Prehistoric experience arrives at state fairgrounds
The Minnesota State Fairgrounds are taking you back in time for the next two weekends. ?Dinosaur Adventure? is a drive-thru experience that features 80 life-sized dinosaurs including a 40-foot robotic T-rex. They also offer a guided audio tour. You do have to purchase tickets in advance for a specific time-slot. For more information visit: www.dinosauradventure.com
The Minnesota State Fairgrounds are taking you back in time for the next two weekends. ?Dinosaur Adventure? is a drive-thru experience that features 80 life-sized dinosaurs including a 40-foot robotic T-rex. They also offer a guided audio tour. You do have to purchase tickets in advance for a specific time-slot. For more information visit: www.dinosauradventure.com
Como Zoo & Como Town Amusement Park Reopen
The Como Zoo is now open daily from 10am to 4pm. Before you go, you?ll need a reservation and masks are required. Also included in the safety plan, a one-way walking path that begins at the new Cleveland Court. It?s located near the carousel and Como Town. Reservations are only available on Como?s website: https://comozooconservatory.org/ Como Town will reopen Wednesday - Sunday with limited-capacity time slot packages at 10:00, 11:30, 1:00 and 2:30. Tickets are $13.00. Reservations and information for Como Town can be found at www.comotown.com.
The Como Zoo is now open daily from 10am to 4pm. Before you go, you?ll need a reservation and masks are required. Also included in the safety plan, a one-way walking path that begins at the new Cleveland Court. It?s located near the carousel and Como Town. Reservations are only available on Como?s website: https://comozooconservatory.org/ Como Town will reopen Wednesday - Sunday with limited-capacity time slot packages at 10:00, 11:30, 1:00 and 2:30. Tickets are $13.00. Reservations and information for Como Town can be found at www.comotown.com.
Brooklyn Park opens new pop-up plaza
What was once a grassy field on the corner of a busy intersection in Brooklyn Park is now a pop-up space dubbed Plaza Park. The gathering spot is next to the Brooklyn Park Library on the corner of 85th Avenue North and West Broadway Avenue. Plaza Park has a stage, a nature play area, murals by local artist Geno Okok, picnic tables and a space for food trucks to park. The city plans to transform this space into a permanent plaza as part of the Center for Innovation and the Arts project with North Hennepin Community College. Construction on the center will begin in 2022.
What was once a grassy field on the corner of a busy intersection in Brooklyn Park is now a pop-up space dubbed Plaza Park. The gathering spot is next to the Brooklyn Park Library on the corner of 85th Avenue North and West Broadway Avenue. Plaza Park has a stage, a nature play area, murals by local artist Geno Okok, picnic tables and a space for food trucks to park. The city plans to transform this space into a permanent plaza as part of the Center for Innovation and the Arts project with North Hennepin Community College. Construction on the center will begin in 2022.
Sunflower fields in bloom in Northwest Metro
For the last five years, a Twin Cities realtor has been planting sunflower fields simply as a way to spread joy. This year there are 12 picture-perfect fields spread across Rogers, Monticello and Dayton. They are free for the public to enjoy and truly an Instagrammer?s delight. To find out which fields are in-bloom and where they are located; visit the ?Fish Sunflowers? Facebook group page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/687823781575350/
For the last five years, a Twin Cities realtor has been planting sunflower fields simply as a way to spread joy. This year there are 12 picture-perfect fields spread across Rogers, Monticello and Dayton. They are free for the public to enjoy and truly an Instagrammer?s delight. To find out which fields are in-bloom and where they are located; visit the ?Fish Sunflowers? Facebook group page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/687823781575350/
Road Trip: New ice cream shop with a German twist opens in New Ulm
In lieu of vacations, many Minnesotans are planning road trips. One stop to put on your travel bucket list is New Ulm. This weekend they?re holding their ?Crazy Days? event that encourages people to support local businesses and restaurants that are facing hardships due to the pandemic. There will be special sidewalk sales and live music. Make sure to leave room for sweets. There?s a new shop called MN Eis. They have 24 flavors of ice cream, edible cookie dough, cupcakes and candy. Their specialty is the German treat called Spaghettieis. It?s an ice cream dessert that looks just like spaghetti and meatballs
In lieu of vacations, many Minnesotans are planning road trips. One stop to put on your travel bucket list is New Ulm. This weekend they?re holding their ?Crazy Days? event that encourages people to support local businesses and restaurants that are facing hardships due to the pandemic. There will be special sidewalk sales and live music. Make sure to leave room for sweets. There?s a new shop called MN Eis. They have 24 flavors of ice cream, edible cookie dough, cupcakes and candy. Their specialty is the German treat called Spaghettieis. It?s an ice cream dessert that looks just like spaghetti and meatballs
Shayne Wells talks to Minnesota Amateur Baseball Hall of Famer
Shayne Wells talked to Minnesota Amateur Baseball Halll of Famer Dave "Greek" Wagner ahead of Wednesday night's town ball double header, where the Belle Plaine Tigers will unveil a Hall of Fame plaque at Tiger Park for him.
Shayne Wells talked to Minnesota Amateur Baseball Halll of Famer Dave "Greek" Wagner ahead of Wednesday night's town ball double header, where the Belle Plaine Tigers will unveil a Hall of Fame plaque at Tiger Park for him.
Mayor of Belle Plaine talks city's rich history with amateur baseball
The mayor of Belle Plaine gave FOX 9 an overview of the city's rich history with amateur baseball ahead of Wedesday's town ball matchup with the Henderson Tigers.
The mayor of Belle Plaine gave FOX 9 an overview of the city's rich history with amateur baseball ahead of Wedesday's town ball matchup with the Henderson Tigers.
Shayne Walls talks amateur baseball with former Belle Plaine mayor known around town as Mr. Baseball
Shayne Wells is getting us game ready for this week?s FOX 9 Town Ball Tour stop in Belle Plaine with the man known around town as ?Mr. Baseball.?
Shayne Wells is getting us game ready for this week?s FOX 9 Town Ball Tour stop in Belle Plaine with the man known around town as ?Mr. Baseball.?
Minnesota Zoo opens to the public Friday
The Minnesota Zoo reopened to members Sunday. The public can once again wander the trails starting Friday, July 24th. The experience has changed as the zoo works to keep their staff, guests and the animals healthy. Everyone has to purchase a ticket online in advance for a specific date and entry time. Once inside, there is a one-way flow of traffic. The splash pad and play areas will remain closed at this time, and masks are required of guests ages three and up. The zoo is hours are now 10am to 4pm.
The Minnesota Zoo reopened to members Sunday. The public can once again wander the trails starting Friday, July 24th. The experience has changed as the zoo works to keep their staff, guests and the animals healthy. Everyone has to purchase a ticket online in advance for a specific date and entry time. Once inside, there is a one-way flow of traffic. The splash pad and play areas will remain closed at this time, and masks are required of guests ages three and up. The zoo is hours are now 10am to 4pm.
Now open: The Walker Art Center
The Walker Art Center reopens today and they?ve made some changes to how you visit the world-class galleries. There are new hours, and visitors must purchase timed-tickets in advance even for free admissions. We spoke with the Director, Mary Ceruti about what to expect.
The Walker Art Center reopens today and they?ve made some changes to how you visit the world-class galleries. There are new hours, and visitors must purchase timed-tickets in advance even for free admissions. We spoke with the Director, Mary Ceruti about what to expect.
FOX 9 Town Ball Tour heads to Maple Lake
The FOX 9 Town Ball Tour is hitting the road once again, this time headed to Maple Lake where the Lakers are taking on the Cokato Kernels.
The FOX 9 Town Ball Tour is hitting the road once again, this time headed to Maple Lake where the Lakers are taking on the Cokato Kernels.
The next best thing to town ball in Maple Lake, Minnesota
FOX 9's Shayne Wells is exploring the town of Maple Lake, Minnesota ahead of Wednesday's Town Ball Tour match-up between the Maple Lake Lakers and the Cokato Kernels.
FOX 9's Shayne Wells is exploring the town of Maple Lake, Minnesota ahead of Wednesday's Town Ball Tour match-up between the Maple Lake Lakers and the Cokato Kernels.
Movement underway to save Twin Cities concert venues
It?s no secret the Twin Cities has a vibrant music scene with many celebrated venues. But with these venues shut down and an uncertain future, there?s an effort to help them stay afloat. The folks behind MusicInMinnesota.com have created the ?Value our Venues? fundraiser. They?ve selected eight important venues to highlight; First Ave., The Turf Club, Hook and Ladder Theater, Mortimer?s, Parkway Theater, The Warming House, Caydence Records and The Garage. They got the support of more than 50 musicians for a unique photo shoot showing these artists in front of the shut-down venues they used to play. Every day Music in Minnesota releases new artist portraits and recently created a Spotify playlist featuring Minnesota musicians. The goal is to raise $100,000 to split evenly between the venues. To find out more visit: https://www.musicinminnesota.com/value-our-venues/
It?s no secret the Twin Cities has a vibrant music scene with many celebrated venues. But with these venues shut down and an uncertain future, there?s an effort to help them stay afloat. The folks behind MusicInMinnesota.com have created the ?Value our Venues? fundraiser. They?ve selected eight important venues to highlight; First Ave., The Turf Club, Hook and Ladder Theater, Mortimer?s, Parkway Theater, The Warming House, Caydence Records and The Garage. They got the support of more than 50 musicians for a unique photo shoot showing these artists in front of the shut-down venues they used to play. Every day Music in Minnesota releases new artist portraits and recently created a Spotify playlist featuring Minnesota musicians. The goal is to raise $100,000 to split evenly between the venues. To find out more visit: https://www.musicinminnesota.com/value-our-venues/
Next FOX 9 Town Ball Tour stop, Cologne Hollanders, boast unbeatable cheese curds in amateur baseball
The Cologne Hollanders say The Shack at Robert G. Fritz Memorial Field has unbeatable cheese curds in amateur baseball.
The Cologne Hollanders say The Shack at Robert G. Fritz Memorial Field has unbeatable cheese curds in amateur baseball.
Small Minnesota town where ?Purple Rain? was filmed unveils Prince statue
A new life-sized statue of Prince joins a growing tribute on Main Street in Henderson, Minnesota. There?s also a memorial bench and mural. The small Minnesota town about 45 minutes south of the metro is where the famous ?that ain?t Lake Minnetonka? scene was filmed for the movie ?Purple Rain.? Cinematographer Joel King is the man who spearheaded this project. He worked with Prince on the movie ?Graffiti Bridge.? While he grew up in Minneapolis, he moved to Hollywood to work on films. He now lives in Henderson and can often be found sharing stories with tourists at the Prince tribute.
A new life-sized statue of Prince joins a growing tribute on Main Street in Henderson, Minnesota. There?s also a memorial bench and mural. The small Minnesota town about 45 minutes south of the metro is where the famous ?that ain?t Lake Minnetonka? scene was filmed for the movie ?Purple Rain.? Cinematographer Joel King is the man who spearheaded this project. He worked with Prince on the movie ?Graffiti Bridge.? While he grew up in Minneapolis, he moved to Hollywood to work on films. He now lives in Henderson and can often be found sharing stories with tourists at the Prince tribute.
New ice cream shop opens in St. Paul to help you beat summer heat
Not much can beat a scoop of ice cream on a hot summer day and we have just the place to do that, 2 Scoops Ice Cream Eatery. The new shop just opened on the corner of Selby and Milton in St. Paul. The family-owned business has been in the works for three years as they searched for the perfect spot. They offer 18 different flavors of ice cream and serve hot food as well including pizza and chili dogs.
Not much can beat a scoop of ice cream on a hot summer day and we have just the place to do that, 2 Scoops Ice Cream Eatery. The new shop just opened on the corner of Selby and Milton in St. Paul. The family-owned business has been in the works for three years as they searched for the perfect spot. They offer 18 different flavors of ice cream and serve hot food as well including pizza and chili dogs.
Community embraces Black-owned businesses amid protests
As a show of support for the Black community, people are embracing Black-owned businesses. There are a lot of lists circulating to help people find and support businesses owned by people of color and one of those is Soul Bowl. Gerard Klass? restaurant, which is located in the Graze Food Hall near Target Field, has been prominently featured on almost every list and he?s thankful for that visibility. It?s translated to more business and followers on social media. In fact, on Friday, Juneteenth, Soul Bowl had its highest sales day ever. Klass hopes this support for Black-owned businesses isn?t just a phase and that it continues into the future. Klass also wants to pay it forward. In March, he started a program called ?Food for your Soul? providing meals for families who are struggling. To date, they've donated 5,000 meals in the community.
As a show of support for the Black community, people are embracing Black-owned businesses. There are a lot of lists circulating to help people find and support businesses owned by people of color and one of those is Soul Bowl. Gerard Klass? restaurant, which is located in the Graze Food Hall near Target Field, has been prominently featured on almost every list and he?s thankful for that visibility. It?s translated to more business and followers on social media. In fact, on Friday, Juneteenth, Soul Bowl had its highest sales day ever. Klass hopes this support for Black-owned businesses isn?t just a phase and that it continues into the future. Klass also wants to pay it forward. In March, he started a program called ?Food for your Soul? providing meals for families who are struggling. To date, they've donated 5,000 meals in the community.
Local HGTV stars open retail shop
Local HGTV stars Brad and Heather Fox are getting into the retail business. The Fox?s have a real estate business, Fox Homes, and an interior design company. They landed their own show on HGTV called ?Stay or Sell? where they renovated homes, and now they?re unveiling Foxwell Shoppe. The store officially opened this week at 44th and France Avenue in Edina. Since the Fox?s offer interior design, a shop with home goods was a logical next step. And now they?ve relocated all their businesses into this location. And there?s another thing that?s working out for them; HGTV. They have another project with the network in the works though they couldn?t share the details quite yet.
Local HGTV stars Brad and Heather Fox are getting into the retail business. The Fox?s have a real estate business, Fox Homes, and an interior design company. They landed their own show on HGTV called ?Stay or Sell? where they renovated homes, and now they?re unveiling Foxwell Shoppe. The store officially opened this week at 44th and France Avenue in Edina. Since the Fox?s offer interior design, a shop with home goods was a logical next step. And now they?ve relocated all their businesses into this location. And there?s another thing that?s working out for them; HGTV. They have another project with the network in the works though they couldn?t share the details quite yet.
Town Ball Returns
Major League Baseball may be in limbo but you can still get your fix through one of Minnesota?s most beloved traditions; Town Ball. Tonight the Howard Lake Orphans will face the Winsted Wildcats in Howard Lake. Though they?re only cleared for exhibition games at this point, they?re just excited to get back on the diamond. The game starts at 7pm. The concession stand is closed and fans must be socially distanced.
Major League Baseball may be in limbo but you can still get your fix through one of Minnesota?s most beloved traditions; Town Ball. Tonight the Howard Lake Orphans will face the Winsted Wildcats in Howard Lake. Though they?re only cleared for exhibition games at this point, they?re just excited to get back on the diamond. The game starts at 7pm. The concession stand is closed and fans must be socially distanced.
Bike shops see surge in sales during pandemic
When states started shutting down, people went looking for new ways to get out and exercise while social distancing. In Minnesota, bike shops remained open since they provide an essential service: transportation. Orders spiked to a level most shops weren?t prepared for. Handsome Cycles is the only independent bike company in Minnesota building their bikes right here in Minneapolis. Co-founder Jesse Erickson said typically if you ordered a bike they could build it and have it to you in a week, but right now it?s closer to three weeks. He says they?re selling twice as many bikes as a normal spring, and the surge happened a month earlier due to a mild March paired with the stay-at-home orders.
When states started shutting down, people went looking for new ways to get out and exercise while social distancing. In Minnesota, bike shops remained open since they provide an essential service: transportation. Orders spiked to a level most shops weren?t prepared for. Handsome Cycles is the only independent bike company in Minnesota building their bikes right here in Minneapolis. Co-founder Jesse Erickson said typically if you ordered a bike they could build it and have it to you in a week, but right now it?s closer to three weeks. He says they?re selling twice as many bikes as a normal spring, and the surge happened a month earlier due to a mild March paired with the stay-at-home orders.