The State of Minnesota turns 150 years old in May. Join with Three Rivers Park District and Scott County Historical Society in commemorating this anniversary. Enjoy horse-drawn trolley rides, tours of original 19th century buildings, costumed historical interpreters, children’s games, music, and food. A special presentation will highlight the history of the State of Minnesota. This is a free program and is open to all ages.
Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, May 17
Cost: Free
Location: The Landing – Minnesota River Heritage Park, 2187 E. Highway 101, Shakopee

Renegade
Valleyfair is open for the 2008 season. Hours vary by day and month. Call 952-445-6500 or visit www.valleyfair.com.

Adapted from Franz Kafka's Novel “The Trial,” this is the tale of a bank clerk who gets lost in an incomprehensible, impenetrable bureaucracy. The Milwaukee Puppet and Mask Theatre performs this story with stunning life-sized puppets.
Time: Evening showtimes May 8-18
Cost: $15-$25
Location: Illusion Theater, 528 Hennepin Ave., Suite 704, Minneapolis

Did you know the events calendar above lists 1,000 events happening this week within a 45-mile-radius of Eden Prairie? Discover fun stuff to do by typing in a search term like "art," venue like "Canterbury Park" or by clicking on a date.

May 10, 2008, marks the 75th anniversary of the burning of the Magnus Hirschfeld Library by the National Socialists (Nazis) in Berlin. University of Minnesota Libraries hosts an exhibit displaying materials that survived the Library’s destruction and tells the history of this momentous event. Open until 5 p.m. tonight at the Elmer L. Andersen Library, in Minneapolis. Free admission. Call 612-624-3414.

Carolyn CrusoSinger/songwriter Carolyn Cruso will perform at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 6 at the 318 Cafe in Excelsior. Cost is $7. Cruso performs a variety of folk, jazz, and Celtic-inspired contemporary folk music, as well as plays a hammered dulcimer. Call 952-401-7902.

Illustration by David HohnA delightful and touching adaptation of E.B. White’s classic story about Charlotte, an extraordinary spider, and her friendship with Wilbur, an irresistible young pig. "Charlotte's Web" was named the Best American Children’s Book of the past 200 years by the Children’s Literature Association, this enchanting adaptation is great fun for all ages. Performances run May 5-31 and June 17–July 19 at the Old Log Theater, near Excelsior.

Racing returns to Canterbury Park at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, May 3. The opening-day program will feature nine thoroughbred races, including the fourth running of the $50,000 Shot of Gold Stakes. Full card simulcasting begins at 10 a.m., highlighted by the 134th Kentucky Derby from Churchill Downs. Post time for the Kentucky Derby is 5 p.m.
Information: 952-445-7224 or www.canterburypark.com

Wrinkle TimeBulldogs and their owners are invited to a picnic in the park to meet other dogs and their humans. Bring a dish to pass, non-alcoholic beverages and lawn chairs. The event will include games, food and fun at noon Sunday, May 4 at Memorial Park in Shakopee.

Get savings of 60-75% off retail on new merchandise, including Department 56, home décor, jewelry, purses, tableware, seasonal and Sandra Magsamen gifts. Proceeds from the Gift Sale will benefit the American Cancer Society.

Time: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Thursday – Sunday, May 1-4