Fathers Day in June 15, 2008. Here's what's happening in Minneapolis and St. Paul for the Fathers Day weekend.
Plus, ideas of what to gifts to get - or make - Dad, and where to take him out for brunch on Sunday.
Fathers Day Events
Father's Day 5K. Walk or run at Lake Como in St. Paul. Heart disease is the number one premature killer of men, but taking exercise can significantly reduce his risk. So encourage dad to get outside with you, and spend a fun morning walking or running as a family at Lake Como, for charity, and for Dad's healthy heart.
Fridley '49ers Days Festival runs from June 12 - June 15. The big day is Saturday 14 June, with a car show in the morning, horseshoe tournament, a hotdog eating contest, and fireworks. On Father's Day itself things are quieter, with the carnival and the Miss Fridley Pageant.
Rambling River Days on the other side of the Metro Area will be in full swing over the Fathers Day weekend. Like the Fridley '49ers Festival, Sunday is a quiet day, but Farmington has an action-packed Saturday scheduled. Farmington Fire Department Waterball contest should be wild, and in the evening, a Harley Motorcycle Night, live music, and a Hog Roast end the day.
The Stone Arch Festival is held on June 14 and 15 in Minneapolis' Riverfront district. Over 250 artists, food, music, dancing, and the Art of the Car display in a family-friendly arts festival.
The Ramsey County Historical Society Gibbs Museum will have antique cars on display, and admission will be free for fathers on June 15.
Afton/Hudson Father's Day Brunch Cruise. A choice of departure locations for brunch on a boat on the beautiful St. Croix river.
Father's Day Yacht Cruise. Or perhaps Dad prefers the Mississippi River? Have brunch on a luxury yacht on Father's Day.
Padelford Riverboat Company is running a Father's Day brunch cruise on the Mississippi, on their old-fashioned riverboat.
Father's Day Trains. Maybe dad would prefer something with wheels on? The Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway is running Father's Day brunch trains, departing from just across the state line in Osceola, WI.
The Great River Energy Bike Festival begins on June 11 and the finale is Father's Day. Take Dad to watch Olympic champion riders in the Grand Prix on Sunday. There's more races, plus art, music and stunt rider demonstrations all week.The Cedar's Father's Day Special. Community music venue The Cedar has folk and country artists Papa John, Pop Wagner and Daddy Squeeze playing on June 15 at 7.30 p.m
Pa and Me Day at Historic Murphy's Landing has old-fashioned celebrations for dad. Watch an 1860's style baseball game and ride on a horse-drawn trolley, all with musical accompaniment from the Whistle Pigs String Band. Dads get in free with one paid admission.
Father's Day Gifts
Why not make something for dad? He'll appreciate it more than another tie. Here are some workshops about Minneapolis and St. Paul where the supplies are provided, and all you need to do is bring your creativity.Creative Kidstuff has a fish printing workshop on June 14 at all their Twin Cities stores. Bring a plain t-shirt and make a custom fish-printed shirt for dad, using a real fish.
Paint Your Plate has a vast selection of plain ceramics to decorate for dad. Paint Your Place is at 1132 Grand Avenue, St. Paul, telephone 651-225-8034. There's another Paint Your Plate at 5027 South France Avenue in Edina, telephone 612-929-6666.
Whole Foods Market in Minneapolis is holding a Father's Day workshop on June 12 for children to make something edible and healthy for dad.
Candy Lane in Woodbury offers a plethora of personalized candy, cookies and other goodies. Decorate your own giant cookie at the store, or have them customize a treat for Dad.
Does Dad like art, but you don't know one end of a paintbrush from the other (or are slightly too old for fish prints?) Try the Walker Art Center Shop, full of man-friendly gadgets and cool, artist designed clothes and objects. Dad will love the sleek, stainless steel barbecue wares.
Choo Choo Bob's Train Store in St. Paul is holding a Father's Day sale. Many model railroad trains, scenery and supplies, together with train books are all 20% off until Father's Day.
Father's Day Brunch
Father's Day brunch is a tradition for many families. The Twin Cities Dining Guide has a list of restaurants open for Father's Day.Reservations are usually necessary for Father's Day brunch. Call your favorite restaurant, or make reservations for Father's Day brunch online for many restaurants across the Twin Cities at OpenTable.com.
Here's some selections for Father's Day brunch:
The Marquette Hotel's Father's Day brunch is served in the Windows on Minnesota restaurant, on the 50th floor of the IDS center in downtown Minneapolis. With an amazing view over the city, it's a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach.
Spill the Wine in Minneapolis offers a Father's Day brunch, plus a bloody mary bar, and a champagne bar.
Chez Daniel in Bloomington, is serving their usual French-American Sunday brunch, but why change something this good?
Sunsets and Wayzata has a wonderful lakeside location, and more different brunch items than dad can possibly eat. It'll be fun to try though. There's another Sunsets in Woodbury too, but it's in a strip mall.
Casper's and Runyon's Nook is giving dads free burgers. Dads in a party of four or more receive a free Father's Day burger basket at the Nook in St. Paul. Nook burgers are phenomenal. Dad will love you forever.
