It my favorite time of the year, spring in Minnesota! Almost overnight, the temperature rises 20 degrees, the leaves and flowers blossom, and everyone scavenges their garages to dust off their kayaks, canoes, bikes and skateboards to head back outside!
For me, it’s my favorite season because spring means festival season. I moved to Minnesota two years ago from New York, and I’ve always been amazed at the amount of fairs, festivals, pop-up carnivals, expos, gatherings and general outdoor activities that people can enjoy here. It feels like every day I’m writing down a reminder about new fair or trip that I need to take (and then inevitably kicking myself for having missed something great).
Nothing encapsulates Minneapolis spring quite like the In the Heart of the Beast MayDay Parade Festival! Maybe it’s a part of Minnesota’s rugged outdoor history, or the do-it-yourself culture, but MayDay combines all of the community activities with that almost outdoorsy feeling of nature in the heart of the city.
In the Heart of the Beast May Day Parade
WHEN: This Sunday, May 7, 2017, meeting around 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: To join us meet by Cedar Field Park, 25th Street and 18th Avenue in South Minneapolis
TIPS: Come dressed in your finest outdoor garb! Wear a Save the Boundary Waters shirt if you have one, or bring a paddle to wave.
SIGN UP HERE
Each year, dozens of organizations march in this parade. This is our third year now, and I love being able to walk down the streets and show my support for the outdoors that I love. The best part to me is that every 10 feet, someone yells to us about how they love the Boundary Waters, or wants to see this area protected. No matter where we live in the state, we all love the Boundary Waters. (If you’d like to march with us, sign up here!)
Come look for us in the Parade or at the MayDay Festival. It’s the inaugural kick off before we all pack our canoes and head up north!
Looking to join us this spring at other events. We’re sure to be at Open Streets and festivals all around the Twin Cities and up north. Here are a few more events where you can find us this spring.
EVENTS COMING SOON
Monday, May 8: Bear Witness Screening at
Birchwood Cafe, Minneapolis- Friday, May 12: Simm’s Save Our Streams at
Bob Mitchell’s Fly Shop, St. Paul
-> Learn more about Sportsmen for the Boundary Waters' Save Our Streams partnership - Saturday, May 20: Art-A-Whirl Party at
Grumpy's, Minneapolis
-> Celebrate the re-release of Canoe Country Cream Ale at Grumpy's - Thursday, May 25: Comment Writing Party at
Patagonia, St. Paul
And check out our events calendar for even more this spring and summer!
A native of New York, Regional Organizer Chris Donato is no stranger to outdoor adventure, like hiking the Catskill Mountains, and now exploring the Boundary Waters and the North Shore here in Minnesota. Chris spends his time on the Campaign working with awesome volunteers at our many events, helping with the brewing of Canoe Country Cream Ale and more.
