Five Minnesota communities are holding Legacy Destination Weekends, one each in May through September, featuring arts, history and outdoors activities to showcase projects funded through the Legacy Amendment. In 2008, Minnesota’s voters passed the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment that provides funding to natural resources, arts and culture, and parks and trails projects across the state. The Legacy Destination program is a collaboration of Explore Minnesota Tourism, Conservation Minnesota, Minnesota Citizens for the Arts and the host communities.
The events include an eclectic mix of activities, such as art exhibits, concerts or theater performances, naturalist programs, historic site events and exhibits, or guided hikes, bike rides or canoe trips. Each Legacy Destination has designed its own weekend to highlight local cultural and outdoors assets, including those that received Legacy Amendment support.
“Legacy Destination Weekends are a fun, creative way to show Minnesotans the results of their support,” said John Edman, director of Explore Minnesota Tourism. “The events are designed to draw visitors to communities, as well as engage area residents.”
This is the second year of the Legacy Destination program. The participating communities applied to participate in the program, which required that at least three Legacy Amendment funded projects be included in the weekend event. Funding through the Legacy Amendment has been awarded statewide to clean up rivers and lakes, create trails, protect historical items, and fund art and history projects across the state.
“Minnesotans voted to dedicate funds to our state’s great resources,” said Paul Austin, executive director of Conservation Minnesota, “and they can see the results first-hand at these Legacy Destinations.”
“These five fun weekends let Minnesotans enjoy the great things that are happening in the arts and outdoors because of the Legacy Amendment,” said Sheila Smith, executive director of Minnesota Citizens for the Arts.
The 2012 schedule for Legacy Destination Weekends:
May 17-19, Detroit Lakes
June 11-15, Bemidji
July 19-22, St. Cloud
August 17-19, Willmar Lakes Area (New London, Spicer, Willmar)
September 8-16, Cook County (Grand Marais, Gunflint Trail and area).
For more details on the Legacy Weekends, check out www.exploreminnesota.com/legacy.
