Minnesota Alpaca Expo

For those of you who�ve never seen or touched an alpaca, you have a treat in store at the 4th Annual Minnesota Alpaca Expo at the Four Seasons Centre in Owatonna on April 9 and 10.

The Alpaca Halter & Fleece Show (admission is free) is a truly unique venture for the whole family. Some 600 alpacas of 22 colors and variations will join in a healthy competition of the Best Alpacas in the region. 

The alpacas with their big beautiful eyes, phenomenal colors and gentle disposition resemble a small llama in appearance.

They are wonderful in presence with one of the most luxurious fibers of many colors. Their humming sounds will have you grinning from ear to ear. Alpacas produce the strongest fiber in the world and is known to be warmer than wool. They do not have lanolin or oils that can be harmful for those that have allergies. The cashmere-like feel allows those with the most sensitive skin to wear alpaca next to the skin. Alpaca fiber is highly sought after in high end fashion.

There will be vendors, a food court and a costume contest for the children. This year the Minnesota Alpaca Expo is offering a skein competition which is open to the public.

  

As they do every year, the Minnesota Alpaca Expo will work to raise funds for alpaca wellness with all the proceeds donated to the University of Minnesota. 

The invitation from the Minnesota Alpaca Expo comes with a warning: Alpacas can cause uncontrollable smiles, warm fuzzy feeling and may be addictive!

For more information about top events in Minnesota take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Minnesota. 

For more information on the Minnesota Alpaca Expo visit www.MinnesotaAlpacaExpo.com

Saint Paul Winter Carnival Celebrates 125th Anniversary

The Saint Paul Winter Carnival, the oldest winter festival in the United States, has brought family-friendly events and community pride to Saint Paul and the Twin Cities metro area, Minnesota, since 1886 and this year the �Coolest Celebration on Earth�� celebrates its 125th anniversary from January 27 to February 6.

In honor of the sesquicentennial celebration, the Saint Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation Winter Carnival organizers have strived to create and promote 125 events under this year�s festival umbrella. All events take place in the City of Saint Paul and are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted.

In addition to its traditional events, the 2011 calendar of activities also includes numerous outdoor athletic events, supports the Saint Paul arts scene and rallies behind the U of M Golden Gophers in a variety of sports.

Most events will take place in Downtown Saint Paul in and around Rice Park and Landmark Center, Lake Phalen, the Como Park area, as well as the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Its traditional events include the Ice Carving Competition (in addition to the spectacular ice carvings, Rice Park will host live music from local artists daily), snow sculptures, historic winter carnival displays, fireworks, and the Royal Coronation. With the help of the Carnival�s legendary characters � King Boreas and the Royal Family, Vulcanus Rex and his Krewe, and the Royal Order of the Klondike Kates � the Saint Paul Winter Carnival will be 11 days of excitement and entertainment for all ages.

Among the new festivities for 2011 is the Winter Carnival Talent Contest.

For more information about top events in Minnesota take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Minnesota.

For the most current information on the 125th Saint Paul Winter Carnival visit www.winter-carnival.com

THE COOLEST CELEBRATION ON EARTH�

Since 1886, the Saint Paul Winter Carnival, the oldest winter festival in the US, has brought family-friendly events and community pride to Saint Paul and the Twin Cities metro area of Minnesota.

This year the 124th Saint Paul Winter Carnival will feature over 45 different events, including over a dozen new festivities � all celebrating the wonders of winter in Minnesota�s Capital City. The �Coolest Celebration on Earth�� will take place January 21 � 31 at locations all around downtown Saint Paul and surrounding areas.

However, before the official festivities can kick-off, a few customary events are held. For instance, now through February 12, 2010, the Ramsey County Historical Society at Landmark Center showcases Winter Carnival costumes, buttons, photos, programs and more.

All events are free, open to the public and held in the City of Saint Paul, unless otherwise noted. One of the highlights of this year�s 11-day Saint Paul Winter Carnival is the Ice Carving which starts on Thursday, January 21.

Wile you�re in Saint Paul don�t forget to enjoy a micro brew on one of the many neighborhood pub patios; take a ride on a paddle wheeler on the mighty Mississippi River; become one with science at Saint Paul�s world renowned Science Museum of Minnesota; travel back in time and tour the Minnesota State Capitol, the Cathedral of Saint Paul or Landmark Center; see Saint Paul�s magnificent museums and art galleries; and eat in its many ethnically enticing restaurants.

For more information about top events in Minnesota, take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Minnesota at www.topeventsusa.com/state-events-minnesota.html

Or, take a look at the official web site for Saint Paul Winter Carnival at www.winter-carnival.com