ne BlaiCityConnect
November/December 2012
W W W . C I . B L A I N E . M N . U S
5th Annual World Fest a Huge Hit!
The fifth annual Blaine World Fest turned out to be a huge success with the largest crowd ever, over 1,200 people, on hand for this event. Visitors enjoyed a beautiful September day filled with a wide variety of music and dance from many different cultures. Aromas of ethnic food sifted through the air and colorful flags representing a wide variety of countries blew in the wind. A total of 28 vending and performing groups were part of the day’s activities. This event once again turned out to be a great way for the City of Blaine and surrounding communities to celebrate the growing cultural and ethnic diversity that now exists in our area. As beautiful music, dance, and cultural booths provided entertainment during the day, visitors walked throughout Town Square Park sampling delicious ethnic cuisine including: Chinese, Italian, German, Indian, Irish, Greek, and good ole fashion BBQ. Public feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Many visitors commented that they make it a point to come to this event each year, and are already looking forward to next year. Vendors and entertainers tell us this is one of the better-organized events they perform at each year. The Blaine World Fest is funded in part by appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature, with money from the State’s
SPECIAL THANKS GOES OUT TO THE VERY GENEROUS SPONSORS OF THIS YEAR’S EVENT Gold Sponsors: Target, Minnesota School of Business, Chili’s, Cub, Northpark Dental, and Wal-Mart Silver Sponsors: 21st Century Bank, Manning Transfer, and Allegra Design – Print – Mail Bronze Sponsors: Anchor Bank NA general fund and its Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, which was created by a vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008. Entertainers, vendors, volunteers, and all those in attendance also deserve credit for making this an event that the community can take great pride in and look forward to every year.
For the third time, World Fest Festivities included an Essay Contest. Winning essays in three different age groups are showcased on Pages 3 and 5. To be part of the 2013 Blaine World Fest, contact Tom Godfrey at 763-717-2723 or TGODFREY@CI.BLAINE.MN.US.
Toys for Tots Looking for a place to drop off your new, unwrapped toys for children in need during the holiday season? The Blaine Police Department will begin accepting toys November 26, and will continue to accept toys thru December 14. Just look for the holiday wrapped donation box in the atrium at City Hall. All the toys collected will be delivered to KARE 11 by the Blaine Police Department. Last year the Blaine Police Department filled two squad cars and two of the Community Service Ford F-150 trucks! How many vehicles can we fill this year? Let’s find out and help make a child’s holiday! If you have any questions please contact Officer Michelle Moore at 763-286-2093 or email at MMOORE@CI.BLAINE.MN.US .