JANUARY 2010

• January 31st - 8:00AM     Five Things to Photograph in January (and into February!) - Outings for the WHOLE month long!
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  January 16th – February 6th, 2010 ~ Art Shanty Project ~ 10 am ~ Medicine Lake, Plymouth, MN
  
  A four-weekend exhibition of performance, architecture, science, art, video, literature, survivalism and karaoke, ASP is part sculpture park, part artist residency and part social experiment, inspired by traditional ice fishing houses that dot the state’s lakes in winter.
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  January 22nd, 2010 ~ Moon Glow Pedestrian Parade ~ 5:30 pm ~ James J. Hill House to State Capitol, St Paul, MN
  
  The Public Kick-Off to the 11 Days of the Winter Carnival . Join neighbors, business and consulates as they wander up John Ireland Boulevard from the James J. Hill House to State Capitol with luminaries where they will be greeted with tethered hot air balloons.
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  January 22nd – 24th, 2010 ~ Pond Hockey Tournament ~ 8 am ~ Excelsior Bay, Lake Minnetonka, MN
  
  The Pond Hockey North America Championships is free and open to the public. In addition to amazing hockey action on 18 rinks, several huge heated tents will be set up where people can buy pond hockey merchandise, players can change in the locker room and everyone can hang out in the warming house. You can also have a cold beverage and feast on food and supplied by several of our local restaurants.
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  January 24th, 2010 ~ Sleigh & Cutter Festival ~ 11 am ~ Phalen Golf Course, St Paul, MN
  
  View some of the most ornate and antique Sleighs from the Midwest. Period costumes and lots of equine excitement!
  
  Check out the Outings page on Crosstown Camera Club’s website for some photos from last year’s (January 25th, 2009) Festival.
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  January 31st – February 4th, 2010 ~ John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon ~ 12 pm ~ Duluth
  
  The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon commemorates the life of John Beargrease, the son of a Chippewa chief who delivered mail by dog sled along Lake Superior’s rugged North Shore in the late 19th century. John Beargrease’s weekly deliveries along the North Shore played a pivotal role providing a lifeline for communities and commerce.
  
  On January 31, the world will be watching as we continue the tradition of honoring John Beargrease’s character and commitment—and to celebrate life along the North Shore.
  
  Launched in 1981, the Beargrease is the premier sled dog race of the Upper Midwest, drawing world-class sled dog teams from across the nation and around the globe. The Beargrease is the longest and most challenging of sled dog events in the lower 48 states.
  
  The Beargrease is widely respected as the sled dog race to prepare national and international sled dog teams – and is a qualifying race for Alaska’s long distance Iditarod.
  

DECEMBER 2009

• December 31st - 12:00AM     Six (Bonus!) Things to Photograph in December - Outings for the WHOLE month long!
  
  Six things to photograph in December that you may (or may not) have known about:
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  November 28th - December 20th, 2009 ~ Holidazzle Parade ~ 6:30 pm ~ Downtown Minneapolis on Nicollet Mall between 12th and 5th St., Minneapolis, MN
  
  Celebrating the 18th season, this year's parade will enchant thousands of people with dazzling lights and festive floats. Free and open to the public, the Target Holidazzle Parade celebrates the joy and wonder of the holiday season. Each parade will feature brightly lit floats, marching bands, celebrity grand marshals and over 200 costumed characters from popular children's stories. You don't want to miss this popular Midwest tradition and Minneapolis favorite!
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  December 5th, 2009 ~ Running of the Santas ~ 4 pm ~ Downtown YWCA, 1130 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN
  
  The Santa Run to Benefit Legal Aid is great fun for all; imagine hundreds of red-coated Santas and colorful Dreidels running down Nicollet Mall - all to raise money to provide free civil legal services for poor and disadvantaged Minnesotans. This really is more fun than you've ever had in a Santa suit or home-made Dreidel costume - music, hot chocolate, an early December afternoon in Minnesota - enough fun to make even Scrooge giggle! Running, walking, rolling or strolling - you'll laugh all the way down Nicollet Mall!
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  December 5th & 6th, 2009 ~ Bluff & Valley Balloon Rally ~ 7:30 am ~ Caledonia High School, Caledonia, MN
  
  Hot Air Balloon Rally - including a Winter Parade and 3 scheduled Hot Air Balloon lifts.
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  *December 11th, 12th & 14th, 2009 ~ Holiday Train ~ 4 pm - 11 pm
  
  Each December, Canadian Pacific's Holiday Train travels across Canada and the United States to raise food, money and awareness for local food banks. Illuminated by hundreds of thousands of festive lights, the Holiday Train makes its way across seven states and six provinces visiting over 100 Canadian and U.S. communities.
  
  Schedule
  
  Friday: La Crescent, Winona, Wabasha, Lake City
  Saturday: Hastings, Cottage Grove, St Paul, Minneapolis
  Monday: Loretto, Buffalo, Annandale, Eden Valley
  
  If you meet the train at any of its stops, attendance is free with a Food Shelf Donation
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  December 11th - 13th, 2009 ~ Sandstone Ice Festival ~ 10 am - 8:30 pm ~ Robinson Park, Sandstone, MN
  
  Help welcome in the Winter at the Sandstone Ice Festival. Ice climbing, winter camping, snow shoeing and skiing; clinics and gear demos. Help celebrate the winter and join the fun in Sandstone, Minnesota. Fireworks at 8:30 pm in downtown Sandstone, across the street from the Gas Light.
  
  Adults = $10
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  December 31st, 2009 ~ Candlelight & Ice ~ 6 pm - 9:00 pm ~ Wood Lake Nature Center, Richfield, MN
  
  Celebrate the New Year with family and friends. Follow candle-lit luminaries along Wood Lake’s trails and enjoy the evening while on the lookout for deer, fox, and owls. Return to the building to warm up and drink hot cocoa, or roast marshmallows over a crackling fire. Make a craft, go on an indoor snowflake hunt, or just sit back and relax.
  
  $4/person
  

OCTOBER 2009

• October 25th - 7:00AM - 12:00AM     Five Things to Photograph in October - Outings for the WHOLE month long!
  
  Five things to photograph in October that you may (or may not) have known about:
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  *October 3rd & 4th, 2009 ~ Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon ~ 7am-12pm ~ Course Map, Metrodome to State Capitol, MN
  
  Saturday: TC 5K, 10K and Family Events -- State Capitol Grounds
  Sunday: TC 10 mile and Marathon -- The course begins near the HHH Metrodome in downtown Minneapolis, and finishes at the State Capitol in St. Paul. The course is flat to rolling, mostly asphalt and very scenic with mile after mile of parkways, lakes, rivers and tree-lined boulevards. Over 250,000 spectators make the marathon a treat to experience!
  
  Spectator's Guide
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  October 10th, 2009 ~ Celebrate the Harvest & Fiber Arts Fair ~ 10am-5pm ~ Gale Woods Farm, Minnetrista, MN
  
  Tour the gardens and orchard, tasting the bounty the farm has produced. Watch the amazing skill of border collies and their trainers perform herding demonstrations. Enjoy a wagon ride, tour the barn to meet the farm animals, and play farm games. New this year, a harvest fair showcasing fiber artists, local food vendors and concessions.
  
  Adults = $6. 20% discount for groups of 4 or more.
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  October 15th - November 29th, 2009 ~ Light Maze & KTTC Lights ~ 5pm-11pm ~ Bluff Valley Campground, Zumbro Falls, MN
  
  1.5 mile drive thru light tour and the world's ONLY light maze. Exciting theme areas featuring over 450 light displays (over 200 appear animated). Nightly live entertainment performed by High School Youth. The Pepsi NightLight Park & Play activities include Nightlight Mini-Golf, Nightlight Disc-Golf, Nightlight, Nightlight Basketball-Golf & Wagon Rides.
  
  Fri & Sat: $12 per vehicle. Sun, Wed & Thurs: $10 per vehicle
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  October 24th, 2009 ~ Howl-O-Ween ~ 12pm-4pm ~ Wildlife Science Center, Forrest Lake, MN
  
  Trick-or-Treat among owls and wolves and bears -- OH MY! Come in costume, make your own Halloween bag, and venture into our haunted house - if you dare! Join the Wildlife Science Center staff and wildlife for a day spooky fun.
  
  Adults = $6
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  October 31st, 2009 ~ Halloween 1900 Style ~ 7pm-9pm ~ Eidem Homestead, Brooklyn Park, MN
  
  A family event! The farmhouse will glow in soft kerosene lamplight. There will be stories, a bonfire, barn dance, decorations and treats. Come and enjoy some old fashion Halloween fun with us as it was in 1900.
  
  Adults = $5
  

SEPTEMBER 2009

• September 30th - 8:00AM - 10:00PM     Five Things to Photograph in September - Outings for the WHOLE month!
  
  Five things to photograph in September that you may (or may not!) have known about:
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  September 12th & 13th, 2009 ~ Civil War Weekend ~ 10am-5pm ~ LeDuc Historic Estate, Hastings, MN
  
  Re-enactors will camp on the grounds and will provide demonstrations in marching, music, and firearms displays. Learn history while observing debates and participate in cooking over and open fire.
  
  Adults = $10 (includes all programming and guided tours of the Estate).
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  September 17th & 18th, 2009 ~ Quadriga Evening Viewing & Tour ~ 7pm-8pm ~ MN State Capitol, St. Paul, MN
  
  See copies of the original constitutions, hear historical characters tell stories about the creation of our state constitution 150 years ago State followed by a nighttime rooftop viewing of the 'golden horses' and the city lights.
  
  Adults = $8. Reservations and non-refundable prepayment required. To make your reservation call: 651-296-2881
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  September 20th, 2009 ~ Apple Cider Day & Vintage Baseball ~ 1pm-4pm ~ Eidem Homestad, Brooklyn Park, MN
  
  Costumed volunteers will demonstrate drying apples, pressing cider, baking apple cakes and dumplings in the wood burning stove and making enough sauerkraut to last the winter. The Quickstep Baseball Club will play a 19th century re-creation baseball game.
  
  Adults: $5
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  *September 26th, 2009 ~ Fall Raptor Release ~ 10am-3pm ~ Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center, Hastings, MN
  
  See raptors released back to the wild, participate in children’s activities and educational displays and observe live eagles, hawks, owls and falcons up close!
  
  Releases are at 11:30 AM and 2:00 PM.
  
  Of all the locations the MN Raptor Center has held its twice annual releases, Carpenter St Crois Valley Nature Center is one of the best! Not only is there a river valley for the released raptors to soar over, it is located in amongst some wonderful apple orchards. It’s a bit of a two for one opportunity; if you get bored of photographing birds of prey really REALLY close up, you can always wander about in the orchards during early apple harvest season.
  
  FREE!
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  *September 27th, 2009 ~ Medieval Fair at Caponi Art Park ~ 12pm-4pm ~ Caponi Art Park, Eagan, MN
  
  Chivalry, combat, cooking and costume. Caponi Art Park and the Society of Creative Anachronism bring you the Middle Ages as they should have been: without the strife and pestilence! Authentic pavilions will be on display in a Medieval Village as artisans and noblemen in period dress present interactive demonstrations and activities to the public, including rapier, armored combat, pewter casting, musicians and dancing, cooking, heraldry and various fiber arts.
  
  FREE!
  

MAY 2009

• May 2nd - 11:00AM - 2:00PM     Spring Raptor Release     Hyland Park Reserve, Bloomington, MN
  
  See rehabilitated raptors returned to the wild! Injured wild birds of prey that have been treated and rehabilitated by the Raptor Center at the University Of Minnesota will be released into Hyland Lake Park Reserve. Hyland Lake Park Reserve, which is part of Three Rivers Park District, consists of 1,000 acres of woodlands and prairie and is home to many different species of raptors. The raptors will be released at 1 p.m., with other family-friendly activities happening throughout the event.
  
  Come and win a chance to release one of the raptors. See live raptors on display. Enjoy nature crafts and activities that make learning about raptors fun. Listen to the music of recording artist Dean Magraw. Sponsored by Three Rivers Park District and The Raptor Center, this event is free and open to all ages.
  
  For the well being of the raptors, there are no pets allowed at this event.
  
  What lens(es) should I bring?
  The education birds (resident birds of the Raptor Center which, for a variety of reasons, are not able to be released) are usually kept in circular areas behind a thin yellow rope barrier. You will not be more than a few feet away from these birds! Over the years I've found that a 24-70mm lens is adequate for full body shots. The lens I personally most often use is my 70-200mm, sometimes with a 2x teleconvertor on it - I like really close up shots of the birds (eyes/talons). If you go to the release intending to capture flying bird shots - bring the fastest glass you have - the birds are MORE than ready to return to the wild.
  
  Should I bring my tripod?
  It depends - if you're using a long lens (200mm +) it would probably be a good idea, especially if the lighting is poor. The handlers try to keep the birds out of direct sunlight and will use any shade they can, so lighting conditions can get a little hedgy at times. But, do know that the crowds around the bird areas can get quite tight. Be polite to other attendees and don't be a space hog!
  
  When should I get there and how long should I stay?
  Get there early and stay late! The earlier you arrive, the more chances you'll have of getting good shots of the education birds. Once the crowd arrives, you'll be fighting for "the good spots" along the rope, people with all sorts of clothing colors in the backgrounds and children (and some adults!) who just love to swing that yellow rope right in the middle of your lens. The best time of all to shoot the education birds is during the release as the main crowd leaves the area -- at that time the handlers are more willing to talk directly with you and take special setup requests (taking the bird off the perch and onto their fist / wing flaps / bird against sky shots / etc). Staying late is also great as the handlers don't usually immediately pack up the birds and leave. You may have more one on one opportunities. Just be polite and don't delay them from leaving too long, as they (both handlers and birds) have had a long day!
  
  If you have any other questions, feel free to contact me, Holly Kuchera at hkuchera@yahoo.com. Geoff and I have been members of the Raptor Center since 1995 and have attended, with cameras in hand, almost all of the twice-yearly releases since then.
  
  
  One of my Great Horned Owl shots from a Raptor Release
  
  

JANUARY 2009

• January 25th - 11:00AM - 3:00PM     The 33rd Annual Sleigh & Cutter Festival     Phalen Park Golf Course, St. Paul MN
  
  Come and view beautiful sleighs pulled by majestic horses driven by costumed drivers. Pleasure drive on the scenic Phalen Park Golf Course, St. Paul, MN. Judging on single and team: pony, horse, draft, and draft pony, multiple hitch, choice vehicle, most authentic, best costume male/female.

DECEMBER 2008

• December 11th - 4:30PM - 10:00PM     Canadian Pacific Holiday Train     Winona, Wabasha, Lake City, Hastings, Cottage Grove, St. Paul, Minneapolis, Loretto, Buffalo, Annandale, Kimball
  
  Each December, Canadian Pacific's Holiday Train travels across Canada and the United States to raise food, money and awareness for local food banks. Illuminated by hundreds of thousands of festive lights, the Holiday Train makes its way across seven states and six provinces visiting over 100 Canadian and U.S. communities.
  
  Thursday - Dec 11 - first arrival scheduled for 5:15 PM
  # Winona - 5:15 to 5:45 p.m. Amtrak Station, 65 East Mark St.
  # Wabasha - 7:15 to 7:45 p.m. - Gambia Avenue Railroad Crossing near Bruegger Park.
  # Lake City - 9:00 to 9:30 p.m. - Hearth & Home Technologies, 800 West Jefferson St.
  
  Friday - Dec 12 - first arrival scheduled for 4:15 PM
  # Hastings - 4:15 to 4:45 p.m. - CP Depot, 500 East Second St.
  # Cottage Grove - 5:45 to 6:15 p.m. - West Point Douglas Road, South of Seiben Bridge in front of the Youth Service Bureau.
  # St. Paul - 7:15 to 7:45 p.m. - Upper level of Central Parking System ramp at Broadway & Kellogg in Lowertown.
  # Minneapolis (Shoreham) - 9:30 to 10 p.m. - CP Shoreham Yard, 2800 Central Ave. NE
  
  Sunday - Dec 14 - first arrival scheduled for 4:30 PM
  # Loretto - 4:30 to 5:00 p.m. - Hennepin County Road 19 Railroad Crossing/Chippewa Trail.
  # Buffalo - 6:00 to 6:30 p.m. - 612 NE Third Ave., behind McDonald's on Highway 55.
  # Annandale - 7:30 to 8:00 p.m. - West side of downtown park over Oak Avenue Railroad Crossing.
  # Kimball - 9:00 to 9:30 p.m. - Willow Creek Park Lion's Shelter, 231 South Main St.
  
  

SEPTEMBER 2008

• September 20th - 8:30AM - 7:00PM     Minnesota Renaissance Festival     3 miles south of Shakopee off Highway 169, led by Geoff & Holly Kuchera.
  Need something for our upcoming salon topic of Tableau Vivant? Here's your chance to arrange it. Join your fellow photographers for a day at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival!
  Directions
  
  The theme for Sept 20th is Italian Carnival which will include a "Taste of Italy" and Bocce Ball Tournament. Aside from that, there's always plenty to see, do, eat and photography at the Ren Fest (odd characters who aren't shy about getting their photos taken abound)!
  

AUGUST 2008

• August 23rd - 3:00PM     Minnesota State Fair     1265 North Snelling Ave., St Paul, MN, led by Geoff & Holly Kuchera.
  
  Come one, come all! Come out to the great Minnesotan Get-Together!
  
  Join your fellow photographers for an afternoon/evening of photography and socializing at the Minnesota State Fair!
  Local Map
  Fairgrounds map
  
  

APRIL 2006

• April 23rd - 8:00AM - 10:00AM     Camera & Artist Event     Como Conservatory, Como Park, St. Paul
  A map and directions can be found at the Conservatory web site.
  This is the Spring Flower Show, a great opportunity to photography foliage and flowers as it's indoors, there's no wind, the lighting is even, and tripods are allowed ONLY at these special sessions.

FEBRUARY 2006

• February 5th - 8:00AM - 10:00AM     Camera & Artist Event     Como Conservatory, Como Park, St. Paul
  A map and directions can be found at the Conservatory web site.
  This is a great opportunity to photography foliage and flowers as it's indoors, there's no wind, the lighting is even, and tripods are allowed ONLY at these special sessions.

• February 4th - 7:15AM     Hudson Hot Air Balloon Launch     Hudson, WI
  Click here for a map.
  From Jeff Morgan: Let's meet at E.P. Rock School at 7:15am in time for the sunrise which is about 7:30am. There is limited parking at the field but the side streets around there have plenty, you may need to walk a block or so. The balloons will only launch if there is no wind so you may want to keep an eye on the weather. After the launch (or if there is not one) we will adjourn for breakfast at one of the local establishments.

  There is also another launch planned for 7:30am on Sunday if you cannot make Saturday. There is a Torchlight Parade and fireworks display on Friday night.

JANUARY 2006

• January 8th - 1:00PM - 4:00PM     Open House at the Ordway     Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, St. Paul
  First time ever for cameras! This looks like a fun outing. Cameras are allowed for 3 hours all over the Ordway. It has many spectacular shots both inside and outside, and even inside looking out over the park. The view from the stage looking back is great with a wide-angle lens and tripod.