There's another sesquicentennial happening in Minnesota this year, and it's about to unfold in Minneapolis.
The city's celebration of the 150th anniversary of the formation of its municipal government officially begins on Friday, although related events began earlier this year.
Several family-oriented events are planned through July 27. There are ongoing exhibits at such places as the Mill City Museum and the mayor's office, as well as lecture series at the Hennepin History Museum and the downtown library.
Several notable events during the sesquicentennial include:
• An 1860s vintage baseball game featuring the Quicksteps team and a pickup team of Minneapolis elected officials organized by Paul Ostrow, a Quicksteps regular and City Council member. That's Saturday at 11 a.m. at B.F. Nelson Park, Main Street and 5th Avenue NE., on the edge of the original town site of what became Minneapolis. A groundbreaking for the move of the Pioneers statue to the park is also planned.
• Dance and music marking the city's sister city relationships with eight other countries, including delegations from those cities. This event, highlighted by synchronized Japanese baton twirlers, will be held from 1-4 p.m. Sunday at Nicollet Island Pavilion.
• The City Council will meet at 10 a.m. Friday at City Hall to recognize former elected officials and hear speakers on the city's history.
STEVE BRANDT
