July Recreation Updates

July Programs and Registration Deadlines

Community Art Classes

Join us with the Rumriver Art Center to flex those creative muscles! Visit the registration page for details on each of the projects. Locations vary.

• Mixed Media Floral
  • Date: Saturday, July 13, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  • Ages: 16+
  • Cost: $25/person. Pre-registration required.

 

Concert Series

The City of Ramsey is delighted to host the 14th annual Concert Series at The Draw. Concerts are held at 6:30 until 8:00 p.m. unless otherwise indicated. The outdoor concerts are a family-friendly event series accompanied by supplemental programs such as Art in the Park and conclude with the Trott Brook Benefit Bash.

• Date: Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. from June 13 through August 22, with no concert on July 4.  
• Cost: Free to attend.
• See the full lineup on our website.

 

Movies in the Park

Gather your friends and family, pack a lawn chair or blanket, and join us for a movie night under the stars! Our next showing will be Puss in Boots at The Draw Ballfields!

• Date: Friday, July 26. Movie will begin around 8:50 p.m. Food trucks will be available for purchase ahead of time. We invite you to bring some yard games or come play your own before the movie!
• Cost: Free to attend.
• Registration: Pre-registration is encouraged, but not required.

 

Playground Party and Grand Re-Opening

We are excited to revamp another one of our beloved parks, Alpine! Join Ramsey’s Parks and Recreation Commission for a ribbon cutting celebration with plenty of family-friendly yard games, tasty eats, and plenty of summer-time fun. Enjoy re-connecting with your neighbors, meet new friends, and stay for the July Commission meeting at the park to hear about the latest park and trail initiatives in the city, and provide your thoughts too.

• Date: Thursday, July 11, 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. The Park & Recreation Commission meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. with Citizen’s Input.
• Cost: Free to attend
• Registration: Pre-registration is encouraged, but not required.

Two Rivers Art Fair
Join us with the Rumriver Art Center for the Two Rivers Art Fair: Drawn Together! Local artists will share and sell their art with the community. In addition, this event will feature local food vendors, artist demonstrations, introductory art classes, live music and more!

• Date: Saturday, July 20 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at The Draw
• Cost: Free to attend. Artist booths are available for $30/10’x10’ display space, youth artists may register for $15. Limited space is available, apply online here.

 
 

Kids’ Corner

You asked, we answered! Last fall we sent out a Recreation Opportunities Survey to gauge areas of interest for the community. One of the top items requested was programs specifically for youth and families. This summer we are excited to host our first Summer Camps as well as expand on current offerings.

Art in the Park

We are excited to have the Rumriver Art Center join us again for Art in the Park this summer during the Draw Concert Series! Celebrating 50 years of Ramsey, the series this year will highlight insects, animals, landscapes, and local activities found in Ramsey. We will use a variety of materials such as oil pastels, watercolor paints, graphite, and more! Classes will take place at The Draw prior to the Concert Series.

• Dates: Thursdays, June 13 – August 15, 6 – 7 p.m.
• Cost: $5/child, open to ages 5-15. Pre-registration is required, open until full. Registration will be taken through the Rumriver Art Center here.

Musical Theatre Day Camp

We are partnering with Northern Starz to offer TWO brand new Day Camps for kids! This is a great opportunity for your child to unleash their inner star, develop performance skills, and boost confidence. A final performance will take place on the last day of camp at Elmcrest Park.

• Frozen the Musical (grades K-3)
  • Dates: Monday, August 12 - Friday, August 16 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Seussical the Musical (Grades 4-12)
  • Dates: Monday, August 5 - Friday, August 9 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Cost: $315 per child. Pre-registration is required. See each listing for registration deadlines.

Pop-up Play - Time2Play with Northgate Church

Let’s play! Did you know play is fundamental to a child’s healthy development and community gives children a feeling of belonging and safety? Time2Play combines the two by providing a weekly destination for fun. Bring your kids and their friends for games, sports, crafts, snacks, and more! This program will take place at the Ballfield at The Draw.

• Dates: Tuesdays, June 18 – August 20, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
• Note: Although this program is partnered with a church, it is not a religious activity. Northgate wishes to provide services to the community, regardless of religious belief.
• Cost: Free. Pre-registration is encouraged, but not required.

Play Ball!

Introduce your child to the basics of T-ball. Sessions will focus on learning the basic skills of hitting, throwing, and fielding, with mini games later in the season. Classes will take place at Central Park Ballfields.

• Dates: Monday and Wednesday evenings from August 12-28
  • Ages 3-5: 5:15 – 5:55 p.m.
  • Ages 5-7: 6 – 6:50 p.m.
  • Ages 7-8: 6:55 – 7:45 p.m.
• Cost: $49. Pre-registration required.

Sports Discovery

Explore your child’s potential passion for sports! These introductory programs are a perfect way to familiarize kids with a variety of athletic activities and learn the importance of sportsmanship. We are offering both weeknight sessions and half-day camp sessions, grouped by age. Classes will take place at Central Park.

• Half Day Camps:
  • Cost: $155/kid and includes t-shirt.
  • M-Th, 9 a.m. – noon
  • Grades 3 to 5: July 15-18
  • Grades K to 2: August 5-8
• Pre-registration is required. See each listing for registration deadlines.

 
 
 

Active Programs

Ongoing programs promote healthy habits, get you moving, and even learn a new skill or sport!

Intro to Pickleball

Would you like to learn how to play pickleball? Join us with top instructors from the North Star Pickleball Association. We will cover the basics of pickleball rules, terminology, primary skills, coordination, and how to get connected on how to play. Paddles and balls will be provided. Classes will take place at the Central Park Pickleball Courts.

• Two of four sessions remain this season, please only register for one:
  • Saturday, July 20, 3 – 5 p.m.
  • Sunday, August 25, 1 – 3 p.m.
• Cost: $12.50/person. Pre-registration required, registration is open until full.

Pickleball Ladder League

Looking to compete against other pickleball players? Join us with the North Star Pickleball Association for ladder leagues! This competitive format places players of similar skill in pools to play with multiple partners against a variety of other players each week. Results are calculated in league software and players can move up and down the ladder based on their results.

• Late Summer Session:
  • Thursdays, July 11- September 12, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
• Cost: $70/person. Pre-registration required, space is limited to 35.

Mindful Movement Yoga

Yoga is back after a brief mid-season pause! Connect your mind and body with Gentle Movement yoga sessions led by our instructor.

• Wednesdays, 6-7 p.m. at the Public Works Facility.
• Cost: $5/session. Pre-registration required.

Qigong Meditation

Experience the holistic and healing benefits of Qigong with our slow, rhythmic exercises that promote mind-body harmony.

• Thursdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. in the Alexander Ramsey Room.
• Cost: Free. Drop-in program, no registration required.

 
 
 

Happy Days

The Happy Days Festival is the City of Ramsey’s annual hometown celebration, and it will be held on September 7. During the day, the Festival hosts a wide array of family-friendly activities and events. When the sun goes down, live music and an impressive fireworks show take over. Many events are free thanks to the contributions of our generous sponsors. For the full Happy Days event schedule and details, visit our website here.
 
5K/Youth Fun Run
Bring the whole family to participate in the Happy Days 5K or Youth Fun Run (ages nine and under), sponsored by Connexus Energy. This year, we will host the run at Elmcrest Park, a beautiful and scenic location and USATF certified. Whether you are a seasoned runner or a first-time participant, you will surely enjoy the challenge and thrill of this new route.

• This year 5K runners will receive a long-sleeve tech shirt.
• Register before August 13 for $40 to guarantee your shirt!

Dog Show
This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your furry friend and connect with other dog enthusiasts. This event is generously sponsored by Armstrong Ranch Kennels.

• Enter your pup into one of five categories: Best Dressed, Top Trick, Silver Snout, Cutest Puppy, or Wiggliest Tail.
• Cost is $10/dog if you register by Monday, September 2. Space is limited.

Bean Bag Tournament
We are excited to announce that the Happy Days Bean Bag Tournament, sponsored by Anytime Fitness, is back! There will be prizes awarded to first, second and third-place teams! Plus, you receive entry into our raffle drawing just for registering. You could win t-shirts, Anytime Fitness gym memberships, and more!

• Cost is $30/team of two. Space is limited to 16 teams, registration open until full.

Sponsorship, Parade, and Expo
Would you or your organization like to give back to your community? Get involved with Happy Days!

• Sponsorship: Help us make this year's Happy Days festival the best one yet! As we celebrate another great year of festivities, we invite you to become a sponsor. Your brand will be prominently featured throughout the festival and in our promotional materials, giving you the opportunity to engage directly with over 8,000 attendees and participate in various fun activities. From presenting sponsorships to supporting roles, your involvement will not only enhance your visibility but also demonstrate your commitment to our vibrant community.
• Parade: Let out your enthusiastic spirit and join the Ramsey community for a joyful celebration! Register your group or business for the Happy Days Parade!
• Expo: Connect with residents and show off what you do best! Craft, business, political and non-profits are welcome to showcase their goods and services.

Volunteer
Get involved in your community by volunteering at Happy Days! Shifts are typically 3-4 hours and range from morning slots as early as 6 a.m. to night duties as late as 10 p.m. Some examples of areas we are looking for volunteers in are 5K/Youth Fun Run, Expo, Dog Show, Parade, Floaters, Kids activities/inflatables. We are open to working with each individual to find the right fit.

• If you have interest in volunteering for Happy Days, sign up here and we will be in touch.

 
 
 

What’s Next?

Ramsey Photo Contest

We are searching for beautiful photos from the community for our 2024 Photo Contest! This is your chance to showcase your talents, share what you love about Ramsey, and get creative and explore three different categories plus a new youth category.

• This year features three categories: Built Landscapes and Architecture, Natural Spaces and Wildlife, Life in Ramsey,  along with a new youth category: Through My Eyes
• Entries for 2024 will be open until Tuesday, December 31 at 11:59 p.m. Visit the photo contest webpage for category ideas, examples, and full rules. 

Fall and Winter Programs

We are thrilled with the new and returning faces we've seen at our programs so far this year!

• This fall, you can look forward to new art programs, continuing yoga sessions, a Pumpkin Smash event, the annual Tree Lighting, Deck the House Lights Contest, and more!
• Details will begin to be released next month.

2025 Schedule

While we're only halfway through the year, we're already planning the events and programs for 2025.  

• Expect many of our popular programs and events to return, along with even more brand new ones!
• We've received feedback about wanting more opportunities for youth and Intergenerational activities and have worked hard to test some out this year. This fall, we'll host another survey to gather your input and shape next year's offerings.

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