Minneapolis Riverfront News
Covering life, work, and play in the Historic Mill District and Downtown Minneapolis Riverfront neighborhoods. Have an opinion, local news or events to share? Contact us.
Saturday, December 7, 2019 at 8:43AM
Holiday Cheer at the December 7 and 14 Mill City Farmers Market
The Mill City Farmers Market will be in full swing December 7 and December 14 inside the Mill City Museum - just in time for your holiday preparations!
Check out the list of vendors you'll find at the December 7 Market via this handy link.
At a loss for gift ideas? You can't go wrong with a stack of $5 Market Tokens, which can be used same as cash with any vendor at the Market.
Take advantage of complimentary gift wrapping at both December Markets!
Hennepin Avenue Downtown Reconstruction Project Update
Sanitary Sewer work on Phase 1 of the project is complete. The Xcel and Fiber work will continue on Phase 1 throughout the winter months.
Xcel is continuing to progress on Phase 2 north of 7th and will continue through the winter as well.
What's Coming Up
Xcel continues with structural work between 7th and 10th. Their work will be moving south of 10th in the coming weeks. Xcel is also working north of 5th with structural and cable pulling tasks.
Please see attached update for more details:
For more information on this project contact:
MPRB Seeks Residents Interested in Serving on a Community Advisory Committee
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) Board of Commissioners is seeking applications for appointments to five ongoing community advisory committees:
- St. Anthony Falls Heritage Board (one appointee) to begin serving on January 2, 2020
- Minneapolis Tree Advisory Committee (five appointees) to begin serving on January 2, 2020
- Racial Equity Community Advisory Committee (one appointee) to begin serving immediately. The appointee may continue serving on the Committee for a two year term commencing on July 1, 2020, if interested.
- Glyphosate Technical Advisory Committee (three appointees) to begin serving immediately, the term will end on November 30, 2020
- Neighborhood & Community Engagement Committee (one appointee) to begin serving on July 1, 2020
- HomeGrown (one appointee) – to begin serving on January 2, 2020
- Minneapolis Bicycle Advisory Committee (three appointees) – to begin serving on July 1, 2020
- Pedestrian Advisory Committee (one appointee) – to begin serving on July 1, 2020
Service commitment may vary based upon needs, expectations and policy goals. However, most advisory committee members can expect to approximately 10-15 hours of work per month. Most terms are two years and all board and commission members are not subject to term limits.
Some Boards/Commissions have a need for specialized skills, but most people will find a Board or Commission that is a great fit for their knowledge base. Public members of Board and Commissions are people who may not have regular, ongoing experience in a specific topic area, but have a general interest in a Board or Commission’s work area. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about an area of interest and contribute a perspective that is fresh and unique to the service area.
Applications must be received no later than 4 p.m., Wednesday, December 18, 2019. Following submission, applicants will receive an email confirming receipt of the application and describing the general process for appointment. Appointments for open positions will be made at the January 2, 2020 business meeting of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. For a full description of each committee and to complete the application please visit: https://www.minneapolisparks.org/abca.
Applicants with questions about the appointments process should email their questions to board.appointments@minneapolisparks.org or contact Radious Guess at 612-230-6419.
Please click here to sign up to be notified of all advisory committee opportunities.
Contact:
Radious Guess, Community Outreach, Equity and Inclusion Manager, 612-230-6419, rguess@minneapolisparks.org
MSP Film Presents Palme d'Or Winner PARASITE Opening December 6 at MSP Film's St. Anthony Main Theatre
Via a December 3 Press Release:
MSP Film presents PARASITE, Bong Joon Ho's Palme d'Or winning pitch-black modern fairytale, opening December 6 on Screen #3 at St. Anthony Main Theatre.
Meet the Park Family: the picture of aspirational wealth. And the Kim Family, rich in street smarts but not much else. Be it chance or fate, these two houses are brought together and the Kims sense a golden opportunity. Masterminded by college-aged Ki-woo, the Kim children expediently install themselves as tutor and art therapist, to the Parks. Soon, a symbiotic relationship forms between the two families. The Kims provide “indispensable” luxury services while the Parks obliviously bankroll their entire household. When a parasitic interloper threatens the Kims’ newfound comfort, a savage, underhanded battle for dominance breaks out, threatening to destroy the fragile ecosystem between the Kims and the Parks.
By turns darkly hilarious and heart-wrenching, PARASITE showcases a modern master at the top of his game.
Holiday Music at the Hennepin County Government Center
The Hennepin County Government Center will continue its annual tradition of season and holiday performances, free and open to the public. Performances will take place in the Skyway Level, 300 S 6th Street from Noon - 1 p.m. unless otherwise noted in the below schedule.
SCHEDULE:
December 10 and 19
City-County Chorus
Hennepin County, City of Minneapolis and 4th Judicial District Court employees perform a variety of songs of the season.
December TBD
Ameriprise Holiday Choir
Sponsored by Ameriprise Financial, Inc. Since 1986, 25 members perform secular, Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa holiday songs.
December 20
Chippewa Middle School, noon - 12:45 p.m.
8th grade string orchestra of 69 students perform Hanukkah and Christmas music.
December at the Dakota
We've been going to the Dakota for years, and are sharing this list of Decmeber shows in case anyone out there wasn't aware of this local treasure where every month you'll find a varitey of local, national and international music genres. 
Photo: Meet Minneapolis
Sunday, December 1
Humbird + The Aida Shahghasemi, Jeremy Ylvisaker & Jacqueline Ultan Trio
A Homecoming Co-bill - 7pm - $30/25/20
Monday, December 2
Travis Anderson Trio: Celebrates Vince Guaraldi Holiday & George Shearing Centennial - Added Show
7pm - $20/15
Tuesday, December 3
Travis Anderson Trio: Celebrates Vince Guaraldi Holiday & George Shearing Centennial
7pm - $20/15
Wednesday, December 4
Willy Porter Well-rendered Tales With Spitfire Strumming
7pm - $30/25/20
https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/willy-porter/?utm_source=MillCityTimes&utm_campaign=MillCityTimes/
Thursday, December 5
Southside Aces: Christmas in New Orleans - "'Zat You, Santa Claus?"
7pm - $15/10
On Sale Fri, Nov 22 at 10am
Friday, December 6
Nicholas David’s Annual St Nick’s Day Show - (on actual St. Nick’s Day)
Alt Soul Celebration - 7pm - $45/35/30
9:30pm - $45/35/30
Saturday, December 7
Tuck & Patti - First Couple of Soul Jazz
7pm - $55/50/45
https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/tuck-patti/?utm_source=MillCityTimes&utm_campaign=MillCityTimes/
Sunday, December 8
Tuck & Patti - First Couple of Soul Jazz
7pm - $45/40/35
https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/tuck-patti-2/?utm_source=MillCityTimes&utm_campaign=MillCityTimes/
Monday, December 9
Mick Sterling Presents: “At Christmas”
Theatrical Holiday Favorites - 7pm - $25/20/15
Tuesday, December 10
Richard Johnson Quartet: Ramsey Meets Nancy
A Tribute to Ramsey Lewis & Nancy Wilson - 7pm - $30/35
Wednesday, December 11
Holiday Swing w/Maria Muldaur & John Jorgenson - 7pm - $50/45/35
Thursday, December 12
Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles: Navidad Mexicana - Dakota Debut
America's First All-female Mariachi
7pm - $65/55/45
Friday, December 13
Holiday Har Mar Experience Benefitting One Heartland
10pm - $35 General Admission
Saturday, December 14
Holiday Har Mar Experience Benefitting One Heartland
10pm - $35 General Admission
Sunday, December 15
Bonerama
Rock Funk Brass Explosion - 7pm - $45/40/35
https://www.dakotacooks.com/event/bonerama/?utm_source=MillCityTimes&utm_campaign=MillCityTimes/
Monday, December 16
A Melodious Christmas w/Robert Robinson & Special Guests feat. Mary Beth Carlson and 29:11 from Cape Town, South Africa
7pm - $35/30
Tuesday, December 17
The Best of Sting & The Police – A Tribute Show by Toast In The Machine
Zenyatta MNdatta
7pm - $25/20/15
Wednesday, December 18
Alexander O’Neal’s Holiday Concert
One of R&B's Most Iconic Names
7pm - $50/45/40 - 9pm - $45/40/35
Thursday, December 19 - Date Added
Alexander O’Neal’s Holiday Concert
One of R&B's Most Iconic Names
7pm - $50/45/40 - 9pm - $45/40/35
Friday, December 20 - Date Change
The Vic Volare Lounge Orchestra’s Holiday Party
Retro-Smooth Sass & Swing - 7pm - $15/10
Saturday, December 21
BoDeans
Acclaimed Heartland Rock
7pm - $65/55/45 (Acoustic Show) / 9:30pm - $60/50/40 (Electric Show)
Sunday, December 22
BoDeans
Acclaimed Heartland Rock
6pm - $65/55/45 (Acoustic Show) / 8:30pm - $60/50/40 (Electric Show)
Monday, December 23
George Maurer Group: 21st Annual Holiday Show
Clever Contemporary Christmas Tunes - 7pm - $30/25/20
Wednesday, December 25 - Saturday, December 28
The Bad Plus
Progressive Jazz Scientists
7pm - $45/40 / 9pm - $45/40
Are You Ready to Holidazzle? The 2019 Season Opens in Loring Park on Friday, November 29
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Letter from the Executive Director of GiveMN re: Cedar Riverside Fire Emergency Fund
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Event-related Road Closures for November 28 and 30
The Minneapolis Park and Rec Board has announced the following event-related road closures:
Thursday, November 28
Saturday, November 30
Here's What to Expect in Minneapolis Parks When Snow Arrives
Via a November 26 e-announcement from the Minneapolis Park and Rec Board:
After each snowfall of at least two inches (accumulated), MPRB maintenance crews
clear snow from about 107 acres of parking lots, 140 miles of sidewalks, paths and regional trails; and (in season) ice rinks at 24 locations.
Locations are prioritized as follows:
- Parking lots
- Trails in regional parks and regional trails
- Perimeter sidewalks - all parks
- Interior pathways - all parks
Note: Parkways are cleared of snow by the City of Minneapolis.
The City's snow emergency webpage has parking rules, routes for city streets and parkways and other info.
MPRB's parkway webpage has additional information on parkway maintenance.
MPRB makes every effort to have snow removed throughout the park system within 24 hours after the snowfall ends. Delays may occur due to blizzard or other severe weather conditions. Thanks for your patience and understanding in these circumstances. Get more information on winter maintenance in Minneapolis parks.
Report a snow-removal issue: If it's been more than 24 hours since a snowfall ended and an area needs attention, please email maintenance@minneapolisparks.org or call MPRB Customer Service: 612-230-6400, from 8 am to 4:30 pm, Monday–Friday.
Recreation centers and programs
- Recreation center hours are noon to 9 pm on Wednesday, November 27 and Friday, November 29 (school-release day hours, as Minneapolis Public Schools are not in session).
- Athletics, recreation and Rec Plus programs: Cancellations are not likely, but if they occur, registered program participants will be notified. Families enrolled in MPRB's Rec Plus school-age childcare program can check the MPRB website or WCCO /CBS Minnesota for information.
Safety Tips
- Use caution and take your time when walking, biking or driving in parks and on parkways.
- Yield to pedestrians on shared-use trails in winter.
Get up-to-date information from the National Weather Service Hazardous Weather Outlook report.
Doug Verdier Shares His Latest Progress Photos of the Water Works Project
Editors Note: Mill District resident Doug Verdier continues to document the progress of the Water Works project. The below photos were taken within the past week.
Of particular interest: Before and after shots of the reinforced concrete wall and elevator shaft going in next to the Columbia Mill wall; prep work for installation of large storm water infrastructure, which will be part of the reuse system; asphalt being laid on West River Parkway in front of the future park pavilion as well as on First Street S and 5th Avenue S intersection.
This is a “before” shot of workers installing rebar in preparation for constructing forms that will be used in pouring the concrete reinforcing wall and elevator shaft next to former Columbia Mill. The “after” shot is at the end.
Preparing the site for installation of storm water retention and reuse system.
Large pipes that will form part of the storm water reuse system. These pipes were positioned along West River Parkway prior to being emplaced and connected on the site.
Some of the storm water infrastructure in place.
Rows of connected storm water system in place. The white bands indicate connections between sections.
Crew laying asphalt on West River Parkway.
Asphalt-laying operation on West River Parkway looking toward 3rd Avenue Bridge.
Curve at 1st Street S and 5th Avenue S after base layer of asphalt has been laid.
Here’s the “after” shot of crews removing forms after the concrete reinforcing wall and elevator shaft next to the former Columbia Mill exterior wall was set.The City of Minneapolis Invites You to Take the Open Streets Minneapolis Survey
Via a November 25 e-announcement from Matthew Dyrdahl, Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator, City of Minneapolis:
Open Streets Minneapolis is an annual event series that opens city streets to folks biking, walking, and rolling. Every summer since 2011, Our Streets Minneapolis has temporarily closed major streets to motor vehicles so folks can explore their city and discover local businesses, use active transportation, and connect with their neighbors. In 2019, over 103,000 people came out to Open Streets Minneapolis events!
The City of Minneapolis and Our Streets Minneapolis are reflecting on the Open Streets Minneapolis program and evaluating ways for the program to be sustainable and meaningful beyond the 2020 season. We have heard many ideas from people over the years about how Open Streets could evolve and multiple themes have emerged, including types of routes, programming, and timing for the events. Help us determine how to shape the future of the Open Streets program by completing this short survey:
Future of Open Streets Minneapolis Survey
The five questions in this survey reflect the most common comments, questions, and feedback we receive about Open Streets. Your feedback on these five questions will inform what Open Streets looks like in the future.
The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train Rolls into St. Paul's Union Depot on December 10
If you want to experience the brightly lit Canadian Pacific Holiday Train, mark your calendar for December 10, when it will stop at Union Depot in St. Paul for a 30-minute outdoor holiday musical performance. The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train is expected to arrive around 6:45 p.m. and festivities will begin with a welcome by Ramsey County Commissioner Rafael Ortega. Guests will be treated to a festive concert experience while enjoying the colorful holiday lights that cover the train.
Attendees are encouraged to bring cash or a heart-healthy food donation for Merrick Community Services, charitable partner for this year’s Hub for the Holidays festivities at Union Depot. The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train’s unique mission aims to fight hunger. This program spreads awareness of this issue while providing a fun and engaging way for the public to help give back. The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train has raised more than $11 million and collected 4.5 million pounds of food since its start in 1999.
The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train concert is free to the public; however, VIP tickets are available for $10 with all proceeds going to Merrick Community Services. VIP ticket holders will be granted access to a preferred viewing area closest to the stage. Visit cptrain2019.eventbrite.com to purchase tickets.
Hop on the light rail and take the Green Line to the Union Depot Station.
Meet Minneapolis Teams up with Minnesota Makers on Small Business Saturday, Nov 30
Minnesota Makers proudly celebrates the work of local Minnesota artists by promoting them and providing a place to sell their work. All products in their stores are created by Minnesota artists, with over 120 artists represented.
Small Business Saturday is November 30, and Minnesota Makers will be celebrating it with Meet Minneapolis at the Meet Minneapolis Visitor Center, 505 Nicollet Mall. You'll find sale items, treats, giveaways, and more. This is a perfect opportunity to support your local small businesses and artists!
Minnesota Makers also hosts craft classes. While you're there, learn more about their classes and reserve your seat for a future class. Experience gifts are a great idea for the holidays, and Minnesota Makers has gift cards available for classes and shopping as well.
Cynthia Froid Group Serves as a Drop Off Site for Holiday Toys and Gifts for People Serving People, Nov 25 - Dec 13
Spread some holiday cheer to children and families supported by People Serving People’s shelter and programs.
Cynthia Froid Group's office, 709 2nd S Street, will once again serve as a drop off site for holiday toys and gifts from November 25 to December 13.
Donations accepted: Toys and gifts from (or inspired by) People Serving People’s Target registry, $25 Target gift cards, wrapping paper and tape. All gifts must be new and unwrapped.
Hennepin Avenue Downtown Reconstruction Project Update
Utility work continues on the corridor. The major scopes of work are Xcel Energy duct bank and manhole replacement, and City Sanitary Sewer Replacement.
What's Coming Up
The Sanitary Sewer replacement work is nearing the end of their Phase 1 work within the 12th Street Intersection. The Intersection will remained closed until Monday. Following that work the pavement restoration will continue until mid next week.
Xcel Energy is progressing on the both ends of the corridor with both underground construction and new electrical cable pulling operations. This work will continue through the winter months.
For more detailed information please see attached update.
For more information on this project contact:
Ready for Winter at North Mississippi Park
Nature's Black Friday Fun
Ditch the mall crawl and opt outside this year! Hike the park, build a fort, go on a scavenger hunt, play games and join in the coloring contest!
Friday November 29 11am-3pm Activity #97361
Winter Solstice Celebration
Walk a glowing luminary trail, play winter themed games, get your face painted make a luminary to take home and enjoy the warmth of a bonfire while sipping hot spiced cider with campfire treats. All Ages. $5 – Kids under 13 free
Saturday Dec 21 5:00-7:30pm Activity #97366
ADULTS
Bird Watching
- Watchful Wednesdays Every other week 8:30-10:00am
Discover what to look for when identifying birds in the field. Learn about bird behaviors while strolling with a naturalist. Coffee, tea and treats provided. Dec. 4 #100231 Dec. 18 #100232
- Winter Birds Saturday Dec 7 8:30-10am Activity #97363
Look for the last of our summertime birds with a naturalist guide - Winter Woodpeckers Saturday Jan 4 3-4:30pm Activity #101557
Seek out the bright flashes of woodpeckers on the bare trees
Nature Nights
- Date Night Thursday December 12 6:00-8:00pm Activity #100236
Enjoy naturalist-led gourmet campfire cooking and craft a ginger-bird house to bring home. - Book Club Every other Sunday 4:30-6:00pm
Prepare for fun and engaging discussion and a safe place to share insights and opinions. Explore short stories and passages from nature based works.
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Dec. 1 Activity #100254 |
Dec. 15 Activity #100255 |
Hikes
- Senses in the Season Friday December 20 5:30-6:30pm Activity #100220
After the hustle and bustle of the week, take a peaceful walk through the park to realign your senses with nature. - Phenology Hike Club Every other Tuesday 4:00-5:00pm
Get outside for a walk in the park to observe and track the seasonal happenings of nature then gather and submit citizen science data with a naturalist guide. Socialize, exercise and contribute to the study of Phenology.
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YOUTH & FAMILIES
Early Childhood
- Nature Play Group 4 Wednesdays 10:15-11:15am
Get those inquisitive minds and bodies exploring nature and socializing with peers! Bring your little one to play and have fun outside with other children and parents/guardians. For kids up to age 5 with an adult
Nov 27- Dec 18 Activity #100212
- Nature Tots 2nd & last Sundays 3:00-4:00pm
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Home School Days
- Animal Neighbors Thursday Dec. 12 1-3pm Activity #100224
Learn why some animals prefer to live in our backyards and neighborhoods, search for the clues they leave behind outside and meet a live education animal.
- Northern Life Thursday Jan. 9 1-3pm Activity # 101564
Learn how the animals that stay here all year have figured out ways to survive by taking a closer look at animal bodies and behaviors.
Nature Art & Exploration
- Cornucopias Saturday Nov. 23 1:30-3pm Activity #97360
Craft your own “horn of plenty” for your dining table this year using natural materials found in the park.
- Family Funday: Turkey Time Sunday Dec 1 1:00-3:00pm Activity #97362
Play games and have fun investigating feathers, tail fans, snoods and feet to learn more about these big birds. - Ginger-bird Houses Saturday Dec. 14 1:00-2:30pm Activity #97364
Invite birds into your backyard this winter by crafting an edible snack house for them. All ages $5, all supplies included.
- Family Funday: Sleep, Flee, Freeze Sunday Dec.29 1-3pm Activity #97365
Learn about hibernation, migration and ways animals survive Minnesota winters. Meet live animals and find out how their bodies protect them through the winter.
Winter Break Options for Kids
Explore outdoors, get messy and learn by doing! 8am-4pm for ages 6-12
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WINTER WHIMSY Thursday & Friday December 26 -27 Activity #97368 |
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Creatures of the Cold Thursday & Friday January 2-3 Activity #101599 |
Snowshoeing
DROP-IN PROGRAM. Get some wonderful exercise while recreating in nature by checking out a pair of snowshoes for free! A naturalist will be available to show you the basics and then you are free to explore the park on your own. Ages 5 & up.
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Sundays 1-3pm |
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Full Moon Snowshoe Hike Friday Jan. 10 6:30-7:30pm Activity #101608
Learn how the animals that stay here all year have figured out ways to survive by taking a closer look at animal bodies and behaviors.
More Ways to Enjoy the Park
Stop by the front desk to check out binoculars, outdoor explore packs & nature guides. Talk with a naturalist to meet and learn about our education animals. Celebrate your birthday with us!
Like North Mississippi on Facebook to stay in the loop about what’s happening in our park! Learn more about North Mississippi Regional Park at our website
The City of Minneapolis and the 2020 Census
The U.S. census is a count of all residents in the United States taken every 10 years and is required by the U.S. Constitution. It is used to determine political representation and federal funding distribution for governments, including at the state and local levels. In 2020, it will determine how many congressional representatives Minnesota will have for the next decade. Getting an accurate and complete count of all residents is vital. The Neighborhood & Community Relations Department leads the City of Minneapolis' efforts to ensure a complete count.
Sign up here for the latest We Count news for the 2020 census.
The City is taking steps to ensure that the 2020 census accurately counts Minneapolis's residents through the establishment of a community-led Complete Count Committee to guide the creation of the We Count engagement campaign. Read more and apply for open seats on the committee.
Downtown section of West River Parkway Reopens in mid-December
Via a November 20 update from Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board:
West River Parkway will reopen between Fourth Avenue North and Portland Avenue in mid-December. Once it reopens, the parkway will remain open throughout the winter.
The parkway closure was necessary to accommodate work on Water Works, a new riverfront park project currently under construction. An exact date for the parkway reopening has not yet been determined. That date depends on variances in weather and a number of other factors that can affect a complicated construction project like Water Works.
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board appreciates everyone's patience while this exciting new waterfront amenity is constructed.
Illustration depicting Water Works from above
