Picnic for the Park is a benefit fundraiser for Mississippi Park Connection - the official partner of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, a Minnesota National Park right here in the Twin Cities.
Join us and take in the city skyline while eating delectable locally sourced treats. Play park Plinko, explore our silent auction and relax with friends outdoors along the Mississippi River-all while supporting your National Park!
*Can't attend but want to give? Make a gift today and contribute to our Picnic for the Park fundraising goal!
Picnic for the Park 2023 Recap
Performers
Potential New Boyfriend brings the magic of mid-1900s Western swing and country classics to the Twin Cities. Led by Jaclyn Mack's enchanting vocals and a talented ensemble, their intergenerational music invites all ages to sing and dance along.
Experience a dance performance by the Cultural Society of Filipino Americans - Minnesota. CSFA is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich heritage of the Philippines and Filipino Americans.
Provisions
Smok’n Outdoors BBQ
What started as a food truck, Richard Xiong and Mary Vang opened their brick-and-mortar Smok'N Outdoors BBQ in St. Paul's East Side in 2021. They're famously known for their freshly smoked beef ribs, brisket, pork ribs, pulled pork, and sausage links.
Herbie Butcher’s Fried Chicken
Brought to you by the creators of The Herbivorous Butcher, Herbie Butcher’s Vegan Fried Chicken is a fast-casual fried chicken restaurant located in South Minneapolis.
Spinning Wylde Cotton Candy
Spinning Wylde Cotton Candy Cafe serves organic cotton candy clouds, soft serve ice cream, and desserts delight at Spinning Wylde. With over 75 whimsical flavors, this charming shop turns a nostalgic treat into a magical experience.
X2 Pastries
X2 Pastries is the collaborative work of two longtime friends and bakers who grew up in Minnesota. They both happen to be named Xiong and met during a badminton match.
Things To Do
Grab a friend and play lawn games!
Explore partnerships and support the Mississippi River's only National Park
Bid on exciting experiences and hot ticket items in a silent auction
Play park plinko and win prizes!
Impact Of Your Support
Connecting the Next Generation to the Mississippi River
Through diverse educational programs, events, and initiatives, we aim to create meaningful experiences that foster a lifelong connection to the river. Our focus lies in four key areas: education, stewardship, engagement, and advocacy. By cultivating environmental stewardship, we aim to inspire the next generation of leaders and advocates for this crucial natural resource.
Hands-on outdoor youth education scholarships and field trips
In partnership with the National Park Service, our outdoor and online youth education programs provide a fresh, hands-on approach to the ways learning can be integrated with the outdoors, empowering students to become avid learners, and enabling them to begin building a lifelong relationship with the river.
Our goal is to reach more than 20,000 youth and their families annually—increasing student achievement and encouraging outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship as life-long pursuits.
Prairie and floodplain forest habitat restoration of the Mississippi River national park
Our Plant for the Future initiative restores and preserves natural habitats along the Mississippi River, focusing on prairies and floodplain forests. Prairie restoration enhances biodiversity by reintroducing native vegetation, while floodplain forest restoration plants native trees, manages invasive species, and promotes natural regeneration. Through partnerships and volunteers, the project enhances ecological health in the Mississippi River National Park for long-term sustainability. Join the initiative to actively contribute to conserving these vital habitats.
A special thanks to our 2023 sponsors:
Presented by:
Premier Sponsors
Supporting Sponsors
Karuna Fund
Partner Sponsors
Steward Sponsors
