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This is the Explore Minnesota Events Report as of Wednesday, May 7, brought to you by Explore Minnesota Tourism.

Check out the Explore Minnesota events calendar for more information on many of these and other upcoming events.

Northern Minnesota

A Jazz Festival will be offered Friday through Sunday, May 9-11, at various locations throughout Cook County, including venues in the cities of Lutsen, Tofte, Grand Portage, Grand Marais, and up the Gunflint Trail. Visitors will enjoy performances by professional jazz soloists and groups. Tickets or a Jazz Festival Pass will be required for performances. For more information, please dial 1-888-922-5000, or visit www.grandmaraisjazzfest.com

The Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge in Zimmerman will be the site of an International Migratory Bird Day celebration on Saturday, May 10, with guided bird tours offered to both experienced and beginning birders. Please call for further details, at 763/389-3323, or check out www.fws.gov/midwest/sherburne

Spring Birding Day and the 6th Annual Plant & Garden Tool Sale will be held Saturday, May 10, at Saint John’s Abbey and University in Collegeville. Come enjoy morning birding trips, a continental breakfast, and either a hike with seven expert birders or a wildflower walk with a botany professor. A luncheon and celebration will be held afterwards to recognize Saint John’s Arboretum and the surrounding area as an important birding site. Plant and garden tools will also be for sale from 8 a.m. until noon at the new Science Center. The sale will end earlier if sale items run out. Preregistration is required for the Spring Birding Day. For more information regarding rates, times and registration, dial 320/363-3163, or visit www.csbsju.edu/arboretum

Statehood Day will be celebrated at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park and Historic Site in Two Harbors on May 10. Visitors can take guided tours of the light station grounds, as well as guided tours of the adjacent State Park and the Little Two Harbors commercial fishing settlement. There will also be a slide program in the Visitor Center Theater. The lighthouse and other historic buildings are currently being renovated and the buildings will not be accessible. This event is free, however a state park vehicle permit is required to enter the park. For further information, dial 218/226-6377, or check out www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/split_rock_lighthouse

The city of Starbuck will hold the 22nd Annual Lefse Dagen celebration on Saturday, May 17, to commemorate the creation of the world’s largest lefse. Festivities will include musical entertainment and sing-alongs, a gathering of the original bakers, lots of lefse rolling and samples, a Scandinavian lunch, and an open house at the Starbuck Depot Square. To find out more, dial 320/239-4604, or visit www.starbuckmn.org

Arts in Aitkin will be held May 17, with several artists displaying artwork and offering demonstrations in downtown Aitkin. Afterwards, enjoy an artists’ reception at Moose Lodge, with a comedy & magic show, and live music. To learn more, and for specific rates and times for the artists’ reception, dial 218/927-2316

The Charles A. Lindbergh Historic Site and State Park in Little Falls will be the site of the Natural Environment of Charles A. Lindbergh on May 17. Highlights include guided wildflower walks, information about the history of preservation and the environmental movement today, hands-on museum experiences, exhibits, a program on Lindbergh’s flight in the Spirit of St. Louis, guided tours of Lindbergh’s boyhood home, and a special environmental film. For rates and times, dial 320/616-5421, or check out www.mnhs.org/places/sites/lh

Breakfast with the Birds will be offered the morning of May 17 at Lake Bemidji State Park in Bemidji, with a walk through aspen and jackpine woods from Lake Bemidji to the Bog Walk. A camp breakfast with fellow birders will also be offered. Later that day, enjoy an "Ice Out" Ice Cream Social at Lake Bemidji State Park, when lake ice will be used to make genuine, hand-cranked, homemade ice cream! For rates and times, dial 218/308-2300, or visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/lake_bemidji

Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity

The Declaration of Independence will be on display at the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul through Sunday, May 18. This is a rare opportunity to see one of only 25 remaining original copies of the Declaration printed on the evening of July 4, 1776. The Declaration will be on display for free public viewing as part of the state’s Sesquicentennial celebration. For more information, dial 651/259-3000, or visit www.mnhs.org

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska will be the site of the Arboretum Annual Spring Plant Sale on Saturday and Sunday, May 10 & 11, with one of the widest selections of plants, hard-to-find varieties, and University of Minnesota introductions. There will also be a variety of vegetables, hanging baskets, rock garden plants, groundcovers, wildflowers, tropical water plants, Koi fish, fairy houses, miniature plants and miniature gardening tools, gates, doors, arbors and fences. This event is free with general Arboretum admission. For further information, dial 952/443-1400, or check out www.arboretum.umn.edu

A Bonsai Show will be offered at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at the Como Zoo in St. Paul on Saturday and Sunday, May 10 & 11. This is a unique opportunity to see privately owned bonsai, and learn about this ancient art form from Japan that blends artistic vision and horticultural expertise. Also be sure to check out the Conservatory’s Summer Flower Show in the Sunken Garden to see a wide array of flowers, representing a rainbow of colors, bloom sequence, form and fragrance. The Summer Flower Show runs through October 5. To find out more, dial 651/487-8200, or visit www.comozooconservatory.org/cons

The Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul will offer a Historic Statehood Day Celebration on Sunday, May 11, to celebrate Minnesota’s 150th birthday, with musical entertainment, art activities, historical characters, displays, performances, and a wagon train. Guides will be on-hand to answer questions, and to escort visitors to the golden horses on the roof, weather permitting. The first 1,000 visitors will receive a commemorative statehood button! Admission is free. To learn more, dial 651/296-2881, or check out http://events.mnhs.org/calendar/hours.cfm?VenueID=15

Celebrating 150 Years of Tourism in Minnesota will be held Wednesday, May 14, at 11:00 a.m. at the Mall of America in Bloomington. The program will include historical narratives of each decade from the 1850s through today, with special appearances by celebrities and characters representing key attractions or events that have enhanced the region as a major tourism destination. Just some of the special guests include lumberjacks, fur traders, jockeys, race car drivers, royalty and superstars, with a special appearance by characters from Nickelodeon Universe. Sesquicentennial cake and refreshments will be served following the program. Items commemorating tourism events in 2008 will also be collected for a Tourism Time Capsule to be opened during Minnesota’s Bicentennial. For further details, dial 952/883-8800, or visit www.mallofamerica.com

Seegwan-A Celebration of Spring, featuring American Indian history, will be held on Saturday, May 17, east of North Branch at Wild River State Park. This is the 25th annual Seegwan event, and features a full day of programs related to American Indian history in Minnesota. In addition to the many programs, visitors will also enjoy hands-on activities, and evening entertainment. Admission is free. For more information, dial 651/583-2125, or visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/wild_river

The Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul will offer a Statehood Festival & Expo on Saturday and Sunday, May 17 & 18, with visits with historical characters from Minnesota’s past, a ceremonial lighting of the rotunda chandelier, performers, live music, exhibits, great food, trips to view the golden horses on the roof of the capitol (weather permitting), and a fireworks display. Visitors may also take a free trolley between the Capitol and the History Center during afternoon hours each day. For further information, dial 651/296-2881, or check out http://events.mnhs.org/calendar/hours.cfm?VenueID=15

And just some of the upcoming concerts and performances will include:
Engelbert Humperdinck at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel in Prior Lake, May 11
KT Tunstall at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, May 14
Bryan Adams at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis, May 16
The Minnesota Dance Festival at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul, May 16
Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel, May 17
Rush at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, May 22
Kid Rock at the Target Center, May 24
Soundset 08 at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, May 25
Eddie Izzard at the Historic State Theatre, May 27
The Honda Civic Tour: Panic at the Disco at the Myth in Maplewood, May 27
Monty Python’s Spamalot at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, May 27-June 1
Jay Leno at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel, May 31
Death Cab for Cutie at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, June 2
R.E.M. at the Xcel Energy Center, June 5
The Stone Temple Pilots at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul, June 6
True Colors: Cyndi Lauper, The B-52s, and Very Special Guests at the Target Center, June 9
The Kanye West Glow in the Dark Tour at the Target Center, June 11
Walking with Dinosaurs - The Live Experience at the Xcel Energy Center, June 11-15
A Prairie Home Reunion Show with Garrison Keillor at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul, June 15
Peter Murphy at the Fine Line Music Cafe in Minneapolis, June 16
Return To Forever at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, June 19
Rick Springfield at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel, June 27
Merle Haggard at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel, July 1
The Steve Miller Band at the Target Center, July 3
George Michael at the Xcel Energy Center, July 7
Crosby, Stills and Nash at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, July 11
Mark Knopfler at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, July 12
Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel, July 14
Ween at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul, July 19
Neil Diamond at the Xcel Energy Center, July 20
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers at the Target Center, July 23
Peter Frampton at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel, July 25
Bill Maher at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, July 26
Larry the Cable Guy at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel, August 8-10
Melissa Etheridge at The O’Shaughnessy Auditorium in St. Paul, August 9
Brad Paisley, Jewel and Chuck Wicks at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand in St. Paul, August 22
The Backstreet Boys Concert at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, August 23
Jonny Lang and Buddy Guy at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, August 24
Dierks Bentley and Miranda Lambert at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, August 25
Toby Keith at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, September 1
Kathy Griffin at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, October 3
The Loft Literary Center presents David Sedaris at the Historic State Theatre, October 19
Celine Dion at the Target Center in Minneapolis, October 30
Menopause, the Musical at the Pantages Theatre, November 5-9
The Moscow Ballet at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, December 12
For further information on any of these performances or events, please contact Ticketmaster at 651/989-5151

Southern Minnesota

The Carley Bluebell Festival will be held Saturday, May 10, within Carley State Park and the city of Plainview. Just some of the highlights will include live music, food, a Women’s Expo, fun games and activities for the entire family, and an eagle from the National Eagle Center, all amidst the beauty Bluebells in full bloom. For more information, dial 507/534-2229, or check out www.plainviewcvb.com

Sibley State Park in New London will be the site of a Bird Watching Walk the morning of May 10. Come join a park naturalist on a walk to identify and observe many of the 200 species of birds living within Sibley State Park. Binoculars and bird books will be available. Visitors will want to stay for the afternoon Woodland Wildflowers Program, when there will be a wildflower presentation, followed by a wildflower walk. To learn more, dial 320/354-2055, or visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/sibley/index.html

The annual Austin Area Rummage Sale & Spamburger Day celebration will be held Saturday, May 10, throughout the city of Austin. Visitors will enjoy bargains at over 100 garage sales, as well as a chance to try a Spamburger at participating restaurants! To find out more, dial 507/437-4563, or check out www.austincvb.com

The Olmstead County Fairgrounds in Rochester will be the site of the Original Olmsted County Gold Rush on Saturday and Sunday, May 10 & 11, with more than 1,500 dealers from across the United States displaying and selling antiques, furniture, primitives, glassware, clocks & watches, lamps, coins, and more! For further information, dial 507/288-0320, or visit www.iridescenthouse.com

A Bluff Country Gathering will be held Friday and Saturday, May 16 & 17, at the Lanesboro Community Center. Featured will be old-time musicians and students from all over the country, with workshops, a Friday night concert, and a Saturday night Barn Dance with great fiddle, banjo, and guitar music. The 12th Annual Stand-Still Parade will also be held on Saturday, May 17, at the nearby town of Whalan. Come stroll along and view the parade exhibits, and enjoy lots of interesting floats, games, live entertainment, and good food. For more information, dial 1-800-944-2670, or check out www.lanesboro.com

The city of Hutchinson will be the site of the 13th Annual DQ Motorcycle & Classic Car Run on Saturday, May 17, with a day of riding, fellowship and games to raise money for challenged children. Visitors will also enjoy the International Dog Show at the McLeod County Fairgrounds, and the Heart of Minnesota Paws on Parade walk and events at the Heart of Minnesota Animal Shelter on May 17 in Hutchinson. To find out more, dial 320/587-5252, or visit www.explorehutchinson.com

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Please Note: Information has been provided by event contacts. Please confirm dates, location and event status 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."

Posted by Chris Lawton / Events