If you listen closely on the evening of December 5, you’ll hear
the clip-clop of hooves and the jingle-jingle of bells. You’ll also hear
laughter, great music and neighbors getting to know one another. Snow and cold
weather mean it’s time for Northside residents to celebrate at Holiday on 44th,
the free festival that brings horse-drawn wagons, twinkling lights and hot
roasted chestnuts to the Camden Community.
In 1998, several Camden
residents decided North Minneapolis needed a fun, free family event. The volunteers
came up with a wintertime street party, spotlighting local businesses and
schools, and offering a variety of entertainment. Using the arts as a medium,
the planning committee hoped to provide a cheerful venue for neighbors to get
to know one another and the organizations in their community.
Each year, traditional
performers from a different culture are invited to perform. This year showcases
a bit of diversity in American music. At Patrick Henry High School, the Roe
Family Singers will perform old-timey folk music, while at Loring Community
School, “Kids Dance” features lively DJs playing high-energy modern music to
get kids dancing.
Most of the events at
Holiday on 44th are free, making it a perfect event for families to enjoy
together. Roasted marshmallows, chestnuts, hot cocoa or apple cider are
available without spending a nickel, but local restaurants like Emily’s and
Victory 44 will also have food for sale. At Loring Community School, the new
Firebox Deli will be selling pulled pork and brisket sandwiches as a fundraiser
for the school’s 5th grade trip to Camp Audubon. Near The Warren, the brand-new
Northside food truck, Ta-DAyZ, will be selling calico beans.
At Loring School, the
Brodini Comedy Magic show is a long-time Holiday on 44th tradition. The
magician gets kids (and adults) laughing and wondering, “How did he do that?”
Down the street at Penn
and 44th, jugglers toss flaming torches to one another, while nearby an artist
transforms a block of ice into a sparkling work of art. Volunteers hand out
warm chestnuts for spectators to enjoy as they watch the artisans. Nearby
businesses like Victory’s Image and Mighty Stitch will have special deals for
the evening.
Looking for gifts? The
Housing Resource Center (44th and Penn) is hosting a bird feeder workshop for
kids. Come early—there is a limited number of free kits to build. Those who
wish to shop for local and hand-crafted items can also browse the huge arts and
craft fair at Patrick Henry, which features several new vendors this year.
There are even more gift ideas at the Holiday Magic market at the Goddess of
Glass.
Holiday on 44th is a
tradition with Camden area residents, who are undaunted by snowstorms or
sub-zero temperatures. Last year, crowds gathered around fire pits to roast marshmallows
and warmed their hands on fresh-roasted chestnuts, even when temperatures sunk
to 10 below zero.
For a full schedule of
activities/events see page 7. And also visit the Holiday on 44th page on
Facebook. Your neighbors look forward to seeing you at this fun winter event.