Valleyfair

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Thrilling and cultural experience

Grand Carnival, a global celebration, set to return to Valleyfair

Valleyfair is not just about the many fun attractions and different rides, including eight rollercoasters and a water park called Soak City.

The 125-acre amusement park in Shakopee can also be a cultural experience throughout the summer. There are plenty of special events, including Grand Carnivale from June 25 to July 10.

Grand Carnivale debuted last summer. During the summer’s 16day festival, the hosts will be King Carl Nivale, Queen Cara Nivale and their Royal Court. The event features:  The Spectacle of Color Parade: There will be decorated fl oats, street performers and pulsating rhythms for spectators of all ages. During the parade, there will be dancing, singing and merrymaking.  International Food Festival: It’s a block party and worldwide food festival. Participants can grab a Grand Carnivale tasting card to sample food from around the world.  Live entertainment: There will be live music, dancing, acrobatics and more. Some shows will offer chances to join the Royal Court’s performers.

“At Valleyfair, we want to make sure there is something for everyone in the family to enjoy,” said Kelsey Megard, the park’s public relations and communications manager. “These larger-than-life events create such a fun atmosphere in the park.

“So whether you stop to watch a live show, dance along with performers in a parade or grab a tasty bite, we have made sure that there is something for everyone.”

VALLEYFAIR

Location: 1 Valley Fair Drive, Shakopee Hours: Check website for specifi c times Cost: Single-day passes start at $32.99 with two-day passes at $59.99 Info: valleyfair.com

FIREWORKS

There will be fireworks on the Fourth of July again.

Univision MN Latin Days is July 23-24. It is a festival full of live musical performances, authentic Latin foods and a celebration of the culture. There will be performances from local musical and dance groups on the park’s superior stage.

Starting Aug. 12 and going through Sept. 5 will be Monster Jam Thunder Alley. There will larger-than-life trucks during that time.

Park-goers can be part of a multi-passenger monster truck ride, which is from the driver’s point of view.

TRICKS AND TREATS

Valleyfair has also announced that it is replacing its annual ValleySCARE and Halloween Haunt with Tricks and Treats, which is set to start Sept. 17 and run through Oct. 30.

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The park will be broken into two paths, allowing visitors to travel through the “Land of Tricks” or the “Land of Treats.” Within each are several locations for guests to experience everything, from spooky, slimy and strange activities to sweet and comforting attractions.

Food, games, crafts and shows will also be available, while guests are encouraged to attend in costume and participate in trick-or-treating. The park’s most popular rides will also be open and running during this time.

Valleyfair has been around since 1976. The theme park has grown to have more than 75 rides and attractions. The High Roller, a wooden roller coaster, is the oldest coaster at the park and has been since the park first opened.

The Corkscrew, a steel looping roller coaster, has been around since 1980, while the Excalibur, a steel roller coaster with a wooden structure, has been running since 1989.

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Grand Carnivale is set for June 25 through July 10 at Valleyfair in Shakopee. The event is a culture celebration with live music, delicious international food, lively games and unique crafts.