Where to start?

When Minneapolis trots out a major event, apparently we can't help but use the national spotlight to REALLY make an impression.

It's not enough to just have the All-Star Game festivities. We need acts of nature, loud noises and a national story igniting in the middle of it all again. Let's get to it:

1) The rain delay at the Home Run Derby: Writers and fans groused on Twitter about rain — rain! — as if Minnesota has a premium on it. They wondered loudly why this new stadium of ours doesn't have a roof. Folks: Nostalgia aside, the Metrodome was a dump. So let's not wish for those days. Retractable roof? Wouldn't have worked on Target Field for the size, and we will reiterate that we've only been to one retractable roof ballpark we actually like (Safeco in Seattle). Every other retractable roof ballpark — particularly Miller Park in Milwaukee — makes us feel like we are watching baseball in a giant airplane hangar. We'll take an hour rain delay if it means we get outdoor baseball and incredible rainbows. 100 times out of 100.

2) The derby itself? A lot of fun … but a lot drawn out, too. The actual competition took almost three hours. It should be two. There is one round too many now. Let's go back to simplifying this thing: Four players from each league, the top player from each league after the first round goes to the finals, and then it's done. Yes, it might seem silly to argue about the format for a made-up event, but we could sense even the throng at Target Field getting a little bored last night.

3) Fireworks after midnight? The fireworks show at the post-derby Gala down by the river left plenty of locals grumpy. We witnessed the display, and the grand finale was not done until after 12:30 a.m. Is that OK? Well, this is a once-a-generation special event. But it was also a week night preceding a work day for the countless people who do not care one bit about the All Star Game.

4) Chris Kluwe is having a news conference at 11 a.m. to talk about his assertion that the Vikings are reneging on a promise to release their report into his allegations of homophobia within the organization. We're not sure which side is driving the timing on this thing, but it will become even more of a national story with all the media in town for the All-Star Game.

5) If that wasn't enough, remember that 31 establishments in downtown Minneapolis are open until 4 a.m. tonight. Things have gotten crazy. They might just get crazier.