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Calendar of Events
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HUDSON BAY EXPEDITION PRESENTATION IN ST PETER
2007-04-18
HUDSON BAY EXPEDITION
SUNDAY, MAY 6, 2007 2:00PM
TREATY SITE HISTORY CENTER
1851 NORTH MINNESOTA AVENUE, ST. PETER
Join us on Sunday, May 6th at the Treaty Site History Center in St. Peter to hear about what Scott Miller and Todd Foster embarked on travel to Hudson Bay. In May 2005, Scott Miller and Todd Foster embarked upon a 2250-mile historical canoe expedition from Saint Cloud to Hudson Bay. Todd and Scott were inspired to take the trip after reading \"Canoeing with the Cree\" by Eric Sevareid, a book that recounts Sevareid\'s trip with his friend Walter Port along the same route in 1930. They will tell about their experiences canoeing to the Hudson Bay.
The Treaty Site History Center is located one mile north of St. Peter on Hwy 169. Admission is $4.00 for adults, $2.00 for students 6 to 16, with a family maximum of $10.00. Nicollet County Historical Society members and children 5 and under are free. Call 507-934-2160 or email museum@nchsmn.org for details.
www.nchsmn.org
Renville County Churches Display at Renville County Courthouse Rotunda
2007-04-03
The Renville County Historical Society and Museum presents our annual theme display at the Renville County Courthouse. This year's theme is Churches of Renville County. The display will be located at the Renville County Courthouse Rotunda, which is open Monday through Friday from 8:00am-4:30pm. It will run from April 4th-August 13th. The display will include artifacts, maps and history on the Churches. Also, there will be booklets available to purchase at the Assessor's Office or the Renville County Museum.
If there are any questions or concerns, please contact us at (507) 697-6147 or rchs@redred.com.
http://www.rootsweb.com/~mnrenvil/mus-rchs.htm
Minnesota Inventors Congress
2007-03-07
Greetings from the Minnesota Inventors Congress.
The 2007 Registration Brochure for Invention EXPOsure 2007 is now available. Attached are the brochure, and a copy of the ad that will be in the April edition of Inventor's Digest. Also attached is a general admission information sheet that has more detail about the general public information: times, dates, gate admission and other community events that are scheduled for the 50th annual inventor's expo, June 8-10, 2007. As well as the full day seminar scheduled for Thursday, June 7, 2007.
A new highlight this year is the fact that one inventor who exhibits at our event will win a FREE booth at the 2008 National Hardware Show in Las Vegas. 2007 Value $1,295.00.
As you are filling out the registration form, and have any questions, don't hesitate to call 800.468.3681, or email mic@inventhelper.org the office.
The deadline for the early bird registration fee is May 1, 2007.
The excitement is growing about this historic event. Make plans now to exhibit at the World's Oldest Annual Invention Convention, in Redwood Falls Minnesota.
Best regards,
Deb Hess
Executive Director
Minnesota Inventors Congress
P O Box 71
Redwood Falls MN 56283
507.627.2344 Office
507.637.4082 Fax
hess@inventhelper.org
www.inventhelper.org
The Minnesota Inventors Congress (MIC) is a private, Non- Profit 501(c)(3) organization. This message is not to be considered legal advice. The MIC is not a law firm and does not provide legal or patent, trademark or copyright advice. Posted messages may contain information helpful to some people under some circumstances. Please use caution when evaluating any information, including but not limited to: business opportunities; links to news stories; links to services, products or other web sites; and postings by group members. No endorsements are ever issued by the MIC, expressed or implied.
Save the dates - June 8-10, 2007
Minnesota Inventors Congress - 50th Annual Event
www.inventhelper.org
Minnesota River Valley National Scenic Byway Alliance
2007-02-21
Minnesota River Valley National Scenic Byway Alliance
Annual Report for 2006
As our mission states, 'the purpose of the Alliance is to encourage economic development through the promotion, preservation and protection of the intrinsic qualities of the Minnesota River Valley". In line with our mission, 2006 was filled with many exciting events and projects, including the distribution of the new 'Visitors Guide" featuring many discovery sites and local points of interest, interpretive sign design for the new 24"x 36" signs that will be installed at 16 sites throughout the valley, work started on the new community kiosk and a host of community activities promoted by the Alliance for the benefit of all. As most of you know, our Valley was carved by the Glacial River Warren thirteen thousand years ago with such tremendous force that it exposed the underling granite bedrock that is 3.8 billion years old. Many visitors come to our 287 mile corridor to see these outcropping and the plant species, some of which are rare, growing in their natural habitat. This year brought to fruition what I consider to be one of the most outstanding marketing tools of the Byways Alliance to date. . ..the distribution of a 24 page full color brochure packed with photos and information about our three primary themes: Food for a Nation, Struggles for a Home, and A River's Legacy, as well as a map of our Byway and community contacts for additional information. Several Byways discovery sites are featured as well as Byways businesses.
The Interpretive Committee identified 16 sites throughout the Valley in the first phase of interpretive sign construction and identified sites for information kiosks in the future. Members of the Alliance gathered material and started the writing and layout design process. The guidelines created last year will allow for plenty of individual creativity in the sign, while at the same time creating panels that help tie our three themes together and create more awareness for the Byway. It is our hope that others developing interpretive signs along the Byway will use the same guidelines.
Marketing Committee. In addition to the excellent 24 page marketing brochure, the committee developed a postcard promoting Southern Minnesota Byways. As part of the 'You'll Be Surprised!" promotion, we cooperatively joined forces with the Historic Bluff County and Great River Road Scenic Byways. . .our thanks to Ron Bolduan for the excellent Minnesota river/canoe picture featuring our Byway on the postcard. Alliance member Ron also provided CD/DVD copies of his nature photographs used at Local, State, and National conventions and events once again raising the awareness about our beautiful Minnesota River Valley. As interest continues to grow in our historic sites and recreational amenities, an increased sharing of information has happened. Communities throughout our 287 mile corridor are sharing events, happenings, tours, and projects with one another. Byways Coordinator, Dawn Hegland turns information out via email, which is then related to all our respective networks. This year, just to mention a few, we learned more about the outstanding Meander Art Crawl in western Minnesota and hope to continue efforts to expand the art crawl throughout the valley. Hikers enjoyed the 4th Annual Minnesota River Valley Tour by hiking rock outcroppings in the Wild and Scenic areas, enjoying wildflower identification, and learning about ancient volcanic activity in the Cedar Rock Mountain area. Numerous birding trips occurred throughout the valley as well as canoe and camping trips developed by CURE and promoted by various organizations throughout the Valley. By looking at our calendar you will see events to please any family member or tour group.
Representatives of our Byway attended various workshops and meetings during the year both on the State and National level. These opportunities are valuable to learn from other byways, or learn more about how to effectively manage our Byway and ongoing projects.
Our membership drive has been much more successful than expected. More than $2,000 was generated for our projects through this effort. We very much appreciate the continued support of our members and hope that this will grow each year and allow further projects to be completed.
Minnesota Historical Society (MHS) resolved staffing needs at both the Lower Sioux Agency site and Fort Ridgely Historic site due to heavy lobbying throughout the Valley and additional funding from the State.
We will continually need to help our legislators understand the importance of interpretation of history where it occurred. Our Minnesota River Valley National Scenic Byway is a tremendous asset to our economic vitality and community development efforts. A state recreational trail is being planned that will run throughout our valley bringing tourism dollars into our area and provide a healthy experience for families to get out and enjoy our treasure. You will be hearing more about trail development in the future.
The Alliance looks forward to seeing the first phase of interpretive panels being installed in 2007. The panel guidelines should make it easier to have a comprehensive look to interpretive panels in our corridor.
Under current planning development are Community Kiosks . . ..plans are being developed to construct kiosks throughout the valley in several communities sites with information about the Minnesota River Valley points of interest and also working with local communities to feature local area information. . ..once again in an effort to promote economic development by helping visitors enjoy our great valley.
This year we also hosted a Bus Tour of various sites near Granite Falls in conjunction with the Wood Lake Preservation Commemorative event, several historical sites were visited, but most will probably remember the bus getting stuck and being towed to higher ground...all part of the fun!
The person who remained calm throughout was our wonderful leader and Byways Coordinator, Dawn Hegland, without a doubt THE champion organizer for the Alliance...Thanks Dawn!
Our website www.mnrivervalley.com
will be improved and updated this year, but we encourage you to visit often as you plan your trip throughout the Valley. . ..new discovery sites are added often as well as updated calendar of Valley activities.
To the many individuals, chambers, CVBs, EDA's, counties, cities, historical societies, and businesses who have given their time, money or other resources to help promote the Minnesota River Valley, you have my sincere thanks. You are all very important to our success and we cannot do it without you.
THANK YOU!
Respectfully submitted,
Christina Hettig
MRVNSB Alliance 2006 President
2006 Minnesota Valley Field Tour
2006-06-10
2006 Minnesota Valley Field Tour
Saturday, June 10, 2006, 9:00 a.m.
Cedar Mountain Scientific and Natural Area (Redwood County)
Meet at 9:00 a.m. in Franklin at the BP Gas Station parking lot on south side of MN State HWY 19. To get to the SNA, we will go south on Ren. Co. Rd. 5, over the bridge into Redwood Co., turn right off of Red. Co. Rd. 11 and go about 1 mile. Park along the side of the road. The round trip hike will be about 2 miles long, with the option of several additional hikes to other parts of the area. Minnesota’s newest SNA, Cedar Mountain contains the highest point of relief within the Minnesota River Valley on massive ancient bedrock knobs. The central bedrock knob in the SNA is an ancient volcanic plug composed of rock types known only from this site as the Cedar Mountain Gabbro and the Cedar Mountain Granodiorite. This SNA has several areas of rock outcrop and native prairie habitats in good condition, as well as several rare plant species. We will walk around the “mountain” and those who are interested can climb the highest “peak” to take in the expansive views of the valley.
Two short visits to two other natural areas are planned if time allows:
Delhi 14 Prairie, Redwood County:
This is a small but beautiful example of native wet prairie that has a population of the rare Sullivant’s milkweed.
Franklin's Outcrop, Flora Township, Renville County:
This site has nesting bald eagles and has a beautiful example of ancient bedrock outcrops.
Trip Leader: Fred Harris is a plant ecologist who studies and maps significant areas of native habitats and rare plants for the Minnesota County Biological Survey in the Minnesota DNR. Starting in 1995, he surveyed the counties bordering the Minnesota River Valley. In 2006, he will be surveying native prairie and wetland habitats on southwestern Minnesota’s Prairie Coteau.
Registration is limited; please call or email soon:
Chris Hettig Work: 320.523.3656 Cell: 320.894.6121 or chris_h@co.renville.mn.us
To make your trip more enjoyable, we suggest you bring water, lunch, rain gear, binoculars, camera, sunscreen, hat, insect repellent and wear comfortable hiking shoes.
Can’t make the trip but want to know more about our beautiful Minnesota River Valley…visit www.mnrivervalley.com or bring a tent, canoe, bike, horse, or car and experience in person.
Also, here's a great site to get a topo map of the area: http://terraserver.microsoft.com/ Just type in Franklin MN See you on the trail!
Lower Sioux Agency Re-opens!
2005-09-09
Media contacts:
Marjorie Nugent OR Heather Koop
Marketing and Communications Director, Southern District Historic Sites
Phone: 651-296-9108 651-296-6654
E-mail: marjorie.nugent@mnhs.org heather.koop@mnhs.org
This news release is available online at: events.mnhs.org/media
Quick Facts
Event: Lower Sioux Agency Open House
Date: Sunday, Sept. 25
Time: Noon to 4 p.m.
Place: Lower Sioux Agency, Redwood County Hwy. 2, 9 miles east of Redwood Falls
Cost: Free
Call for more information: 651-296-6654
LOWER SIOUX AGENCY ANNOUNCES 2006 REOPENING WITH
FREE OPEN HOUSE
The Minnesota Historical Society will host an open house at the Lower Sioux Agency near Morton on Sept. 25 from noon to 4 p.m. to celebrate the reopening of the historic site. Admission will be free to the museum and the walking trails. Refreshments will be served.
The open house is the first in a series of History Matters events and meetings that the Society will hold throughout the fall and winter in the area to involve all members of the public in a dialogue about the historic site and its role in the community. A calendar of such meetings will be made available at the open house.
During its 2005 session, the Minnesota Legislature restored funds to the Minnesota Historical Society to reopen the site. The Society wishes to thank the community for their support. Due to contributions from the Lower Sioux Community, who have been involved with the site for many years, the Lower Sioux Agency was able to stay open through June 29, 2004. It closed on June 30, 2004, as a result of the loss of $4.3 million in the Society’s annual state appropriation.
The Lower Sioux Agency will open next spring for school audiences, and will resume its regular public hours beginning Memorial Day weekend.
The Lower Sioux Agency is at the site of the first organized Indian attack in the 1862 U.S.-Dakota War. An exhibit explores the Dakota story before, during and after the war. Self-guided trails interpret the grounds. The site is along Redwood County Hwy. 2,
9 miles east of Redwood Falls.
The Minnesota Historical Society is a non-profit educational and cultural institution established in 1849 to preserve and share Minnesota history. The Society collects, preserves and tells the story of Minnesota’s past through museum exhibits, extensive libraries and collections, historic sites, educational programs and book publishing.
The Society’s calendar of events is posted on the Internet at events.mnhs.org/calendar. The web site also has information about all of the Society’s historic sites. A free guide to historic sites can be ordered by calling 651-296-6126 or 1-800-657-3773.
Day at the Dam Celebration at Rapidan Dam Park
2005-09-07
Day at the Dam Celebration at Rapidan Dam Park September 24, 2005
Come join the Day at the Dam celebration at Rapidan Dam Park on Saturday, September 24th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This free day-long event will include canoe rides on the reservoir, live music, and tours of Blue Earth County’s Rapidan Dam Park. You can learn about local projects and area history at the numerous display booths and purchase a print of the Rapidan Dam. Artist Marcia Carlson will be signing prints of her Rapidan Dam print with proceeds going towards a Minnesota State University, Mankato Water Resources Center student scholarship fund. You can also bid at a silent auction for the framed original (from 9am to 2pm). The Dam Store will be serving up their famous homemade pies, shakes, burgers and other food and drink for everyone to enjoy.
Live music will start at noon and include singer and river enthusiast Scott Sparlin followed by Singing Cowboy Jim playing cowboy songs and sing-a-longs. Everyone is welcome – come rain or shine.
The Day at the Dam is collaboration between Minnesota State University, Mankato’s Water Resources Center and the Blue Earth County Historical Society along with many other sponsors (see list below).
Visit http://mrbdc.mnsu.edu for more details or contact the Water Resources Center at 507-389-5492 for more information.
Sponsors:
Minnesota State University, Mankato Water Resources Center
Blue Earth County Board of Commissioners
Blue Earth County Parks
Blue Earth County Environmental Services
Blue Earth County Historical Society
The Dam Store
Greater Blue Earth River Basin Alliance
Mankato Paddling & Outings Club
McGowan
Minnesota State University, Mankato College of Science Engineering & Technology
Rapidan Heritage Society
For more information please contact the Blue Earth County Historical Society at 507-345-5566 or bechs@juno.com
http://mrbdc.mnsu.edu
PATRIOT DAY TRIBUTE, September 10 in Le Sueur
2005-09-06
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PATRIOT DAY TRIBUTE
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10TH 1:00PM - 4:00PM
CARIBOU GUN CLUB, LESUEUR
The Nicollet County Historical Society commemorates Patriot Day with a program Saturday, September 10th from 1:00 – 4:00 pm at the Caribou Gun Club located 4 miles south of LeSueur. State Senator John Hottinger and State Representative Ruth Johnson will speak at 1:00 pm on the event and Patriot Day and will honor past veterans. Costumed interpreters will be doing live-fire demonstrations of military firearms from the Revolutionary War through Vietnam. Learn how military technology changed, and how that affected the soldiers in the field. Period weapons and live ammunition will be used on a regulation rifle range. This is a truly unique event and your only chance to see 200 years of military weapons in action.
Highlights include a .69 caliber 1777 Charleville musket used during America’s war for independence, .58 caliber Civil War Enfield Rifle Musket, WWII M1 Garand, and a Vietnam-era M16 machine gun, capable of firing 650-750 rounds per minute.
Admission is $5. Veterans get in free. Nicollet County Historical Society members and kids under 6 are also free. Lawn chairs and earplugs are encouraged. The Caribou Gun Club is located south of LeSueur off Hwy 112 on 380th street. Call 507-934-2160 or email museum@nchsmn.org for details. The Nicollet County Historical Society wants to honor all those who have served, and continue to serve, to protect our freedom.
Jessica Hollerich
Office Manager
Nicollet County Historical Society
(507) 934-2160
Fax (507) 934-0172
museum@nchsmn.org
www.nchsmn.org
http://www.nchsmn.org
Arts and Cultures: Dakota Dancers and the Dance Blanket of Jane and Joseph LaFramboise
2005-07-28
Arts and Cultures: Dakota Dancers and the Dance Blanket of Jane and Joseph LaFramboise
Saturday, August 6th 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Treaty Site History Center, St. Peter
Rita Joerg, current owner of the family heirloom the LaFramboise Dance Blanket, as seen on the Antiques Roadshow, will be presenting the dance blanket of Jane and Joseph LaFramboise at 1:00 p.m. Viewers will be able to understand the significance of the dance blanket for the marriage of Jane and Joseph, as well as understand the significance of the marriage in negotiations between whites, Dakota and Ojibwe. Joseph LaFramboise was an interpreter of the Treaty of Traverse des Sioux, and had a strong impact on combining European and Dakota cultures.
This day will be a beautiful physical reminder of this wedding 160 years ago between two individuals of both Indian and European decent, as well as the Dakota culture that embodied them, and continues to enrich all of our lives. At 2:00 p.m. the Lucio family of Morton, MN will be performing traditional Dakota dances and explaining its significance.
Viewers will be able to understand the history of the combining of two cultures as well as witness it for themselves. Attendees will be able to make their own personalized winter counts, which is a way for people to draw their history so that they will remember important events in their lives. They will also be able to press their own flowers and bring part of the prairie home with them.
This cultural and artistic experience is hosted by the Nicollet County Historical Society and made possible by the Gustavus Adolphus College Diversity Center, and the Gustavus Adolphus College Theatre and Dance Department. Admission is $4 for non-member adults; $2 ages six to sixteen with a special $10 maximum admission per household. Nicollet County Historical Society members and children under five get in free.
Jessica Hollerich
Office Manager
Nicollet County Historical Society
(507) 934-2160
Fax (507) 934-0172
museum@nchsmn.org
www.nchsmn.org
www.nchsmn.org
WALK ON THE WILDFLOWER SIDE: A GUIDED TOUR OF THE TRAVERSE DES SIOUX WILDFLOWER TRAIL
2005-07-01
WALK ON THE WILDFLOWER SIDE: A GUIDED TOUR OF THE TRAVERSE DES SIOUX WILDFLOWER TRAIL
WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 2005 4:00-7:30 P.M.
1851 NORTH MINNESOTA AVENUE, ST. PETER
“Walk on the Wildflower Side,” the annual guided walking tour on the Traverse des Sioux History Site just north of the Treaty Site History Center, 1851 North Minnesota Avenue, St. Peter, will be Wednesday, July 13, 2005.
Because of its popularity the colorful prairie flower tour will be offered six times, up from only two in the past. Dean Pettis, Drummers Garden Center plant specialist, will lead tours at 4:00, 5:00, and 7:00 pm. Jim Gilbert, director of Gustavus Adolphus College’s Linnaeus Arboretum, will lead tours at 4:30, 5:30 and 7:30 pm.
The walks begin at the History Center and are free to Nicollet County Historical Society members and children five and under. For non-member adults the fee is $4, students 6 to 16 $2 and the family maximum is $10.00.
Mosquito and sun protection is strongly advised. Traverse des Sioux is one of twenty-six Minnesota Historical Society history sites and is adjacent to the Nicollet County Historical Society’s Treaty Site History Center on U.S. Highway 169.
For more information call Jessica Hollerich, 507-934-2160
Jessica Hollerich
Office Manager
Nicollet County Historical Society
(507) 934-2160
Fax (507) 934-0172
museum@nchsmn.org
www.nchsmn.org
www.nchsmn.org
St Peter, MN to Host Chautuaqua August 18-21
2005-06-30
St. Peter Chautauqua Assembly 2005
The weekend of August 18-21 St. Peter, MN, will see it's second annual Chautuaqua program after a hiatus of 74 years. It will take place in Gorman Park on Saturday and Sunday with activities starting at 11:00 AM. Those attending will enjoy a host of activities including Craft and Artists demonstrations, a frontier Traders Encampment, a Children's Literature Festival for children's book writers and readers, an 1850's West to Minnesota presentation, the Kiwanis old fashion Pie and Ice Cream Social, and Saturday evening a Fiddler's Jamboree. In addition they are presenting the play "Winnie the Pooh" on Thru., Fri., & Sat. evening in Bjorling Hall on the Gustavus Adolphus College Campus.
2005 Meander: Upper Minnesota River Art Crawl set for Sept 30 & Oct 1-2
2005-06-07
Meander Along to Artist Studios
in Western Minnesota
Western Minnesota Prairie Waters Regional Convention & Visitor’s Bureau will host the second annual regional artist tour for Big Stone, Swift, Chippewa, Lac qui Parle and Yellow Medicine Counties. The Meander ~ Upper Minnesota River Art Crawl will be held from 1-6pm, Friday, September 30; 9am-6pm, Saturday, October 1; and 9am-4pm, Sunday, October 2, 2005. The Art Crawl is free, and open to all.
Come and celebrate the Meander with the local artists who have made this event possible. The Meander is a self-guided tour of artists' studios in locations throughout the five-county area. An impressive collection of art, including photography, printmaking, carving, painting, pottery, blacksmithing, sculpture, basketry, furniture making and more, the Meander offers something for everyone.
The Art Crawl is a unique opportunity for the public to see the wealth of extremely talented homegrown artists who choose to live and work in western Minnesota. Visitors are able to talk with the artists about their work and inspirations. With the great variety of art available, you will certainly be able to find that perfect gift or something special for your home or business.
Western Minnesota Prairie Waters Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau works on behalf of counties and cities in the area to promote the region as an attractive place to live, work and visit. This event is one of the activities that help showcase the fantastic offerings of western Minnesota. Prairie Waters hopes that you take time to visit the sponsoring shops, restaurants and lodging establishments while on the Meander.
FOR BROCHURES AND MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Prairie Waters Meander Hotline: 866-866-5432
Be sure to visit the new Meander web site currently under construction www.artsmeander.com for information about artists, a listing of other activities, and to view the brochure that includes studio locations and directions.
This activity is made possible in part by a grant from the Southwest Minnesota Arts and Humanities Council
(SMAHC) with funds appropriated by the State Legislature
National Tourism Week May 7-14, 2005
2005-05-12
Search the River of Stories...
As the Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway unfolds for the auto or bicycle travelers there's no shortage of natural and cultural features to explore. The 300 mile Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway begins in the east, just southwest of Belle Plaine on Sibley County Road 6 or in the western portion of the state, on MN State Highway 7/28 in Browns Valley. Along with the obvious beauty of the river and its valley filled with wildlife, travelers will find an abundance of culture and history, wonderful hiking, camping and picnicking.
This spring try experience the byway by canoe or bring your binoculars and camera for the fantastic birding opportunities. Keep watch overhead for the Byway's mascot --- the Bald Eagle. Or plan your summer vacation learning about the stories of the Dakota people or early pioneers that made the valley their home. You can visit any of the six state parks (Big Stone Lake, Lac qui Parle, Upper Sioux Agency, Fort Ridgely, Flandrau or Minneopa) where you can swim in a sand bottom pool, camp in a tipi, view the double waterfalls, or fish, bike, hike ride horse, learn something new from a park naturalist or education program or just relax!
Just an afternoon in the area, or a longer stay, can reveal the spring flowers and other bounty reflected across the wide reaching scenic byway.
Search the river of stories...on your road to memories
For a copy of our award winning brochure call 1-800-473-3404
www.mnrivervalley.com
Minnesota River Valley Receives Federal Funding
2003-07-02
The Minnesota River Valley National Scenic Byway has been awarded one of the 206 projects that were funded in 42 states sharing $24 million in Federal Highway scenic byway grants. Federal Highway Administrator Mary E. Peters, U.S. Senator Norm Coleman, Lt. Governor and Transportation Commissioner Carol Molnau delivered a check for $696,456 to Minnesota byways at a recent press conference in St Paul.
“ Minnesota’s scenic byways connect literally millions of tourists and travelers to our state’s beauty, history and culture,” Senator Coleman said. “ With the recent celebration of Earth Day, I cant think of a better time to recommit to our stewardship of these byways and the jobs and tourism that depend on them statewide.”
The Minnesota River Valley grant of $31,250 will implement several recommended components of the byway’s corridor management plan and current annual work plan.
1. A team of state and local agency staff and byway members will coordinate to develop the design and content for interpretive panels. This will be Phase 1 of a long-term approach to the interpretation of the intrinsic qualities of the byway.
2. Provide funding to cost share additional byway directional signs that are recommended in the signage inventory and replacement plan. The funding will be made available to road authorities to encourage the implementation of the sign recommendations. Improved signage will benefit all byway travelers.
3. Develop a multi-byway media-marketing proposal and plan. The plan would outline itineraries, target media contacts, and detail costs in order to prepare a proposal to submit to travel writers in anticipation of generating travel related articles about the byways and their qualities. Additional media coverage will entice new and repeat travelers to visit the byways.
4. Phase 2 of enhancing the byway website. Phase 2 includes adding a media marketing component, updating maps, databases, adding the corridor management plan and other new information that will be useful for byway travelers.
5. Provided funding to send 4 members of the byway to the America’s Byways Conference May 18-21 in Albuquerque, New Mexico to share and learn from other byways.
6. Develop and print a byway informational brochure with a description of each
identified byway point of interest. An existing three-part brochure, developed in 1996, will be reworked to include improved directions, content, and more accurate maps from oaccurate maps from our digital map database. Combined with the existing lure brochure the new informational brochure will provide an excellent source of written information for the byway traveler.
“President Bush and U.S. Transportation Secretary Mineta are committed to good stewardship of America’s resources, and this funding will help protect and enhance roads representing our heritage,” Peters said at the St Paul press conference. “ The funding for these scenic byways projects will help protect and enhance roads that connect us to our country’s beauty, history and culture.”
The mission of the Minnesota River Valley National Scenic Byway is “to encourage economic development through the promotion, preservation and protection of the intrinsic qualities of the Minnesota River Valley.” The byway is proud to be a part of a nationwide network of byways that are working to promote, preserve and protect the natural, cultural, archaeological, scenic, recreational and historical qualities that can be found along America’s roadways.
For information about this project or how to become involved with the Minnesota River Valley National Scenic Byway contact Dawn Hegland, Byway Coordinator at 320-289-1981. For tourism information about the byway call 1-888-463-9856 or visit www.mnrivervalley.com . Additional information about the America’s Byways program can be found at www.byways.org & www.seeamerica.org .
www.byways.org www.seeamerica.org
See America's Byway by Plane, Train & Automobile
2003-04-22
Highway travel has been part of the American tourism experience for generations. A nationwide network of scenic, safe highways and byways offer millions of Americans the opportunity to visit the rich diversity of tourism attractions and historic destinations that dot our landscape.
Travelers and residents across the nation will celebrate this heritage during National Tourism Week, May 10-18, 2003. The Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway will offer a special program to highlight these events and “See America’s Byways” beginning on Saturday, May 3, 2003. It includes an air show, classic car rally, the MN Prairie Line Train, wagon train rides, refreshments, entertainment by the Ft Ridgley Singers, a photo display and local and state officials.
Nationwide on See America Day, millions of travelers will be thanked for traveling. And, since May 11 is Mother's Day this is a great time to plan a full weekend celebration “Seeing America’s Byways” with your family. Hundreds of travel, tourism, historic, cultural, hospitality, and recreation, businesses are offering the public a free SEE AMERICA BOOKMARK with special offers and messages about the importance and value of traveling in America. See America Day also kicks off and celebrates National Tourism Week and Historic Preservation Week.
“This 287 -mile scenic byway offers a rich visual treasure for tourists and residents alike,” says (Beth Anderson, Byway President and Director of the Redwood Area Chamber & Tourism). “Travelers can stop at hundreds of the byways attractions to enjoy and learn about the local history of the valley.” To find a list of the byway’s “discovery sites” or view the byway calendar of events visit www.mnrivervalley.com or call for the free byway brochure 1-888-463-9856.
“See America’s Byways” is part of a larger, year-round campaign called “See America,” conducted nationwide by TIA to increase travel and tourism across the nation, with an emphasis on attracting international visitors.
National Tourism Week is sponsored by the Tourism Works for America program of TIA. Historic Preservation Week is sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Both organizations are based in Washington, DC – learn more at www.tia.org/tourism and www.nationaltrust.org/preservationweek.
# # #
Photgraph Contest
2003-01-15
Minnesota River Valley Photograph Contest
The Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway is holding a contest for photos of the Minnesota River Valley. Photos will be accepted in the following categories:
1. Our Town
2. Festivals
3. Beautiful scenery
4. Animals
5. People
6. Enjoying the outdoors
7. Agriculture in the valley
8. Activities on the river
9. Other
Winners will have their photos used in marketing and advertising materials, calendars, local and national websites, and other collateral materials. A photo credit will also be given anytime the photo is used.
To submit your photos send the following material:
1. Color photo (3x5 minimum size)
2. Negative (if available)
3. Name of Person Submitting the photo
4. Address
5. City State Zipcode
6. Phone Number
7. Fax Number (if available)
8. Email address ( if available)
Submit by February 28 to:
Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway Alliance
323 West Schlieman Ave
Appleton MN 56208
320-289-1981
Byway Looking for Unique Shops
2003-01-02
Byway Looking to Identify Unique Shops
The Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway is developing a listing of unique shops to include in some promotional activities. The byway is planning a brochure for unique shopping, adding the list of shops to the byway’s website( www.mnrivervalley.com ), and using the list for group and self guided tours. The shops must be located in the byway’s identified corridor that is 10 miles on each side of the Minnesota River from Browns Valley to Belle Plaine, Minnesota. If you are unclear if your shop is within the corridor a map can be found on their website (www.mnrivervalley.org). Entries should be submitted by February 1, 2003 and include the following information:
Store name:
Owner:
Name of person submitting this information (if different than the owner):
and relationship to the shop:
Address:
Physical directions (from nearest state highway):
Phone:
Fax (if available):
Email (if available):
Website (if available):
Description of products for sale (50 word maximum):
Photograph of store and or products (color, maximum size 4x6):
Why your store is unique (50 words maximum):
Submit entries to:
Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway
323 West Schlieman Ave
Appleton Mn 56208
For additional questions contact Dawn Hegland, Byway Coordinator at 320-289-1981
Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway Receives National Scenic Byway Status
2002-06-19
On Thursday, June 13, United States Secretary of Transportation, Norman Mineta welcomed the Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway into the America's Byways Program as a National Scenic Byway. An award ceremony was held in Union Station in Washington D.C. and members of the byway were there to accept the award from Secretary Mineta and MN Second District Congressman Mark Kennedy. A celebration along the byway is currently being planned for later this year. For a full press release and photos of the event see the America's Byways Website at www.byways.org
http://www.byways.org/press/designation_2002.html
Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway Seeks National Status
2002-01-14
This byway will soon have a feather of national status to add to its hat. The Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway has submitted an application for National Byway Status under the Federal Highways Administration's America's Byways Program. The byway has been seeking this goal for several years and has been working on their extensive application for quite some time. The application was recently submitted and a decision will be made by early this summer.
If selected the byway will benefit in 4 primary ways.
- Promotion, the byway will become a part of a distinct group of roadways. It will be promoted as part of the America's Byways collection by the America's Byways Resource Center with support from FHWA.
- Preservation, the designation provides an increased opportunity to preserve special places and attributes along the byway.
- Partnerships, the byway‘s circle of friends will increase dramatically on the national level. Additional assistance from the America’s Byways Resource Center and monthly teleconferences with other byways across the nation will certainly build some strong partnerships.
- Pride, with additional attention a heightened awareness among local residents, businesses and organizations will be evident along the byway.
The Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway is excited about these new opportunities and will anxiously wait for selection results from the Secretary of Transportation later this year.
If you are interested in the byway and would like more information please see our website at www.mnrivervalley.com or call 1-800-473-3404.
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