August 6 Bridge 9 Improvements Project Update

Bridge No. 9 was constructed in 1922 by the Northern Pacific Railroad to carry freight over the Mississippi. The City of Minneapolis acquired this bridge in 1986 and converted the bridge to a pedestrian use bridge in 1999. The bridge currently provides a Mississippi River crossing for the Dinkytown Greenway bike trail.

Beginning in April, 2025, the City of Minneapolis started making repairs and improvements to Bridge 9, Abutment 1 and the approach spans on both ends of the bridge

*  *  *  Latest project news  *  *  * 

2025 Construction Phase

Public Works has been working on this bridge in phases over the past few years, starting with the substructure work (piers and abutments).

In 2025, the scope of work will focus on the superstructure, which includes removing and replacing the approach span decks, replacing the existing railing with a high-safety railing and rehabilitating the east side abutment.

Rehabilitation work on the abutment consists of the removal of degraded concrete, then repairing and strengthening the concrete to remain with new reinforced concrete. The work on the approach spans consists of the removal of the old ballast slab, aggregate and bituminous pavement, then constructing a new reinforced concrete deck.

Forms for north approach span being constructed

The abutment work takes place within Bridge 9 right of way through University of Minnesota property.  It is occurring adjacent to the U of M Main Energy Plant.  Access and staging for the work were closely coordinated with University officials.

Lifting section of southern approach span

Schedule

Construction activities this season started on April 7th of 2025. The scheduled completion date is the end of December 2025. The contractor is currently anticipating substantial completion by the end of November 2025.

Traffic Impact

The bridge is closed to bicyclists and pedestrians this season. The Detour route is below, and it is also posted to the project webpage.

Current Work

For the month of July, the following construction operations were performed: Installing supplemental reinforcement on abutment 1, abutment 8 concrete repairs, continued removals of sections on the southern approach spans, and setting formwork on the northern approach span.

Completed repairs at Abutment 8

Coming Up

The last deck removals on the southern approach span, steel preparation on the southern spans, setting forms and pouring concrete on abutment 1, installing rebar on the northern approach span.

Stay Connected

For more details and to sign up for email updates please visit the project page.

For concerns or questions about the Bridge 9 project please contact:

Contact the project engineer: Petru Vizoli,
612-201-1905, or Petru.Vizoli@minneapolismn.gov

Contact the engineer: Oscar Weber,
651-470-4790 or Oscar.Weber@minneapolismn.gov 

Contact the design team project manager: Rich Revering,
612-718-8412 or Richard.Revering@Bolton-Menk.com 

August 5th National Night Out Event at Chute Square Park

 

Mini Mia Pops Up to Kick Off Downtown Street Art Festival August 8

Photo credit Minneapolis Downtown Council

Friday, August 8, 2025, at 11:00am

Peavey Plaza (Nicollet Mall between 11th and 12th Streets)

Mini Mia: Engaging Young Minds Through Art! In collaboration with PNC Bank and the Minneapolis Downtown Council (MDC), the Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) brings its beloved Mini Mia early childhood arts program outdoors for a special summer event. Designed for children ages 3-5, the program includes artmaking, movement, story time, and a sing-along, all centered around a vibrant hand-painted piano to kick off Pianos on Parade (August 1-31) and Downtown Minneapolis Street Art Festival (August 9-10).

Eagle Soaring by Ric Rosow

Submitted by Ric Rosow

I have been spending a time on and off lately waiting and watching for the eagles who nest across the river from us, to fly close enough over this side of the Mississippi River to get a good photograph. Yesterday this eagle circled over the St. Anthony Falls and then flew back down river close to the Mill District side of the river. In all I took over 250 images of this eagle and identified 18 that met what I was looking for. I had my camera set for photographing a bird in flight, with a shutter speed of 1/2000 and enabled the camera’s focus tracking of the a moving bird or animal. The blue sky with puffy clouds required no special editing. I love the determined look in the eagle’s eye. The phrase “you have an eagle’s eye” is played out in this photograph. I believe this is the finest photograph I have taken of an eagle flying. I hope you enjoy it was much as do.

You can see more of my work at ricrosowphotography.com and pricekrishnangallery.com.

Alchemy of the Heart Exhibit Opens August 4th at A-Mill Artist Lofts Gallery

Check out artist Lori Lentz's Alchemy of the Heart exhibit at A-Mill Artist Lofts Gallery August 4th through the 30th, with an artist reception on August 14th. 

The Mill Yard Art at Stonebridge Lofts Announces August 10 Opening Reception for Abstract Alchemy

Opening Reception Sunday, August 10, 4:00–6:00pm

Stonebridge Lofts, 1120 S 2nd Street

The Mill City. Residents celebrate our area’s industrial heritage of the mighty Mississippi River and the mills. Today, what we see are the most recognizable Minneapolis landmarks. However, this is only part of the story. Rail lines were key to Minneapolis’ growth, and were particularly integral to the Mill District, bringing in wheat and timber and shipping out flour and lumber. We also honor the history of the mills, the reason for the rail yard’s existence. The Mill Yard aims to be both a gathering place for art and artists and a conduit by which art can be shared with and disseminated into the wider community.

Join The Mill Yard at Stonebridge Lofts to welcome local artists, purchase art, meet neighbors and enjoy free snacks and beverages. Taqueria Victor Hugo Food Truck will be on site to purchase food.

The Mill Yard's Abstract Alchemy featured artists:

Michelle Yates French-born and now living in Minnesota, Michelle Yates is a contemporary painter whose work is steeped in color and texture. She studied at Minneapolis College of Art and Design and has been studying in the Creative Visionary Program led by Art2Life’s Nicholas Wilton. Michelle’s paintings are a response to her immediate surroundings and to memories around her birthplace. “My work is grounded in sensorial moments, nostalgia, and memories. I seek to express the essence of an experience or moment, chasing wonder in the magnificent and in the everyday.”

Doug Peterson Doug started teaching art immediately after graduating from Augustana College. In addition to being an artist, teacher and coach, Doug was a family farmer and a Minnesota House Representative from 1990-2002.

His artwork has included not only painting, but printmaking, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, weaving, stained glass and silkscreen. “Artists have an innate need to create and expand their boundaries.”

Emily Jamison Emily works in a variety of mediums including acrylic, oil, graphite and pastel. Her work bounces between colorful expressionistic abstracts and shape centered mixed media collages. The process of creating art is her attempt to make sense of the relationships, hardships, and beauty in her life. “I enjoy being able to capture intangible feelings, a range of emotions, personal narratives, embedded memories, and a sense of place through brush strokes, mark making, and color palettes.”

Don Pohlman (above) Don took up woodturning after a long career in exhibits and museum planning that began at the Science Museum of Minnesota. At his Minneapolis studio in the Q.arma Building, he produces hollow vessels and other original pieces in a variety of local woods. His work combines precise machining with open exploration of a natural material shaped by evolution, climate, gravity and encounters with other species. He is especially interested in the distortion produced by rapid drying of green wood and the defects introduced by organisms that reach the tree before the turner.

Gena Cohen Through Gena Cohen’s exploration of themes of love, loss and resilience, she  interprets her experience of life through art. As an abstract expressionist, Cohen is highly intuitive in her process and plays with both vibrant colors and tactile textures.

The Estate of Shoshana Englard-Falconer Several pieces of glass art will be available to view and purchase from glass artist Shosana Englard-Falconer’s estate.

NE Community Art Initiative: Mystery Trash Remix - Transforming Waste into Art

This summer Art to Change the World is presenting the Mystery Trash Remix, where they invite 20 selected artists from local NE Minneapolis communities to participate in a unique creative challenge that transforms single-use plastics and discarded materials into new artworks to then be shown in a public exhibition. They are specifically seeking artists from the environmental justice communities of Marshall Terrace, Sheridan and Bottineau, as they know those neighborhoods are home to talented artists and passionate community members who would bring unique perspectives to this environmental art challenge. This project is part of Artistic ReUse-A-Thon (ARAT), promoting creative reuse and community engagement through art. 

Artist Benefits:

· $200 guaranteed payment for participation

· Opportunity to compete for $500 Grand Prize

· Professional exhibition of artwork

· Community networking and exposure

· Recyclable materials provided (plus contribution of your own)

Project Timeline:

• Application Deadline: July 27 (applications close once 20 artists have submitted)
• Grab Bag Pickup: August 10 at Art to Change The World (1:00pm - 5:00pm)
• Creation Period: August 10 - October 23
• Exhibition: October 24 - November 10
• "Artistic ReUse-A-Thon" Art Supply Swap, Make and Takes and Mystery Trash Remix Reception on November 1 (10:00am - 5:00pm)

All activities will take place at Flux Arts Building, 2505 NE Howard St, Minneapolis. This project offers an innovative approach to waste reduction through art, plus financial support being provided to local artists ($4,000+ total in artist fees and prizes). 

Historic Installment at the Guthrie in Conjunction with Cabaret

Cabaret is currently playing at the Guthrie thru August 24. On a recent visit to the Guthrie, Becky Fillinger snapped a few pics of the historic Cabaret installation on the 5th floor. One side provides info on Cabaret artists, and the other has a historical timeline of the Weimar Republic, the German state from 1918 to 1933.

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The building is open to the public during posted hours, so you can pop in to view the installation with or without a show ticket. Don't forget, the Guthrie also offers behind the scenes tours.

Double Rainbow Over the East Bank by Ric Rosow

Submitted by Ric Rosow

In the early evening of July 15th clouds rolled in over the Mill District. At first they looked beautiful, but then the clouds turned dark and ominous. After that it did not take long for heavy rain and winds to roll through. I abandoned the idea of grilling dinner on our patio. But then shortly after the rain stopped the skies cleared and a beautiful full rainbow appeared in the eastern sky. From my vantage point I could see both ends meet the horizon. The surprise came afterwards when I went to develop the print. A second rainbow appeared directly above the first, though not as brilliant in color.

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) Announces August 14 Fall Sampler

OLLI Fall Sampler / August 14, 9:30–11am via Zoom

Are you looking for high-quality courses that are offered throughout the year? Would you like to share intellectually stimulating social, cultural, and volunteer opportunities with a community of dedicated lifelong learners such as yourself? Look no further! The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of Minnesota offers all these things and more.

Register now for the annual OLLI Sampler on Thursday, August 14, 9:30–11am (CDT). This free online event gives you the chance to learn about the OLLI experience from a member’s perspective. During the Sampler, three instructors will present mini-lectures based on past or forthcoming courses. 

Following the Sampler, you’ll receive a link to OLLI’s fall 2025 Course Guide via email, allowing you to browse and explore nearly 90 courses, offered in person and online.

Two Mill District Restaurants Return to the 2025 Twin Cities Vegan Chef Challenge

Compassionate Action for Animals (CAA) has announced the 7th annual Twin Cities Vegan Chef Challenge, running throughout the month of August. The challenge highlights the excitement and deliciousness of plant-based cuisine, inviting diners to become food critics and help crown the region’s top chef.

During the entire month of August, 29 restaurants across the metro area (including Sawatdee Thai Restaurant and Umbra in the Mill District), will unleash their most creative and delectable vegan dishes. Forget everything you thought you knew about plant-based food — these chefs are set to push boundaries, tantalize taste buds, and prove that vegan cuisine isn’t just an alternative, but a vibrant, exciting, and delicious culinary force.

Per Laura Matanah, Executive Director of CAA, “We’re seeing incredible creativity from our local chefs. These aren’t your typical veggie burgers — we want people to say ‘Fork Yeah!’ to every incredible dish they try. Whether you’re vegan or not, it’s a chance to experience the tremendous talent of the Twin Cities restaurant community and enjoy some truly delicious plant-based food.”

How the Challenge Works: Taste, Vote, Win!

1. Diners visit participating restaurants throughout August and try their special Vegan Chef Challenge dishes.

2. After savoring their meals, diners cast their votes online at caa.mn/tcvcc.

3. Every vote and social media post about the challenge enters participants into drawings for restaurant gift cards and merchandise!

Last year, diners cast more than 1,100 votes and eight restaurants decided to keep the challenge dishes on the menu long-term.

Winners will be crowned at the September 21 Twin Cities Veg Fest, a celebration of all things plant-based. For challenge updates, follow: Facebook, Instagram, Web

Participating Restaurants:

• Barbette

• The Block Food + Drink - Rogers, Vegan Lumpia

• The Block Food + Drink - St. Louis Park, Vegan Pesto Rosso

• Book Club

• Brianno’s Chart House, Caribbean Vegan Bowl

• Crasqui Restaurant, Bollitos Pelones Veggie Style

• Duke’S on 7, Vegan Spaghetti & Meatballs

• Food on the Fly, Crispy Chicken Rice Bowl

• Gigi’s Cafe

• Hard Times Cafe, Vegan “Red Pork” Taco

• Himalayan Restaurant, Chili Momo

• The Howe Daily Kitchen & Bar, Vegan Beef Wellington

• Lulu EthioVegan Cuisine

• Lutunji’s Palate, A Pot of Love

• Namaste Cafe

• Pat’s Tap

• Pub 819

• Reverie Cafe + Bar, Chili Crisp Burnt End Tacos

• Sawatdee Thai Restaurant - Maple Grove, Stir Fry Cabbage with Tofu

• Sawatdee Thai Restaurant - Mpls, Stir Fry Cabbage with Tofu

• Sawatdee Thai Restaurant - St. Paul, Stir Fry Cabbage with Tofu

• Stanley’s NE Bar Room, Chimi Chickpea Cauli-Power

• Starling, Sweet Potato & Chickpea Curry

• Stonegarden, Summer Sun

• Tiny Diner

• Tori Ramen, Hobak Buchim

• Umbra Minneapolis, Garlic Scape Cavatelli

• VITALIST FRESH, Taco Pizza

• WELLS Roadside, Vegan Philly Cheesesteak

Celebrate Minneapolis’ Global Connections at Sister Cities Day Event, July 20

Free event on July 20 features performances, ice cream, and anniversary celebrations  

Minneapolis’ annual Sister Cities Day celebration returns Sunday, July 20, from 1-5 p.m. at Nicollet Island Pavilion with an afternoon of international culture, entertainment and community. The event is free, family friendly and open to all.   

This year’s celebration will include live music and dance performances representing seven of Minneapolis’ 12 Sister Cities as well as cultural displays and crafts. Guests can also enjoy complimentary make-your-own ice cream sundaes and other refreshments while supplies last.   

The 2025 event marks several significant milestones in Minneapolis’ international partnerships: 

• 45 years with Ibaraki City, Japan 
• 25 years with Eldoret, Kenya 
• 25 years with Uppsala, Sweden 

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and other dignitaries will be on hand to commemorate these enduring relationships and highlight the importance of global connection at the local level. 

Per Melvin Tennant, President and CEO of Meet Minneapolis, “Sister Cities Day is a vibrant celebration of cultural awareness and local community. This event allows our residents to experience the music, art and traditions that make our 12 international partnerships so special. It’s a joyful reminder that diplomacy isn’t just about governments – it’s about people coming together to learn, share and grow.” 

Performances* include: 

1:00pm  The Mighty Drumming Club – Taiko Arts Midwest (Ibaraki City, Japan)

1:30pm  Songs of Hope – International Children’s Performing Arts Group

2:00pm  Official remarks to recognize anniversaries of three Sister City relationships:

·  Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey

·  Molly Wright Steenson

Honorary Consul of Sweden (Uppsala, Sweden – 25 years)

·  His Excellency Dr. Jonathan Bii Chelilim

Governor of Uasin Gishu County (Eldoret, Kenya – 25 years)

·  Sei Shirotani

President of the International Friendship Association of Ibaraki (Ibaraki City, Japan – 45 years)

2:20pm  Rafiki USA (Eldoret, Kenya) 

2:40pm  Twin Cities Nyckelharpalag – Swedish Key Harp Ensemble (Uppsala, Sweden)

3:00pm  Raices de Chile (Santiago, Chile)

3:30pm  Francine Roch accompanied by Mark Stillman on accordion (Tours, France)

4:00pm  Hongdae Lion Dance & Tai Chi School (Harbin, China) 

4:30pm  Ballet Folklorico Mexico Azteca (Cuernavaca, Mexico) 

*Performance times subject to change.

Set alongside the Mississippi River in one of the most beautiful parks in Minneapolis, the Sister Cities Day celebration will occur rain or shine. 

This event is sponsored by Meet Minneapolis in partnership with its sister city organizations. Meet Minneapolis supports these relationships on behalf of the City of Minneapolis. The Minneapolis Sister Cities program was established in 1961 with the signing of the first Sister City agreement between Minneapolis and Santiago, Chile. Today, it includes Winnipeg, Canada; Santiago, Chile; Harbin, China; Kuopio, Finland; Tours, France; Najaf, Iraq; Ibaraki City, Japan; Eldoret, Kenya; Cuernavaca, Mexico; Novosibirsk, Russia; Bosaso, Somalia; and Uppsala, Sweden. 

Public Invited to Celebrate the Reopening of the Stone Arch Bridge, August 9

Stone Arch Bridge Reopening Community Celebration

11am to 1pm on Saturday, August 9
Father Hennepin Bluff Park Bandstand, 420 SE Main Street

The public is invited to attend this free, family-friendly event. A program with speaker remarks and a ceremonial ribbon-cutting will take place with community leaders at 11am, followed by a walk across the bridge into downtown Minneapolis. There will be food trucks, live entertainment, interactive activities for all ages, and a demonstration of construction materials and historical fun facts. The public is encouraged to check out the event activities located on both sides of the bridge. Monitor the project webpage as more details are added.

Schedule update

Stone Arch Bridge construction is anticipated to be completed by the end of August. First, the bridge will reopen to pedestrians and bicyclists on August 9 in conjunction with the community celebration. Any remaining work would wrap up within the following weeks and should not require any further closures.

About the project

Starting in April 2024, crews began repairing the Stone Arch Bridge spanning the Mississippi River on the edge of downtown Minneapolis. Crews are repairing and replacing stone, replacing the mortar on the entire bridge, and making other repairs as needed. Stone repair and mortar replacement will slow deterioration and improve the condition of the bridge. For more information, visit the project webpage. If you have questions or concerns regarding the Stone Arch Bridge project, please contact the project team.

Minneapolis Aquatennial Returns July 23 - 26

The Minneapolis Downtown Council has announced the 2025 lineup of events for the Minneapolis Aquatennial, the official civic celebration of the City of Minneapolis. The annual tradition returns Wednesday, July 23 through Saturday, July 26. All events are free, family-friendly, and open for all to enjoy.

The bookends of this year’s schedule are Aquatennial’s longtime signature events:

Aquatennial Torchlight Parade

Along Nicollet Mall from 12th to 4th Street. Annually the largest nighttime parade in Minnesota, the Aquatennial Torchlight Parade will fill downtown Minneapolis with great floats, displays, and marching bands through the heart of downtown.

This year’s Grand Marshal is Gopher Men’s Hockey Coach, Bob Motzko. Motzko, one of the most accomplished coaches in American hockey today, will serve as head coach of the 2026 U.S. National Junior Team. The team will play in the 2026 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship, December 26, 2025 – January 5, 2026, in Saint Paul and Minneapolis.

Target Fireworks

Taking place along the banks of the Mississippi on West River Parkway near the Stone Arch Bridge, the Target Fireworks are considered one of the top five annual fireworks shows in the entire country. Produced by the world-famous Zambelli Fireworks team, the fireworks will once again be choreographed to music and simulcast live on KDWB.

Come early for Aquatennial Pre-Fireworks Festivities on West River Parkway beginning at 4 pm. The pre-party includes fantastic live bands, Chameleon Markets, Mpls Craft and Vintage Markets featuring local entrepreneurs, Cars and Coffee Show, a fun-filled Kids Zone including Children’s Entrepreneur Market, and plenty of food and beverage options. 

Per Adam Duininck, president and CEO, Minneapolis Downtown Council, “Aquatennial is an exciting summer celebration for our community. This year’s Aquatennial lineup includes more than two dozen activities downtown, headlined by the Aquatennial Torchlight Parade on Wednesday and the Target Fireworks on Saturday night. Come downtown and enjoy all of the festivities while taking in all that our city has to offer - incredible dining, nightlife, performances, sports and more.”

Most of the events take place in the heart of downtown – from Loring Park and The Commons and along Nicollet and West River Road. The schedule and the proximity of the activities make Aquatennial a walkable and bikeable experience throughout the four days.

Here are some of the highlights of the 2025 Minneapolis Aquatennial. A full schedule of events can be found at aquatennial.com/events. Check back for updates leading up to Aquatennial, as event details are subject to change.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 23

We Are Water MN is an interactive exhibit that invites visitors to explore the deep and personal connections Minnesotans have with water. Through powerful stories, historical insights, and engaging displays, the exhibit highlights the cultural, environmental, and economic significance of water in our state.

Go Outside: Summer Sessions – Hennepin Government, Center North Plaza, 11:30am–1pm. Enjoy a live performance, an Aquatennial activity, and more.

Loring Park Family Fun Night, 5:30–7:30 pm.

Twin Cities River Rats Waterski Show – West River Road on Mississippi River between Broadway and Plymouth Avenues, 6:30pm.

Aquatennial Torchlight Parade – Nicollet from 12th to 4th Streets, 7:30pm.

Parks Movie Night “Wicked” sing along - Commons, 9 pm.

THURSDAY, JULY 24

We Are Water MN is an interactive exhibit that invites visitors to explore the deep and personal connections Minnesotans have with water. Through powerful stories, historical insights, and engaging displays, the exhibit highlights the cultural, environmental, and economic significance of water in our state. 

Concert at The Commons – Meat Raffle Ska, 7–9pm.

Movie Night “Surf’s Up” with a Sing United performance before the movie, Target Field Station, 6:30pm.

Twin Cities River Rats Waterski Show – West River Road on Mississippi River between Broadway and Plymouth Avenues, 6:30pm.

FRIDAY, JULY 25

We are Water Exhibit – RSM Plaza ground level on Nicollet Mall, 11am–5pm. We Are Water MN is an interactive exhibit that invites visitors to explore the deep and personal connections Minnesotans have with water. Through powerful stories, historical insights, and engaging displays, the exhibit highlights the cultural, environmental, and economic significance of water in our state.

AlleyJam Skateboarding – Fair School Alley 10th & Hennepin 4–7pm.

CorePower Outdoor Yoga Class - Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, 6–7pm.

Minnesota Twins vs. Washington Nationals – Target Field, 7:10pm.

SATURDAY, JULY 26

Twin Cities Carifest – West River Road between Plymouth and Broadway Ave, 10am–10pm.

We are Water Exhibit – RSM Plaza ground level on Nicollet Mall, 11am–4pm. We Are Water MN is an interactive exhibit that invites visitors to explore the deep and personal connections Minnesotans have with water. Through powerful stories, historical insights, and engaging displays, the exhibit highlights the cultural, environmental, and economic significance of water in our state.

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Aquatennial Ambassadors Organization Coronation – Ted Mann Concert Hall, 4–6pm.

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Chameleon Market at Aquatennial – Chicago Mall between Guthrie Theater and Mill City Museum, 4–10pm. Chameleon supports entrepreneurial success through networking/training, pop-ups, and brick-and-mortar shops. Join us to champion entrepreneurs in our network and discover great products from skincare to snacks, accessories to art, and more!

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Mpls Craft & Mpls Vintage Market – Chicago Mall between Guthrie Theater and Mill City Museum, 4pm–10pm.

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Children’s Entrepreneur Market at Kids Zone - West River Parkway 5-10pm.

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MN Cars & Coffee Show – West River Parkway near 3rd Ave. Bridge, 4–7pm.

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Fireworks Pre-Show – West River Parkway near Stone Arch Bridge, 5–10pm.

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Entertainment Lineup:

Jordan Johnston, 5pm

Pullstring, 6pm

Obi Original & The Black Atlantics, 7pm

School of Rock (Plymouth), 8pm

Dysfunktional, 9pm

Kids Zone – Rondo Double Dutch, Funtime Funktions (glitter, tattoos, and spin zone), Amazing Balloons, Twin Cities Trapeze performances

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Minnesota Twins vs. Washington Nationals – Target Field, 6:10pm.

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Target Fireworks – West River Parkway near Stone Arch Bridge, 10pm.

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More information available at aquatennial.com and follow along @Aquatennial on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for up-to-the-minute details.

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The Minneapolis Aquatennial, the Official Civic Celebration of the City of Minneapolis, offers outstanding entertainment and activities in the City of Lakes for all ages. It is managed and produced by the Minneapolis Downtown Council. Thank you to our partners, Target, Cordia, Hennepin Healthcare, Stigma, iHeart Radio, Metro Transit, Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, City of Minneapolis CEAP, Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board. For more information, please visit aquatennial.com or call 612-376-7669.

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Social Media Channels:

Facebook - /aquatennial

Twitter - @aquatennial

Instagram - @aquatennial

Hashtags - #Aquatennial

Minneapolis Food Truck Festival - August 2 at Father Hennepin Bluff Park

Festivities Include over 40 Food Trucks, Craft Sips and Cocktails, Live Music, Games for All Ages, a Doggie Station with Adoptions, and Fundraiser for Feed My Starving Children

The MN Food Truck Festival®, the Upper Midwest’s largest gathering of food trucks, returns to its original city with the Minneapolis Food Truck Festival happening Saturday, August 2, at the newly renovated Father Hennepin Bluff Park, located at 420 Main Street SE along the Mississippi River in the historic Saint Anthony Main neighborhood.

The festival runs from 11:00am to 9:00pm and is free to attend and open to the public.

The Minneapolis Food Truck Festival is the second in a series of three summer events hosted by MN Food Truck Festival. The gathering will feature over 40 food trucks, nonfood mobile vendors, and a Craft Sips station offering cold brews, seltzers, and cocktails including the event’s new signature MN Food Truck Festival® craft-batch vodka drink. The lively lineup of live music includes Kingsview, Danny Tanner & The Full House, and You Oughta Know. Dog rescue organization Rescue Network will be there with adorable pooches for adoption, and there will be games and activities for all ages.

Cuisine from around the world will be represented, and nonfood vendors will offer items like fashion and accessories, a mobile garden center, vintage vinyl, panoramic photo booth, permanent jewelry, airbrush tattoos, and a mechanical bull. The event is also dog-friendly, and guests are welcome to bring their four-legged family members!

Per Jess Fast, co-organizer, MN Food Truck Festival®, “We are so excited to return to our roots in Minneapolis this summer. It’s where our MN Food Truck Festivals began! Our new location is so beautiful and we’re proud to bring the energy back to a community that’s been with us from the start.”

Music Schedule:

11:00am-2:00pm  Kingsview 

  2:30pm-5:30pm  Danny Tanner & The Full House

  6:00pm-9:00pm  You Oughta Know

Since 2016, the MN Food Truck Festival® has raised over half a million meals to support global hunger relief efforts for children. The MN Food Truck Festival summer series will wrap up at the Anoka Food Truck Festival on Saturday, August 16. For more information visit www.mnfoodtruckfestival.com.

4th of July Fireworks by Ric Rosow

Submitted by Ric Rosow

The riverfront was loaded with lots of spectators, many of whom arrived early to claim a spot to sit. Last night I used a different technique on a number of my shots. I read an article earlier in the day published by Canon. They suggested appropriate camera settings, but also a technique where the camera is placed on “bulb” mode which allows one to manually determine how long to keep the lens shutter open. In my case I used a cable to trigger the shot and of course had the camera on a tripod. That all is fairly typical and used by photographers when doing long exposures. But what they then suggested was to place a baseball hat over the lens in between the explosion of individual fireworks while the shutter is held open. So when a firework went up in the sky I would trigger the shutter open for just the explosion, then cover the lens with the hat, next remove it when the next explosion occurred, and only after that release the shutter button to close the lens opening. That process captured the colors of two or more separate fireworks which explains why the colors may look different than a normal shot.

July 2 Bridge 9 Improvements Project Update

Bridge No. 9 was constructed in 1922 by the Northern Pacific Railroad to carry freight over the Mississippi. The City of Minneapolis acquired this bridge in 1986 and converted the bridge to a pedestrian use bridge in 1999. The bridge currently provides a Mississippi River crossing for the Dinkytown Greenway bike trail.

Beginning in April, 2025, the City of Minneapolis started making repairs and improvements to Bridge 9, Abutment 1 and the approach spans on both ends of the bridge

*  *  *  Latest project news  *  *  * 

2025 Construction Phase

Public Works has been working on this bridge in phases over the past few years, starting with the substructure work (piers and abutments).

In 2025, the scope of work will focus on the superstructure, which includes removing and replacing the approach span decks, replacing the existing railing with a high-safety railing and rehabilitating the east side abutment.

Rehabilitation work on the abutment consists of the removal of degraded concrete, then repairing and strengthening the concrete to remain with new reinforced concrete. The work on the approach spans consists of the removal of the old ballast slab, aggregate and bituminous pavement, then constructing a new reinforced concrete deck.

Concrete block from abutment 1 being removed

The abutment work takes place within Bridge 9 right of way through University of Minnesota property.  It is occurring adjacent to the U of M Main Energy Plant. Access and staging for the work were closely coordinated with University officials.

Setting falsework for the new deck

Schedule

Construction activities this season started on April 7th of 2025. The scheduled completion date is the end of December 2025. The contractor is currently anticipating substantial completion by the end of November 2025.

Traffic Impact

The bridge is closed to bicyclists and pedestrians this season. The Detour route is below, and it is also posted to the project webpage.

Current Work

For the month of June, the following construction operations were performed: removing the concrete abutment 1, removing portions of the southern approach spans, performing steel preparation, including installing shear studs on the northern approach span, and setting falsework on the northern approach span.

Setting wire saw to cut out the old abutment

Coming Up

Deck removals on the southern approach span, setting forms and pouring concrete on abutment 1, installing rebar on the northern approach span.

Stay Connected

For more details and to sign up for email updates please visit the project page.

For concerns or questions about the Bridge 9 project please contact:

Contact the project engineer: Petru Vizoli,
612-201-1905, or Petru.Vizoli@minneapolismn.gov

Contact the engineer: Oscar Weber,
651-470-4790 or Oscar.Weber@minneapolismn.gov 

Contact the design team project manager: Rich Revering,
612-718-8412 or Richard.Revering@Bolton-Menk.com 

Paula Chesley, Candidate for Minneapolis Park Board, District 4

Editor's note: Via a July 2nd e-newsletter. Sharing candidate announcements does not constitute an endorsement by Mill City Times.

I’m Paula Chesley and I’m running for Park Board in District 4.

Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to connect with MPRB Police Chief Jason Ohotto. I know safety in our parks is top of mind for people – in my survey about our parks, every respondent has listed it as one of their top five priorities. Hence I’ve been proactively learning about safety in our parks and what that means for people. Chief Ohotto is a lovely person and hastened to add that he would be happy to talk with any candidate or resident. He has worked with MPRB since he was 14 and has a wealth of knowledge about the parks, not only around safety issues. If it weren’t adding to his already busy schedule, I would recommend you spend some time with him! With Chief Ohotto’s permission, here is a summary of our conversation.

Chief Ohotto offered the perspective that access to parks means not only physical proximity, but also a feeling of safety – that no matter how close a park is, people won’t go if they don’t feel safe. We talked about parks that have the most safety issues, both in District 4 and elsewhere. He mentioned that Boom Island Park and Folwell Park, the sights of recent tragic deadly shootings, had not been places with elevated safety issues. We talked about how ultimately we as a society need upstream solutions for our mental-health crisis and gun violence epidemic – that guns are too easily available, and that the police can be as responsive as possible, but that that won’t solve the problem of easy access.

Chief Ohotto also mentioned safety in terms of mobility around the parks, an issue is near and dear to many District 4 residents. One issue I’ve heard from many residents is that with e-bikes and scooters, there are many vehicles on park trails that go above the park speed limit of 10 miles per hour. I asked if posting more speed limit signs would be helpful – he said no, because what would then be needed would be enforcement, and we don’t have the resources to do that. We talked about how more people are using park trails for commuting – going to work, shopping, etc. – and how to accommodate these newer uses of parkways in a way that’s safe for everyone.

Many – but not all – of you have told me you are less interested in getting new amenities and parks than in maintaining what we have. Chief Ohotto reminded me that when we get new amenities, we need to contribute to their upkeep and servicing – and that people already feel MPRB resources are stretched thin. For example, there are 35 sworn Park Police officers, but when I asked him what the ideal number would be, he said that 50 officers would fit what the community is wanting from our Park Police.

We talked about mental health resources for the Park Police and Park staff. While a focus on mental health has improved in the Park Police, Chief Ohotto talked about the constant toll, sometimes acute, sometimes on the back burner, of being with people in moments of distress. I have many times reflected on jobs that are public-facing and how I’ve had jobs both allowing me to see people in their best light – and at their most challenging moments. I imagine being a police officer has much of both, but quite a bit of the latter.

I will be participating in a Parks Police ride-along soon as part of my commitment to fostering safety in our parks. I’ll also be out and about in District 4 parks and in the community, so please let me know if there are any events or meetings you’d like me to come to!

Finally, I have a special ask for donations as we approach the city-wide convention on July 19. The costs for this convention are quite high due to the venue – Target Center – and the added cost of security given recent political violence and the heartbreaking deaths of Melissa and Mark Hortman. Any little bit helps, so please consider donating today! We would be so grateful.

Be That Neighbor Announces Hope 612, July 19 at Theatre in the Round

Local non-profit, Be That Neighbor, in partnership with Theatre in the Round, will present a staged reading of the original play, Hope 612, on July 19. This play was written Mill City Players alum. The reading will be followed by a community conversation. They would love for you to attend and be part of this discussion! Tickets.

How to Identify a Minneapolis Police Officer

It's unfortunate that this information even needs to be put out there, but it's the times we live in... In light of the recent horrendous attacks on elected officials by an individual posing as an officer, the City of Minneapolis has shared the following information:

The Minneapolis Police Department is dedicated to maintaining your trust and making sure you feel safe in your home and neighborhood. If you’re ever unsure whether someone is a real police officer – whether in a traffic stop or at your door – do not hesitate to call 911. 911 agents can tell you if an officer is there.

How to identify an officer:

• Minneapolis police officers will say their name and agency when talking with you.
• Check their uniform and vehicle for badges, patches and insignia that show which agency they represent. A lack of markings may be a warning sign.
• Make sure the agency serves your area. Agencies serving Minneapolis include:
  • Minneapolis Police Department
  • Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office
  • Metro Transit Police
  • Minnesota State Patrol
• Always feel free to ask for their name, badge number and agency. Officers will provide this information.

If you didn’t call the police, be extra cautious.

Remember, the MPD is here to help you feel safe. You can call 911 or the non-emergency line at 612-673-5335 any time.