Home to a growing art and cultural scene, community events for all ages, and popular restaurants, Hopkins is an ideal spot to begin a Twin Cities adventure. Fans of art and culture will feel right at home as soon as they enter the city. The Hopkins Center for the Arts is a regionally renowned art facility featuring unique exhibitions and individual works, and hosts a variety of outdoor public art programs. People in search of delicious cuisine are in luck. Hopkins is home to a diverse selection of restaurants such as Samba Taste of Brazil, Pizza Luce (legendary in the Twin Cities), and Pub 819. Don't forget the city is only seven miles southwest of Downtown Minneapolis.
The Hopkins Raspberry Festival has been a go-to event for families and fun-seekers since its inception 84 years ago, and it will take place July 7-15 in Downtown Hopkins. This year’s edition presents attendees with a fun family-friendly experience complete with the ever-popular Marketplace Craft Fair and Grand Day Parade, plus, a variety of games, entertainment, and activities. The Marketplace Craft Fair is a must for everyone from shopaholics to tire kickers. Here people can purchase art, crafts, clothing, trinkets, and more from hundreds of vendors lining Main Street. The Grand Day Parade is a sight that all attendees should behold. It includes vibrant floats constructed by local businesses and organizations, classic and unique vehicles, and high school bands. Plus, many of the participants will be handing out candy for the kids. Some additional activities include the Raspberry Run (five and one mile runs through the city), a Car Show (showcasing classic, restored, and new vehicles), and the crowning of this year’s Raspberry Royalty. For a full breakdown of all the activities and happenings the event has to offer, stop by the events schedule page. ResortsandLodges.com interviewed Vice President of the Hopkins Raspberry Festival, Jeff Dulac, to learn more about this all-ages spectacular.
RAL: How long has the event been running?
JD: The Hopkins Raspberry Festival is in its 84th year, and the first edition took place in 1935.
RAL: How many annual attendees do you draw?
JD: We expect between 5,000-10,000 attendees.
RAL: What demographic does your event attract? Children? Families? Couples?
JD: The events and activities appeal to all age groups.
RAL: What makes this event unique?
JD: The Marketplace Arts and Crafts Fair is a unique experience featuring local businesses, crafters, artists, food trucks, and music entertainment. The annual parade, which takes place the following day, is the largest in Minnesota!
RAL: Take me through a day at the event. What can I expect as an attendee?
JD: The Marketplace Place Craft Fair will satisfy your shopping needs, and food vendors will fulfill your appetite on every corner. Evening events include family-friendly activities such as inflatable rides, 4-H Demonstrations, Glitter Tattoos, and Fireworks!
RAL: Will there be any guest appearances?
JD: Entertainment includes local headliner CBO: Casablanca Orchestra, and School of Rock will take the stage during the day.
RAL: What dining options will attendees encounter?
JD: There will be a variety of food vendors, and the local bars and restaurants will be open during the event.
RAL: Tell us about the overall atmosphere?
JD: It has a casual and festive atmosphere, plus, live music accompanies the evening events.
RAL: What can an attendee expect to find for local lodging?
JD: There is not a hotel in Hopkins, but our surrounding suburbs (Edina, Minnetonka, Eden Prairie) have plenty of lodging.
RAL: Does this drive business to your local economy?
JD: Yes, more information about the event's effect on the local economy can be found here.
RAL: Does the event support a particular cause in the community?
JD: The festival is entirely volunteer-driven, and financial support from local area businesses is paramount. Sponsorships go directly towards the considerable costs associated with security, parade entries, expenses related to the Family Day Activities, and promotion of the festival as well as funding our Royalty Program.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
JD: The festival is in its 84th year, and our mission is to cater to every type of individual. We are sure that you will enjoy our Marketplace Craft Fair, live music and entertainment, food vendor offerings, and Grande Day parade!
For more information about the Hopkins Raspberry Festival, please visit the event website.