horner's Corner.

Meet 3 New Vendors!

James Raymond owns TunTum BlackHill Farm, a 40-acre enterprise in Webster. He debuted at the June 3rd market with beef,  duck, herbs and focaccia. James raises heritage breeds, all of which enjoy pastures free of pesticides and artificial fertilizers. For our first visit we chose the ground beef, but I plan to read up on how to properly prepare duck!

Below, Terry Daugherty of Wild Edge Woodworking holds one of her gorgeous creations. Photos do not do justice to her masterpieces, as you can't see the 3 dimensional inlays of river stones, flowers and geodes used in the creation of so many of them. We arrived at her booth around 8:30a and she had already sold a few pieces. Her next Market is July 1.

The third new vendor at the June 3rd Market was Nick Earl Pottery, who had an impressive array of pieces that are as beautiful and unique as they are functional. Whether you want to serve tea, display a fresh bouquet of flowers or enjoy a big ol' dish of ice cream, Nick has a piece to fit the need.

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Matt Oxford of Wild Run Salmon is back!

Looking for new ideas on what to do with the bags of produce and other ingredients you brought home from the Market? Find lots of recipes on the MCFM's website.

Nice market tote with lots of compartments.

You never know what kind of creative artist you might spot as you enter the Market! 

See more photos from the June 3rd 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).

City of Minneapolis Community Connections Conference is Happening June 10th

The City of Minneapolis Community Connections Conference is an annual free event that connects residents of Minneapolis, community groups, neighborhoods and local government. The conference will run together with the Green Zone Summit for environmental justice.

Join your neighbors for:

• Exhibits from City departments, nonprofits and other government agencies.
• Fun activities including the Hennepin County Library mobile, a scooter track and a Lego robot exhibit from High Tech Kids.
• Workshops on many topics including renter’s rights, resources for survivors of domestic violence in immigrant communities, citizenship, climate action, drivers licenses for all, youth safety and many more.
• Performances from community artists.
• Lunch.
• Free booster and one-dose Pfizer vaccines against COVID-19, including $50 gift cards, toys and portable first aid kits to take home.

Performers

We'll be joined by artists Enia Kyle and Ifrah Mansour for poetry and spoken word, with dance from Holly (Miskitoos) Henning, Zack Red Bear, Lao Women Friendship Club Dance and Ballet Folklórico Mexico Azteca (pictured).

See the 2023 program and breakout session list online.

Multilingual video invitations

You can watch and share our conference invitation video featuring Council President Andrea Jenkins and Mayor Jacob Frey in five languages:

• You’re invited! Community Connections Conference 2023 (English).
• Waa lagu casuumay! Community Connections Conference 2023 (Somali).
• ¡Están todos invitados! Conferencia Community Connections 2023 (Spanish).
• Thov caw koj! Community Connections Conference 2023 (Hmong).
• Afeeramtaniittu! Yaa’ii walitti hidhamiinsa hawaasaa 2023 (Oromo).

Free rides to the conference

Thanks to conference partner Metro Transit, you can ride the bus or light rail for free to the Community Connections Conference Saturday, June 10. To use:

1. Download your Metro Transit pass online.

1. Save the pass to your mobile device or print it out. Hennepin County Library users can print their pass for free using their library card. Get more information about printing at the library on the Hennepin County Library website.

1. Show the pass to the driver or fare inspector for free rides from 7 a.m.-4 p.m. on conference day.

Plan your trip on the Metro Transit website.

Sign up for the conference

Minneapolis residents can sign up now for the free 2023 Community Connections Conference on June 10.

Community Connections Conference and Green Zone Summit
9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, June 10
Check-in starts and exhibit hall opens at 8 a.m.
Minneapolis Convention Center, Hall A, Lower Level
Register in English, Spanish, Somali, Hmong or Oromo.

June 9-11 Double Discount Days at Mill City Museum and Other MNHS Sites

Save 20% on toys, jewelry, MNHS Press books and more!

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Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) members will save 20% on summer shopping – toys, jewelry, baking aids, books and more - during the summer sale, June 9-11. Find one-of-a-kind gifts at the Mill City Museum (as well as the Minnesota History Center and MNHS historic sites statewide).

Not a member? There are a number of membership options to choose from, and you can sign up to become a MNHS member when you visit the Museum. By doing so, your admission to the Museum will be free, plus you can take advantage of the 20% Discount Days in their store, featuring a well-curated array of unique and useful items!

Please note, the 20% discount does not apply to the membership fee.

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In addition to the Mill City Museum, Discount Days will be happening at these locations:

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Minnesota History Center

Charles Lindbergh House and Museum

Forest History Center

Historic Fort Snelling

James J. Hill House

Jeffers Petroglyphs

Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post

Minnesota State Capitol

Oliver Kelley Farm

Snake River Fur Post

Split Rock Lighthouse

Online

The Main Cinema Announces $5 Kids Tickets - All Day, Every Day!

Just in time for summer break, The Main Cinema, 115 SE Main Street, announces its new $5 all day, every day ticket price for kids 12 and under. Plan a family day at the theater to catch “The Little Mermaid,” “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” or one of many other fun films coming to the Main Cinema screens.

The Main Cinema is a newly renovated five-screen theater located in the historic St. Anthony Main complex on the banks of the scenic Mississippi River. This beautiful neighborhood theater has been updated with state-of-the-art sound and comfortable seating with lots of leg room. Delicious fresh popcorn, sweet snacks, and beverages (including beer and wine) are available.

The Main Cinema is open seven days a week. Youth tickets must be purchased at the box office. Street parking is available, or use the St. Anthony Parking Ramp, 201 Second Ave SE, with tunnel access just one block away. The Main is also on the Metro Transit bus line.

The Main Cinema is run by the MSP Film Society, the leading nonprofit exhibitor of the very best in international, independent, and mainstream Hollywood films. Annual memberships start at $60 per individual and $100 per dual. A student membership is only $20.

Downtown Field Day June 1 at The Commons - A Lot Happening!

As a kickoff to summer downtown, all workers, residents, and visitors are invited to participate in Downtown Field Day. Come to work, stay to play! Lawn games, friendly competitions, food trucks, giveaways, celebrity appearances, live music from local DJs will take place from at The Commons. Later in the day, enjoy happy hour with friends (beer for purchase for 21+) and a concert by local band, Bad Bad Hats.

This event is free and open to the public. Stop by throughout the day and enjoy all the festivities. For more information and to register your team to participate, please visit: https://www.mplsdowntown.com/fieldday.

June 1 Schedule: 

12pm – 2pm:  Celebrity meet-and-greets, including Twins great and Baseball Hall of Famer Tony Oliva, appearances by mascots T.C. Bear and Crunch, free coffee/treats form Caribou Coffee and JonnyPops, team competitions, yard games, custom Minne-Golf holes, food trucks, and music from DJ ESP.

2pm  - 4pm:  Open play at The Commons! Grab a late lunch at a food truck, relax in the park, participate in walk-up games, and enjoy the fresh air.

4 pm  - 6pm:  SKOL! Don your purple and meet legendary Viking alum Chuck Foreman and mascot Viktor Viking, and enjoy a performance by the Vikings SKOL Line,. Plus, more team competitions, food trucks, lawn games and music from DJ Keezy. Happy Hour beverages will be available for purchase starting at 4 p.m.

6 pm  - 7pm:  Free concert by local indie rockers Bad Bad Hats. Grab dinner from a food truck and a happy hour beverage while you play yard games and enjoy the show!

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The mpls downtown summer campaign is supported in partnership with Pohlad Companies, Target, U.S. Bank, Thrivent, mpls downtown council, Delta Dental, Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Lynx, Minnesota Timberwolves, Sleep Number, the City of Minneapolis, the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, and many more. 

May 27 at the Mill City Farmers Market

New items in this weeks Mill City Farmers Market shopping basket: Tomatoes from GVY, brioche from Baker's Field, Herbal Foot Soak from Spoon and Theory Handmade, radishes from Clover Bee Farm, cheese curds from Cosmic Wheel Creamery, chocolate chip cookies from Blackberry Bakery, and Hazelnut Snackers from American Hazelnut Company (they're a yummy snack on their own, but also great on a salad or mixed with popcorn).

There was one new vendor at the Market this week, and that was Minneapolis Mehndi & Henna. Fortunately for them (but not me) they were so busy with customers that I didn't get to meet them in person. They are scheduled to return to the MCFM on July 1, so better luck then!

Mill City Cooks welcomed Guest Chef Sina Pleggenkuhle, who made Cambodian hot pot (Yao Hon). The beautiful sauce simmers for hours, and you can customize individual servings with veg, noodles, etc. 

A little kiddo enjoying a Saint Pops ice pop - they really hit the spot on a sunny morning at the Market.

It's not possible to capture just how long the line for Solomon’s Bakery gets every Saturday (except by drone, I guess). In this photo you can only see the people backed up to the Guthrie side wall - what you don't see is the line snaking around to the front of the building and down along to its front entry!

I loved this little girls dress - so appropriate for the Market! :)

Arugula is my favorite green, and Burning River Farm is my go-to source for it.

See more photos from the May 27th 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).

Posters for Parks 2023 - Call for Artists is Open Thru June 16!

The Posters for Parks Call for Artists is now open!

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The Minneapolis Park Foundation is once again recruiting artists, designers, and illustrators for their 8th annual poster show. All that’s needed is your name, email, and links to three examples of your best work. A jury will choose 40-45 artists to participate.

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If you are interested in participating, complete the Call for Artists application by Friday, June 16.

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: