Hours and Admission
Hours are 11 am to 11 pm each day; admission is free until 3 pm, then $10 which includes $5 in food and beverage tickets. Kids 12 and under are free with an adult and admission is free for Military with ID on the 4th of July. Music begins at 11:30 am each day on the Taste Stage and 2:30 pm on the Pioneer Press Main Stage.
Fireworks
July 3-6, nightly shows will be held at the Waconia County Fairgrounds starting at 10:20 pm. Friday night’s show, July 4, will be simulcast on 92KQRS.
Shock Top Lemon Shandy Patio
Listen in advance to participating Taste radio stations to win reserved fireworks seating from the patio deck. Festival goers can enjoy ice cold Bud and Michelob Golden Light and Lemon Shandy 312 Pale Ale beverages.
Red Cross Blood Drive
Vacations and summer activities often result in a decline in blood donations during the summer. In fact, during the months of June, July and August, about two fewer donors give blood at each Red Cross blood drive than what patients need. The trend is particularly noticeable around holidays like Independence Day, which is why the American Red Cross has partnered with A Taste of Minnesota. Donate blood with the Red Cross at A Taste of Minnesota and get a taste of how good it feels to save lives. In appreciation, donors will receive free same day festival admission, $5 in food and beverage tickets and a Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last. The Red Cross blood bus will be located on Water Street just outside the main entrance to the festival. The blood drive will be held from Thursday, July 3 through Sunday, July 6 from 1 to 6 p.m. daily.
Visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to learn more and schedule an appointment.
Tyson KidsZone Stage and Midway
KidZone is open from 11:00 am until 8:00 pm daily. The KidZone will include interactive Tyson KidZone Stage featuring Kidsdance DJ from noon to 7 pm, and a petting zoo with a parakeet park and pony rides. There is also a midway, inflatables and face painters. Fun for the whole family!
DOVE Chocolate:
A Taste Of Minnesota wouldn’t be complete without Minnesota’s favorite campfire treat. Stop by the DOVE Chocolate tent for daily samples of s’mores made with DOVE Chocolate and KEEBLER Original Graham Crackers!
Birds Eye
ATTENTION! Who’s looking to have some fun?! Birds Eye is giving away FREE samples of some of their most DELICIOUS veggie products! But that’s not all…take a swing in their inflatable batting cage, strike a pose for a FREE custom trading card, and race your friends in their crowd favorite bike derby tent. It’s time to STEP UP TO THE PLATE with Birds Eye!
The Bob Bonis Archive – The Lost Beatles Photographs
We are exhibiting never before seen photos of the only concert the Beatles ever played in Minnesota at Met Stadium in 1965. The photos were taken by their tour manager, Bob Bonis and were only recently discovered after sitting in his basement for 40 years. They’ll be selling limited edition prints of these 32 photos at A Taste of Minnesota.
Marketplace and Exhibits
Clothing, sunglasses, pottery, art, sheets, and pillows are just a few of the diverse items offered for sale in the marketplace along with cooking demonstrations by Kitchen Craft Cookware and exhibits by Twin Cities Hot Tubs and Owens Corning.
Media Partners Live Broadcasts:
105fm, The Ticket: Live on-site, Thursday, July 3, 3 to 7pm.
92KQRS: Live on site, Friday, July 4, 11 am to 6 pm.
92KQRS: Simulcast with Fireworks, July 4, 10:20 pm
93X: Live on site, Saturday, July 5, 2 to 7 pm