Author Archives: beverly

Summerland with a side of Splash!

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Tiger and I have the same taste.
Nishad has already developed a bit of a “lead foot.” For him, 16 can’t come soon enough. My next campaign is to lobby to raise the driving age to 18. It’ll buy me a few years at least. Ha!


Ahoy, Tiger! There are no peddles on these. The attendant simple starts them up and then they are able to steer their boat.

I remember doing this as a kid. The feel of water running in between your fingers…That cool, crisp reminder of living in the moment and enjoying every second.

“The need for speed.” Again…18 sounds good.

St. Cloud’s Summerland will leave your little ones feeling as though they are on cloud 9! This is one of the few amusement parks that has kiddie cars and kiddie bumper boats for children ages 3-7. It’s a small business, and also has miniature golf on site along with an outdoor water slide, batting cages and adult bumper boats and go carts, with an arcade inside the main building. Each kiddie ride is around $3.50 for 5 minutes.

After having some fun at Summerland, cool off at a free Splash Pad! There are three in St Cloud. In near by Waite Park, there is one that was just completed– a $665,ooo investment for endless giggles and smiles on a hot summer day. A chunk of this capital came from a fund from former Council Member Dan Butkowski who died in a car accident in 2005. He was known for being a family advocate, who hoped the city would have a splash pad installed. A plaque near the splash pad reads, “Thanks to everyone for their support and generosity in keeping Dan’s dream alive.” I’m sure he knew all along the joy this splash pad would bring to young…and “not-so-young” alike. Rest in Peace, Mr. Butkowski.

JamFest

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Nishad found a dinosaur at JamFest!
You guessed it! Firetruck’s at JamFest too!

1 big Monster Truck!

Tiger was ready to drive off in this purple pontiac.

Nishad was reeved up about this Camero!

We are out and about supporting local businesses in Otsego at the 1st annual JamFest in Otsego, while Ashish is serving up some brats/dawgs at the local Cub Food (proceeds go to Compass Academy)! Contrary to what some people have asked me, JamFest has nothing to do about jam. 🙂 Perhaps, it is an assumption because we’re in the northwest suburbs…and it still is pretty urban here? Yes, we have a dairy farm 2 blocks away from us and drive past corn fields to and fro on a daily basis, but we have all the comforts of home– really! We also reside in the 8th largest school district in Minnesota. None the less, JamFest, is not about Jam. So, clear your mind of any images you may get of canning with friendly strangers, or Lucy and Ethel rolling up their pants, stomping on grapes in a big barrel.

The Otsego JamFest was sponsored by three businesses in Otsego: Target, Rockwood’s and Denny’s. We went and had lunch at Denny’s and then meandered through the car-show, hosted by Otsego Custom Rod and Custom, checked out the firetrucks, bouncers, pony’s and zoo. There are bands scheduled all day (from noon to midnight!). This was such an organized event, that made a Mom with two in tow, pretty stress free. I do hope it becomes an annual thing.

For the record, I do love jam! Especially, raspberry!

1 HOT Museum

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Nishad driving the firetruck simulator.
Tons of themed trains to play with.

Chief Nishad.

Practing on the fire pole, like the pros!

Rushing down the streets of Minneapolis on the back of a firetruck!




Not being from Minnesota, I like to seek out things that are off the beaten path. Many things I find turn out to be things that people that have lived here all their lives and they don’t know about- or haven’t been too. (I should compose a book!) The event planner in me loves to pull things together and offer suggestions to others. Though the Maple Grove Community Center offers a Junior Firefighter birthday. This place would be ” the” place to have a firefighter themed party– hands down. Another perk, is that you don’t have to be a resident of Maple Grove to have it. Plus, you don’t have to be 34-inches to ride the truck! In addition, you’re supporting a non-profit.

The Firefighters Hall and Museum is a fun place to learn about the history of firefighting, fire prevention and safety. Children can steer the rear end of a ladder truck, try pumping water to put out a simulated fire, slide down the fire pole, operate St. Paul’s old fire alarm switchboard, try on firefighting gear, “drive” a firetruck and even ride on one down the streets of Minneapolis! This hidden gem that I discovered was well worth it! In fact, I believe we know exactly where our fire chief is having his birthday party! The Museum is only open on Saturday from 9am to 4pm. Admission is $6 for adults and $3.00 for children (which includes the firetruck ride!).

Though you gotta love an 80 year old retired Minneapolis fireman that still can flirt with you, be mindful of the kids as certain “collector” and privately owned trucks are not for climbing…and this really upsets the volunteers that work here. Just remember that not everything is “hands on” and to be respectful.

Makin’ a Splash!

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There is nothing “cooler” to do on a hot day than visit a splash pad! This free splash pad located in St. Louis Park is fenced in– which works out wonderfully! Children easily know their boundaries and it feels like an open space, without overwhelming parents. There are ample trees for shade, a “clean” port-a-potty and playground with picnic benches. There are only three large umbrellas to sit in the share at the splash pad, so get there early or come after 1p.m. (when everyone clears out a bit and daycares round up their kids to go back to the site). Be sure to bring a bucket or two, but label it as they like to disappear in thin air! It your caffeine fix on your way at the Caribou right off Minnetonka Boulevard!

NNO

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Cutest Little Firemen Around!
This was the first year that our neighborhood didn’t celebrate National Night Out– and the first year I wasn’t involved in any coordinating efforts. Life has simply gotten busier and busier for everyone, or it would appear so. We were hoping to celebrate in Otsego, but after I checked on our city web site, I came to learn that there was no news about NNO on it. Bummer! We were disappointed. So, I came to learn that the city of Maple Grove (about 20 minutes south of us) was having a free pre-celebration for NNO at their community center! It was AWESOME! The event not only was geared to kids, but they had numerous free things to do. Maple Grove is always organized as seems to have it together! Of course, the fire department was a hit through the perspective of my boys! Thanks, Maple Grove! Though we don’t live in your community, we feel a little closer to you now.