🔁 $8M Pickleball Paradise + Your Last State Fair Chance

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Good morning, South Metro!

Happy Labor Day! While everyone else is firing up the grill, we're here with the mid-week intel you actually need.

What's inside:

An $8M+ pickleball paradise coming to Apple Valley (with 80 beer taps!)
Your final chance at State Fair corn dogs before the year-long wait begins
Cricket takes over Lakeville with 222 players proving Minnesota loves its alternative sports
Community festivals, treasure hunts, and why joining an orchestra might be exactly what you need

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News

$8M+ Pickleball Complex Coming to Apple Valley

Apple Valley has approved plans for a massive 67,000-square-foot indoor pickleball facility that's going to be the largest in the South Metro.

This 18-court complex with food hall and 80 self-serve beer taps will be a game-changer for local pickleball players.

No-Audition Community Orchestra Welcomes South Metro Musicians

The Cannon Valley Regional Orchestra has been bringing together talented musicians from 22 communities for nearly 50 years without intimidating auditions or membership fees.

This welcoming musical family offers flexible participation and quality orchestral performances, showing what's possible when communities prioritize accessible arts opportunities for adult musicians.*

Learn More About Joining the Cannon Valley Regional Orchestra

222 Players Turn Out for Lakeville Cricket Tournament

Lakeville just hosted one of Minnesota's largest cricket tournaments, drawing 222 participants including men, women, and kids for a weekend of competitive play.

The August event, organized by CRICHUB SPORTS ACADEMY with city support, attracted local officials and demonstrated serious community appetite for alternative sports programming.

This kind of turnout suggests cricket might be finding its footing in Minnesota's recreational sports landscape.

*indicates sponsored advertising content.

Monday (09/01/25)

Minnesota State Fair - FINAL DAY
Okay, this is it... the last chance to get your corn dog fix and ride the Giant Slide before waiting a whole year for the Great Minnesota Get-Together to return. If you've been putting off that final State Fair run, Labor Day is your absolute deadline.

Minnesota Renaissance Festival Picture this: you're wandering through a medieval village where people actually commit to the bit, complete with "huzzah!" and turkey legs bigger than your head. The Renaissance Festival on Labor Day is perfect if you want to escape into a world of jousting knights and fairy wings - plus the Mermaid Cove is surprisingly enchanting (even if you feel a little silly admitting it). See the daily events at renaissancefest.com

Corn Fest at Valleyfair Leave it to Minnesota to throw a whole festival celebrating corn... and honestly, we're here for it. Valleyfair's Corn Fest is basically their way of saying "hey, summer's ending, let's eat corn-themed everything while riding roller coasters," and it's included with your regular park admission.

Wednesday (09/03/25)

Eagan Market Fest | 4pm | Goat Hill Park
You know how summer markets always end too soon? Well, Eagan's got your back... they're extending theirs through October 8th at Goat Hill Park. The lighting's better there, so you can actually browse comfortably until 7 PM on Wednesdays, and they've got all the good stuff - kids activities, ways to use your SNAP benefits, and even little rewards for bringing your reusable bag.

Inver Grove Heights Days | 9/3 - 9/7
IGH Days is doing that classic small-town festival thing we all secretly love - treasure hunts with real cash prizes, city-wide garage sales, and weekend-long bingo in a tent. They've got something for every age group, and if you're into that nostalgic community celebration feel (complete with a Miss IGH pageant), this is your jam. Plus, who doesn't love a good medallion hunt that could net you $250? See their full event schedule invergroveheightsdays.org

Thursday (09/04/25)

Burnsville Festival & Fire Muster | 9/4-9/6 | Burnsville City Hall
This is one of those community festivals that really gets it right - they're all about celebrating Burnsville's diversity while keeping things safe and fun for everyone. Fair warning though, they've stepped up security this year (think State Fair vibes with bag checks), and if you've got teenagers, just know they'll need a parent or guardian after 8 PM. The carnival rides shut down at 8 too, but honestly... there's still plenty happening after that. See their full event schedule burnsvillefestival.org

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🔁 $8M Pickleball Paradise + Your Last State Fair Chance

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