When the sesquicentennial wagon train pulls up to the State Capitol on May 11 for Statehood Day, it will be part of the official kick-off to a year-long celebration of Minnesota’s 150th anniversary of becoming the 32nd state.
The Statehood Commemoration Ceremony begins at 1 p.m. and events planned at the State Capitol that day include:
• 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Open house at the State Capitol and the Minnesota History Center.
• 3 p.m.: Group picture of former state officials and their descendants on the Capitol steps.
• 3:30 p.m.: Wagon train arrives from Summit Avenue.
• 3:45 p.m.: Presentation of colors by First Minnesota Regiment, playing of national anthem and “Hail Minnesota!”
• 4 p.m.: Dignitaries make brief remarks and introduce statehood essay contest winners.
• 4:15 p.m.: Contest winners read their essays on “What Statehood Means Today and Into the Future.”
• 4:30 p.m.: Church bells ring as the sesquicentennial convoy leaves the Capitol to begin an Honorary Capitals for a Day tour from May 12-16.
What planners are calling Statehood Week, May 11-18, will highlight several events focusing on our state’s roots with celebrations in communities designated as Honorary Capitals for a Day — Bemidji, Thief River Falls, Detroit Lakes, New Ulm and Winona.
A May 17-18 Statehood Weekend Festival is planned on the Capitol Mall.
May 17 highlights:
• 11 a.m.: Food vendors, sesquicentennial and exhibitor tents, entertainment in front of the Capitol.
• 12:30 p.m.: 26 vintage aircraft flyover.
• 1 p.m.: The First Day Issue ceremony for the Minnesota Sesquicentennial Commemorative U.S. Postage Stamp, which will be available for sale following the ceremony along with poster-size reproductions signed by the artist, Richard Hamilton Smith of Park Rapids.
May 18 highlights
• 4 p.m.: Food vendors and music.
• 6:58 p.m.: (18:58 Military Time) National Guard flyover.
• 7 p.m.: Statehood Ceremony “Honoring Those Who Serve.”
• 8:45 p.m.: Fireworks over the Capitol.
Information: 651-296-1870 or www.mn150years.org.