5 Things to do in Minnesota Feb 4-6

1) The Soap Factory: http://www.soapfactory.org/ Belongings Rosemary Williams' work examines the notions of power and consumption as well as the "overlooked aspects of our everyday life." Belongings, Williams' most recent installation at The Soap Factory, uses video to document each and every physical aspect of her home. No stone is left unturned and no single toothpick is un-catalogued. Belongings is a catalogue of physical possession, a series of seemingly endless video loops of Williams' identifying and recording each and every physical object within her home. The ideal effect of Belongings, according to The Soap Factory Executive Director Ben Heywood, is to consider the "futility of possession." About the artist: Rosemary Williams currently lives in St. Paul Minnesota. Williams' work is exhibited regularly in New York City, and has also been shown recently in galleries in London, Minneapolis, and the Czech Republic, with a recent project in Berlin. 2) Fitzgerald Theater on February 5th http://fitzgeraldtheater.publicradio.org/events/ A Prairie Home Companion continue their winter season of shows at The Fitzgerald Theater on February 5th, at 4:45 p.m. Join Garrison Keillor, Sue Scott, Tim Russell, Tom Keith, and the Guy's All-Star Shoe Band for two hours of live radio fun. The show's musical guests will be Sam Bush. A limited number of Rush Seats will be available at 4:00 p.m. on the day of the show. Tickets are available for $48.00, $38.00, and $32.00. There is a limit of 4 tickets per order for all the performances. All ticket prices include a $2.50 facility fee. Minnesota Public Radio members receive a $2.00 discount. 3) Ely Dog Sled Rides Feb 06 www.northern-lights-lodge.com/winterfestival.htm The one mile ride along the shore of Bear Island Lake is a perfect introduction to dog sledding. Enjoy complimentary entertainment, apple cider, tea, cocoa, cookies and fresh popcorn before or after your ride in front of the Lodge hearth. Learn about Ely's mushing history and see for yourself why these beautiful dogs are born to pull! Northern Lights Lodge is located 10 miles south of Ely off of Highway 21. Advanced registration strongly encouraged. 4) ORA US Nationals Pro and Vintage Ice Oval Racing, and Vintage Swap Meet Ogilvie February 4,5,6 http://www.ovalracersalliance.com/calender-a-events/us-ora-nationals-2010.html Friday Gates Open at 3pm Racing at 7pm Saturday Gates open at 7am Racing at Noon Sunday Gates open at 7am Racing at Noon Vintage Sled Show http://vintagesleds.com/10years/register.php Saturday Feb. 5th Show and Swap meet at the Ogilvie race track. BANQUET: 7:00 PM at the Fish Lake Resort. Banquet style dinner with Roast Beef, Chicken, Corn, Garlic Mashed potatoes, Coffee and a roll. FULL BAR AVAILABLE! 5) Winter Carnival "Ice Castle" by Leonardo's Basement February 1 - 6 Griggs Park in the Hamline-Midway community of Saint Paul http://www.winter-carnival.com/ During daylight hours the castle will be open for viewing, inside and out. Visitors will be able to skate into the castle; it will be constructed next to an existing Saint Park and Recreation Department outdoor ice skating rink. There will be daylight and nighttime family events at the castle including, 1) snowball and foam arrow "attacks," 2) 4th Annual Leonardo's Basement Ice Sculpting event on Saturday, February 5, 3) Shadow puppet show, and 4) appearances by a fire-breathing dragon. Participation in all events will be free. Leonardo's Basement will sell food and drink, provide indoor warming room space and activities for children.