Cultural Events in Minnesota, Week of May 2, 2011

This report is brought to you by Explore Minnesota Tourism

Check out their events calendar for more information on many of these and other upcoming events.

Southern Minnesota

Residents and stores in thirteen communities surrounding Lake Pepin, including Red Wing, Lake City, Wabasha and Winona, will clean out their attics, garages and basements for the very popular 100-Mile Garage Sale to be held Friday through Sunday, May 6-8. Follow the balloons and ribbons - maps of registered sales are available in some communities. 1-888-999-2619; mississippi-river.org/calendar/garagesale

The 4th Annual Carley Bluebell Festival will be held Saturday, May 7, at Carley State Park and throughout downtown Plainview to celebrate the abundance of blooming bluebells. Highlights include wildflower card painting, a Trout Fishing Clinic for Youngsters, guided wildflower walks, professional family photos by Kenai Photography, a Women's Expo, father and child activities, geocaching, a BBQ contest, and a plant sale, bake sale, vendors, live evening entertainment, and a French toast, scrambled eggs, bacon & sausage breakfast! 507-534-2229; plainviewcvb.com

The Wings on the Prairie Discovery Center in Windom will be the site of the 10th Annual Wings on the Prairie in celebration of International Migratory Bird Day on May 7, with retriever demonstrations, a Raptor Program, bird walks, wood duck box construction, various children's activities, a trumpeter swan release, a bison burger lunch, mist-netting, the DNR "Wall of Shame," outdoor photography tips, and a raffle drawing. 507-831-2220; fws.gov/midwest/windom/News.html

The Spring Gold Rush Antique & Flea Market will be held Friday through Sunday, May 13-15, at the Olmstead County Fairgrounds in Rochester, with more than 1500 dealers from across the United States displaying their wares. And while in Rochester on Saturday, May 14, consider the Mayowood Mansion National Historic Site Tour and the Sisters of St. Francis Assisi Heights Tour. 1-800-634-8277; rochestercvb.org

The city of Lanesboro will be the site of a Bluff Country Gathering, Thursday through Sunday, May 19-22. This four day event includes workshops for registered students in old-time fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin, singing, and clog dance, taught by master musicians from across the country. The public is invited to attend a concert and barn dance, with live music, calling and instruction. The concert will be held Friday evening, May 20, and the Barn Dance will take place Saturday, May 21. 507/498-5452; boveeheil.com/Bluff%20Country%20Gathering.htm

Preston Trout Days will be held Friday evening and through Sunday evening, May 20-22, throughout the town of Preston, with an adult fishing contest, kids' fishing contest, chicken barbeque, city-wide garage sales, Lions Club pancake breakfast, grand parade, a street dance, firemen's beer tent, car show, family-fun activities, golf tournament, food vendors, and more! 1-888-845-2100; prestonmnchamber.com

Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity

The Festival of Nations will be held Friday through Sunday, May 6-8, at RiverCentre in St. Paul. The Festival of Nations has become one of the largest multi-cultural events in the United States, with ethnic foods from 35 cafes, international bazaars with imported and unique gifts, ethnic artists demonstrating their unique skills passed down from generation to generation, and continuous entertainment by more than 75 adult and children's dance groups. 651/647-0191; festivalofnations.com

The District del Sol neighborhood on St. Paul West Side, located along Cesar Chavez Street, will be the site of the 2011 Cinco de Mayo Fiesta, Friday and Saturday, May 6 & 7. The Cinco de Mayo Fiesta is one of the 10 largest festivals of its kind nationwide, attracting more than 100,000 visitors to one of St. Paul’s most diverse neighborhoods. Come experience the colorful history and rich traditions of Hispanic/Latino culture, with over six blocks of food, music, dancing, exhibits, and children's activities. 651/222-6347; districtdelsol.com/docroot/cincodemayo.html

The Circus Juventas Spring Celebration will be held Wednesday through Sunday, May 4-8 at Circus Juventas in St Paul's Highland Park, with beginning and intermediate students in a full-scale performance that integrates music, costuming and presentation. 651/699-8229; circusjuventas.org

The Washington County Fairgrounds in Lake Elmo will be the site of the Shepherds Harvest Festival on Saturday and Sunday, May 7 & 8. Come experience Minnesota's largest sheep and wool festival, with more than 90 vendors, a full range of classes, and many breeds of sheep, goat, llama and alpaca. There will also be crafts and cheese made from our Midwestern countryside. Admission and parking are free. 763-441-3452; shepherdsharvestfestival.org/New_Site

The Spring Fairgrounds Model Railroad Show and Sale will be held Saturday, May 14, in the Education Building at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in St. Paul, with over 200 tables of new and used scale models, antiques, collectibles, tools, books, videos, toys, buildings, magazines, prints, posters, photos and more! Kids under age 5 are free! 651/647-9628; tcmrm.org

Central Minnesota

The Pope County Historical Society in Glenwood will be the site of a Used Art Sale from Tuesday, May 3 through Saturday, May 7, with gently used fine art and prints offered in a silent auction and tag sale. And on Saturday evening, May 7, don't miss the Tales From the Book of Longing performance by the Stuart Pimsler Dance Theatre at Central Square in Glenwood. This production features stunning and dramatic visual elements. 320/634-3636; glenwoodlakesarea.org

Clear Waters Outfitting Company in the town of Clearwater, located on the Mississippi River, will host Mississippi Meltdown - Central Minnesota's Paddle Fest on Saturday, May 7. This is a great time and place to buy a canoe or kayak, or outfit with accessories. There will also be an auction to sell your old canoe or kayak, along with all day children's activities, games, giveaways and prizes - admission is free! 320/558-8123; cwoutfitting.com/2011meltdown

On Saturday, May 14, head to the Country Stop-A&W Deli in New London for an Antique and Classic Car Cruise on Saturday, May 14. And on Sunday, May 15, Kennedy Elementary School in Willmar will host the 31st Annual Car Show and Swap Meet. This is one of the largest shows in the area, with 39 classes of automobiles, as well as dash plaques, goodie bags, '50s music, drawings, and an awards ceremony. A free shuttle bus will run from the Kandi Mall and Car Museum to the school. 1-800-845-8747; willmarlakesarea.com

The "World's Largest Garage Sale" will be held May 14 at the Halenbeck Hall Fieldhouse on the campus of St. Cloud State University, with up to 200 vendors participating. An early bird hour from 9-10 a.m. will be offered at an additional cost. 320/257-7224; granitecountry.com/index.php?mod=Calendar&event_id=1134

Northwest Minnesota

A performance of Satisfaction: A Rolling Stones Experience will be offered Friday, May 6 at 8:00 p.m. at the Historic Holmes Theatre in Detroit Lakes. This tribute to the Rolling Stones celebrates the look, sound and attitude of this famous rock band. 218/844-7469; dlccc.org

The Huck Olson Memorial Civic Center in Thief River Falls will be the site of a Rummage Sale to Benefit Northrop Park Project on Saturday, May 7, with a wide array of treasures for bargain hunters of all kinds! 218/686-9785; visittrf.org

The Shooting Star Casino in Mahnomen will host Honoring Your Mother - 3rd Annual Pow Wow on Saturday and Sunday, May 7 & 8, with Grand Entries both days, as well as drumming, dancing, competitions for children and adults, and a Mother's Day Meal. 218/04-0368; starcasino.com

The Detroit Lakes Festival of Birds will take place Thursday through Sunday, May 19-22, at various locations in the Detroit Lakes vicinity. Nearly 200 bird species are recorded annually during the spring migration in a unique transition zone of tall-grass prairie, northern hardwood & conifer forests. Just some of the highlights include field trips, workshops, socials, exhibitors, and a presentation by Minnesota favorite - Al Batt! 1-800-542-3992; visitdetroitlakes.com/things-to-do/events/festival-of-birds

Northeast Minnesota

The North House Folk School in Grand Marais will host a Northern Sustainability & Simple Living Symposium, Thursday through Sunday, May 5-8. Enjoy hands-on coursework, presentations and seminars, with a focus on sustainable food. 1-888-387-9762; northhouse.org

The city of Eveleth will hold their 16th Annual City Wide Rummage Sale, May 6 & 7, with sales held throughout the entire community. 218/741-2717; laurentianchamber.org

Lutsen Resort's Spring Food & Wine Event will take place Friday and Saturday, May 13 & 14 at Lutsen Resort on Lake Superior, with regional cuisine and wines from throughout the United States. And stay for a Cooking Class with Guest Chef Tom Kavanaugh on Sunday, May 8. 1-888-881-6995; lutsenresort.com/dining_springwine_2011.htm