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Published on
June 3, 2011
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In This Edition

What you will find in today's Macaroni Kid

Proudly serving the communities of Coon Rapids, Blaine, Andover, Mounds View, Fridley, Circle Pines, Lino Lakes, Lexington and Centerville. 

I want to start of by telling you all that Macaroni Kid Coon Rapids, Blaine and Andover has just turned 1!  Happy Birthday to us!  I want to personally thank all of my fabulous subscribers (yes...that's YOU!) for helping me make this milestone!  Check out our birthday article...yes, it's about me *blush*, but the Twin Cities as a whole has jumped in and accepted Macaroni Kid as the go-to resource for area families.  And that is really cool!  Plus, we can't celebrate without giving back to YOU, our readers!  There is a very cool giveaway that will be running all month with different ways to enter each week.  Don't miss it!  Some great Macaroni Kid Gift Packs will go out to 15 lucky winners!

This month starts all of the great summer festivals around the area!  Kids will be out of school in one week and there will be SO much more going on around here over the summer.  Stay tuned to Macaroni Kid to find all of the great free and low cost happenings!   

Remember to visit national.macaronikid.com and choose the drop down list to see which other MN communities have a Mac Kid for you.  There are many Macaroni Kid communities across the metro!   Don't forget to tell your family and friends about Macaroni Kid, we count on our loyal subscribers to help us spread the Macaroni Love!  

Are you following us on facebook?  Latest updates and contest reminders are always posted, so make sure to "like" us today!  Like us here!

Don't forget to check the calendar tab at the top of our page for a monthly view of all events and activities.   Also, make sure to use that "My Macaroni" feature to print a great list of just the events that you will be attending for the week!  Makes a great list to print out and put on the fridge.   

  • Happy Birthday To Macaroni Kid in the Twin Cities!
  • Father's Day Gift Idea: Pontoon Ride on Coon Lake
  • Meet Jonathan Horton, Olympic Medalist
  • Cirque Du Soleil OVO Review
  • Macaroni Kid Summer Camp Guide
  • This Week's Picks
  • This week's Calendar
  • Teen Scene
  • Plan Ahead
  • Macaroni Road Trips
  • Creative Couponing Money Saving Tip - Having a Budget
  • Website Picks of the Week - MacKid Gets Crafty
  • National Chocolate Ice Cream Day
  • Lemon & Lime Tart with Fresh Berries
  • Contact Me
  • Sponsors

Happy Birthday to Macaroni Kid in the Twin Cities!

Meet Michelle Elliott - The First MN Publisher - WIN a prize pack from Mac Kid!

We’re celebrating our one year birthday here in the Twin Cities. It was only one year ago – On May 20th, 2010 - that Michelle Elliott sat down and wrote her first newsletter as the new Publisher for Macaroni Kid – Coon Rapids, Blaine, Andover.  That newsletter was sent to exactly seven people. Michelle wrote, “I am very proud to say that this is the very first Macaroni Kid newsletter in Minnesota!  I am so happy to bring this great resource to our hometown!”

 

I talked with Michelle recently, asking her ...

Father's Day Gift Idea: Pontoon Ride on Coon Lake

Or How About a Pontoon Massage?

It's a lovely day, the sun is shining.  A nice day to be on Coon Lake, the biggest lake in Anoka County.  Just 20 minutes north of Body Mind Circle in Circle Pines.  Follow Lexington the entire way.  We will pick you up at the dock in the Village of Coon Lake Beach for your Family Pontoon Ride or Pontoon Massage! 

Choose one of 2 great options from Body Mind Circle.  


Father's Day special:  a pontoon ride on Coon Lake for the family with fishing, kayaking, canoeing, or ...


Meet Jonathan Horton, Olympic Medalist

at Grand Old Day 2011 in St. Paul

When I asked how he was doing, medal-winning Olympic gymnast Jonathan Horton replied, “I’m just hanging out here at the Olympic Training Center.” How cool is that? How can I get to say that sentence? Turns out, I have to actually be a gymnast training for the Olympics, so guess that’s out. I talked to Jonathan to learn about his appearance at Grand Old Day in St. Paul this weekend, the Visa Championships at Xcel Energy Center in August, and the Oklahoma Sooners.

 

(As I’m originally from ...

Pampers First Father's Day Celebration at the Zoo!

WIN Tickets to the MN Zoo, Lion’s Den Picnic Celebration, Teddy Bear Band & Great Prizes!

In celebration of Father’s Day and all that dads do for their little miracles, Pampers and Macaroni Kid are hosting a First Father’s Day Celebration at the Minnesota Zoo on Saturday, June 18.

Enter for your chance to win 2 free tickets to the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley along with an invitation for your whole family to attend a First Father’s Day Celebration at the Lion’s Den Picnic Area on June 18th at 11 am.  The picnic will feature The Teddy Bear Band, face painting ...

Cirque du Soleil OVO Review

Congrats to the winners of the Cirque du Soleil ticket giveaway: Angela A. and Jocelyn C.

Last week we were invited to see Cirque du Soleil OVO on opening night. Between the two of us, we have seen about a dozen shows, but that did not diminish the wonder, amazement, and excitement of seeing another Cirque du Soleil performance. If interested, there are a lot of reviews that go into great detail about the show, but you're busy parents...who has time to read all of that? We're keeping it short & sweet for YOU - here are our Top 10 Reasons Cirque du Soleil OVO ...

Macaroni Kid Summer Camp Guide

Macaroni Kid Approved Camps for Kids of All Ages

If you’re like me, you are looking forward to Summer!  Bring on the green grass, warm weather and the Summer Activities! Time to start planning ahead and figuring out what your kids are going to be doing this summer!


Summer Camp season is right around the corner and Now is the time to get them registered! Camp can provide an experience to your kids that they couldn't get at home or school. It can be an amazing opportunity for them to learn about themselves, teamwork, build their self ...


This Week's Picks:

May 26th through June 5th

Thursday, May 26 through Sunday, June 12 - OVO By Cirque Du Soleil

OVO is a headlong rush into a colorful ecosystem teeming with life, where insects work, eat, crawl, flutter, play, fight and look for love in a non-stop riot of energy and movement. The insects' home is a world of biodiversity and beauty filled with noisy action and moments of quiet emotion. 
Where: Under the Grand Chapiteau at Mall of America North Lot
When: Various Times
Who: Families
How: Purchase tickets online HERE
Cost: $31.50 - $350 depending on seating
For more info:  Click here for more info and to purchase tickets
Add to My Macaroni

Thursday, June 2 through Sunday, June 5 - Carnival

Carnival of games and rides.
Where: Northtown Parking Lot - Blaine
When: Open daily
Who: Families
How: Just show up
Cost: Great deal!  $15 for a 3 hour wristband all day!   Ride tickets, games & concesssions may also be purchased.
Add to My Macaroni

Saturday, June 4 - Kids Workshops at The Home Depot

Workshop
Where: All Home Depot Locations
When: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Who: Families
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
For more info: Home Depot Kids Workshops
Add to My Macaroni

Sunday, June 5 - Grand Old Day

Grand Old Day, St. Paul's first rite of summer, takes place along the city's historic Grand Avenue annually on the first Sunday in June. Parade, Kid's Parade, Family Fun Zone, Battle of the Bands, Family Fun Stage and more!  
Where: On Grand Ave from Dale to Fairview in St. Paul  
When: 7:45 AM - 5:00 PM
Who: Families
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE to attend
For more info: All event info and schedules can be found HERE!
Add to My Macaroni

This Week's Calendar:

June 3rd through June 12th

Friday, June 3 - Friday Night Movies

Enjoy movies with the family at Springbrook Nature Center.
Where: Springbrook Nature Center - 100 85th Ave, Fridley
When: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Who: Families
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE - Popcorn & lemonade will be available for $1
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Saturday, June 4 - Family Flick

Daddy Day Camp
Where: Mall of America Theater
When: 10:00 AM
Who: Families
How: Show up early!  First come, first serve!
Cost: FREE
Add to My Macaroni

Saturday, June 4 - Animal Feeding

All exhibit animals are fed live prey weekly. Naturalist will be on hand to answer questions about the predator-prey relationships and the feeding process. 
Where: Springbrook Nature Center - 100 85th Ave, Fridley
When: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Who: Families
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE
For more info: Springbrook Nature Center
Add to My Macaroni

Sunday, June 5 - Bird Banding

Assist in the capture and release of wild birds for the banding research project.
Where: Springbrook Nature Center - 100 85th Ave, Fridley
When: 6:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Who: All ages
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
Add to My Macaroni

Tuesday, June 7 - Anoka County Historical Society

Exhibits will be available to view free of charge the first Tuesday of each month
Where: The Anoka County Historical Society and History Center, 2135 Third Ave. N., Anoka
When: n/a
Who: Families
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
For more info: Call 763-421-0600
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Tuesday, June 7 - Toddler Tuesdays: Let's Play Ball

Join us for a fun-filled day of baseball activities! Do some stretches, play bean bag catch and have your face painted. A special appearance by Minnesota Twins’ T.C. Bear will take place from 10-11:30 a.m.
Where: Mall of America - Rotunda
When: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Who: Families with toddlers
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
Add to My Macaroni

Thursday, June 9 - Thursday Nights LIVE!

Sherwin and Pam Linton and the Cotton Kings (Country)
Where: Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park - Coon Rapids
When: 7:00 PM
Who: Families
How: Just show up (bring a lawn chair or blanket)
Cost: FREE (Anoka County has waived the parking fees for each concert)
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Saturday, June 11 - Lowe's Build and Grow clinic

This kit is fun to build and makes a great Father's Day gift! Bring your child in and they can build this awesome Goofy Golf kit!
Where: All Lowe's locations
When: 10:00 AM
Who: Families
How: Register online HERE
Cost: FREE
Add to My Macaroni

Saturday, June 11 - Animal Feeding

All exhibit animals are fed live prey weekly. Naturalist will be on hand to answer questions about the predator-prey relationships and the feeding process.
Where: Springbrook Nature Center - 100 85th Ave, Fridley
When: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Who: Families
How: Just show up!
Cost: FREE
For more info: Springbrook Nature Center
Add to My Macaroni

Saturday, June 11 - Family Flick

Annie
Where: Mall of America Theater
When: 10:00 AM
Who: Families
How: Just show up - first come, first serve!
Cost: FREE
Add to My Macaroni

Saturday, June 11 - Campfire Talks - Bats

Join a naturalist for campfire talks.  Programs include a roaring campfire, interactive activities, and presentations enjoyable for the whole family.
Where: Bunker Hills Park - Coon Rapids (behind the Bunker Hills Campground Visitor Center)
When: 7:00 PM
Who: Families
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
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Sunday, June 12 - Free Day in the Parks

Free vehicle entry and free programs!  Free Twilight admission to Bunker Beach at Bunker Hills.  Free one hour bicycle rental at Coon Rapids Dam & Rice Creek Chain of Lakes.  Free bucket of balls at the Chromonix Golf Course driving range.  Free one-hour caonoe or kayak rental at Wargo Nature Center.  Free night of camping Sunday night (reservation required).  
Where: All Anoka County Parks
When: All Day
Who: Families
How: Just show up  (reservations are required for the free camping)
Cost: FREE
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Sunday, June 12 - Free Night at Bunker Beach

Enjoy FREE entry into Bunker Beach for the evening.  Live music will be provided by the George Maurer Group for all to enjoy.  There is no parking fee this day in all Anoka County Parks!
Where: Bunker Beach - Bunker Hills Park, Coon Rapids
When: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Who: Families
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
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Teen Scene:

Tuesday, June 7 through Friday, June 10 - Teen After School

Weekdays - teens can shoot hoops, work on skill development and, if room available, ½ court games acceptable. 
Where: Andover Community Center
When: 2:50 PM - 4:50 PM
Who: local High School Students 2:50 – 3:50 pm and local Middle School Students 3:50 – 4:50 pm
How: Please bring school I.D.  Not available days district #11 students not in session.
Cost: FREE
Add to My Macaroni

Plan Ahead:

June 16th through June 25th

Thursday, June 16 - Summer Food Fest

Sample food from over 30 different restaurants and enjoy family-friendly entertainment.  Music, clowns, face painting, inflatables and more for the kids!
Where: Aquatore Park - 9191 Lincoln Street, Blaine
When: 4:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Who: Families
How: Discount if tickets are purchased in advance by calling 763-783-3553
Cost: $25 if tickets are purchased in advance by June 15th (call 763-783-3553 for tickets) $35 at the door Children under 12 are FREE with a paid adult
For more info: Summer Food Fest
Add to My Macaroni

Friday, June 17 through Sunday, June 19 - Back to the 50's Weekend

  • Over 11,000 Registered Vehicles
  • Over 350 Vendors, Crafters & Swappers
  • 50’s Dances Friday and Saturday Evenings
  • Visit the Ladies Showcase
  • Hot Rod Auction
  • Swap Meet
  • Outdoor Musical Concerts
  • Kid's World
  • Manufacturer's Midway
  • Cruise-N-Arts Craft Fair
Where: MN State Fairgrounds - St. Paul
When: Friday & Saturday 8am - 10pm, Sunday 6am - 3pm
Who: Families
How: Just show up
Cost: $10/person - 12 & under FREE with an adult - Discount tickets for $8 are available at O'Reilly stores
For more info: http://www.msra.com/
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Sunday, June 19 - Target Free Sunday at The Minnesota Children's Museum

Thanks to the generosity of Target Corporation, visitors can roam the Museum free of charge, every third Sunday of each month, from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Due to the number of visitors on Target Free 3rd Sundays, we suggest leaving strollers at home or in the car. Thank you.
Where: Children's Museum, 10 West Seventh Street, St. Paul
When: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Who: Families
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
For more info: http://www.mcm.org
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Saturday, June 25 - Lowe's Build and Grow clinic

Independence Day is right around the corner! Your child can show their patriotism with this cool Waving Flag!
Where: Local Lowe's Stores
When: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Who: Families
How: Register online at http://www.lowesbuildandgrow.com/
Cost: FREE
For more info: http://www.lowesbuildandgrow.com/
Add to My Macaroni

Macaroni Kid Road Trips

Have Family Fun on the Road!

June is here, which means summer is here. One may go into a panic with the thought of "What will I do with my children this summer and how can we build lasting memories?" We here at Macaroni Kid believe that slow and steady wins the race and have a few suggestions for how to calm the panic and create fantastic summer memories for the whole family.

Take a Day Trip
Short, day-trip excursions over summer vacation are a fabulous way to break the day-to-day monotony. To find a location ...

Creative Couponing Money Saving Tip

Having a Budget

Ever wonder what happens at the end of the month and you look at your checkbook and wonder where all the money went?  Those $5 drinks, $10 quick meals at a fast food place, or a quick trip to the store without coupons add up.  You are going to need a month to figure out where your money is spent. 

 

Take just four steps to a better budget.

1. Start tracking...no not your mileage or your steps.  Grab a notebook or create a simple spreadsheet on the computer.  Make ...

Website Picks of the Week

MacKid Gets Crafty

Summer is almost here. Which means amidst the general kid-created hoopla throughout the house, I am also going to start hearing, "I'm bored." A few months back I listed these as 5 cool sites to check out for activities when you're stuck in the house. However, they're just as appropriate to add to your summer activity arsenal, too. Tired of the commercial sites we all know and love, I really spent some time digging for the more obscure yet still fabulous internet offerings. Benefit from my research ...

National Chocolate Ice Cream Day

June 7th

Fireworks are not the only fabulous thing invented in China. A very long time ago the Emperors of China would enjoy snow ice cream. A mix of snow and ice from the mountains combined with fruit, honey and/or wine made a delicious treat for the rulers. Are you wondering how the cold confection made it’s way from China to the United States? Here’s a little history on it’s wonderful journey around the world:

  • In 1295, Marco Polo returned to Italy from China with the recipe for ...

Lemon & Lime Tart With Fresh Berries

Macaroni Recipes

Ingredients:

Refrigerated 9 inch pie crust or you can make your own

1/4 cup lime juice

1/4 cup lemon juice

6 large eggs

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

1 tablespoon lemon zest

Confectioner's sugar (for dusting the finished tart)

1/2 cup fresh berries of your choice

Directions:

Place pie crust in tart pan to cover bottom and sides.  Make sure to cover crust with tin foil and  weight the crust down with pie weights or you can use dry beans.  Cook ...

Contact me!

Suggestions, Feedback, Submit Events, etc.

I am working hard to make sure that I keep up to date on the latest events in our community.  Please contact me if I've missed something important or if you know of an event that you'd like to see published in the newsletter.  

Also, please contact me with any thoughts or comments about my newsletter.  I would really love any feedback that you have!!  Business owners are free to contact me about advertising also.  

One more thing...if you love Macaroni Kid as much as I do ...

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