Celebrate European Heritage And Culture June 10-12 In St. Paul

Celebrate European Heritage And Culture June 10-12 In St. Paul

Saint Paul Sommerfest Events Feature Performances, Waltzes, German Food, Viennese Music and Vintage Foreign Cars

ST. PAUL, Minn., June 2 /PRNewswire/ -- St. Paul's Rice Park and Landmark Center will be transformed into a European square when "Saint Paul Sommerfest" kicks off on Friday, June 10, 2005, to benefit the Saint Paul City Ballet and celebrate the region's European heritage, arts and culture.

Tickets are still available for the Rheinfest river boat trip on Friday evening and Saturday evening's Emperor's Ball at Landmark Center. Open to the public -- and free -- are two vintage German car shows on Saturday and Sunday in Rice Park.

The schedule of events includes:

Friday, June 10, 2005

"Rheinfest on the Mississippi" 6 -- 10 p.m. Harriet Island, Saint Paul

A "Lorelei"-themed boat trip will depart from Harriet Island and feature a buffet dinner, dancing and entertainment, including opera, ballet, classical music and gypsy-style jazz. The Saint Paul City Ballet will perform as "Rhinemaidens," according to the Lorelei legend. Dress is casual, and tickets are $50.

Saturday, June 11, 2005

German Carfest 9 a.m. -- 2 p.m. Rice Park, Saint Paul

Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Audi, BMW and Volkswagen vehicles will line Saint Paul's Rice Park, which will be transformed into a European square with German music and food. Open to the public and free.

Emperor's Ball 6 p.m. -- 12 a.m. Landmark Center, 75 West Fifth Street, Saint Paul

All the romance and pageantry of a Viennese ball will be recreated at "The Emperor's Ball" in the Landmark Center. The evening begins with a champagne reception, musical and dance performances and a procession. Guests will enjoy a five-course meal with wine created by the Saint Paul Hotel's executive chef. Attendees in formal attire will dance to the traditional music of a Viennese ball performed by the Kenwood Symphony Orchestra and enjoy performances by the Saint Paul City Ballet, Voices of Vienna, Kantorei Choir, Mark Stillman Ensemble and Die Wolpertinger, a German band. Dress is formal and period costumes. Tickets are $150.

Late Night Ball 9 p.m. -- 12 a.m. Landmark Center, Saint Paul

After dinner, the Late Night Ball includes dancing in the Cortile Ballroom, Viennese coffee and pastries in the Torten Cafe, German beer in the Bierstube, and entertainment in the Jazz & Swing Salon and by the Roaming Gypsies and Edelweiss Dancers. Carriage rides will be available in Rice Park. Tickets are $75, including beverages, authentic Viennese desserts and dancing.

Sunday, June 12, 2005

Concours d'Elegance 9 a.m -- 4 p.m. Rice Park, Saint Paul

Many of the world's outstanding vehicles will be displayed, including and Mercedes-Benz, Rolls Royce, Bentley and Packard, at this juried show of elegant and exclusive vintage cars organized by the Mercedes-Benz Club of America. Free and open to the public.

For event details and to register, please visit: http://www.saintpaulsommerfest.org/ or call 952-942-7352.

Source: Saint Paul Sommerfest

CONTACT: Wendy Burt, of Wendy Burt Public Relations, Office: +1-651-646-0909, Mobile: +1-651-247-1076

Web site: http://www.saintpaulsommerfest.org/

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