Summer Fun - South Region

SUMMER FUN FOR THE FAMILY IN THE SOUTHWEST REGION

SOUTH EDITION 2019

PUBLISHED BY

PHOTO COURTESY OF VALLEYFAIR

2 | May 25, 2019

Southwest Summer Fun, South edition

WHAT CUT OF MEAT IS BEST FOR YOUR GRILLED DINNER? Local butchers weigh in

BY MICHAEL STRASBURG mstrasburg@swpub.com

A fter a long and sometimes brutal winter, Minnesotans are clamoring to get their grill out and fired up this summer.

And while most veteran grillers have their routine down pat, the greatest grilling in the world won’t get you anywhere with sub-par meat.

Expert butchers from around the area say the first step to a great meal is selecting quality — and appropriate — ingredients.

PHOTOS BY MICHAEL STRASBURG

HAMBURGERS Whether they’re topped with ketchup and onions, slathered in barbecue sauce and bacon, or topped with a poached egg, hamburgers are a versatile summer staple.

When it comes to selecting the beef, however, experts say there is far less choice than toppings options.

Jef f Cresswel l, store manager at Von Hanson’s Meat Market in Savage, said

Meat markets across the metro carry a wide variety of brats.

Kenny Pekarna, co-owner of Pekarna’s Meats in Jordan.

t he best hambu rgers a re made with ground beef that has a higher fat content.

He recommends the 83 -17 mixture at Von Hanson’s and said anything above 90 percent is best left off the grill because it risks becoming dried out.

“I like to use (above 90 percent) mainly for chili,

arna said that comes down to a matter of preference.

“It really comes down to whatever the customer likes, there are a lot of different styles,” Pekarna said.

Common steak cuts are sirloin, ribeye, T-bone, New York strip and porterhouse.

Cresswell said the different styles intertwine with each

sloppy Joes, tacos, spaghetti — meals where you’re going to add it to something,” Cresswell said. “If you use it (for a) burger, it’s going to be dry.”

Kenny Pekarna, co-owner of Pekarna Meats in Jordan, recommends higher fat ground beef for grilling too, although he said low-fat ground round can make a good burger

if prepared correctly.

“If you’re going to grill it lean, serve a hamburger patty rare,” Pekarna said.

“For that, the ground round works really well.”

STEAK The king of grilling meats, however, is the beef steak.

But which cut is best? Pek-

other. For example, a T-bone steak is essentially a bone-in New York strip and a porterhouse is a New York and a section of tenderloin.

Pekarna said ribeye is the best selling cut in his shop, probably because it tastes great and is one of the most

Grilled to 4

Experience

“Come visit Jordan’s historic downtown for antique shops, coffee shop, downtown brewery, gifts, local art, specialty meats, professional services, arcade, upholstery and furniture refurbishing, fine dining and overnight luxury stays.

Walk to the Sand Creek waterfalls and serene Mill Pond in Lagoon Park. Just outside of town, you will find Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store, apple orchards, draft horse farms, riding stables, state park trails, campgrounds & a vineyard.

With small-town appeal, Historic Jordan is a great place to spend the day or perhaps to Live - Shop - Dine.”

May 2019 Cinco de Mayo Celebration City Wide Garage Sale Memorial Day Services

July 2019 Scott County Fair

August 2019 Scott Carver Threshers Harvest Festival Firefighters Golf Tournament

September 2019 Miss Jordan Pageant Jordan Classic Cycle and Car Cruise Heimatfest St. John's Fall Festival

October 2019 Jordan High School Homecoming Jordan Business Trick or Treat

December 2019 Jordan Commercial Club Jordandazzle Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting at Pekarna Park

February 2020 Jordan Commercial Club-Mill Pond Masters Ice Golf Tournament

April 2020 Celebrate Jordan

Check out the City of Jordan on Facebook!

PLAY HERE. Playworks is the best place to PLAY. We offer a variety of hourly child care services, family play, and more.

Our child care is both flexible and fun for children 6 weeks to 12 years of age.

PLAY TODAY! 952.445.PLAY (7529) • playworksfun.com 2200 trail of dreams, PRIOR LAKE, MN

Southwest Summer Fun, South edition

May 25, 2019 | 3

Are you ready to rock?

Concerts hit the stage at Mystic Lake Casino Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake is readying for a busy summer with concerts and events throughout.

Here are a few on tap so far:

ROB THOMAS T icket s went on s a le March 1 for Rob Thomas’ Chip Tooth Smile Tour performance at 8 p.m. on Saturday, June 8.

T homas is celebrati ng the April 26 release of his fourth solo album, “Chip Tooth Smile,” with a North A m e r ic a n s u m m e r t ou r w it h sp e ci a l g ue st Abby Anderson.

Thomas is a songwriter known as the lead singer and primary composer of Matchbox Twenty and for his solo work and collaborations with other performers.

Tickets range from $ 60 to $125.

COLIN JOST Colin Jost, a comedian and head writer for “Saturday Night Live,” brings his stand-up act to Mystic Lake on Saturday, June 22, at 8 p.m.

Jost has co-anchored “Saturday Night Live’s” popular “Weekend Update” segment for six seasons alongside co-anchor and fellow head writer Michael Che. Jost has been a writer for

GLADYS KNIGHT

More information For more information or tickets, call 952-496-6563 or visit mysticlake.com. the show since 2005 and won four Writers Guild Awards and a Peabody Award. He also hosted the 70th Primetime Emmy Awards in 2018.

Tickets start at $29.

THE ROOTS The hip-hop group The Roots will bring a blend of hip-hop and jazz at 8 p.m. on Sunday, June 30.

The Roots have been nominated for a dozen Grammys and won four. The group is currently the official house band on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”

Tickets start at $49.

SLASH Slash with Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators will perform in the Mystic Showroom at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel on Aug. 3 at 8 p.m.

The performance will be a part of the Living the Dream Tour. “Living the Dream” was the third studio album

by Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash.

Tickets start at $52.50.

The “Empress of Soul,” Gladys Knight, returns to Mystic Lake at 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 9.

Knight rose to stardom with the group Gladys Knight & The Pips, which debuted its first album in 1960 when K night was 16. K night is known for such songs as “I Heard It Through The Grapevine,” “Midnight Train To Georgia,” “Neither One Of Us (Wants To Be The First To Say Goodbye)” and “Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me.” Tickets start at $39.

BEN HARPER AND TROMBONE SHORTY Ben Harper and Trombone Shorty bring their live bands to the Mystic Showroom on Wednesday, Aug. 14, at 7 p.m.

Singer-song writer Ben Harper made his debut in 1994 with the album “Welcome to the Cruel World” and established himself across a range of musical genres, according to a news release from the casino.

New Orleans native Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews, the band leader and frontman of Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, plays trombone and trumpet and blends traditional New Orleans styles with rock, funk, soul and hip-hop.

Tickets start at $59.v

COURTESY PHOTO

Slash with Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators will perform in the Mystic Showroom at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel on Aug. 3 at 8 p.m.

COLINJOST.COM COURTESY PHOTO

The “Empress of Soul,” Gladys Knight, returns to Mystic Lake on Aug. 9.

Colin Jost, a comedian and head writer for “Saturday Night Live,” brings his stand-up act to Mystic Lake on June 22.

4 | May 25, 2019

Southwest Summer Fun, South edition

Take A Ride On The Historic

STEAMBOAT

MINNEHAHA

) On Lake Minnetonka ( 2019 SEASON RUNS MAY 25 THROUGH OCTOBER 6 Weekends • Holidays • Specialty & Festival Cruises FOR TICKET INFO AND SCHEDULE GO TO:

www.SteamboatMinnehaha.org Book A Private Group Charter, go to website for details.

EAT BETTER. LIVE BETTER.

PHOTOS BY MICHAEL STRASBURG

Tom Lage assembles a beef tender bite kebab at Von Hanson’s Meat Market in Savage.

GRILLED continued from 2

adaptable steaks.

“You can’t screw it up, let’s put it that way,” he said. “Even well done, a ribeye is still flavorful.”

Ribeye’s bold flavor is the result of fat marbled throughout the beef, which enhances the beef’s natural flavor.

“It’s always flavorful, it’s always tender. You can serve it rare, medium or well and it should always be tender,” Pekarna said.

Those who prefer leaner meat should try sirloin or filet mignon cuts. Pekarna said those meats should not be cooked beyond medium, since they run the risk of becoming tough. So if you like your steak more thoroughly cooked, opt for a more marbled cut of meat.

“You want to serve sirloin more rare to medium-rare.

Sirloin is leaner so it will be

tougher,” he said.

Cresswell said Von Hanson’s grilling steaks, a variety of sirloin, are their most popular seller. The grilling steaks are a cut of sirloin with popup timers that are triggered when the interior of the steak hits 145 degrees.

“That’s nice because you don’t overdo them. You don’t want to overdo sirloin,” Cresswell said.

Both butchers recommend seasoning steak with salt and pepper and allowing it time to reach near room temperature before throwing it on the grill.

Pekarna said garlic could be added for additional flavor.

Cresswell recommends marinating sirloins and tenderloins to give the leaner steaks an added dimension.

“If you eat it as is, it can be kind of bland, but they are tender,” Cresswell said.

EVERYTHING ELSE People who come into Von Hanson’s Meats for steak

rarely leave with only that, Cresswell said. In the summer, they have about 15 varieties of prearranged kebabs.

“W hen we have a busy weekend it’s everything on a stick,” Cresswell said. “Kebabs are really popular.”

Most me at m a rket s i n the area prepare a variety of brats and other entrees as well. Pekarna said chicken and pork are g rowing in popularity at his shop.

He recommends seasoning those meats with salt, pepper and onion and always making sure the interior reaches 160 degrees before pulling the chicken or port off the grill.

The world of grilling is still full of hotly contested debates, such as propane versus cha rcoa l, high or low heat, or how many times one should f lip steaks and burgers — but the one thing everyone can agree on is quality meat that fits one’s taste and routine.

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Kenny Pekarna points out the difference between a T-bone steak and a New York strip steak.

Southwest Summer Fun, South edition

May 25, 2019 | 5

FILE PHOTOS

Renaissance Festival attendees love a good jousting match.

GATHER ROUND AT YE annual Minnesota Renaissance Festival A grand ole tyme

BY CHRISTINE SCHUSTER cschuster@swpub.com

The end of summer in Minnesota means jousting knights, flame throwers, shops full of handcrafted goods and hundreds gathered in high spirits for the Minnesota Renaissance Festival.

Each year, a piece of the southwest metro between S h a kop e e a nd C h a sk a becomes a 16th century English village and fantasyland — the largest gathering of its kind in the United States. On average, 320,000 people participate in the merriment every year.

The festival opens each we ekend f r om Au g. 17 through Sep. 29. Additionally, the festival entertains visitors on Labor

Day and Festival Friday, Sept. 27.

T u rkey le g s , s c ot ch eggs, meat and pick les ab ou nd at t he Ren a i s sance Festival. The festival streets are lined with unique food vendors serving up fair favorites, such as corndogs, and unusual dishes, such as unicorn sundaes and alligator on a stick.

Visitors can enjoy various types of live entertainment ranging from t h e m e d fe s t iv a l d ay s , regularly scheduled comedy and musical acts and spontaneous performances. Festival-goers can interact wit h mer maid s, fairies, maidens and the festival’s infamous pickle boy.

Festival to 6 Ladies and gentlemen break into song at the Renaissance Festival in 2017.

6 | May 25, 2019

Southwest Summer Fun, South edition

9

CHASKA FIREMEN’S PARK

JULY 19-21

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Sign language volunteers at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival’s Sign Language Saturday in 2017.

FESTIVAL continued from 5

The 22-acre fairgrounds a re a l so home to u nique 16th century-styled amusement rides and storefronts.

Dozens of crafters operate shops selling unique and handcrafted jewelry, clothing, art and more.

BRUSH UP ON YE OLDE ENGLISH Crapu lous : Caused by or showing the ef fects of alcohol.

Ja rgog le : To con fuse, jumble.

Plan your visit Dates: The festival is open each weekend from Aug. 17 to Sep. 29, plus Sep. 27.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. rain or shine.

Location: The festival is sprawled across a staggering 22 acres, three miles south of Shakopee on Highway 169.

Mu mp si mu s : A t raditional custom or notion adhered to although shown to be unreasonable.

Brabble: Squabble.

The Queen’s Gate entrance is at 12364 Chestnut Blvd. and the King’s at 2525 145th St. W. Admission: $24.95 for adults, $22.95 for seniors (62 and up) and $15.95 for children (5-12).

Season passes are $94.95 for adults and $55.95 for children.

More information: www. renaissancefest.com; 952-4457361

Elflocks: A tangled mass of hair.

Oxt: Not this one but the next. For example, I’ll see you oxt weekend.

chaska cUrLing cenTer corPoraTe groUPs • Learn To cUrL • groUP oUTings

stu 220 P t p y

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FILE PHOTO

Juggler Tuey Wilson always draws a good crowd. In 2017, he said he had been performing at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival for 37 years.

Southwest Summer Fun, South edition

May 25, 2019 | 7

What’s on tap at Canterbury Park this season

BY MADDIE DEBILZAN For Southwest News Media

T

here are several new events at Canterbury this summer, which marks the horse track’s 25th year in Shakopee.

Live horse races will be held from May 3 through Sept. 14.

C a nt e r b u r y w i l l h o s t

t wo Fou r t h- of- Ju ly f i r e work shows Ju ly 3 - 4. On both nights, horse racing will start at 4 p.m., and live music will play until the fireworks start at 10 p.m.

Canterbury spokesman Jeff Maday said the event has attracted between 17,000 and 20,000 people in the past.

Also new this year will be

Canterbury to A8

COURTESY PHOTOS BY COADY PHOTOGRAPHY

Live horse races will be held from May 3 through Sept. 14 at Canterbury Park in 2019.

Canterbury will host two Fourth-of-July fi rework shows July 3-4 this summer.

This summer marks Canterbury Park’s 25th year of racing.

Racing dates Racing days and times Thursdays beginning June 6 at 6 p.m.

Fridays at 6 p.m. except Sept. 13 at 5 p.m.

Saturdays and Sundays — 12:45 p.m. except June 22, Aug. 10 and 24 at 5 p.m.

Holidays – 12:45 p.m. except July 4 at 4 p.m.

July 3 – Special 4 p.m. post time Significant Dates Friday, May 3 – Opening night with 6 p.m. racing On July 3-4, Canterbury Park horse racing will start at 4 p.m., and live music will play until the fi reworks start at 10 p.m.

Saturday, May 4* — Kentucky Derby Day. Live racing begins at 12:45 p.m.

Monday, May 26* – Running of the English Bulldogs Memorial Day, May 27 — racing at 12:45 p.m. with Memorial Day Salute to Service Saturday, June 8* — Belmont Stakes T-Shirt Giveaway Sunday, June 16* – Father’s Day – Bassett Hound Races Saturday, June 22 – Mystic Lake Northern Stars Racing Festival featuring Mystic Lake Derby Friday, June 28 – Canterbury Uncorked Wednesday, July 3* –

4 p.m. racing. Fireworks Spectacular and live music presented by Kwik Trip after the races.

Thursday – Saturday, August 22-24 – Indian Horse Relay & Indian Market

Wednesday, July 4* — 4 p.m. racing with encore fireworks display and Fourth of July activities

Sunday, September 1 — $700,000 Minnesota Festival of Champions – the best state-bred horses compete.

Saturday, July 27* – Wiener Dog Races & Donuts

Monday, Sept. 2* – Bark In The Park Championships

Saturday, August 4* — Unicorn & Llama Races

Saturday, Sept. 14 – Final day of Live Racing

Saturday, August 10 – Made in Minnesota Day featuring Minnesota Oaks and Derby

*indicates Premium Day

Saturday, August 18* — Corgi Races & Cupcake Festival

For more information, go to the Canterbury Park’s website at www. canterburypark.com/ events/.

8 | May 25, 2019

CANTERBURY continued from 7

unicorn and llama races on Aug. 4. The unicorn races

Southwest Summer Fun, South edition (Shetland ponies wearing unicorn horns) should att rac t plent y of chi ld ren, Maday said.

On Aug. 10, Canterbury will host a “Made in Min-

nesota” day, when various venders will sell original Minnesota creations. There will also be a beer festival with Minnesota-made beer and wine, and a Minnesota

derby, where Mi n nesot abred 3-year-olds will compete for a $100,000 purse.

A nd, of cou rse, Maday said, “we’ve got all the dog races back.”

Weiner dogs warm up in July 2016 at Canterbury Park.

COURTESY PHOTOS BY COADY PHOTOGRAPHY

Bassett hound races will return to Canterbury Park this summer.

A Corgi looks over the shoulder to see where the competition is during races at Canterbury Park.

Bassett hound races will return to Canterbury Park this summer.

Bulldogs race toward the fi nish line at Canterbury Park.

Southwest Summer Fun, South edition

May 25, 2019 | 9

COURTESY PHOTO

Before you head out to Valleyfair, check out our tips and tricks.

Tips for navigating Valleyfair this season

BY KATIE SAFFELL For Southwest News Media

I

f you still aren’t sure how to celebrate the sun this summer, why not take full advantage of the best local attractions Minnesota has to offer? Do Valleyfair like a pro this year with insider tips and tricks to enjoy the best new events, food and rides around.

Valleyfair Communications Manager Kelsey Bailey knows all the helpful hacks for experiencing the park to the fullest. Here are a few of her hints. For the full list, visit her blog at valleyfair.com.

HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE Priority number one, according to Bailey, is hydra-

tion. Save money a nd be environmentally conscious by bringing your own water bottle and refilling throughout the park. For other beverages, t r y a n a l l- day or all-season souvenir cup for unlimited refills for the entirety of your visit. The cups are cheaper online, so plan ahead and make the most of your investment.

More information Where: One Valleyfair Drive (Co. Rd. 101), Shakopee Information: 952-445-7600 Website: www.valleyfair. com Admission: $35 valid for one admission any public operating day through

June 30; junior/senior rates available, along with special offers. See website for details.

Hours: Open daily at 10 a.m. from May 11 through Sept.

3; open at 11 a.m. weekends in September and October.

See website for full calendar.

GET THERE EARLY To avoid crowds, head to the park early and skip the lines. Bailey says smart park-goers will want to start at the back and move forward. When the park starts to get busy, you will have allowed yourself enough time to experience the rides you want to, and you will have the luxury of moving away

BRING A ZIPLOCK

If the rain threatens your trip, bring an umbrella or a poncho. If there is no lightning, rides will still operate.

Work w it h t h e w at e r.

There are plenty of waterbased attractions, and Bailey recommends you pack a Ziplock to spare your phone from any perilous splashing.

If you are looking to save money on food, Bailey recommends packing a cooler for lunch and picnicking at

from the majority of traffic when it’s congested.

PACK A LUNCH

parks near Valleyfair. Make sure, if you leave the park, to hang on to your ticket so you will be readmitted.

and pick which weekend you don’t want to miss. Or, try them all!

NEW STUFF

F r o m Ju n e 8 t h r ou g h June 3 0 the Peanuts wi l l t a ke over t he pa rk f rom the front section to Planet Snoopy. Visitors will have t he ch a nc e to “step i nto the comic strip” with larger-than-life comic cutouts and decor, or nosh on speci a lt y “ Pe a nut s -t heme d” treats temporari ly avai lable at different food vendor s t h r ou g hout Va l leyf a i r, i nclud i n g “C h a rl ie Brownies,” “Linus’s Pigs in a Blanket,” and “Patty’s Melt Sliders.”

If food is part of the fun for you, look alive! Valleyfair is revamping its food offerings. For an example of its exciting new culinary directions, come by the amusement park on weekends in July and August to try the mo st excit i n g si g n at u r e fo o d s du r i n g M i n ne s ot a Eats.

Each weekend will feature new variants on classic Minnesotan grub, with changing offerings in four categories: Juicy Lucy, comfor t food, f ried food a nd desserts. Visit Valleyfair’s website to view the menu

PEANUTS

Valleyfair to 10

10 | May 25, 2019

Southwest Summer Fun, South edition

COURTESY PHOTOS

The Delirious ride was added to Valleyfair in 2018.

On the menu Minnesota Eats Menu

MN Fried: Croquets Hotdish

Desserts: Apple Crisp

July 13-14

Desserts: S’more Nachos

Peanuts Celebration

Juicy Lucy: Lasso Burger

July 27-28

Weekends

MN Comforts: Sweetish Meatballs

Juicy Lucy: PB&J Burger

June 8-30

MN Comforts: Goulash

MN Fried: Walleye Basket

MN Fried: Spam on a Stick

Desserts: Bent Paddle Cold Press Cupcake

Desserts: Nut Goodie Parfait

Activities: Pigpen’s Pig Pen, Pepperment Patty’s Creation Station, Peanuts Sketch School, Woodstock’s Music Festival, and more

July 20-21 Juicy Lucy: Donut Bacon Burger MN Comforts: Booyah

August 3-4 Juicy Lucy: Taco Guac Burger MN Comforts: Wild Rice Soup

June 15: Charlie Brown Day — all Charlie Browns enter free

MN Fried: Corn Fritter Everything looks different on the Steel Venom ride.

VALLEYFAIR continued from 9

Among other games and activities, the classic character Pigpen will make his debut at the park this year

with his very own petting zoo at the Peanuts Pavillion to honor his messy namesake.

The Peanuts gang will also help Valleyfair break in the brand new Superior Stage with musical performances from Sally, Schroeder and

their friends in the band Jelly of the Month Club for “Woodstock’s Music Festival.”

T he most ent hu si astic Schultz fans won’t want to miss Charlie Brown Day. F o r t ho s e w it h a s e r e n dipitous name and a valid

ID, anyone named Charlie Br ow n (or s ome va r i a nt thereof, like Charles, Chuck or Charlotte) will get into the park for free on June 15. Attendees are, of course, encou raged to d ress like “everyone’s favorite block-

head” for a photo opportunity on Superior Stage.

Lastly, i f you have not gotten the opportunity to ride the 2018 addition “Delirious,” Valleyfair’s latest circular coaster, rally up some friends to help you

t e st t he s e t ip s a nd s e ek some thrills!

For a full calendar, season pass, daily tickets, event detai ls or more in for mation, visit val ley fair.com or download the Valleyfair mobile app.

Southwest Summer Fun, South edition

May 25, 2019 | 11

5 hot trends for your summer wardrobe

BY MEG BRITTON-MEHLISCH mbrittonmehlisch@swpub.com

DETAILED HEMS You won’t want to crop your jeans with hems like these. This summer, it’s all about the details, right down to the hems on your jeans.

Distressed hems are a creative way to add a subtle edginess to a classic look. For a cleaner look, search out a pair of pants with a tulip help or some delicate detailing.

JUMPSUITS Make way maxi-dresses, the jumpsuit is dominating as the long look of the summer.

Jumpsuits come chalk full of styling possibilities. The can be dressed up with stylish belts, heels, and delicate jewelry or worn casually with athletic shoes or flats.

This year fashion magazines like InStyle, Vogue and Refinery29 are raving about utility jumpsuits in neutrals and earth tones like white and olive. Utility jumpsuits bring industrial style touches like extra buttons, pockets and stitching into a great one piece package. This style evokes a modern twist on the classic Rosie Riveter look.

BOWS You can find bows gracing the some of the most popular shirt styles this summer.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MAINSTREAM BOUTIQUE

Clothing with bows are hot right now.

Harper’s Bazaar recounted how designers like Balmain, Valentino and Givenchy took bows to new heights this year, adding them to gowns, backpacks and neck accessories during Paris fashion week.

But you don’t have to be haute couture to make this trend work for you.

Employees at Mainstream Boutique in Savage said their customers are falling in love with shirts that tie off in knots and bows. And it’s not

hard to see why. Bows add a little extra, without much effort, to pieces that would be wardrobe staples.

SLOUCHY TROUSERS Skinny jeans are far from gone, but numerous brands and stores are embracing a more relaxed leg in light materials like linen and cotton.

Palazzo, gaucho, and paper bag waist pants are all trendy versions of this breezy style.

Palazzo pants generally

come in a longer leg, hitting near the ankle. This European sounding style has a skirt-like bottom that f lairs to create a wide leg silhouette. Gaucho pants are to palazzo pants as capris are to jeans. The shorter cut, ending near mid-calf, creates what t he fashion blog Who What Wear calls a spl it- sk i r t lo ok. T he se pants are great for showing off some statement heels or an intricate pair of sandals.

Slouchy trousers are more relaxed than those skinny jeans.

Paper bag waist pants may not sound like the most comfortable garment, but this high-waisted style is f lattering to a broad range of body types. A signature belt allows you to tie the pants as tightly or loosely as you like, giving you room to breathe and enjoy all of your favorite summer treats. These versatile bottoms would be great paired with crop tops, bodysuits, and longer flowy tops tucked in to the waist.

Detailed or distressed hems bring a creative touch to pants.

TIE DYE If any trend is seeing a revitalization this year, it’s atie-dye. Harper’s Bazaar called the adoption of tie-dye

by Prada and Stella McCartney a “tie-dye renaissance.”

Bringing back memories of summer camps, this pattern lets you bring a bit of your childhood ease to a modern look. To rock this trend all you really need is your favorite pair of jeans. Less is more when it comes to tie-dye.

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12 | May 25, 2019

Southwest Summer Fun, South edition

Summer soaking Where to find water

BY UNSIE ZUEGE uzuege@swpub.com

Where do you go when it’s hot, hot, hot? You get cool, cool, cool in the water silly.

And fortunately for us in the southwestern suburbs, we’re surrounded with splash pads, water parks, swimming pools and beaches galore.

Here’s a guide for some of the best places to take a dip this summer.

What are you in the mood for? If it’s an outdoor water park, the big kahuna of water parks is, hands down, Valleyfair’s Soak City. Not only is it a fabulous water park but it’s inside an amusement park.

Can’t beat that. Go on spinetingling rides, cool down in the water park, and repeat.

H ig h l ig ht s : Breaker’s Plunge, touted as the “tallest side-by-side speed slides in the country.” And if that’s not a t h r i l l , t r y out t he 350,000-gallon wave pool that has a depth that goes from 0 to 6 feet.

Also try out the Raging Rapids, a rough whitewater tube ride, and top that off with Hurricane Falls, a 70 -foot-tall behemoth that drops multi-person rafts into the pool that then takes you down a 1,280 foot “river.”

I f you don’t ne e d t he

PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF SHAKOPEE

SandVenture in Shakopee.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Cascade Bay’s mascot Captain C. Breeze stands in front of the Cascade Bay water park’s poolside ship, complete with water slides. amusement park experience, just water thrills, try out Cascade Bay in Eagan. It has Sandpiper Beach, a zerodepth entry, a leisure pool with water slides, and when you want to take a break

from the water sports, try out a round on the mini golf course.

What if you simply want sun and sand and water. Try out SandVenture Aquatic Park in Shakopee. The pool

has a sandy bottom so it’s like being at the lake, but it has the benefits of being a chlorinated pool.

For another lake, but not a lake, day at the beach, try out the Lake Minnetonka Swimming Pond in Minnetrista, part of the Three Rivers Park District. The 1.75acre swimming pond at Lake Minnetonka has a maximum depth of six feet and is completely surrounded by sand.

The pond features filtered, chlorinated water, a changing shelter, concessions, and large beach umbrellas for shade. A pass is required for ages 1 year and older.

But what if you’re in the mood for a real lake and chance encounters with sunnies and bluegills and lily pads? Head to western Carver County, to Baylor Regional Park at Eagle Lake. It’s a Carver County park, covering 201 acres. It not only has a swimming beach and beach house, but it’s got a campground, 18-hole disc golf, and

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Check out a tube slides at Soak City Waterpark inside Valleyfair. an observatory, too.

But what if you don’t want to drive that far?

Check out Carver County’s other lakes with swimming beaches. How about Lake Waconia Regional Park?

It has a swimming beach with changing rooms and restrooms on site, lifeguards from noon to 6 p.m., picnic tables and grills and seasonal shade umbrellas for those who burn easily.

Or dip a toe at the beach in Lake Minnewashta Regional Park, Chanhassen.

It’s off Highway 41 between Highway 5 and Highway 7.

The beach is open daily from noon to 6 p.m. with lifeguards and a changing room with showers and restrooms.

Another option is Lake Ann Park in Chanhassen.

It’s free, and all the sandy

beach you want. Lifeguards, too. A nifty concessions stand and picnic shelter make life, well, a day at the beach.

Excelsior Com mons Beach is a great place to swim and sun in Excelsior.

You can brag about hanging out on Lake Minnetonka, and then stroll downtown for ice cream treats afterwards.

Another nifty swimming hole ne a rby i s t he apt ly n a me d C l a y h o l e S w i m Beach in Chaska. A perfect place for those who want a quieter, smaller scale place to enjoy the sun and water and concessions.

After an afternoon in the sun, pop into the adjacent Chaska Curling Center to cool down next to the sheet of ice in the curling center and enjoy a meal at the Crooked Pint Ale House.

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