More Exploring!!

Today’s blog is brought to you by Explore MN!

This is the Explore Minnesota Events Report Newsletter for May 1, brought to you by Explore Minnesota Tourism. For Deals, check out www.exploreminnesota.com, otherwise dial 1-888-TOURISM (868-7476) to have a travel counselor help you plan your next Minnesota getaway using Journey, our free customized travel planning service. While you are a subscriber to this newsletter, we will send you a weekly update reporting upcoming events throughout the state.

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==================SOUTHERN MINNESOTA

MAI FEST will be held throughout the city of New Ulm, May 4-6, with a wide array of nature and environmental events, craft and specialty shop sales, art shows, an outdoor play, Renaissance Faire, food and bake sales, early openings at attractions, and more! For further information, dial 1-888-4-NEW-ULM, or visit www.newulm.com

The Olmsted County Fairgrounds in Rochester will be the site of the ORIGINAL OLMSTED COUNTY GOLD RUSH, Saturday and Sunday, May 12 & 13, with 1,500 dealers from across the United States displaying their wares. To learn more, dial 507/288-0320, or visit http://iridescenthouse.com/

=========================================TWIN CITIES GREATER METROPOLITAN VICINITY

The St. Paul RiverCentre will be the site of the 5TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF NATIONS, Thursday through Sunday, May 3-6. Enjoy one of the nation's largest and longest-running multi-ethnic events, and travel the world without a passport. Ninety-seven different ethnic groups will share their foods, crafts and traditions that form the mosaic of our American culture. To find out more, dial 651/647-0191, or visit www.FestivalofNations.com

CINCO DE MAYO FIESTA-MINNESOTA'S SPICIEST CELEBRATION! will be held Friday and Saturday, May 4 & 5, in St. Paul's District del Sol neighborhood. This event is one of the ten largest festivals of its kind nationwide, and attracts more than 100,000 visitors to learn about and enjoy the colorful history and rich traditions of Hispanic/Latino culture. Highlights include over six blocks of food, music and dancing, as well as children's activities, a lowrider car show, colorful parade, a “People’s Choice” salsa tasting contest, Cinco Sports Zone, Community Wellness Village, and craft vendors. To learn more, dial 651/222-6347, or check out www.districtdelsol.com/cinco.html

Various Anoka County Parks will be the site of a BIRD WALK SERIES on Saturday, May 5. Birders of all skill levels will be led by an experienced birder through several Anoka County parks to see and hear 20-50 species of birds. Also on Saturday, May 5, head to Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, another Anoka County Park, for a KIDS FISHING CLINIC. The Fishing Clinic is free and open to children ages 5 and up. Children will learn about lure selection, casting, boat and water safety, fishing ethics and more. All participants and their chaperones will receive a free hot dog, chips, and pop lunch. Children will also receive a kit of fishing equipment and accessories. No reservations are required, however registration closes at 11 a.m. For more information, dial 651/429-8007, or visit www.anokacountyparks.com

SPRING RAPTOR RELEASE 2007 will be offered May 5 at Carpenter Nature Center in Hastings. Come watch in awe as rehabilitated birds are returned to the wild! In addition, enjoy live music by Michael Monroe, hands-on children's activities and educational displays. For further information, dial 612/624-9753, or check out www.theraptorcenter.org

The Minnesota State Fairgrounds Grandstand Building in Falcon Heights will be the site of the LIVING GREEN EXPO, Saturday and Sunday, May 5 & 6. This fun and educational family event features vendors, demonstrations and seminars, with information, resources, products and technology designed to help attendees be more earth-friendly. The Expo also includes an "Eco-Fashion Show", an art exhibit, food & cooking stage, and fun children's activities. Admission is free! For further information, check out www.livinggreen.org

The HEART OF THE BEAST MAYDAY PARADE & FESTIVAL will be held Sunday, May 6 at Powderhorn Park in Minneapolis. This unique, annual outdoor parade and festival draws roughly 50,000 people to see towering puppets and fantastic floats, participate in a sun-welcoming ceremony, and listen to music and spoken word. The parade travels south along Bloomington Avenue, between 25th and 34th streets, and culminates in Powderhorn Park. To find out more, dial 612/721-2535, or visit www.hobt.org

EXPLORE MINNESOTA NOW! For lodging specials and incredible deals currently being offered, check out our website at www.exploreminnesota.com For further travel information, contact one of our travel counselors, Monday through Friday, 8 am-4:30 pm, by dialing 1-888-TOURISM (868-7476). Thank you for Exploring Minnesota!

Please Note: Information provided by event contacts. Dates may change. Please confirm dates prior to travel. Explore Minnesota Tourism grants you permission to distribute this information freely to friends, family and others for personal use. However, any republication of the materials, full or partial, in electronic, print or other format, must prominently include the following statement: "The information in this report is provided courtesy of Explore Minnesota Tourism."

Sounds like there are some really great things to do this week and weekend, I wonder if I’ll celebrate Cinco De Mayo or if I’ll check out the puppet parade!! Let me know what you decide to do!

Beth Riegger
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