Recreation Program Update

We had a jam-packed July and still aren’t done! Last month we revamped our Two Rivers Art Fair (formerly known as the Elmcrest Art Fair) and had both a record number of vendors and attendees. Big thank to our partners who made the event possible. You can view some highlights posted to our Facebook here. Additionally, we hosted another Movie in the Park, a 55+ Day Trip to New Ulm, Alpine Park Playground Ribbon Cutting, all alongside our weekly programs such as Yoga, Art in the Park, and the Concert Series. Don’t worry if you haven't made it out yet- we still have more time for summer fun this month!
 
August Programs and Registration Deadlines
For additional details on a specific event, please click the link(s) noted below. Otherwise, to view a full list of programs or to register, visit our registration page here.

Community Art Classes

Join us with the Rumriver Art Center to flex those creative muscles! Next up we have Mixed Media Minis hosted at our Public Works Facility. For more information or to view additional Community Art Classes, visit our registration page.

• Date: Saturday, August 17, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
• Cost: $25/person. Pre-registration required.
• Ages: 16+
• Registration: Pre-register by Monday, August 12.

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 The Mitchells vs The Machines at Elmcrest Park.

• Date: Friday, August 30. Movie will begin around 8 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.

Party in the Park

Join Ramsey Parks and Recreation for a summer celebration like no other! Dive into the fun with a 28-foot water slide/slip and slide combo, and a 40-foot inflatable obstacle course. Enjoy a variety of yard games and delicious offerings from our mini food truck fest pop-up. There's something for everyone! But the party doesn’t stop there. Get ready to rock! At 6:30 p.m. our weekly Draw Concert Series kicks off with a performance by Verge, don't miss this high-energy experience that appeals to both the young and the young-at-heart! Not quite your style? Stay for the August Parks Commission meeting to hear about the latest park and trail initiatives in the city and share your thoughts. The Park & Recreation Commission meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. with Citizen’s Input—see you there! 

• Date: Thursday, August 8.
  • Waterslides from 11 a.m. –  6 p.m., Time2Play from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., and food trucks from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Cost: Free to attend
• Registration: Pre-registration is encouraged, but not required.

 
 

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.

Archery

Learn the basics of archery with USA Archery and the Minnesota Archers! Participants will receive hands-on instruction covering the fundamental techniques and safety protocols. These sessions are offered as part of the MAA/USA Archery North Star Open and Voyageur Cup at Elmcrest Park.

• Date: Saturday, August 10. Two sessions are offered, 10 – 11 a.m. and 1 – 2 p.m.
• Cost: $5. Pre-registration is required, open until full.

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 – Frozen the Musical

Are you ready to build a snowman? Dive into the whimsical and heartwarming world of the beloved animated film with this enchanting stage adaptation. With the guidance of Northern Starz's skilled teaching and performance staff, children will have the opportunity to bring this magical universe to life, captivating audiences with their portrayal of cherished characters and timeless tales. Final performance will be the last day of class, friends and family are invited! 

• Date: Monday, August 12 – Friday, August 16, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Cost: $315
• Grades: K-3^rd
• Registration: Pre-register by Friday, August 9

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!

Last chance to register! 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.

 

 

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.

• One of four sessions remain!
  • Sunday, August 25, 1 – 3 p.m.
• Cost: $12.50/person. Pre-registration required, registration is open until full.

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 long sleeve tech 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 an 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 new Pumpkin Smash event, the annual Tree Lighting, Deck The House Lights Contest and more!

·Details will begin to be released next month.

 

2025 Schedule

Summer isn’t done yet, but 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. Next month, we'll host another survey to gather your input to shape next year’s offerings.

Review upcoming programs

Review upcoming programs