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Community Corner

Get Out: Weekend Events in and around Inver Grove Heights

Looking for things to do this weekend? Check out some of these ideas.

  • NightOwl Classic
    When/Where?
    Various times, Sat. Aug. 20 - see schedule on website at www.nightowlclassic.com
    Why Go?
    This non-competitive, mid-summer night bike ride along the Mississippi River starts and finishes at Upper Landing Park and tours some of St. Paul's best-known landmarks through the attractive Summit Avenue neighborhood and downtown St. Paul. Riders will enjoy pre-ride festivities, music, food, contests, prizes and more. A portion of each ticket sold will benefit Gillette Children's Hospital. 
    Price:
    If you register by Aug. 19 at midnight, the cost is $30 for riders age 18 and up; $20 for riders ages 8 to 17; or free for riders age 7 and under with a registered adult. Children must ride along in an approved seat, tag-along or enclosed child bike trailer. If you register the day of the event, Aug. 20 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., the cost is $38 for riders age 18 and up; $28 for riders ages 8 to 17; free for riders age 7 and under.
  • Japanese Lantern Lighting Festival
    When/Where?
      3 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 21 at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, Como Park Zoo and Conservatory.
    Why Go?
    The Como Park Japanese Lantern Lighting Festival, organized by the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, Japan America Society of Minnesota, and Saint Paul Nagasaki Sister City Committee, is a family-friendly event that will celebrate Japanese tradition through music, dance, crafts, food, martial arts and many other cultural exhibits. The day will conclude at dusk with the main event—the lantern lighting. According to the event website, celebrating the Lantern Lighting Festival and learning about Japanese culture is a way to connect with the Japanese, whose sense of solidarity has moved people from different parts of the country and from many other parts of the world to volunteering to help with the earthquake and tsunami rebuilding process. There will be several short talks about those natural disasters throughout the night, as well as individuals on hand to take donations that will go to Red Cross relief work in Japan.
    Price:
    Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children 3-12 and Seniors 65 and over, and free for ages 2 and under. Free shuttle bus service will be available.
  • 2011 Sounds of Minnesota Drum and Bugle Competition
    When/Where:
    6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday Aug. 20 at Ettinger Field, 700 2nd St. N., South St Paul
    Why Go?
    The Sounds of Minnesota Competition showcases top drum corps of all ages from various states. According to the event website, you’ll enjoy seeing and hearing more than 400 musicians and color guard members performing musical compositions and marching precise drill routines on the field. Each unit will perform a 15-minute field show to be evaluated by a panel of judges. For more information, call 651-717-4382. Proceeds from the show help support the South Saint Paul Band Backers.
    Price:
    Premium seats are $10 online or $12 at the gate. Tickets are available at www.soundsofminnesota.com.
  • Free Movie in the Park
    When/Where?
    At dusk on Saturday, Aug. 20 at the Central Park Amphitheater, 2875 145th St. W., Rosemount
    Why Go?
    Enjoy an evening watching the movie “Tangled” with your kids. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs. For weather-related updates, call 952-985-1780, option 6.
    Price:
    Free
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