July 22 at the Mill City Farmers Market

New items in this weeks Mill City Farmers Market shopping basket: purple cabbage from Urban Roots, ice cream from Sonny's, raspberries from Prairie Hollow Farm (along with a new kind of pea that I neglected to get the name of), and tea from Well Rooted Teas.

I wasn't the only one who was happy to see Sonny's back at the market - shoppers kept Carrie busy scooping! She and Ron craft ice creams, sorbets and gelatos with delicious flavor combinations.

Friends of the Minneapolis Public Library was also popular with shoppers.

Fresh cut microgreens!

REMINDER: The annual Harvest Dinner, a major funding source for MCFM, is scheduled for September 10th. It features a market-to-table dinner prepared with farm-fresh ingredients by market chefs Nettie Colón and Jenny Breen, craft cocktails and live music, and will take place in the Mill City Museum Courtyard. The evening ends with a live auction and fund-a-need support for MCFM's Next Stage Grant program for farmers and food makers. Learn more here.

Mississippi River History Cruise - A Discussion with Professor Bill Green

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

History classes are not always taught in classrooms – sometimes you might be lucky enough to learn on a riverboat! Join the National Park Service and the Mississippi Park Connection in a program led by special guest, Professor Bill Green, on the Mississippi River. We talked to Professor Green about the topic for the cruise - stories of Black Minnesotans whose lives took place along the Mississippi River in the 19th Century. The event takes place on August 10 – register here.

Professor GreenQ:  The promotional materials for your History Cruise note that you’ll cover “remarkable Black Minnesotans whose lives unfolded along the landscape of the Mississippi River.” Will you cover individuals (like Isabel Wilkerson did in her Pulitzer Prize winning book, The Warmth of Other Suns) or will you cover groups of Black people who lived near the river? If individuals, can you give us a teaser of who we’ll learn about?

A:  Wilkerson's powerful book is about a different time and, in a sense, place. My talk will focus on the stories of 19th century Blacks who escaped Southern slavery, to arrive in a place that was governed by powerful white men who were progressive in principle, but paternalistic in practice. Unlike those who Wilkerson examines who came North and formed large communities, my subjects came to very small communities of black Minnesotans who realized that there was a cost to being too noticeable, recognizing that in order to advance their rights, found guidance in the adage - two steps forward, one step backwards - making certain demands while avoiding seeming ungrateful. Theirs were lives that had to be experienced on a tightrope.

One example is Maurice Jernigan, who arrived in the 1850s from the South, a fugitive slave who used his skills as a barber to secure protection from white customers who tolerated slave catchers walking the streets of St. Paul. Another example is Robert Hickman, also a fugitive, who arrived in St. Paul in 1864. He and his group were met at the dock by a hostile gang of white laborers who repulsed their landing. Finally coming ashore at Fort Snelling, they came back to St. Paul to start a black church that exists to this day. William Taylor, another black barber, was "conductor" of the Underground Railroad that came to Minnesota via the Mississippi. A fourth person is Eliza Winston who was brought to Minnesota as one of several enslaved persons forced to accompany their enslavers who came as tourists. That kind of tourism thrived in Minnesota in the wake of the Dred Scott decision. These stories come from my books - Degrees of Freedom, The Origins of Civil Rights in Minnesota, 1865–1912 and The Children of Lincoln: White Paternalism and the Limits of Black Opportunity in Minnesota, 1860-1876 (2018), both of which received the Hognander-Minneapolis Book Awards. The Mississippi River, in each case, was crucial for these four African Americans to begin their respective Minnesota story.

Q:  I’m so excited for this new programming – history aboard a river cruise! Will your remarks be of interest to all age groups?

A: I think my remarks will be of interest to a wide range of listeners. 

Q: I think this is going to be a major hit – do you envision a follow-up cruise for the history buffs in the area?

A: I can imagine follow-up cruises to St. Anthony/Minneapolis and Stillwater.

In addition to learning about the lesser-known stories of the Mississippi, participants will enjoy wildlife and scenic sunset views. The cost is $20 for members, $25 for non-members. There will be a cash bar. Boarding begins at 6:45pm; boat leaves promptly at 7. Dieparture location is Watergate Marina, 2500 Crosby Farm Road, St. Paul, MN 55116

Learn more about becoming a member of the Mississippi Park Connection here.

West River Parkway to Close Between 4th and Portland Avenues July 29-August 4

This closure is necessary for a contractor hired by Hennepin County to perform maintenance on the Hennepin Avenue Bridge.

West River Parkway closes to motorized vehicle traffic between 4th Avenue North and the Stone Arch Bridge parking lot beginning Saturday, July 29, and ending Friday, August 4. The closure will be in place daily 7am-5pm, except Sunday, July 30, when it will be open for an event. Trails will remain open during this time.

West River Parkway is also closed to motorized vehicle traffic between 13th Avenue S and 22nd Avenue S until October for a separate bridge project led by the University of Minnesota. Access to both the Bohemian Flats parking lot and Stone Arch Bridge parking lot is available from the south. 

Please follow detours, slow down, and stay out of work areas. The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board appreciates the public's patience while public infrastructure is repaired.

Find all Parkway closure updates here.

Meet the Mill City Farmers Market Vendors Part 1: Der's Farm

Article by Becky Fillinger

Jeffrey Thao

We’ve focused on several team members at the Mill City Farmers Market this season and now turn our attention to some of the farmers. First up is Jeffrey Thao, the owner's son and farmer’s market representative for Der’s Farm. He spoke to us about the genesis of the farm and the wonderful flowers he brings to us all season long.

Q:  Please tell us the history of Der’s Farm. Where is your farm located? 

A:  Der's farm started in the early 1990's by Yeng Lee (my mom, Mrs. Der Thao) a few years after they arrived in the US as refugees from Laos in 1986 after the Vietnam war ended. My father worked as a bus driver and my mom worked all kinds of jobs, whatever she could to get some money to raise a big family. She worked two shifts and money in the household was still very tight – plus she had trouble finding childcare working so many hours.

L to R, Jeffrey Thao's parents, Der Thao and Yeng Lee, at the farm.

So, my mom started farming - planting vegetables with her sister-in-law. Once she started farming, she figured out that she was able to make money from selling the produce and could babysit her kids at the same time too. That became a thing for my mom and what she launched continues year after year. My mom passed in 2014, but her husband Der Thao and kids are still farming

The farm is located on 20 acres on two plots in Rosemount and Hampton.

Q:  Why does Der's Farm grow flowers? Do you also still grow and sell vegetables?

A:  Der's farm started to grow flowers because from one of my mom’s previous jobs, she loved working in a flower wholesale place. She loved flowers and making bouquets at her job. So she decided to plant flowers and started to invest in perennial flowers such as lilies and peonies. As years go by, she planted new flowers every year and the flower farm just ‘blossomed’ from there on. She was one of the first Hmong farmers to grow flowers in Minnesota. We still grow vegetables but far less than the flowers. The vegetables that we plant are mainly Brussels sprouts, asparagus, tomatoes, peas, and little bit of sweet corn.

Above and below, shoppers line up for Der's Farm flowers and produce.

Q:  How many employees work for the farm?

A:  There are no employees, it’s just family here. We have three adult family members who work at the farm.

Q:  What flowers do you grow and sell? 

A:  Oh, so many. Gladiolus, Lilies (Asiatic and oriental), Asters, Blue Salvia, Dahlias, Snapdragons, Lisianthus, Statice, Babies Breath, Globe Thistle, Peonies, Zinnias, Baptisia, Gomphrena, Celosia and many more. 

Q:  What's the first and last flowers of the season?

A:  Our first flower of the season is Baptisia and Peonies. The last flowers of the seasons are usually Dahlias and Ornamental Kale.

Q:  May visitors come to your farm? 

A: We’re really not set up for visitors to the farm. We are a working farm, always planting and cutting flowers to sell. People will usually think that "wow your fields must be so pretty with all the flowers blooming." But actually, since we are always harvesting the flowers there are not that many blooms in the fields. But we do let our customer pick up orders or check out what flowers we have at the farm by contacting us first. 

Q:  How may we stay current with your news?

A:  The best way is to follow our Der's Farm Facebook page to see when we will have certain flowers and what flowers will be coming in season. We also post what flowers we’re bringing to the Mill City Farmers Market week by week.

Minneapolis Institute of Art Presents All-New Exhibition Featuring Nordic Inspired Artworks from Acclaimed Artist Tia Keobounpheng

A Minnesota Artists Exhibition Program artist, Keobounpheng’s collection will feature artworks across a variety of mediums that highlight the complexities of personal identity

The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) will open its newest exhibition, Revealing Threads, this summer, featuring 30 artworks from celebrated artist, designer, and maker Tia Keobounpheng, best known for her intricately embroidered tapestries and jewelry design. The collection will be on view from July 22 through October 29, 2023, and will take place as part of the Minnesota Artists Exhibition Program (MAEP).

Tia KeobounphengA Finnish and Sámi descendant, Keobounpheng uses her artistic practice to reconcile her cultural identity based on new information about her ancestral lineage. Inspired by a 2022 research trip to Sápmi, the traditional land of the Sámi people, Revealing Threads features a selection of Keobounpheng’s abstract tapestries, influenced by traditional Nordic handwork techniques and infused with contemporary interpretations and symbolism. The results speak to marginalized histories, heritage, and the complexity of personal identity.

“This body of work emerges from my research about the colonial history of the Nordic nation states and my own lived and ancestral connection to colonizers and the colonized in Sweden and Finland,” said Keobounpheng. “Uncovering my Sámi bloodlines puts aspects of my lived experience into a new, more complicated context that extends back more than seven generations. As a white American, it is my responsibility to unlearn the effects of colonialism as I claim this lineage. Through my work, I practice holding the spectrum between binary extremes and imagine my own belonging within an expansive Indigenous worldview.”

The free exhibition will showcase 30 unique artworks across various mediums and sizes. Visitors are invited to experience Keobounpheng’s journey of self-discovery, learn about her connections to Sámi heritage through her unique visual vernacular rooted in traditional textile techniques.

“We are thrilled to present Revealing Threads as the latest MAEP exhibition at Mia,” said Nicole Soukup, Assistant Curator of Contemporary Art at Mia. “Tia’s work provides a glimpse into her deeply personal story of self-discovery, resilience, and the responsibilities of familial knowledge. Not only is the artwork visually stunning, but it deepens many of the conversations we are having in the United States today—conversations about identity, self-care, belonging, and heritage.”

WAYFIND

Upon entry, visitors will be immersed in darkness as they encounter an installation titled WAYFIND. A projected film sequence, captured by Keobounpheng on her journey through Sápmi, is a backdrop for the physical items in the center of the room. The art dress, worn by Keobounpheng in the film, is encircled by a ring of sixteen orange Norwegian road-markers, symbolizing her dependence on the circle as a guide in her practice.  

THREADS no9

THREADS no9

Following WAYFIND, the exhibition opens into a warm gallery space with embroidered panels of various sizes. THREADS no9 features a geometric thread and colored pencil tapestry created on wood panel, a large-scale installation  that pays homage to Keobounpheng’s family tree.  Honoring her late grandfather, the only grandparent she knew growing up, the base layer of the artwork showcases four, eight, sixteen, and thirty-two color-coordinated geometric circles that resurrect the memory of generations of grandparents who came before her and live through her now.

THREADS no10

Honoring the differences in American, Finnish, and Sámi cultural interpretations of the aurora borealis, THREADS no10 illuminates Keobounpheng’s vision of the northern lights. The layered thread patterns create an optical illusion of sorts, inviting visitors to move around the artwork, experience its full depth, and contemplate the stories humanity tells about the natural world.

"We are thrilled to feature some of Tia Keobounpheng’s newest artworks in Revealing Threads, the Minnesota Artist Exhibition Program’s latest exhibition,” said Katie Luber, Nivin and Duncan MacMillan Director and President of Mia. “Not only is Tia an important artist and creator within the Minnesota community, her works inspire a nuanced and necessary look at what role long-standing heritage and culture plays in the modern world and invites visitors to reflect on larger themes of belonging and personal identity.”

This exhibition is made possible through the generous support of the McKnight Foundation with additional support provided by RBC Wealth Management.

For more information on Tia Keobounpheng’s Revealing Threads exhibition as well as ways to view the collection, visit ArtsMia.org.

Small Business Spotlight: Ono Hawaiian Plates

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

If Major League Baseball teams have given their (unofficial) seal of approval to Ono Hawaiian Plates, maybe it’s time for you to drop by the North Loop restaurant for a plate of goodness. We talked to co-owner Jess Kelley about the delicious offerings, and to hear her suggestions for those new to Hawaiian cuisine.

Q: “Ono” means delicious in the Hawaiian language. You’ve proved your concept many times over. What makes your food so sumptuous?

A: I think it's because of the mana. We cook with heart and purpose. These dishes we serve are ones we grew up eating. This is local Hawaiian comfort food, food that our mom and grandma used to make.

Q:  For a newcomer to your business, what dishes should we try to get the true nature of the Hawaiian culinary aloha?

A:  I think if I could pick four dishes for a newcomer to try, it would be: Luau Bowl, Loco Moco, Garlic Shrimp & Kalbi Shortribs and Katsu & Hawaiian BBQ Chicken. Or, you can start at the top of the menu and work your way down the next time you come in!

Loco Moco

Garlic Shrimp

Chicken Katsu

SPAM Mususbi

Q:  What are the most popular dishes on the menu?

A:  Our Chicken Katsu & Hawaiian BBQ Chicken, Kahuku Garlic Shrimp & Kalbi Short Ribs, Loco Moco and our Ahi Poke bowls and SPAM Mususbi. A newcomer is our Sesame Chicken Bowl that we can't keep in stock due to the demand, haha!

Q:  What a great problem to have – too much demand. It’s not just local residents who love your food - Major League Baseball teams crave it, too. Your website features foods ordered by the Yankees, Nationals and Astros. How did you become, and stay, so popular with the Twins and visiting teams? Are you also catering for the St. Paul Saints?

A:  So, we started catering food for the St. Paul Saints when a friend of ours was their starting shortstop. He has ties to Hawaii and we would bring food for him. The rest of the team took interest, and then we started bringing food for the whole team and press box from time to time. We officially got on the St. Paul Saints catering roster the next season. 

We opened our North Loop location in December, 2019 and being in such close proximity to Target Field, we started catering for the visiting MLB teams. The MN Twins saw the food we were bringing and also took interest. Soon we were catering for both the MN Twins and their opponents. So far, we have catered for: 

Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Guardians, Colorado Rockies, Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, MN Twins, New York Yankees, Oakland Athletics, Pittsburgh Pirates, San Francisco Giants, Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers and Toronto Blue Jays. Most of these teams - multiple times.

Q:  How may we stay current on your news, pop up events, etc.?

A:  All of our events are posted on our social media. You can follow us on Instagram, Facebook and at onohawaiianplates on TikTok. We also keep our website updated with our current goings-on. Come visit us at the North Loop Galley in the The Nordic, 729 Washington Avenue N.

An Incredible Young Woman

By Claudia Kittock

Naomi Hofstad is an incredible young woman and a recipient of the Sallie Steele Birdsong Scholarship, sponsored by Be That Neighbor. When Naomi talks about singing, her eyes light up, and her whole face shines with pure joy. She told me she has always been singing. When her parents first met her in Liberia, she beat out a tune with an empty water bottle. Nothing has changed. As she said, “I sing every night and every day.”
 
Rebecca, Naomi’s Mom, heard about J.D. Steele during the pandemic, got online and found him at MacPhail. Their first in-person experience with J.D. was on the now famous University of Minnesota parking ramp where the MacPhail Community Youth Choir (MCYC) was rehearsing. It was love at first note and Naomi has been an avid member of MCYC since then.
 
Naomi took piano lessons, but found it slowed her down. She prefers to hear music and then to figure it out. Her plans for the future include college to study singing, and then she hopes to become a performer. Naomi practices her performance skills on her church worship team and with MCYC.
 
When she sings, she said she feels the same as everyone else, and what a wonderful gift that is for all of us who sing. Naomi loves watching people respond while she is singing. It fills her with true joy.
 
Naomi is why the Sallie Steele Birdsong Scholarship exists. Music is necessary in all of our lives, and we need to make sure we help each and every young person to find that access. We are grateful for Naomi Hofstad and how she shares her joy of music with all of us. We are all stronger because of her.

July 15 at the Mill City Farmers Market

Some new items in our July 15 Mill City Farmers Market shopping basket are eggplants from GVY Fresh Produce, kalamata and feta focaccia from TunTum BlackHill Farm, fig bars from Tare Market, Mokum carrots from Burning River Farm and heirloom tomatoes from Nistler Farms.

MCFM's annual Harvest Dinner is September 10th!

The annual Harvest Dinner, a major funding source for MCFM, is scheduled for September 10th. It features a market-to-table dinner prepared with farm-fresh ingredients by market chefs Nettie Colón and Jenny Breen, craft cocktails and live music, and will take place in the Mill City Museum Courtyard. The evening ends with a live auction and fund-a-need support for MCFM's Next Stage Grant program for farmers and food makers. Learn more here.

One flower in particular caught my eye in the above bouquets - the pineapple lily. Can you spot them?

Der's Farm is the subject of Becky Fillinger's next Mill City Farmers Market spotlight. We'll be posting her interview Jeffrey Thao, pictured above, in the near future.

Submit Your Nominations for the 2023 Greening and Public Realm Awards by July 20th

2023 Greening and Public Realm Awards Public Nominations

DID's Greening Awards celebrate the exceptional greening efforts throughout our downtown Minneapolis community. Public nominations for the 2023 Greening & Public Realm Awards will open July 10 and close on July 20.

Public voting will open July 25 and close on August 10.

Nominations are being accepted in the following categories:

• Best Small Green Space
• Best Large Green Space
• Best Public Art
• Best Activated Space
• Best Entryway and Outdoor Café Greening
• Best Streetscape
• Best Public Realm Improvement

Review 2022 winners here.

Minneapolis Black Business Week is July 24-30

The City of Minneapolis is celebrating and supporting Black business development in Minneapolis with Black Business Week July 24-30.

The theme of this year’s event is generational wealth and ways the financial successes of our Black entrepreneurs can be passed to future generations.

Planned events include:

• Black Business Week kickoff event
• Ward 5 job fair
• Certified access information session
• East African panel discussion and resource fair
• Real estate project tours
• Protecting your legacy
• Doing business with the City
• Pop-up markets

Find more information, register for events and watch for updates on the City website.

Next Up at the Guthrie: Shane

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Blake RobisonA discussion with Director, Blake Robison

When this Guthrie season was announced, I was so excited to see Shane on the list! We had many questions for Director Blake Robison. He told us about interpreting the vastness of the West on the stage, multicultural and multiracial casting and how fun the play is to direct and watch. Get your tickets for Shane, which runs from July 21 to August 27.

Q:  When I think of Shane, I envision the wide-open vistas of the West, vast ranch lands, horses, cattle, frontier towns and homesteader cabins. How challenging is it to interpret or portray those elements on a theatrical stage?

A:  Putting a western on stage holds a unique set of challenges. We didn’t want to recreate the film onstage, so elements such as horses and wagons had to go! Our scenic environment tries to capture a sense of vastness with a series of wooden ramps evoking western hills on the horizon. Iconic elements appear and disappear – a kitchen table, a saloon bar, a farm cultivator – to stir the audience’s imagination. The entire stage is framed by a wooden portal, feeling like the Old West, especially at the top of the show when the audience arrives to see an enormous period map of the Wyoming territory circa 1889 when the story is set.

Karen ZacariasQ:  Playwright Karen Zacarías, a Mexican American, has reimagined Shane’s world from the 1954 movie in which all actors were Caucasian. In Karen’s play, the actors who play the main characters are Black and Latino. Her approach is historically accurate for 1899 Wyoming – one quarter of the cowboys were Mexican and one quarter were Black. How was this fresh perspective to Shane received in its world premiere at the Cincy Playhouse in the Park earlier this summer?

A:  Audiences have responded to Karen’s version of the story enthusiastically! The original novella doesn’t contain many details about the characters’ backgrounds. This version gives everyone a unique and culturally specific backstory and identity. It is more accurate to the real demographics of the American West. Additionally, Karen has created a Native character to give voice to the Indigenous perspective. Our audiences have shown great appreciation for all of these story elements.

Q:  Playwright Zacarías also has said “an engaged audience is the final character in the play.”  Were your Cincinnati audiences engaged?

A:  Very much so. There’s a lot of fun tension as the inevitable confrontation between Shane and Fletcher heats up. People are on the edge of their seats for the big saloon fight and the final shootout. There are some laughs along the way, too. It’s great fun.

Q:  One of the central themes of Shane is the notion of what it means to be a man. In this version of Shane, the title character is the son of a Cuban slave. Is the theme of manliness, and the traits that make a man, even more vital than in original version of the work?

A:  I think Karen captured this theme from the book and amplified it in her own theatrical way. Eleven year old Bobby has two role models: his dad Joe and the mysterious guest Shane. They are positive role models – masculine figures who hold similar values but express them in different ways. In today’s culture of “toxic masculinity” it’s an important discussion to have. The story demonstrates that there is a time to turn the other cheek and a time to stand up.

Q:   One final question – was it fun directing Shane for the stage?

A:  Oh my gosh, yes! The best part has been the collaboration with Karen, the actors, the designers, and our amazingly creative movement experts. I grew up watching all the classic westerns, and I still enjoy the newer ones like The Harder They Fall. To reimagine this cinematic genre for the stage has been a huge and gratifying challenge.

Location of DanceCo's July 15 "Dance Around Minnesota" Performances has been moved to Father Hennepin Bluff Park

NOTE: Originally scheduled to take place at The Commons, DanceCo's Dance Around Minnesota July 15 10:00a and 11:30a performances have been moved to the Father Hennepin Bluffs Park Bandshell.

See dancing vegetables, trains, shoppers, and more told through Paul Bunyon’s fun facts and tall tales. 

DanceCo Performance Company is a professional performance company creating original, interactive dance narratives for young people ages 3-103. Produced in collaboration with Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board, St. Paul Parks, and Young Dance, DanceCo is thrilled to bring its fourth production outside, free to the public!

They return to the stage this summer with free, interactive, family-friendly outdoor performances. As always, DanceCo focuses on making dance performance a lived experience by offering short kid-focused workshops at the beginning of each show to teach audience members parts of the show. Then, Paul Bunyon and the DanceCo Artists will begin a 45-minute performance touring many of the great assets of life in Minnesota!

Here's an interview 5 Eyewitness News anchor Brett Hoffland conducted with Matthew Keefe, director at DanceCo, regarding the production.

Minnesota Lynx to Grand Marshal Aquatennial Torchlight Parade

Reeve, Duwelius, and Knox to Celebrate Lynx’s 25th Anniversary

The Aquatennial Torchlight Parade kicks off the 2023 Minneapolis Aquatennial on Wednesday, July 19 and will feature members of the Minnesota Lynx organization as we celebrate the 4-time WNBA champions’ 25th anniversary season. 

This year’s Grand Marshals will include: 

President of Basketball Operations and Head Coach Cheryl Reeve 

Coach Reeve has led the Lynx to four WNBA championships in her 14 years with the team.

Her 41 career playoff victories are the most in WNBA history. She also serves as the team’s President of Basketball Operations and was the 2019 WNBA Basketball Executive of the Year.

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General Manager Clare Duwelius

Duwelius is in her 10th season with the Lynx and first as General Manager.

She began her career in Minnesota as the team’s Basketball Operations Coordinator in 2014 and was promoted to Assistant General Manager in 2016. She was part of Minnesota’s 2015 and 2017 championships.

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President of Business Operations Carley Knox

Knox is in her 14th season with the Lynx and 19th in the WNBA. She is the organization’s President of Business Operations and oversees the day-to-day business operations of the team. She has been part of all four Lynx WNBA championship seasons.

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The Aquatennial Torchlight Parade is the largest nighttime parade in Minnesota and features units, bands, performers, and organizations from throughout the state. This year’s Aquatennial Torchlight Parade will again be emceed by K102’s Chris Carr & Co. You can check out their play-by-play near Peavey Plaza at 11th and Nicollet.

You can take Metro Transit to the Aquatennial Torchlight Parade for free. Get there by bus or light rail using a free ride pass located on the Torchlight Parade webpage. Parking information, a parade map, and more details can also be found there.

Family-Friendly Minneapolis International Sister Cities Celebration is July 16 at Nicollet Island Pavilion

The July 16 festivities are open to the public and will include dancing, music, ice cream, and 50th anniversary celebrations with Winnipeg, Canada, and Kuopio, Finland

The annual Sister Cities Day celebration – featuring an afternoon of entertainment to honor the City of Minneapolis’ international connections – will take place on Sunday, July 16, from 1-5 p.m., at Nicollet Island Pavilion. This family-friendly event is free and open to the public. The afternoon festivities will include musicians and performers representing seven of Minneapolis’ 12 sister cities, as well as informational displays and crafts for people of all ages. In addition, complimentary make-your-own ice cream sundaes and other refreshments will be available while supplies last.

This year’s celebration will be highlighted by the recognition of the 50th anniversary of Minneapolis’ sister city relationships with Winnipeg, Canada, and Kuopio, Finland. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham and Kuopio City Council Chairman Aleksi Eskelinen will be on hand to mark the special occasion.

“This will be our 14th Sister Cities Day, and we welcome families of all ages to join us for a fun afternoon of fostering cultural awareness within our community,” said Meet Minneapolis President and CEO Melvin Tennant. “Through this event, we’re proud to help showcase the global connections and local cultural talent that adds to the vibrancy of our city and region.”

Performances* include:

1 p.m.	Harisen Daiko (Ibaraki City, Japan)
1:20 p.m.	Iraqi Chobi Dance Performance (Najaf, Iraq)
1:30 p.m.	Songs of Hope
2 p.m.	Official Remarks to recognize the 50th Anniversary of Minneapolis’ Sister City relationships with Winnipeg, Canada and Kuopio, Finland; followed by a ceremonial cake-cutting
2:30 p.m.	Linda Breitag & Karen Mueller: French Canadian fiddle/foot-tapping/call-response songs (Winnipeg, Canada)
3 p.m.	Jesse Nummelin: Cello, Yuki Tokuda: Dance, Howard Dotson: Finlandia (Kuopio, Finland)
3:30 p.m.	Tonada 3/4 (Santiago, Chile)
4 p.m.	Heart and Soul Drum Academy (Eldoret, Kenya)
4:15 p.m.	Rafiki USA (Eldoret, Kenya)
4:30 p.m.	Mexico Lindo Ballet Folklorico (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.

Nicollet Island-East Bank Neighborhood Association Invites Residents to Participate in NIEBNA.VISION

The Nicollet Island-East Bank Neighborhood Association (NIEBNA) has been working closely with landscape architecture firm Urban Ecosystems to design, develop, and execute a vision for the future of the neighborhood.

NIEBNA.VISION is a collaborative design effort to propose an urban design plan for the future of the Nicollet Island / East Bank Neighborhood. The process involves studying the community, engaging with residents, and developing rendered designs for the streetscapes, plazas, and parkways. This process will allow residents to share their ideas, and generate excitement and interest in the future transformation of the neighborhood. NIEBNA has retained Urban Ecosystems to facilitate this process and develop potential designs for the public realm.

“This is a unique opportunity to set the neighborhood apart, encourage engagement with residents and businesses owners, and further realize our community's Small Area Plan, all through a single project.”

- Brett Kistner, NIEBNA Board Member/Project Lead

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NIEBNA is conducting an ongoing series of community engagement sessions during the Summer and Fall of 2023 to share these visions with the community. They will be attending National Night Out, hosting walking tours of the neighborhood, celebrating the neighborhood's bars and restaurants, and exploring the history of St. Anthony Falls and Nicollet Island. This fall, they will present the final vision plan to the neighborhood and government stakeholders and begin planning for implementation.

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NIEBNA cordially invites you to participate in this process. Visit NIEBNA.VISION to see the initial findings and sign up for the project email list, and take the survey. That way you can stay in the loop, take the community survey, and learn more about upcoming events.

Small Business Spotlight: Afro Deli

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Abdirahman KahinA Discussion with CEO and Founder, Abdirahman Kahin

Abdirahman Kahin is the brainchild behind Afro Deli. As CEO and Founder, he was recently awarded 2023 SBA National Small Business Person of the Year. We talked to him about the future growth of Afro Deli, emphasis on community and how he puts together a winning approach for employee satisfaction.

Q:  Congratulations on winning 2023 SBA National Small Business Person of the Year! Will Afro Deli expand outside of the Twin Cities with your recent win on the national stage?

A:  Thank you! We’re very honored and grateful for the award. We will expand throughout the state of Minnesota in the next five years. We are talking with potential partners who can assist us with putting together a framework that can be replicated – items such as menu, training, customer service, operating systems, culture, etc. – so that the wider launch can take place. We need to create a franchise agreement, too – it protects us and the potential franchisee. So, there are many things to do to grow larger, but we are on the path.

Kahin with Vice President Kamala Harris at the 2023 SBA National Small Business Person of the Year event.

Q:  You've said that your hobby is creating jobs. I applaud you for this wonderful focus! How many employees do you currently have between your four Afro Deli locations in the Twin Cities and Grab N’ Go at the airport?

A:  We currently employ between 70 – 80 people. 

Q:  Your website states Afro Deli is a fusion restaurant that weaves together business, community, and culture. Why did you choose this language? How do you weave the community and culture into the business model?

A: Our restaurants are community spaces where people can come together. We have always opened our doors to the communities where we operate – and we have always supported our communities. Afro Deli directly supports initiatives and organizations that do good locally and across the world. We started on the West Bank and this community-based approach is our goal for all of our locations. Of course, we want to succeed financially in the business but we also want to be a friendly welcoming space. I want to point out that 95% of our customers are not Africans. We are a main stream restaurant serving a wide range of customers. Just as Chipotle does not only serve Mexicans, we do not just serve Africans. Our food is universal, as well as being fast, fresh and delicious.

Q: In an earlier interview you say that you work hard to make sure everybody is able to come to work tomorrow with joy. How do you do that and how will you keep that employee-focus if Afro Deli becomes a national brand?

A:  If we are successful in the future, it will be due to our employees. We have always taken good care of our employees, without mandates to do so. We have paid above the minimum wage for the past 10 years. We also have vacation and sick pay as benefits. We hire family members – it is not uncommon to see husbands and wives, twins, daughters and Dads and cousins all working together. If we can maintain the employee-focused nature of Afro Deli, there will be joy at the workplace.

Q:  You have a degree in Film and Media Production. Has that education been helpful in the success of Afro Deli?

A:  Absolutely it has! Film school taught me how to tell a story and how to promote and market the story. Film makers are creative people and I believe that you need creativity if you are going to successfully break into the food industry. My filmmaker background allows me to always mix it up a bit and keep selling the underlying business.

Q:  How may we follow your news?  

A:  Please follow us on social media - Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Please visit one of our locations and give us feedback – we love to hear from our customers.

July 8 at the Mill City Farmers Market

This week we added broccoli and cabbage to the produce mix in our Mill City Farmers Market shopping basket. Have you tried a flavorful broth from Superior Provisions? I've used them in soups/stews, and for cooking quinoa and brown rice.

Meet 2 New MCFM Art Vendors!

Rachel (right) of Start a Flame creates a number of items, including rosaries, necklaces, earrings, velvet yarn pillows and customized orders. She is scheduled to be back for the July 29th market.

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Azania Tripp of Obsidian Pause Wearable Paper Art debuted at the July 8th market with lightweight multi-media collage earrings and pins she designed. Azania uses paper from her travels to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Sydney, Australia, New York, Minnesota and Michigan. She returns to the MCFM on August 12.

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Nistler heirlooms are in!

July 8th was a Kids Day at MCFM, featuring Story Time, produce tasting and Babycakes Book Stack.

Got an air fryer? You can roast a lot of garlic in a fraction of the time it takes in a regular oven.

Isaac Lotz of sweetgreen in the North Loop was at the Baker’s Field Flour & Bread booth handing out samples of their teas, snack bars and salads, as well as discounts for first time digital orders. Sweetgreen sources ingredients from Baker's Field. Learn more about sweetgreen's mission here. Love to see those local collaborations!

 

 

 

Small Business Spotlight: Backstory Coffee Roasters

Article by Becky Fillinger, photo credit Andrew Reiland, Superwell Co-Creative

A Discussion with Kristina Oak, Retail Manager

We’re coffee-obsessed here in Minneapolis. A 2022 survey found that Minneapolis ranked 27th out of 100 U.S. cities for coffee-loving citizenry. Here’s an establishment you must try – Backstory Coffee Roasters. We spoke to Kristina Oak, Retail Manager of BCR in The Duffey, 528 Washington Avenue N. You’ll find a friendly space, hand-crafted drinks, delicious baked goods and many satisfied repeat customers.   

Q:  You’ve been open for 7 months now in your North Loop location in the street level of The Duffey. How is it going for the business?

A:  We’ve had an amazing first 7+ months in the North Loop. The community here is vibrant and lively, and very focused on supporting the local businesses in our neighborhood. Our space is filled every day with folks working on their laptops, holding business meetings, connecting with friends. It’s a dog-friendly lobby, which allows folks to bring the whole family when they visit us! Sharing our space with the Duffey Lofts apartments has been great- they’ve transformed this historic ironworks building into a truly special space, and we’re very happy to be here.

Q:  Could you tell us about your signature coffee drinks? Do you have seasonal drinks and food options?

A:  Seasonal food and beverages are a key aspect of what we do here at BCR. Our Summer Seasonal Specialties include a Peaches & Cream Latte, Pina Colada Cold Brew with coconut rum cold foam, and an herbal tea latte, the Summer Tiger Matcha. This season’s menu is all about the bright, fruity flavors of summer, while our spring menu leaned more into the floral, and our fall and winter menus also highlight the produce and flavors of those seasons. We offer a seasonal selection of pastries from local bakeries Vikings & Goddesses Pie Company and Sift Gluten Free. In addition to our seasonal menus, we offer frequent holiday weekend specials, and a State Fair-inspired menu at the end of every summer.

From our roastery, you’ll find fresh seasonal coffees coming in every month or so. Look for a perennial favorite, the fruity and bright Summer Break Blend, on our offerings list through August!

Q:  Please tell our readers about your coffee subscription services.

A:  It’s a beautiful thing when freshly roasted coffee appears on your doorstep without a second thought - and that’s what our coffee subscriptions do! Subscriptions are available in various sizes and at various frequencies, with your choice of coffee. Purchase one for yourself, or give one as a gift! We roast our coffee in Saint Paul, at our West Side roastery and coffee bar, and orders are packed and shipped immediately after roasting.

Q:  What makes Backstory Coffee Roasters unique?

A:  At BCR, we seek to make specialty coffee approachable and welcoming. Our staff is committed to our values of passion, seeking excellence, care for people and care for planet, and you’ll see the evidence in everything we do. We source coffees largely through direct-buying relationships with farms and mills around the world. We choose them for their quality and flavor, but also for the use of sustainable growing practices and supportive working conditions for the folks growing and processing the fruit. At our coffee bars, you’ll meet baristas with roots in our local communities, who are passionate about their craft and about connecting with our neighbors. Whether you’re looking for a single-origin espresso or a well-done classic mocha, we’ve got something for you!

Q:  Do you hold events in your shop? 

A:  We’re still assessing plans for events in our North Loop space. As of now, expect occasional sampling events of new seasonal coffees, as well as weekend beverage specials! Keep an eye on our social media pages for other BCR events held at our West Side-STP coffee bar, where we have a large yard and abundant parking! Private event inquiries for our North Loop-MPLS space are managed in partnership with the Duffey Flats, and can be sent to me at kristina@backstory.coffee.

Q:  How may we follow your news?

A:  The best ways to keep up with us are to follow us on Instagram and Facebook and join our email lists! You can sign up for coffee bar newsletters by joining our rewards program at the end of your transaction at one of our coffee bars. To sign up for roastery/seasonal coffee release newsletters, join that mailing list by visiting our website.

Minneapolis Aquatennial is July 19 - 22!

The Official Civic Celebration of Minneapolis Returns July 19 – 22

The mpls downtown council (mdc) is proud to announce the 2023 lineup of events for the Minneapolis Aquatennial, the official civic celebration of the City of Minneapolis. The annual tradition returns Wednesday, July 19 through Saturday, July 22. All events are free, family-friendly, and open for all to enjoy.

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

Aquatennial Torchlight Parade, Wednesday, July 19, 7:30pm

Along Nicollet from 12th to 4th Street 

Annually the largest nighttime event in Minnesota, the Aquatennial Torchlight Parade will fill downtown Minneapolis with great floats, displays, and marching bands through the heart of downtown.

Target Fireworks on Saturday, July 22 at 10pm

Along the banks of the Mississippi on West River Parkway near the Stone Arch Bridge

The Target Fireworks, produced by the world-famous Zambelli Fireworks team, are considered one of the top five annual fireworks shows in the entire country. The fireworks will once again be synced to music this year. 

Come early for Aquatennial Pre-Fireworks Festivities on West River Parkway beginning at 6pm  

“Aquatennial is an event for all with over two dozen free events and activities here in downtown Minneapolis,” said Leah Wong, vice president of external relations, mpls downtown council. “This beloved summer tradition brings us together for fun unforgettable moments highlighted by the Aquatennial Torchlight Parade and Target Fireworks. We continue to see more people enjoying all downtown offers and invite you to celebrate Aquatennial and all that makes Minneapolis so special.”

Most of the events take place in the heart of the City of Lakes in 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 2023 Minneapolis Aquatennial. A full schedule of events can be found at aquatennial.com/events. Check back for updates leading up to Aquatennial.  

WEDNESDAY, JULY 19

• Aquatennial Blood Drive with the American Red Cross – U.S. Bancorp Center, 9am – 3pm  |  sign-up link
• Park Market: The Black Market – The Commons (425 Portland Ave. S), 11am – 3pm
• Go Outside: Summer Sessions (live music, giveaways, and more) – Hennepin Government Center South Plaza, 11:30am – 1:30pm
• Music in the Park: Spaghetti Monetti and The Sauce – The Commons, 12pm – 1pm
• USTA Cardio Tennis – Loring Park, 5:30pm – 7:30pm  |  sign-up link
• Loring Park Family Fun Night, 5:30pm – 7:30pm
• Aquatennial Torchlight Parade – Nicollet from 12th to 4th Streets, 7:30pm
• Movies in the Park: “Best in Show” – The Commons, at 9:15pm 

THURSDAY, JULY 20

• Downtown Thursdays (food trucks, music, games, giveaways, and more) Nicollet from Washington Ave. to 10th Street, 11:30am – 1:30pm
• Minne-Golf on Nicollet – Nicollet Mall, 11:30am – 1:30pm
• Music in the Park: Chemistry Set – The Commons, 7 p.m. – 8pm
• Go Outside: Movie Night – “Legally Blonde” at Target Field Station, 7pm – 9pm
• Twin Cities River Rats Waterski Show – West River Road on Mississippi River between Broadway and Plymouth Avenues, 7pm
• Minnesota Lynx vs. Los Angeles Sparks – Target Center, 7pm

FRIDAY, JULY 21

• Park Market: Indigenous Market – Water Works Park, 10am – 2pm
• Alchemy 365 outdoor fitness class at Aquatennial, Mpls Sculpture Garden, 5:30pm – 6:30pm
• Twin Cities River Rats Waterski Show – West River Road on Mississippi River between Broadway and Plymouth Avenues, 7pm
• Minnesota Twins vs. Chicago White Sox – Target Field, 7:10pm

SATURDAY, JULY 22

• USTA Cardio Tennis – Loring Park, 9am – 10:30am  |  sign-up link
• Upper St. Anthony Lock and Dam Open House – St. Anthony Falls Lock & Dam, 10am – 4pm
• Twin Cities Carifest – West River Road between Plymouth and Broadway Ave, 11am – 10pm
• Wilderness Inquiry Voyageur Canoe Rides and Fire Building – Boom Island Park, 12pm – 5pm
• AquaJam Skateboarding –West River Parkway near Stone Arch Bridge, 4pm – 7pm
• City of Lakes Market – Chicago Mall between Guthrie Theater and Mill City Museum, 5pm – 10pm
• Mpls Craft Market – Chicago Mall between Guthrie Theater and Mill City Museum, 5pm – 10pm
• Pre-Fireworks Festivities – live music – West River Parkway near Stone Arch Bridge, 6pm – 10pm
• Kids Zone – Pre-Fireworks Festivities – West River Parkway near Water Works Park, 6pm – 9pm

SATURDAY, JULY 22

• Minnesota Twins vs. Chicago White Sox – Target Field, 6:15pm
• Minnesota Lynx vs. Las Vegas Aces – Target Center, 7pm
• Target Fireworks – West River Parkway near Stone Arch Bridge, 10pm

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

Volunteers Needed!

The Aquatennial relies on dozens of volunteers to help make the festival a success. Sign up online to be part of the Aquatennial Volunteer Program and assist with such events as the CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade and Target Fireworks. Perks include access to the partner viewing area at the Fireworks, a t-shirt, and other benefits. aquatennial.com/volunteer/

Full Moon by Ric Rosow

Submitted by Ric Rosow

Photo of the full moon taken in the early hours of July 4th from the Eleven while the moon was between Legacy and Stonebridge. 

On the morning of July 4th, I went out at 5:15am to take photographs of the full moon setting. I had planned to take the photograph from a location on the Stone Arch Bridge when the moon was above the Mill City District. The City’s closure of the bridge disrupted that plan. My alternative location was from our condo amenity deck. From the deck I was able to see the moon setting in the open space between the Legacy and Stonebridge condominiums before sunrise. On July 4, the moonset was at 6:42am and the sunrise was at 5:32am. By 5:30am the moon was out of view behind Stonebridge.

The best time to take a moon photograph is when moonset or moonrise is close in time to the sunrise or sunset. For instance, on July 2, 2023 the moonrise and sunset were both at 9:03pm. Since the sky remains bright for a time after the sun appears to set below the horizon, there is an opportunity to photograph a moonrise while the foreground in front of the horizon is still illuminated. This particular image is one photograph, not a composite or blend. I set exposure, aperture and ISO to capture to the maximum extent possible, both detail in the bright moon and in a dimly lit foreground. Of course while I am dialing in those settings both the moon and sun are constantly moving and the brightness of the sky constantly changing.

On July 16th the moonset will be at 8:52pm and the sunset will be at 8:56pm. But only 0.7% of the moon will be visible, so its hardly worth the time and effort. However, on August 1st there will be a supermoon and the moonset and sunrise will be 41 minutes apart, and the sunset and moonrise will be 36 minutes apart. My next step will be to determine from where to take the photograph.

You can see more of my work @ricrosowphotography.com and @Tres Leches Art Gallery.