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89th Hopkins Raspberry Festival 2023

Arts and Entertainment

June 28, 2023

From: Hopkins Raspberry Festival

Schedule:

Wednesday July 12, 2023

8:00am: Hunt for the Golden Raspberry

Each year, a medallion about the size of your palm is hidden somewhere in Hopkins during the festival. The person who finds it first earns a $300 cash prize. Clues to finding the medallion will begin appearing Wednesday, July 12, 2023. The clues will be posted on the website and social media at 8:00 am each day.

Golden Raspberry Hunt Rules

The Golden Raspberry will be hidden on public property within the Hopkins city limits
Clues will be posted on the festival’s web site, and on social media at 8:00 a.m. and each day thereafter
It will be found outdoors
It will be in an open area, not buried or hidden
It will not be hidden in a place more than six feet high

Please Keep in Mind

Property must not be damaged during the search for the Golden Raspberry.
Previous winners of the hunt, and their immediate family (e.g. parents, spouses, brothers/sisters, children), are not eligible for prize consideration for five (5) years after winning the hunt
Hunt winners will be announced on the Family Days Main Stage, Central Park on Saturday

Good luck and happy hunting!

9:00am: Laun E. Anderson Kids Fishing Event @ Shady Oak Beach - 5200 Shady Oak Rd, Minnetonka, MN 55343

A Hopkins Police Officer with a big heart describes Laun E. Anderson.

In his honor, you are invited to come down to the dock to try and grab as many fish as possible. This event is especially for children. Complimentary fishing poles are available.

Please meet at the Shady Oak picnic shelter.

1:00pm: Senior Day @ Downtown Park - 40 9th Ave S, Hopkins, MN 55343

Get excited about the Raspberry Festival Senior Social!

In July let’s celebrate Hopkins and the Raspberry Festival! On Wednesday, July 12 from 1-2:30 pm, spend the summer afternoon with us in Downtown Park.

    Socialize with other seniors in the community
    Get ready to laugh with the comedic stylings of Sue Dempsey!
    Meet and greet Raspberry Royalty
    Enjoy a special performance by our very own Hopkins Ukulele Group (HUG)
    Take part in a Raspberry Raffle ($1per ticket)
    Bring a food donation for ICA Foodshelf and receive 1 free raffle ticket (Limit 1 ticket per person)

Registration not required to attend this free event. Sponsors: Allina Health, Chapel View, Elder Homestead & WestRidge of Minnetonka.

4:30pm: Raspberry Days Kick-Off @ Vail Place - 23 9th Ave S, Hopkins, MN 55343

Kickoff the Hopkins Raspberry Festival by taking a tour of Vail Place’s Hopkins Clubhouse. The Clubhouse band, the Renovators will be playing in the parking lot!

Thursday July 13, 2023

Schedule:

5:00pm: Raspberry Patch Bingo @ Wild Boar Bar and Grill - 1022 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN 55343

Join us at Wild Boar Bar and Grill to play “Raspberry Patch Bingo”. This event will be held on Thursday, July 13. Sales of bingo sheets start at 5:00 p.m., bingo starting at 6:30 p.m.

Winners will visit the raspberry patch for cash prizes and more!

7:00pm: The Sunset Series @ Downtown Park - 40 9th Ave S, Hopkins, MN 55343

This special community event brings residents and visitors from throughout the metro area to enjoy music in our beautiful Downtown Park. Music in the Park concerts are free, compliments of area businesses and organizations. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket—refreshments always available.

7:00pm: Royalty Coronation & Royal Ball @ Hopkins Center For the Arts - 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN 55343

The tradition of Hopkins Raspberry Festival Royalty dates back to the very beginning of the Hopkins Raspberry Festival. Come join our reigning Royalty give their farewell, and congratulate the newly crowned Raspberry Royalty as they continue a Hopkins tradition more than eight decades in the making.

Join us for the Royal Ball after the Coronation and celebrate with dozens of visiting Royalty from communities all around Minnesota!

Admission: Raspberry Button

Friday July 14, 2023

Schedule:

6:00pm-10:00pm: Bingo, Food & Pull Tabs @ Elks Lodge - 30 8th Ave S, Hopkins, MN 55343

Play bingo under the big top tent and enjoy fresh grilled burgers, brats and more.

6:00pm-10:00pm: Live Music and Bean Bag Tournament @ American Legion Post 320 - 10 12th Ave S, Hopkins, MN 55343

Join the Hopkins American Legion as they celebrate the Raspberry Festival!

Friday/Saturday Live Music – Live music will take place Friday and Saturday night. The band, Bird Dogs, will play from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. in the upper level of the Legion while Random Nature plays on the lower level from 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.

7:00pm: Hair Vision – A Movie-Inspired Hair Fashion Show @ Maetzold Field - 1215 1st St N, Hopkins, MN 55343

Hair Vision – A Movie-Inspired Hair Fashion Show is a FREE 30 minute high-energy runway experience which includes giveaways from local businesses, along with students sharing their talents. This is for all-ages. Local partnerships throughout the Twin Cities will come together to celebrate premier education, community participation and a good-old time!

9:00pm: Movie Nite at Maetzold Field @ Maetzold Field - 1215 1st St N, Hopkins, MN 55343

Join us for our movie night at Maetzold Field. Bring a blanket and spend an evening enjoying A League of Their Own. Concession stand will be open with a variety of food and treats.

“In 1988, Dottie Hinson attends the opening of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League exhibit at the Baseball Hall of Fame. She sees many former teammates and friends, prompting a flashback to 1943.

When World War II threatens to shut down Major League Baseball, Chicago Cubs owner Walter Harvey persuades his fellow owners to bankroll a women’s league. Ira Lowenstein is put in charge. Scout Ernie Capadino attends an industrial-league softball game in Oregon and likes what he sees in Dottie, the catcher for a local dairy. She is not interested; she is happy with her life while waiting for her husband Bob to return from the war. Her younger sister Kit Keller, however, is desperate to get away and make something of herself. Capadino is unimpressed by Kit’s batting and refuses to watch her pitch, but agrees to take her along if she changes Dottie’s mind. Dottie agrees for her sister’s sake.

Dottie and Kit travel to Harvey Field in Chicago for the tryout. They meet taxi dancer Mae “All the Way Mae” Mordabito and her best friend, bouncer Doris Murphy, soft-spoken right fielder Evelyn Gardner, illiterate left fielder Shirley Baker, pitcher/shortstop and former Miss Georgia beauty queen Ellen Sue Gotlander, left field/relief pitcher Betty “Spaghetti” Horn, second baseperson Marla Hooch, first baseperson Helen Haley, and Alice “Skeeter” Gaspers. They and five others constitute the Rockford Peaches, while 48 others make up the Racine Belles, Kenosha Comets, and South Bend Blue Sox.

The Peaches are managed by former star Cubs slugger Jimmy Dugan, a cynical alcoholic. He initially treats the whole thing as a joke, forcing Dottie to take over as on-field leader initially. Dugan is also abrasive toward his players. The team travels with Evelyn’s spoiled bratty son Stillwell and tightly wound team chaperone Miss Cuthburt. With a Life magazine photographer in the stands, Lowenstein begs the players to do something spectacular, as the league has attracted little attention. Dottie obliges, catching a popped-up ball behind home plate while doing a split. The resulting photograph makes the magazine cover. A publicity campaign draws more people to the ballgames, but the owners remain unconvinced.

The teammates bond. Marla marries a man named Nelson whom she met on a raucous roadhouse outing and leaves the team for the rest of the season, Mae teaches Shirley to read, and Evelyn writes a team song. Lowenstein makes Dottie the face of the league, making Kit resentful. Their sibling rivalry intensifies, resulting in Kit’s trade to the Racine Belles.

The Peaches end the season with the league’s best record, qualifying for the World Series. Jimmy gives Betty a telegram informing her that her husband was killed in action in the Pacific Theater. Grief-stricken, she leaves the team. That evening, Dottie receives a surprise when Bob shows up, having been wounded and discharged from the Army. Jimmy discovers that Dottie is going home with Bob. Unable to persuade her to play in the World Series, he tells her she will regret her decision.

The Peaches face the Belles in the World Series, which goes the full seven games. Dottie rejoins the Peaches for the seventh game, while Kit is the starting pitcher for the Belles. With the Belles leading by a run in the top of the ninth, Dottie drives in the go-ahead run. Kit is distraught, but gets a second chance when she comes to bat with two outs in the bottom of the ninth. She gets a hit and, ignoring the third base coach’s sign to stop, scores the winning run by knocking her sister over at the plate and dislodging the ball from Dottie’s hand.

The sellout crowd convinces Harvey to give Lowenstein the owners’ support. After the game, the sisters reconcile before Dottie leaves with Bob.

In the present, Dottie is reunited with the other players, including Kit, Capadino and Lowenstein. The surviving Peaches sing Evelyn’s team song and pose for a photo. During the closing credits, they play baseball at Doubleday Field.”

Saturday July 15, 2023

8:00am: Chalk Art @ The ARTery - 8th Avenue South, Hopkins MN

Calling all amateur chalk artists! Chalk Art on the ARTery is sponsored by Mess Hall. Mess Hall employees will be engaging kids of all ages to draw their masterpieces!

Put your creative hat on and join the fun of decorating the ARTery and the sidewalks of Mainstreet.

We will have several 6 x 6 and 3 x 3 squares marked for you to create family friendly art.

We will have some chalk available for you to use, but you may want to bring your own supplies (extra chalk, brushes, blenders, wipes, etc.).

There will also be several professional artists creating art along with the rest of us!

Tara Aiken:
Tara Aiken is a self-taught artist who discovered chalk art at home during the Covid-19 pandemic. She has since become known for her professional chalk art creations and realistic charcoal portraits. She’s best known for bright, colorful pieces with nostalgic fun.

LeAnna Wurzer:
LeAnna Wurzer is an American artist who specializes in oil painting, murals, professional chalk art and illustration. Her work is inspired by the magic of light and how it reflects, refracts and illuminates, bringing mystery and beauty to this world.

Kim Miller:
I’m a visual artist and muralist located in the Midway. St. Paul neighborhood. I practice art through drawing, painting, and design. I find inspiration on and off of beaten paths, from nature to the urban sidewalks.

9:00am: Live Music and Bean Bag Tournament @ American Legion Post 320 - 10 12th Ave S, Hopkins, MN 55343

Join the Hopkins American Legion as they celebrate the Raspberry Festival!

Breakfast available from 9am– Noon
Beer and food will be available outside from 1pm–6pm
Bean bag tournament starts at 1 pm Registration begins at Noon.
Virtual horse Racing begins at 4pm
Bargo will begin at 6pm

9:00am: Memorial Blood Centers Blood Drive @ Mainstreet, Hopkins

Help keep families together and healthy by making a blood donation. A Minnesota-based, independent nonprofit, they supply life-saving blood, state-of-the-art laboratory services and biomedical expertise around the country and the world. Donate a pint of blood and receive a free pint of Raspberries!

Walk-ins are welcome!

9:00am: Marketplace Fair @ Mainstreet, Hopkins

The entire community of Hopkins turns out on Mainstreet to enjoy food, music and dozens of vendors displaying their crafts. Family oriented activities are available in Central Park, beginning at Noon.

The Marketplace Fair takes place on Mainstreet between 6th and 13th Avenues and includes: vendors, local business displays, artists with crafts, clothing, art, woodwork, merchandise, food and beverages. There is plenty to do at this event so come early and shop! This event is held rain or shine and is free to the public.

9:00am: Raspberry Breakfast for $3.89 @ Wild Boar Bar and Grill - 1022 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN 55343

The Wild Boar hosts the Hopkins Raspberry Association pull tabs and meat raffles, as well as sponsors the annual fireworks show on the evening of Family Day.

Come support this Hopkins business that has been a steadfast supporter of the Raspberry Festival since opening its doors in 2011.

9:00am: Raspberry Men’s Softball Tournament @ Central Park - 101 16th Ave S, Hopkins, MN 55343

This one day, double-elimination men’s tournament is limited to the first 12 teams. Teams must register by June 30 under the team manager’s account.

10:00am: Celebration of Community @ Hopkins Center For the Arts - 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN 55343

Join us for a Celebration of Community on Family Day.

Visit the Center for the Arts for cultural exhibits, music, food, dance, crafts and storytelling from various members of the Hopkins community.

10:00am: Hopkins Cruisers Big Wheels for Hot Meals @ Mainstreet, Hopkins

Kids ages 5-6, 7-8 and 9-10 race for a chance to bring home their very own Big Wheel racer. Not only is the event a great way to get kids excited about racing and the Hopkins Cruisers, it’s also a fundraiser for Meals on Wheels. In addition, food donations are accepted for ICA Food Shelf.

11:00am: Tour de Vail Ice Cream Social @ Vail Place - 23 9th Ave S, Hopkins, MN 55343

Vail Place is a community resource center for adults with serious mental illnesses, helping them find support, employment, education, housing, health and wellness, and a broader connection to the community.

11:00am: Raspberry Festival of Bands @ Downtown Park - 40 9th Ave S, Hopkins, MN 55343

The Hopkins Westwind Concert Band invites you to come to Hopkins to enjoy the many Family Day activities on Mainstreet and to stop in at Downtown Park where you can relax in the shade and enjoy the band music.

12:00pm: Raspberry Jam in Central Park @ Central Park -  101 16th Ave S, Hopkins, MN 55343

JCI Hopkins and the Hopkins Raspberry Association have teamed up and merged the Street Dance and Families in the Park event to provide various entertainment for both young and old in Hopkins Central Park!

This new event runs from Noon – Midnight, on Saturday July 15.

Entertainment includes:
Inflatables (Noon–8pm)
Kiddywampus Activities (Noon–2pm)
Children’s Games
Bubbles

Three Rivers District Activities (Noon–8pm)
Disc Golf
Golf Putting
Hopscotch
Bean Bag Tag
Land Fishing/Back Yard Bass
Table Crafts
Animal Pelts
Velcro Boards
Trivia Wheels
Bug Discovery Kits
Crafts
Scavenger Hunt

Food Trucks (4pm-10pm)
Hopkins Youth Hockey Association
ARKO Sponsored Cool Down Tent
Beer Sales (5:30pm–Midnight)

Mainstage Entertainment/Music
12:00pm– 1pm: Tricia and the Toonies
1:00pm–1:30pm: Story Time with Hopkins Library - Includes stories, songs, dancing, and a Children’s Book read by Mayor Hanlon!
1:30pm–2:30pm: Teddy Bear Band
2:30pm–3:00pm: Burn Boot Camp
3:00pm–5:00pm: PIM Arts High School
5:30pm–7:00pm: New Primitives
7:00pm–8:30pm: DJ/Dance Music
8:30pm–Midnight: Free ‘n Easy Band
10:00pm– Fireworks

This is a new event. Details are constantly changing. Please check back often for updates!

12:00pm: Berry Fest Raffle @ Wild Boar Bar and Grill - 1022 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN 55343

Continue the fun with our Berry Fest raffle and free bingo!

It’s filled with cash prizes and much more. Raffle tickets and bingo cards go fast so come early and enjoy a day of good food and family fun!

Ticket sales start at Noon. Raffle and free bar bingo starts at 2:00pm

12:00pm: Hopkins Cruisers Mainstreet Motor Show @ Mainstreet, Hopkins

Classic cars from all decades are in attendance to bring back memories of Hopkins’ days past when Mainstreet was once filled with dealerships, repair shops and filling stations. It truly was ‘the’ car town.

12:00pm-10:00pm: Bingo, Food & Pull Tabs @ Elks Lodge - 30 8th Ave S, Hopkins, MN 55343

Play bingo under the big top tent and enjoy fresh grilled burgers, brats and more.

6:00pm: Hopkins Cruisers Annual Reunion Cruise @ Mainstreet, Hopkins

Memories of the glory days of cruising Hopkins Mainstreet in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s are brought back each Raspberry Festival with a reunion cruise after the Marketplace Fair clears out.

Come watch the cruisers roll by – or better yet, come cruise with them and be a part of this storied tradition.

10:00pm: Fireworks @ Central Park -  101 16th Ave S, Hopkins, MN 55343

Wild Boar Bar and Grill proudly sponsors the Annual Hopkins Raspberry Festival fireworks display in Central Park!

At 10:00 pm, the main stage yields to this spectacular fireworks show! Hopkins’ Central Park fills with people each year for the show.

Come early to stake your spot, enjoy the entertainment and sample the food choices at this culminating event for Family Day of the Hopkins Raspberry Festival

Sunday July 16, 2023

9:00am-4:00pm: Raspberry Pickleball Tournament @ Central Park -  101 16th Ave S, Hopkins, MN 55343

Don’t miss the third annual Raspberry Festival Pickleball Tournament. Men’s and Women’s divisions start at 9 a.m. and mixed doubles at 1:30 p.m.

Men’s and Women’s Division: 9am
Mixed Doubles: 1:30pm
Central Park

Please use the following courses to register:
Men’s Division 3.5 / 4.0 – 3201103-02
Women’s Division 3.5 / 4.0 – 3201103-03
Mixed Doubles 2.5 / 3.0 – 3201103-04
Mixed Doubles 3.5 / 4.0 – 3201103-05

Registration is $60 per event.

10:00am: Freight Fest @ Depot Coffee House | The Freight Room - 9451 Excelsior Blvd, Hopkins, MN 55343

Join The Depot Youth Board at Freight Fest to celebrate Summer! The event includes live music on the outdoor stage, and a variety of student and adult craft vendors.

The Depot Coffee House will also be open with drinks and food available to purchase.

All proceeds go to support the Youth Advisory Board.

11:00am: Raspberry Run @ Mainstreet, Hopkins

The Hopkins Raspberry Run is one of Minnesota’s great running traditions. Participation for youth 18 & under is free as part of the Twin Cities Track Club ‘Kids Run Free’ initiative. Bring the whole family for the race and stay for the Hopkins Raspberry Festival Parade!

1:00pm: Grande Day Parade @ Mainstreet, Hopkins

You are invited to participate in our Grande Day Parade as we celebrate the Hopkins Raspberry Festival. Come join the enthusiastic crowd and enjoy beautiful Hopkins Mainstreet!

The tradition of the Hopkins Raspberry Festival culminates with the Grande Day Parade on Mainstreet. The parade features marching bands, visiting royalty from around the state, local businesses and clubs, and local officials. The parade begins promptly at 1 p.m. with a flyover. The parade route is from 5th Avenue/Mainstreet, west to 17th Avenue/Mainstreet. Come cheer on your friends and neighbors and help celebrate this annual event in Hopkins!

1:00pm: Pulled Pork Sandwich Lunch @ Hopkins VFW Post #425 - 100 Shady Oak Rd, Hopkins, MN 55343

The VFW mission is to foster camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts. To serve our veterans, the military and our communities. To advocate on behalf of all veterans. Hopkins VFW Post 425 hosts a pulled pork sandwich lunch following the Raspberry Festival Grande Day Parade.

3:00pm: Live Music and Bean Bag Tournament @ American Legion Post 320 - 10 12th Ave S, Hopkins, MN 55343

Join the Hopkins American Legion as they celebrate the Raspberry Festival!

Pork Chops on a Stock Available starting at Noon
Random Nature will play from 3pm–7pm in the upper level of the Legion.

Pull-tabs and e-Tabs are always available!

Come join us!

3:00pm-6:00pm: Bingo, Food & Pull Tabs @ Elks Lodge - 30 8th Ave S, Hopkins, MN 55343

Play bingo under the big top tent and enjoy fresh grilled burgers, brats and more.

Date: Wednesday July 12, 2023 - Sunday July 16, 2023

Location: various venue in Hopkins

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