2012 Minneapolis Aquatennial announces full schedule of events
Minneapolis, MN – With The Best Days of Summer fast approaching, the 2012 Aquatennial has released its full schedule of events.
The 2012 Minneapolis Aquatennial marks the 73rd annual civic celebration for the City of Lakes and is sure to become the best one yet. The excitement begins Friday, July 13 and carries on for nine fun-filled days, ending with a bang at the Target Fireworks on Saturday, July 21.
Along with the favorite events Minnesotans have come to know and love at the Aquatennial, this year’s festival brings an array of new events to the lineup, ranging from the Life Time Tri Minneapolis at Lake Nokomis, to the Global Smoothie Smack Down at the Midtown Global Market and the NorthStarSurf Stand-Up Paddle at the Star Tribune Beach Bash.
To get the most up-to-date information, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/Aquatennial or follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/Aquatennial.
Be sure to mark your calendar and check out the following comprehensive list of events:
July 13 – 20
Weekdays 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Lipton Ice Tea & Honey Aquatennial Plaza Tennis Classic
One Financial Plaza, 2nd Ave. S & S 5th St., Minneapolis
This 17th Annual event will feature some of the best tennis players in the USTA Northern Section competing for a cash prize. Spectator admission is free and the tournament will be streaming live on the web at Aquatennial.com.
July 13
10:30 a.m.
Senior Alumni Association (SAA) Senior Bowling Tournament
Memory Lanes, 2520 26th Ave. S, Minneapolis
Strike up some fun at this 55+ contest.
July 13 – July 23
Details
10 Best Days of the Bakken
The Bakken Museum, 3537 Zenith Ave S., Minneapolis
The Bakken Museum of electricity and magnetism is once again offering free admission with special hours during the Aquatennial.
July 13 – July 23
Details
Hennepin History Museum’s Aquatennial Exhibit
2303 Third Avenue South, Minneapolis
The Hennepin History Museum is hosting a mini-exhibit of festival memorabilia from the past 73 years. Come learn about the broad range of items in the historic Aquatennial collections from this unique exhibition, including coronation items and an Ambassador’s uniform.
July 13 – 19
Details
Minnesota Twins Games Target Field, 500-598 3rd Ave. N, Minneapolis
With games against the Oakland Athletics and Baltimore Orioles, you have several opportunities to see the hometown Minnesota Twins during the festival.
July 14
4:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. (need space between 1 and the p.m.)
NEW THIS YEAR: Life Time Tri Minneapolis
West Lake Nokomis Parkway
Each year, 3,000 beginners, elite triathletes and professionals descend upon Lake Nokomis in Minneapolis for one of the premier fitness events in the region.
July 14, 15, 19
Details
Twin Cities River Rats Water Ski Show
Mississippi River, West River Road between Broadway Ave. and Plymouth Ave., Minneapolis
The Twin Cities River Rats will perform a free, hour-long ski show, “Fanta-Ski Island”, on the Mississippi River. Bring a blanket – it’s a splash!
July 15
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
FLAGSHIP EVENT: Star Tribune Beach Bash
Featuring the Aquatennial Milk Carton Boat Races and Xcel Energy Sandcastle Competition
Thomas Beach, Lake Calhoun, Minneapolis
Come soak up the sun and participate in the many activities that are back by popular demand at this annual event. Don’t miss:
• Aquatennial Milk Carton Boat Races
• Xcel Energy Sandcastle Competition
• Minneapolis Fire Department
• NorthStar Surf Stand-Up Paddle
• Wilderness Inquiry’s Voyageur Canoe Paddling Instruction
• Memorial Blood Centers Blood Drive
July 15
1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
5th Annual Sister Cities Day Celebration & Ice Cream Social
Nicollet Island Pavilion
An afternoon celebrating the Sister City relationships between the city of Minneapolis and Santiago, Chile; Kuopio, Finland; Ibaraki City, Japan; Novosibirsk, Russia; Tours, France; Harbin, China; Uppsala, Sweden; Eldoret, Kenya; Cuernavaca, Mexico; and Najaf, Iraq. This free family event features multicultural entertainment, activities, make-your-own ice cream sundaes and refreshments.
July 17
1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Senior Alumni Association (SAA) Ballroom Dance
Ukrainian Event Center, 301 Main Street NE, Minneapolis
Hit the dance floor and sway to the music of Dick Macko. Adults of all ages are welcome to come. Refreshments will be served and don’t miss out on surprises and door prizes.
July 18
12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
AAO Meet the Queen of the Lakes Candidates
City Center Atrium, 40 S 7th St., Minneapolis
Come for free to meet and learn about the young women from across Minnesota vying to become the next Aquatennial Queen of the Lakes.
July 18
5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Aquatennial Pre-Parade Party at Loring Park: Family Fun Night
Loring Park, 1382 Willow St., Minneapolis
Get ready for the parade by joining in the family fun with a BBQ, DJ, pony rides, carnival games, inflatable bounces, Chicks on Sticks and KidsDance at Loring Park!
July 18
7:30 p.m.
Life Time Torchlight 5K
Hennepin Ave. from the Basilica of St. Mary to Father Hennepin Bluffs Park
Grab your running shoes and join the Life Time Torchlight 5K. It doesn’t matter if you are a trained runner or just a beginner, enjoy this 5K open to all ages and abilities.
July 18
8:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
FLAGSHIP EVENT: CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade
Hennepin Ave. between Dunwoody College of Technology & 5th St., Minneapolis
Brighten up your summer with the CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade. This one-of-a-kind parade will illuminate downtown with bands, floats and fun for all ages.
July 19
10 a.m.
SAA 500 Card Tournament
Ukrainian Event Center, 301 Main St. NE, Minneapolis
Fun is in the cards at this annual tourney open to adults of all ages. Find a partner and join the Aquatennial Senior Alumni for a day of card playing. Don’t miss out on the raffle and door prizes!
July 20
11 a.m.
SAA Senior Coronation Luncheon
Ukrainian Event Center, 301 Main St. NE, Minneapolis
You’re invited to welcome the 2012 Senior Queen, Commodore and Court at this tasty event.
July 20
7 p.m. – 9 p.m. (only need 1 space between 7 and p.m.)
AAO Queen of the Lakes Coronation
Ted Mann Concert Hall, West Bank, University of Minnesota
Experience the pageantry and see the crowning of the 2012 Minneapolis Aquatennial Queen of the Lakes and two Aquatennial Princesses.
July 21
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
The 6th Annual Tour de Camden
Starting at Creekview Park, Minneapolis
Take a leisurely bike ride through the seven neighborhood Camden community of Minneapolis. This free community ride is designed to highlight various points of interest and give neighbors a chance to get to know each other. Tour de Camden is FREE. Food donations for local food shelf welcome!
July 21
9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
The Salvation Army’s MOST Amazing Race
Various locations throughout Minneapolis
Ready, set, go! Teams will race around Minneapolis following clues and participating in mental and physical challenges, with the top team winning $5,000. This MOST Amazing Race benefits The Salvation Army’s Bed and Bread Club helping to alleviate hunger and homelessness.
July 21
12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
NEW THIS YEAR: Global Smoothie Smack Down
Midtown Global Market, 920 E Lake St., Minneapolis
Taste-test a variety of smoothies created by Midtown Global Market chefs. After sampling, your vote will help determine the winning chef and their smoothie! In addition to delicious smoothies, enjoy live music.
July 21
12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Midtown Phillips Festival
Stewart Park, 2700 block of 12th Ave. S, Minneapolis
Join in the family fun for live music all day, children’s activities, food vendors, games, resource booths, stilt walkers, In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre, and more!
July 21
6 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
FLAGSHIP EVENT: Target Fireworks
West River Parkway along the Mississippi River, Minneapolis
One of the largest annual firework shows in the country, the Target Fireworks will light up the Minneapolis sky with a spectacular pyrotechnic display in celebration of the 73rd Aquatennial. In addition to the amazing Target Fireworks at 10:00 p.m., enjoy pre-fireworks festivities with live music beginning at 6:00 p.m., between Portland Avenue and the 3rd Avenue Bridge.
About the Minneapolis Aquatennial
The Official Civic Celebration of the City of Minneapolis offers outstanding entertainment and activities in the City of Lakes for all ages. It is managed and produced by the Minneapolis Downtown Council. The festival is sponsored by Target, CenterPoint Energy, U.S. Bank, Life Time, Star Tribune, Xcel Energy, and Organic Valley. For more information, please visit www.aquatennial.com or call 612-376-7669.
About the Minneapolis Downtown Council
The Minneapolis Downtown council works to preserve and enhance a vital and attractive downtown for the people who invest, work, shop, visit and live in Minneapolis. Founded in 1955 and one of the oldest central business district associations in the nation, the Minneapolis Downtown Council produces such cherished Minneapolis events as the Aquatennial and Holidazzle Parade. For more information, visit www.downtownmpls.com.
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