Minneapolis, MN

This year’s conference is being held in Minneapolis this week.  The four day event will end on Wednesday, and costs $600 for non-members.  The 40 year old organization works to spread the ideas of what positive benefits we could see in the future and works towards solutions instead of fantasies.

Topics for the conference surround medicine, technology, transportation, family, business, immigration and such.  Overall, the group tries to push the boundaries of solutions for problems.  Come up with new ideas, even if they don’t seem feasible today, the technology and knowledge will get there in time… in the future.

The conference is being held at the Minneapolis Hilton, called “The World Future Society’s Annual Conference WorldFuture 2007: Fostering Hope and Vision for the 21st Century”.

As a note, when I wrote this post the above link did not work.  However, there is quite a bit of detail at the Minnesota Futurists chapter of the organization - which claims to be the first chapter of The World Future Society.

Via: Star Tribune - Crystal ball has a rosy tint, experts on the future say

Picture credit to Minnesota Futurists

World Future Society, Minnesota Futurists

While this blog is about Minneapolis, MN, the reality is that it’s history and culture are intertwined with the city of St. Paul. Of course the two cities have grown, shared infrastructure, competed for businesses, built rivalries and commonalities.

The Twin Cities metropolitan area has expanded and engulfed many nearby small towns, melding them into the sprawling metropolis that you see today. Whether this is good/bad is not something I’m pursuing in this series of posts, but the flavor, culture, and history of many of these areas is as interesting as the city center itself.

Many of these suburbs and towns have attempted to maintain their own feel, and I’ll be trying to capture some of that here. So check back from time to time as I’ll be posting stories in this series over the next few weeks.

Twin Cities

The Minneapolis Uptown Art Fair runs from August 3rd through the 5th.  Special demonstrations in photography, weaving, clay tile making, and bookmaking will be offered at various venues during the fair.

For more information about the Art Fair, download the Art Fair Program, or click on the link below to go to the official site.

Minneapolis Uptown Art Fair

Minneapolis Uptown Art Fair

Finally, the Park at Mall of America will have a new theme and direction to offer to the public.  While the original Knotts Camp Snoopy was a favorite to many young mall goers, the current Park at MOA is not as exciting.

Now the Mall of America along with Nickelodeon are announcing plans for Nickelodeon Universe.  Nickelodeon will be reworking the park, the largest indoor amusement park in America, to include new rides, new ticketing systems, healthier food & snack options, and of course Nickelodeon characters and branding.

Via: United Press International - Nickelodeon to be center of mall universe

Nickelodeon Universe, Knotts Camp Snoopy, Park at MOA

With the police department about $6 million over budget, it seems to some that the city is trying to make that up in traffic tickets.  While a few may grump about the activity or getting a ticket themselves, I wonder if the increased activity isn’t about the traffic itself.

Driver behavior patterns, in my opinion, have deteriorated severely.  To the point where more a third world driving style with little regard for our driving rules and posted speed limits.  The problem is real, so is the increased police traffic activity a monetary consideration, or finally a reaction to the speeding traffic on city streets?

Via: WCCO.com - Mpls. Police Issuing Tickets To Fill Budget Void

If you’ve never crossed the Stone Arch Bridge, you surely have seen it.  A prominent part of the Minneapolis Mississippi Riverfront, was originally the bridge used by the Great Northern Railway in and out of Minneapolis.  Trains coming out of the Minneapolis Great Northern Depot would cross on their way east, including Great Northern’s Empire Builder.

Today the bridge is restricted to bicycle and pedestrian traffic, where you can get a good view of the river and St. Anthony Falls.  The bridge is also part of the city’s park system, making up part of the St. Anthony Falls Heritage Trail.  Recent lighting additions give it a very dramatic and beautiful appearance at night.

Photo Credit: chrisdeba2004

Stone Arch Bridge, Great Northern Railway, Empire Builder

July 19th through the 22nd are the dates for Stillwater’s Lumberjack Days. Hosted in Lowell Park on the St. Croix River, many shows and events can be found throughout the downtown area.

Lumberjack Days hosts “one of the largest musically choreographed fireworks shows in the United States”. There is free admission to Lumberjack Days, so don’t hold back on having fun.

A full schedule of events can be found here, with a list of highlights for Friday the 20th below.

• Pro Log Rolling World Championships
• Capri Sun Bike & Skateboard Demonstrations
• Treasure Hunt opens Clue Set #3
• Pro Boom Running Championships
• Lumberjack Days Music Spectacular - Night II (Kurt Jorgensen, The Paul Thorn Band, Big Head Todd & The Monsters)

So head on out there and join in the fun - be sure not to miss the fireworks on Sunday!

Official Website: Stillwater Lumberjack Days

Stillwater, Stillwater Lumberjack Days, Pro Log Rolling, Pro Boom Running

I just thought that I’d post an early reminder that The Great Minnesota Get-Together, The Minnesota State Fair, starts on August 23rd and runs through Labor Day, September 3rd, 2007.  Advance tickets can be purchased online at The Minnesota State Fair Website, and at participating Cub Foods stores.  Pre-fair discounted tickets can be purchased through August 16th, so don’t wait ’till the last minute!

Visit the official website: Minnesota State Fair | Twelve Days of Fun Ending Labor Day | Aug. 23 to Labor Day, Sept. 3, 2007

Minnesota State Fair

The 68th annual Minneapolis Aquatennial Torchlight Parade is tonight!  The parade kicks off at 8:30pm tonight and will follow this route ending around 10:30pm.

From it’s starting point around the Basilica of St. Mary to it’s end near 5th street, the parade will make it’s way down Hennepin Avenue.

With emcees John Hines & Donna Valentine, this 68th annual event is sure to be a great time.  This also marks the 7th year that CenterPoint Energy has sponsored the parade.

Click here to print out the Parade Route! (courtesy of CenterPoint Energy)

Minneapolis Aquatennial, Aquatennial Torchlight Parade

The city of Minnetonka is starting a program to preserve and promote the section of Minnehaha Creek that runs through its boundaries.  The creek runs the entire width of this suburb of Minneapolis, and offers a natural setting for many to enjoy a quiet moment or two.

In the plan, the city will be restoring several portions of the shoreline that have been altered over the years, returning it to natural banks.  The city plans to remove four homes along the creek to increase visibility of the creek and make room for walking & access trails.  Also talked about is adding more canoe access points and possible shuttle service for canoeists.

While the plan is not shared with neighboring communities, there are already a number of parks and access points to the creek between Minnetonka and Minneapolis.  The entire stretch from its source at Lake Minnetonka, to the Mississippi River in Minneapolis is 22 miles.

Via: Star Tribune - Minnetonka opening up a treasured creek

Minnehaha Creek, Minnetonka, Lake Minnetonka, Mississippi River

Are you a Sherlock Holmes fan?  Been intrigued by the legendary fictional detective created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle?  You’re not alone, and through the years many items have been created to fulfil the interest of Holmes fans around the world.  Some have even created reproductions of Holmes’ famous sitting room of 221B Baker Street, London.

The University of Minnesota in Minneapolis is currently hosting the Victorian Secrets and Edwardian Enigmas: The Riddles of the Rooms of 221B Baker Street at the Elmer L. Anderson Library.  With two versions of the Holmes sitting room, one full size and one in miniature, and many other items like puzzles, games, and letters from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the exhibit is sure to be fun for any Holmes reader.

Elmer L. Anderson Library - Victorian Secrets and Edwardian Enigmas: The Riddles of the Rooms of 221B Baker Street

Sherlock Holmes, Elmer L. Anderson Library, University of Minnesota, Arthur Conan Doyle

Ever been to the Minneapolis Aquatennial?  It’s a great summertime tradition in Minneapolis, the City of Lakes, where parades, events, and fun permeate the city.  From it’s start in 1940 to it’s current form today, the Aquatennial draws substantial crowds.

From the Milk Carton Boat Race to the Torchlight Parade, the Aquatennial is an experience for families to build memories.  Like the Minnesota State Fair, the Aquatennial is a perennial favorite event in Minneapolis for 68 straight years.

For a list of events, check out the schedule at the official Aquatennial website: www.aquatennial.com.

Minneapolis Aquatennial

Minneapolis Aquatennial

The Twin Cities may become a bigger political player in 2008 than it normally is.  With the GOP convention in St. Paul, Minneapolis is also pursuing a political convention as well, in the Green party.

The bid will be presented at the national Green Party meeting in Reading, PA.  A case will be made for Minneapolis’ environmental programs that fit the vision of the Green Party.  In addition to Minneapolis, Detroit and Chicago will also be attempting to bring the Green Party to their cities for 2008.

Previous attempts to win the Greens over to Minneapolis have brought much attention to local politics as well, with three Greens winning City Council seats in past elections.  Current mayor R.T. Rybak also supports going for the Greens bid, as it would bring more exposure and business to Minneapolis.  If the bid is won, the convention would be held at the Minneapolis Convention Center with the Millennium Hotel hosting the headquarters.

Via: Star Tribune - Minneapolis in the race for Green convention

Politics, GOP, Green Party, Political Convention

If you are looking for a great mountain bike trail experience when in Minneapolis, you’re in luck.  In cooperation with the city of Minneapolis and several off-road bike clubs.

The resulting trail is over 4 miles in length and is open for nearly all skill levels.  The clubs and the city agreed that the trail needed to be usable by as many groups as possible.  So while you will find some easy areas, there are also challenging patches in the same areas that beginners can ride around.

Located just west of Theodore Wirth Parkway and running north from Highway 55, the trail meanders between trees and brush, and crosses a railroad track via bridge.  This trail is a single track, not a two-way trail, so make sure to look out for others and follow what signs you find.

More detailed information on the trail can be found at the Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists website below.  Also check out MOCA for more resources.

Via: Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists - Theodore Wirth Park - Minneapolis

Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists, Minneapolis Off Road Cyclists Association, Theodore Wirth Park

September 16th, 2007 is set to be the inaugural Minneapolis Bike Tour.  Not a race, the tour allows bicycle-only use for the city’s parkways.  There will be a 15-mile, or 41-mile circuit to choose from with the shorter route following the Chain of Lakes and the longer route the Minnehaha Creek and Mississippi River.

A fundraiser for the Foundation for Minneapolis Parks, Mayor R.T. Rybak said “It’s a great way for anybody to be able to hop on a bike and see the greatest bike system in the greatest park system in the country”.

Registration for the bike tour runs through August 31st, and is $30 for ages 13 and older.  Family and youth discounts are available.  See the website for more detail.

www.minneapolisbiketour.com

Via: Star Tribune - Parkways to become bikes-only for first city tour