Trifter

A Taste of Minnesota is a great summer and Fourth of July celebration usually beginning July 2 and lasting until July 5 along the river banks of Harriet Island Regional Park in downtown St. Paul. Thousands of Minnesota natives come and hang out for food, fun, and laughter. The festivals include great varieties of food, in addition to carnival rides, games, fireworks, and live music entertainment. Besides the festivities, the scenery from Harriet Island offers a great opportunity for event photographers as well as occasional picture takers to take out their cameras and Shoot away. Bright colorful riverboats travel up and down the river, guiding and showing tourist some of Minnesota’s greatest landmarks. The Minnesota skyline can be seen either from the riverboats or from the banks of Harriet Island. Two large red beautifully designed bridges connect the food festival grounds to the fascinating downtown retail district, where shopping and sight seeing are a pleasure.

A Taste of Minnesota started about 27 years ago and is designed, mainly, to bring together the people of Minnesota to experience community and to taste some of the best foods in the state. Restaurants of all types come to promote good eating all across the state. The smells are mouth watering. Barbecue beef and pork, golden fried chicken, hamburgers and pickles, yellow fried rice and egg rolls and a great variety of delicacies from a variety of different cultures fill the atmosphere. If you are hungry you will not make it far before you are overwhelmed with a giant stomach growl. Besides the captivating foods, the cold beverages are outrageously tantalizing as well. Orange, yellow, green, and reddish exotic and fruity drinks immediately captures the thirsty soul. For adults who are looking for a little buzz, there are a variety of fancy wine coolers and beers to relax the mind.

Good food and drink are not the only attractions of the Taste of Minnesota, the festival rides are a treat for both children and adults alike. Every exotic ride from roller coasters, speed cars, to fairs wheels are a part of the carnival life of Harriet Island. Parents can ride along or let the children go and have loads of independent fun. Mean while, for those music lovers who would rather be rocking and rolling in front of a large band, there are magnificent performances throughout the celebration. Thousands enjoy great music and local musicians in Minnesota’s own backyard. Many local musicians become known and promoted after this event. In addition, for those who, like me, who just enjoy large crowds and good people watching there is never a dull moment. First of all, the people are friendly with energetic vibes and bright smiles. Many will go out of the way to give stranger simple directions if he or she is lost. But most of all, there are the variety of cultures, a quality that makes Minnesota so unique.  Different clothing styles, artifacts, and customs intrigue the people watcher. And if you are vocal and comfortable communication with people, a few friendships are a great possibility.

Lastly, for those who love the sounds of Boom and Bang, the great firework displays will amaze you. The sky is set ablaze with the finest of fiery color burst. Brilliant orange, green, yellow, blue, and red fire strings fall from the sky, while onlookers stand captivated by the great light show.

Since my first visit last summer, I look forward to attending the Taste of Minnesota once again. The crowds, the food, the sightseeing and my photography are what I adore. It is one of Minnesota’s largest summer celebrations. It is a great festival for the entire family as well as visitors. The food, drink, music, and sightseeing are magnificent and the tickets are very affordable. For both natives and visitors, it is a way to escape tough economic times and to get lost in a great Minnesota summer.