Blaine CityConnect - September/October 2019 by City of Blaine

BlaineMN.gov

CityConnect September/October 2019

What’s Inside

Night to Unite Thousands Celebrate Community..................3

City of Blaine Receives AAA Bond Rating The City of Blaine has achieved the prestigious AAA bond rating by Standard and Poor’s. The AAA rating is the highest rating awarded by credit rating agencies. Blaine now joins 22 other cities in Minnesota with this elite rating from Standard and Poor’s. Nationwide only 260 cities have been awarded AAA status out of the 19,429 cities rated by Standard and Poor’s. This rating puts Blaine in the top two percent of cities in the entire country in terms of bond rating.

Fourth Graders Learn to be Safe....................................................................4

Blaine Finance Director and Acting City Manager Joe Huss said, “This is a major achievement, with the direction and polices set by the city council, Standard and Poor’s was very impressed with the City of Blaine. Under the guidance of former City Manager Clark Arneson and the extremely talented and knowledgeable department heads and dedicated staff, Blaine has been on a steady path to reach AAA status and that goal has now been realized.” The City of Blaine was previously rated AA+, a rating the city had held since 2010. Receiving the bond rating upgrade has been a focus of the Blaine City Council and city staff in recent years. With sound financial management, a growing tax base, and a robust economy Blaine performed extremely well in the bond rating review that took place over the last few months, which led to the AAA rating.

Blaine WorldFest and SBM 75th Anniversary............................................8

New Blaine City Manager Announced

POSTMASTER: TIME SENSITIVE MAIL

DATED MATERIAL PREPARED BY THE OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER

ECRWSS

POSTAL CUSTOMER

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID TWIN CITIES, MN Permit No. 32324 City of Blaine 10801 Town Square Drive NE Blaine MN 55449

As with a personal credit rating, the city’s AAA rating will allow the city to receive the best possible interest rates when bonding for projects. The city saw immediate effects of the rating upgrade when the city received a historically low interest rate of 1.46 percent on the sale of $4.2 million in general obligation capital improvement bonds.

After an extensive search the Blaine City Council selected Michelle Wolfe as the next Blaine City Manager. Wolfe brings more than 26 years of local government experience and currently serves as Deputy City Manager for the City of Aurora, Colorado. She previously served as City Administrator for the City of Arden Hills, Minnesota, from 2003 to 2007 and she looks forward to returning to Minnesota. Wolfe was the top choice for all interview panels that participated in the finalist interviews. The city selected Strategic Government Resources (SGR) to assist in conducting the extensive search that resulted in an impressive candidate pool. SGR’s proprietary recruitment and vetting process produced a strong field of candidates comprised of 38 applications from candidates in 12 states and two countries. Five finalists participated in a two day on site interview process in late June. The two day interview process involved community tours, candidate sessions with senior staff, a community panel, a public meet and greet, and interviews with the Blaine City Council. Blaine Mayor Tom Ryan stated, “The choice of Michelle Wolfe to be the next Blaine City Manager is a home run. The entire city council was excited to have a candidate as impressive as Wolfe. I along with the rest of the council look forward to working with Michelle.” Michelle Wolfe will take over as Blaine City Manager on September 16.

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BlaineMN.gov - CityConnect

Recycling Calendar

Upcoming Meetings

September

Blaine City Hall

10801 Town Square Drive NE Blaine, MN 55449 763-784-6700

Communications@BlaineMN.gov

City Council Tom Ryan 12147 Radisson Road NE Blaine, MN 55449 763-757-3390 TRyan@BlaineMN.gov

MAYOR m

WARD 1 Wes Hovland 8650 Van Buren Street NE Blaine, MN 55434 763-228-1117 WHovland@BlaineMN.gov Dick Swanson 926 - 97th Lane NE Blaine, MN 55434 763-370-2557 DSwanson@BlaineMN.gov

WARD 2 Julie Jeppson 1702 - 116th Avenue NE Blaine, MN 55449 763-354-4709 JJeppson@BlaineMN.gov Jess Robertson 4175 - 114th Lane NE Blaine, MN 55449 612-964-0503 JRobertson@BlaineMN.gov

WARD 3 Andrew Garvais 12744 Petersburg Street NE Blaine, MN 55449 612-229-8890 AGarvais@BlaineMN.gov Richard Paul 1560 - 123rd Lane NE Blaine, MN 55449 763-390-1499 RPaul@BlaineMN.gov

CITY MANAGER (beginning September 16)

Michelle Wolfe 763-785-6120 MWolfe@BlaineMN.gov

Holiday

Zone A

November s

October s

City Council* September 4 | September 16 October 7 | October 21 7:30PM | City Hall Council Chambers

Zone B

For more information, visit WaltersRecycling.com or call 763-780-8464.

City Directory

Stay Connected

Police & Fire................................................. 911 Police (non-emergency) ... 763-785-6168 Fire (non-emergency)........ 763-786-4436 Public Works Aft. Hours.... 763-427-1212 Building Inspections.......... 763-785-6170 City Cable Channel 16 ...... 763-785-6192 City Clerk ............................ 763-785-6122 City Hall............................... 763-784-6700 City Manager...................... 763-785-6120 Communications................ 763-785-6181 Community Standards...... 763-785-6187 Community Outreach........ 763-785-6113 Economic Development.... 763-785-6180 Engineering......................... 763-785-6172 Finance................................ 763-717-2677 Fire Inspections ................. 763-785-6187 Forestry .............................. 763-717-2660 Housing Services ............... 763-785-6146 Human Resources ............. 763-785-6109 Job Line ............................... 763-717-2679 Newsletter.......................... 763-785-6192 North Metro TV.................. 763-780-8241 Parks & Recreation ........... 763-785-6164 Planning & Zoning ............. 763-785-6180 Public Works....................... 763-785-6165 Recycling & Solid Waste ... 763-785-6192 Senior Citizens Center ...... 763-786-9375 Sewer Backup..................... 763-785-6165 Streets ................................ 763-785-6165 Stormwater......................... 763-785-6188 Utility Billing ....................... 763-785-6141 Water & Sewer System ..... 763-785-6165 Web...................................... 763-717-2638

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BlaineMN.gov/CommunityConnect CityConnect is published bimonthly by the City of Blaine and distributed to all residents and businesses. Past copies of the city newsletter are available at BlaineMN.gov/Newsletter.

September/October 2019

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Inaugural 3M Open a Success The inaugural 3M Open was held in early July and brought thousands of golf fans and corporate clients to Blaine. With more than 100,000 visitors it was a busy week. Thanks to the Blaine emergency management team it was also a very safe week. The public safety team was led by the City of Blaine and received assistance from dozens of other agencies. On the course the tournament concluded with a thrilling finish as 20 year old rookie Matthew Wolff made a 26 foot eagle putt on the final hole to seal the victory. The 2020 3M Open will be held July 20-26 at the TPC Twin Cities in Blaine. For more information, visit BlaineMN.gov/3MOpen

Erik Thorvig Named Community Development Director

#BlaineN2U2019

Night to Unite Thousands Celebrate Community

Night to Unite took place on August 6, 2019 with more than 150 registered block parties taking place in all parts of Blaine. Night to Unite promotes community building and crime prevention. Neighbors gather together in driveways, parks, and backyards. Just the simple act of being together can help prevent crime in a neighborhood, because neighbors start to look out for each other more after spending time together. The Blaine Police Department along with partners from SBM Fire, Blaine Public Works Department, and the Minnesota State Patrol were able to visit more than 85 percent of the parties in Blaine. Night to Unite takes place every year on the first Tuesday in August. Night to Unite Selfie Contest Winner Congratulations to Stacey Torborg who was the winner of the Night to Unite selfie contest. Party goers were asked to post photos on Instagram with the hashtag #BlaineN2U2019. The photo with the most likes by the contest deadline took home the grand prize of $100 of 2020 Night to Unite party supplies and a guaranteed special public safety visit at their 2020 block party. Congratulations Stacey! To see more photos, visit BlaineMN.gov/N2U

Erik Thorvig has replaced Bryan Schafer as Blaineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Community Development Director following Schaferâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s retirement in July. Thorvig is 2005 graduate of the University of Minnesota with degrees in Geography and Urban Studies. He started with the City of Anoka in 2005 and became a city planner in 2006. In 2013 he was named economic development manager in Anoka. He came to Blaine in 2015 as the economic development coordinator. Thorvig envisions Blaine to continue the development trends and policies that the city council has been implementing for the past two decades as the city reaches full development over the next 10-15 years. Citing a positive reputation with both local and national developers, Thorvig sees a variety of housing options continuing to be developed in Blaine. That housing will then drive more commercial and retail development bringing more shopping, dining, and recreation choices for Blaine residents, as well as more business expansion and growth to strengthen an already strong local and regional economy. For more information, visit BlaineMN.gov/ CommunityDevelopment

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BlaineMN.gov - CityConnect

2019 Safety Graduates and Counselors

New Adopt a Drain Taking the Metro by Storm There is a new program in the seven county metro area that is taking the streets by storm. Since its official launch in May of 2019, over 4,000 residents have joined the movement to adopt a storm drain, making it the largest community engagement program of its type in the entire United States. Storm drains are common on urban and suburban streets but are often overlooked. Little attention is paid to where all that water goes when it rains. Quietly and efficiently, storm drains carry water runoff from streets and other hard surfaces through pipes underground, sometimes flowing directly to local streams, lakes, and wetlands. Anything picked up by that storm water is carried with it, dumping pollution into our water. Even organic debris, like fallen leaves and grass clippings, can be pollutants because they add artificially large amounts of nutrients that can cause increased algae growth. So, what can be done about it? The Adopt a Drain program is one local answer to preventing pollution from getting into our waters, and is so easy you can get involved right away. The commitment is completely voluntary and only takes a few minutes every month. Ready to adopt your drain and join the movement? Visit, AdoptADrain.org

Fourth Graders Learn to be Safe Blaine Safety Camp, held in late July, brought 160 fourth graders together for two days of fun and learning. Unintentional injury is the leading cause of death and disabling injury for children under the age of 15. The main goal of Safety Camp is to help reduce the number of accidents and injuries among young children. Safety Camp provides children with the skills necessary to cope with emergency situations. Topics covered at Safety Camp include: animal safety, bullying prevention, drug prevention, electrical safety, fire safety, injury prevention, internet safety, life safety decision making, personal safety, and water safety. This year marked the 23rd consecutive year that Safety Camp was held for the Blaine community. The program is a collaborative effort between the Blaine Police Department, Blaine Parks and Recreation Department, and the Spring Lake Park-Blaine-Mounds View Fire Department. For more information, visit BlaineMN.gov/SafetyCamp

Election Information

Anoka County Commissioner (District 6) Special Election On June 11, the Anoka County Board called a special election for Anoka County Commissioner (District 6) to fill the vacancy created following the resignation of Rhonda Sivarajah after her appointment as county administrator. District 6 comprises the cities of Centerville, Circle Pines, Columbus, Lexington, Lino Lakes, Linwood Township, and 3 precincts in Blaine: W1P7, W1P8, and W3P8 (see map). The special primary election will be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 with the special general election on Tuesday, February 11, 2020. The following individuals filed affidavits of candidacy: Cindy Hansen, Craig Johnson, Karen Lodico, Donovan McGuire, Kevin Ryan, and Jeff Reinert. In-person absentee voting begins September 20 at the Anoka County Government Center and Blaine City Hall during regular business hours, 10AM to 3PM on Saturday before Election Day, and until 5PM on Monday before Election Day. To find your polling place go to MNVotes.org or BlaineElections@BlaineMN.gov or 763-717-2737. Presidential Primary In 2016 legislation was passed establishing a presidential nomination primary that will take place on March 3, 2020. Only major parties will participate and each major party will have a separate ballot. Registered voters will be able to vote at their polling place on March 3 or by absentee ballot starting January 17, 2020 and a voter must request the ballot of the party of their choice. While a voterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s choice of party ballot will be recorded, it is private data. A list of who voted, and the political party each voter selected will be provided to the chair of each major political party. County and municipalities will be reimbursed by the state for the primary costs and precinct caucuses and local and state nominating conventions will still take place to conduct other party business. More information about the presidential primary, absentee voting, and voter registration will be shared in 2020. Questions go to MNVotes.org or BlaineElections@BlaineMN.gov or 763-717-2737.

September/October 2019

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BLAINE RECYCLING SATURDAYS 10am — 2pm

3rd Saturday of Each Month Drop-Off Location Green Lights Recycling Enter at 1525 - 99th Lane NE

Census Spotlight Who Gets Counted - Everyone

The 2020 Census is less than a year away and the planning and preparation for this important event is well underway. If you are filling out the census for your household you should count anyone who is living there as of April 1, 2020. This includes anyone who is living and sleeping there most of the time. It is important to remember to count any children who are living with you. This includes all children who live in your household, including grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and the children of friends. For children who split their time between households, if they are living with you on April 1, 2020 they should be counted on your census form. Remember to count newborn babies, even those who are still in the hospital on April 1, 2020. Watch for more census information in upcoming issues of the Blaine CityConnect. For more information, visit BlaineMN.gov/2020Census.

The City of Blaine sponsors a recycling drop-off day the third Saturday of each month. You do not need to be a Blaine resident to bring items to the drop-off day. Please note, no garbage will be accepted. Recycling drop-off day is funded by the Anoka County Board of Commissioners and State SCORE funds (Select Committee on Recycling and the Environment).

Green Lights Recycling

763-785-0456|GLRNow.com Cash or Check Only Collects mattresses, box springs, carpet, appliances, florescent lamps, electronics, rechargeable batteries, and tires. Free items include scrap metal and vehicle batteries. Items with a small fee: • Mattresses/box springs: $20 each • Most appliances: $10 each • Most electronics: $2 - $50 depending on size • Carpet: $6/ roll up to 7 rolls • Tire and rechargeable batteries: small fee See the complete list of fees at BlaineMN.gov/ RecyclingSaturdays

Fall Leaf Raking Don’t Rake Your Leaves into the Street Please keep in mind that all decaying plant material that ends up in the city’s ponds and streams contributes to greater phosphorous load and poorer water quality. Please do not rake leaves into the street. Drop-Off Options Residents may bring leaves and grass to the Anoka County Compost Sites. The hours for the sites are:

Bunker Hills site

Lino Lakes site

(Hanson Boulevard one mile north of County Road 14 in Coon Rapids) Mondays through Fridays from 10AM to 7PM or sunset, whichever is first; Saturdays from 9AM – 5AM; and Sundays Noon -5PM Call 763-767-7964 for information on fees.

(County Road 14, east of I-35W) Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10AM – 7PM or sunset, whichever is first; Saturdays from 9AM – 5PM; and Sundays Noon - 5PM Call 651-429-3723 for information on fees.

Fix It Clinic

Saturday, September 7, 10am - 1pm, Blaine City Hall On Saturday, September 7 from 10AM – 1PM the 2nd annual Fix it Clinic will be held at Blaine City Hall. This is a free event where volunteer fixers will help residents disassemble, troubleshoot, and repair broken items. Bring in items such as small household appliances, clothing, electronics, and more. The Fix it Clinic is first come, first served. Items must be able to be carried in and weight less than 40 pounds. No items with liquids are allowed. Please arrive by 12:30PM to allow adequate time for repairs. If you have any experience with fixing or sewing and would like to volunteer at this event, please contact Lydia Campbell at 763-324-3479.

Coon Creek Watershed District Moves to a New Location

The Coon Creek Watershed District has moved to new offices located at 13632 Van Buren Street NE, Ham Lake, MN 55304. For more information visit CoonCreekWD.org.or call 763-755-0975.

Randy’s Environmental Services | 763-972-3335 RandysEnvironmental Services.com Randy’s offers free paper shredding. Please note, there may be long wait times for shredding.

Bike Collection

Bikes4KidsMN.org Drop off any size bicycle that you no longer want. Bikes will be refurbished or have their parts used in refurbishing other bikes. Bikes are then donated to people in need. There is no charge to drop off a bike. Bikes for Kids is part of the Robert & Wilma Burbach Bike Foundation.

Walters Recycling & Refuse

763-780-8464 | WaltersRecycling.com/Blaine Contact Walters to report missed garbage, recycling or yard waste pickup.

City Recycling Information 763-785-6192 | BlaineMN.gov/Recycle

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BlaineParks.com or BlaineEvents.com - Recreation Connection

Unleash the Beast Professional Bull Riders at Target Center

For the first time in 13 years, the Professional Bull Rider’s elite tour, featuring the top 35 bull riders in the world and wildest bucking bulls in the nation, will invade Minneapolis. The PBR is not a rodeo – it is two hours of pyrotechnics, music, and the most intense bull riding action on earth. This event is filled with heart pounding, bone crushing action and a star studded line up of the world’s best riders and animal athletes. Tickets are lower level seating. Transportation is not provided. Participants will be notified when tickets arrive at the park and recreation office.

parks & recreation

connection Fall 2019

Ages 3 and up Saturday, October 5, 6:45 - 8:45PM $56 resident; $61 non-resident

Guitar Lessons for ages 7 & up

Lessons focus on having fun, learning and building skills. Beginning group lessons are a great way to learn basic chords and instrumentals while having a good time. Intermediate guitar is for those who have already learned the basics of guitar. Participants must have their own guitar. The class is held at Blaine City Hall, Cloverleaf Room. Saturdays, September 21 - October 26 Beginner, ages 7 to 10, 1 - 1:45pm Intermediate, ages 11 & up, 2 - 2:45pm

Skyhawks Sports Camps Flag Football, ages 4 to 9 Program held at Airport Park field 1. Mondays, September 16 - October 7 ages 4 to 6, 5:30 - 6:30pm ages 7 to 9, 6:45 - 7:45pm $69 Soccer, ages 4 to 9 Program held at Airport Park field 1. Tuesdays, September 17 - October 8 ages 4 to 6, 5:30 - 6:30pm ages 7 to 9, 6:45 - 7:45pm $69

Fall 2019 Online Registration The Fall 2019 Recreation Connection catalog is available to browse at

BlaineParks.com/ RecreationConnection Register online for summer programs at

BlaineParks.com/Register

Stay Connected BlaineParks.com More information about Parks and Recreation is available at 763-785-6164 or in the current Recreation Connection online.

BlaineEvents.com

Basketball, ages 4 to 10 Program held at Rice Creek Elementary School. Saturdays, October 26 - November 16 ages 4 to 6, 9 - 10am ages 5 to 7, 10:10 - 11:10am ages 8 to 10, 11:20am - 12:20pm $69

Jam Hops Classes and Clinics Inspiring Kids to Become Life Champions

All classes, events and camps held at Jam Hops, 1460 – 133rd Lane NE, Ham Lake. Come out and experience the fun and energy of the Camptastic program for ages 5 to 12. For more detailed information including dates, times, and fees, please call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com.

Dance Classes and Camps QC Dance Studio, 9967 Ulysses Street NE

Intro to Dance, ages 2 1/2 to 5 ages 2 1/2 to 3: Wednesdays, October 2 - November 6, 5:35 - 6:10pm ages 4 & 5: Wednesdays, October 2 - November 6, 6:30 - 7:05pm ages 3 - 5: Saturdays, October 5 - November 9, 9:30 - 10:05am $50 resident; $55 non-resident Mommy & Me, ages 0 to 3 with parent/adult Wednesdays, October 2 - November 6, 5 - 6:30pm $50 resident; $55 non-resident Little Hip Hoppers, ages 4 to 6 Wednesdays, October 2 - November 6, 5:55 - 6:30pm $50 resident; $55 non-resident Hip Hop, ages 7 and up Wednesdays, October 2 - November 6 7:10 - 7:45pm $50 resident; $55 non-resident Unicorn Mini Mester, ages 3 to 7 Saturdays, October 5 - October 19 noon - 1pm $ 30 Pumpkin Party, ages 3 to 7 Saturday, October 26, noon - 1:30pm $20

Fall 2019

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Body Sense - New

Body Sense Pilates and Wellness Studio, 10731 University Avenue NE, Suite 200 The following new programs that will be held at the Body Sense Pilates & Wellness Studio. For more detailed information, please visit our website at BlaineParks.com or call 763-785-6164. Intro to Pilates Reformer, $200 Wednesdays, September 4 - October 23, 9 - 10am Mondays, September 9 - October 28, 6 - 7pm Vinyasa Yoga, $175 Saturdays, September 7 - December 14, 11:30am - 12:30pm Wednesdays, September 11 - December 11, 7 - 8pm Eliminate Chronic Pain, Erase the Signs of Aging, and Feel Fantastic, $135 Thursdays, September 5 - November 21, 9- 10am Saturdays, September 7 - November 23, 10:15 - 11:15AM Tuesdays, September 10 - November 26, 9- 10am

parks & recreation

connection Fall 2019

Adult Basketball League Join an officiated men’s basketball league. Players must be at least 18 years old. Games played at Roosevelt and Northdale Middle Schools. The league includes 12 games plus playoffs. Two officials provided per game as well as a scorekeeper. Register by October 26. Game times vary in the evening. Wednesdays, November 6 - March 11, 6:15-10:15PM Team Fee: $550 resident; $600 non-resident

Co-Rec Volleyball League This is a non-officiated co-rec volleyball league. Blaine and Fridley teams will combine to form a cooperative league. Players must be at least 18 years old. Games held at Roosevelt Middle School in Blaine. Register by November 8. Game times vary in the evening. Wednesdays, December 4 - March 4, 6:30-9:30PM Team Fee $250

Community Outings All community outings depart from and return to the Mary Ann Young Senior Center. Outings include lunch and a ticket unless otherwise noted. For more detailed descriptions of these trips, please call 763-786-9375 or visit BlaineParks.com.

North Metro TV James Bond: 50 Years of 007

Celebrate the adventures of the world’s most famous spy in this class from North Metro TV’s Eric Houston. Using rarely seen film clips, photographs, and more, Eric will take you through the entire history of James Bond, from his literary origins to the most recent films. Participants will learn where the name James Bond came from, which Hollywood actor was originally cast to play Bond, and even hear the surprising words to the famous James Bond theme song. All of this will be for your eyes only during this great one hour mission with agent 007. Class held at North Metro TV, 12520 Polk Street NE. Thursday, October 24, 6:30 - 8pm, $10

Adult Dance and Fitness Classes QC Dance Studio, 9967 Ulysses Avenue NE

Beginning Swing Swing Dancing has appealed to generation after generation. It is a versatile, fun, athletic dance that came out of the Savoy Ballroom in the 1930s. It has many styles and variations from simple patterns to very complex patterns and rhythms. The music ranges from big band to current rock and pop. This class will focus on the basic steps, the technique for leading and following, and some fun turns and patterns in two styles of swing, east coast and jitterbug. Saturdays, October 5 - November 2, 10 - 11am $45 resident; $50 non-resident Adult Ballet Whether you have danced all your life or never set foot in a ballet studio, this class will help release your inner dancer. The class will meet dancers at their capabilities and encourage them to grow. This class focuses on skills and technique while creating a relaxed environment to enjoy yourself. Wear something comfortable. Wednesdays, October 2 - November 6, 8 - 9pm $45 resident; $50 non-resident Zumba Session 1: Thursdays, September 12 - October 10, 8 - 8:45pm Session 2: Thursays, October 17 - November 28, 8 - 8:45pm (no class October 31, November 21) $30 resident; $33 non-resident Zumba Gold Session 1: Wednesdays, September 11 - October 9, 7:45 - 8:30pm Session 2: Wednesdays, October 16 - November 13, 7:45 - 8:30pm $30 resident; $33 non-resident

Ives Auditorium at the Minnesota Masonic Center Enjoy a wonderful comedy at the Minnesota Masonic Center in Bloomington. Start with a guided tour of the center and learn about its rich history. Then enjoy a hearty lunch including a salad, chicken breast, vegetable, potatoes, rolls, dessert, and coffee. The show is a comedy called Ripord. When cantankerous Abby is forced to share her room in assisted living with endlessly chipper Marilyn, the two women make a seemingly harmless bet that quickly escalates into a hilarious game of practical jokes and one-upmanship, revealing hidden truths that neither wants exposed. Price includes: tour, show, lunch, and transportation. Registration deadline October 22. Wednesday, November 6 9:45am-4pm, $76

Casino Trips Mystic Lake, Prior Lake Wednesday, September 18 8:30am - 4:30pm, $7 Treasure Island, Red Wing Monday, October 14 8:30am - 4:30pm, $7 ($3 food coupon)

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BlaineParks.com or BlaineEvents.com - Recreation Connection

Minnesota Starwatch Program Friday, September 27 7:30 - 9:30pm Make the stars your old friends and watch the great celestial show in the skies over Blaine. Use large reflecting telescopes to view Saturn, Jupiter, star clusters, galaxies, and other magic in the early autumn skies. Mike Lynch, meteorologist at WCCO Radio, will also bring a telescope astrophotography system to see really distant targets such as galaxies millions of light years away. $15 per person; $40 per family (up to 5 people) 2016 Blaine WorldFest Photo by Sarah Grace Photography

For more information, visit BlaineParks.com/Register

Celebrate Diversity

with Food, Music, Art, and Dance September 14, 1-4pm at Blaine Town Square Park

Join the City of Blaine and residents from across the north metro for the 11th annual Blaine WorldFest celebration. This event is a great opportunity for the city to recognize and share its growing cultural and ethnic diversity. Bring the entire family and learn about different cultures through a variety of entertainment and festivities. Experience a wide variety of music, dance, cultural learning booths, demonstrations, and delicious ethnic foods. Blaine WorldFest continues to grow with more than 2,000 people enjoying this exciting and festive cultural celebration last year. This year’s event promises to be even bigger and better. Be sure to bring a lawn chair. Event is held rain or shine. Thank You Sponsors Blaine Festival, Clean Water Land & Legacy Amendment, Metropolitan Regional Art Council Firefly, Raising Canes, Renewal by Andersen, T-Mobile, Ucare, Valpak For more information, visit BlaineEvents.com/WorldFest

Flashlight Pumpkin Hunt Friday, October 18 7 - 8:30pm Pumpkins are hiding and waiting to be found at Aquatore Park. Children along with their parents can search the grounds for one pumpkin of their choice. Celebrate by dancing under the stars with a family DJ, making s’mores, and playing glow games. Fee includes a treat bag, one pumpkin, one craft, and refreshments. Come in costume for the costume contest. Remember to bring a flashlight. Event is held at Aquatore Park. For families with children ages 10 and under. $10 residents; $11 non-residents For more information, visit BlaineParks.com/Register

SBM Fire Department 75th Anniversary Celebration

September 14 at the National Sports Center

The Spring Lake Park – Blaine – Mounds View Fire Department will celebrate 75 years of fire prevention and fire protection on Saturday, September 14. The event starts at 8AM with the Fit2Fight 5K and fun run. Other activities run all day from 10AM – 10PM. Families can enjoy a large kids zone with inflatables and rock climbing. Several fire related demonstrations will take place throughout the day. The event will finish with live music and a large fireworks display. See the complete schedule of events at, SBMFire.org September 14 will bring two fun events for families so make sure to visit both the SBM anniversary event at the National Sports Center and Blaine World Fest at Blaine City Hall.

Princess Party Saturday, November 9 6 - 8pm Come and meet Belle, Cinderella, and Elsa at the Princess Party. Enjoy crafts, a balloon artist, face painting, hair-dos, photo opportunities, games, refreshments, a DJ, and lots of dancing. Dress up in a favorite princess costume and do not forget your camera. Event held at Blaine City Hall. $10 residents; $11 non-residents (adults are free) For more information, visit BlaineParks.com/Register