Latest news with #TorchlightParade
Axios
4 days ago
- Climate
- Axios
Twin Cities weekend events: Aquatennial, Nate Bargatze, chalk festival
The Aquatennial has begun! Though last night's Torchlight Parade was cancelled due to weather, Minneapolis' official civic celebration has plenty of activities through Saturday night. Here are three happenings we're watching this weekend. 🛹 Alley Jam: This party in the alley behind FAIR School in downtown Minneapolis features skateboard demonstrations, food, shopping, DJ sets and more. Practice up — there are cash prizes for skateboard tricks. Friday 6-8pm; free 🇯🇲 Carifest: Party on West River Road at the Twin Cities' premier Caribbean festival with food, music, arts, crafts and a traditional costume parade. Bonus: You can see the fireworks from the grounds. Saturday 11am-10pm; $25 entry, kids 12 and under free 🧨 Target Fireworks: They're a staple for a reason — and if you secure your spot along West River Parkway hours before showtime, check out the nearby car show and vintage market down the road. Saturday 10pm, free More things to do.... ☀️ Stare at the sun safely at the Bell Museum's Solar Observing party Saturday afternoon. Staff will walk visitors through use of specialized telescopes, filters and more to see sunspots and solar prominences. Note: It will be canceled in case of clouds or rain. Included with cost of admission, which is $15 ages 22+, $12 ages 3-21 🔎 Forget garage sales — find everything you don't need in one place at Saturday's ThriftCon, a vintage and collectibles convention in downtown Minneapolis with over 140 booths where, according to organizers, most items purchased range between $10-$50. If that's too pricey, the event will also have a By the Pound installation with over 10,000 pounds of "curated vintage finds" to dig through, all sold by weight at $10/lb. $17 admission, $40 for early bird access 🎨 The W.E. Chalk Festival returns to St. Louis Park's Shops at West End Saturday and Sunday from 10am-6pm. Expect 2D and 3D chalk art creations by professionals from across the country, food trucks, art vendors and opportunities to try the art form yourself. Free 🏮 Light up St. Paul at the Water Lantern Festival Saturday night, where attendees gather to assemble and decorate their own rice paper lantern before setting it free at Phalen Park. (The ticket price also pays for the cost of lantern cleanup by staff.) $37.99 in advance, $57.99 at the door 🤣 In need of a good laugh? Nate Bargatze, the popular and family-friendly comedian known for his deadpan delivery, is making stops at Xcel Energy Center Saturday and Sunday nights. Tickets start at $44.95 Saturday and $37 Sunday
CBS News
5 days ago
- Climate
- CBS News
Minneapolis' Aquatennial Torchlight Parade canceled due to severe weather
Officials have canceled Minneapolis' Aquatennial Torchlight Parade Wednesday due to the severe weather forecast. The parade, which makes its way down Nicollet Mall, was slated to start at 7:30 p.m. The Twin Cities area is expected to see a mix of dangerous weather conditions Wednesday; a heat advisory is in effect until 8 p.m., and there is a slight risk for severe weather with threats of straight line winds and flooding. "The safety and well-being of our participants, spectators, volunteers, and staff remain our highest priority," the Minneapolis Downtown Council said in a statement. "We are deeply grateful for the time, effort, and enthusiasm of all those involved in bringing this beloved tradition to life, and we share the disappointment of this outcome." The Aquatennial is a civic celebration of the City of Minneapolis. The origins of the event can be traced back to the 1930s, when the city saw a Teamsters truckers strike and anti-union violence that injured 67 people and killed two others. Businessmen believed that a celebratory spectacle would improve and promote the city's reputation, and launched the event which became known as "The 10 Best Days of Summer." The Aquatennial culminates in a fireworks show Saturday evening.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Queens, WWII veterans, plenty of high school bands bring cheer to tens of thousands at Lilac parade
May 17—Classic cars, high school bands and queens and princesses meandered through downtown Spokane on Saturday night for the 87th rendition of the Spokane Lilac Festival Armed Forces Torchlight Parade. Draped in purple dresses, University High School senior Raegan Miller and the royal court waved to the crowd as the exquisite float they stood on proceeded through the downtown streets. "I think it's just really awesome that we're here bringing many communities together and showing back the love that Spokane has always given to us," Miller said as the parade units staged on the Washington Street Bridge minutes before the parade. Miller was shocked when she was crowned queen earlier this spring, saying every one of the six princesses who joined her on the float Saturday deserved to be queen. "It was honestly crazy when I found out I won because I was just so appreciative and I knew that all the girls beside me were going to help me get through this and help me be the best leader I can be," she said. Miller, who will attend Saint Mary's College in California after graduation, said the past few months have been fun with plenty of memories created. "It's been super busy, but I love being busy," she said. "I love making new connections with new leaders in this community. These girls, we've grown really close together and we became really good friends over these past few months." Nearby, Valleyfest royalty Aimee Cook, Chloe Nelson and Makenna Babb were also ready to hit the streets on their float. Valleyfest, held in September, is Spokane Valley's community festival. Cook, who is Miss Spokane Valley, said she enjoyed connecting with the other royalty from the region. Nelson and Babb said they were excited to see the children lining the streets at the parade. "Seeing the little girls always makes me so happy, and I love seeing them and making a good positive impact on them," said Nelson, who is student body president at Spokane Valley Tech. Bill Beckstrom, a U.S. Navy World War II veteran, rode in an army green 1944 Jeep with two other World War II veterans. Beckstrom said he served aboard the USS Curtiss and survived a Japanese pilot who barreled his plane into their ship. Dozens of his fellow comrades died, however, and the ship had to return to San Diego because of the strike. Beckstrom, a 98-year-old Spokane Valley resident, said his family came to watch him in the parade. Beckstrom also said he looked forward to seeing the youngsters at the parade. "I get a kick out of the kids," he said. Tens of thousands of people lined the streets to take in the floats and bands. Alison Long was one of the attendees. She sat in chairs with her grandson and mother, Maryann Canterbury. They came to see family members, one of whom is Miss Davenport, on the Davenport float. Canterbury, 73, said she hasn't been to the Lilac parade in decades. She said she loves the lights and the bands that play. "I always enjoy the sparkle," she said.
