With The Parade No More, Holidazzle Village Readies For Its First Year
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Some of the hammering and construction noise in downtown Minneapolis lately has nothing to do with a new high-rise. It's the creation of a new open air village to attract Minnesotans during the holiday season.
Holidazzle Village is replacing the long-running Holidazzle parade, starting Friday, Nov. 28.
The construction work is being done free of charge by the building trades and Ryan Companies. Jim Gerres is a Ryan superintendent.
"We're overseeing the reindeer barn construction, the Santa Workshop construction and the pier construction," Gerres said.
On Peavey Plaza, more workers are putting up the booths that will sell food, drinks and crafts.
Leah Wong of the Minneapolis Downtown Council said the Holidazzle Market on Peavey Plaza will feature a carousel and different entertainers each day.
"It is kind of meant to give you that meandering, wandering feel of an old European style market, and I think that this venue is a great fit for that," Wong said.
Some of the floats and characters from the old Holidazzle parade will still be around this year for photos.
The market vendors will operate for 27 consecutive days. Weekends will feature several free activities along Nicollet Mall.
"Every weekend we have different special events that we'll be doing," Wong said. "Everything from fireworks to live glass blowing demonstrations to interactive dog sledding to a pop-up ice rink."
There is a warming tent in the market, but most of the sights will not be heated.
"It's an outdoor event and so we are really looking for all of the people," Wong said. "We know that Minnesotans are hardy and that we love and embrace winter."
To get into the market where most of the activities are, there will be a one-time charge: $3 on weekdays, $6 on weekends. But it's basically a season pass. You can go in and out as many times as you want.
The weekend events outside the market are free.