Taste of Minnesota

According to a recent press release, there will be 10 new food vendors at Taste of Minnesota this year (yay to Holy Land Deli, eh to BW3). What else is new? It will cost you $10 to attend the enormous festival, now in its 27th year. Although it remains to be seen what type of effect this will have on the rowdy crowds that normally pack themselves onto Harriet Island, charging a cover might not be the worst idea ever. In fact, it might be a pretty good deal for people still interested. The 10 bucks gets you $10 in tickets to use toward food and beer, as well as access to the music stages, which will host a handful of local and national acts each day. Big-time musicians scheduled to perform include Staind, Judas Priest, Elvis Costello, and Bret Michaels. If you'd like, you can pay a little more for VIP access, which gets you closer to the stage. People who would like to spend some time with their family without having to worry about drunkards stumbling about can check out the alcohol-free kids' zone. Each night ends with fireworks, signifying that it is time to leave the island, go home, and shower. For more info visit www.tasteofmn.com or call 651.772.9980. (photo by quaziefoto)
July 2-5, 12-10:40 p.m., 2009