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Secrets of the City's Guide to Father's Day 2009

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Not sure what to do with Pops on Sunday? Use our handy dandy guide to Dad-friendly activities and dining recommendations! You're "the fruit of his looms" after all, as our own Dad likes to say, so take some time to show him that you care. For even more events that might be up his alley this weekend, check out the Secrets of the Day!

SAINT PAUL SAINTS MIDSOMMAR FATHER'S DAY

Go All-American/Scandinavian this Father's Day with the St. Paul Saints! The Saints pay homage to the Midsommar Nordic tradition (a.k.a. the summer solstice), with baseball and hot dogs. Cheer on the home team, who will wrap up a series with Wichita Sunday, and enjoy an afternoon of family-friendly fun in the sun. Stick around after the game and let the kiddies run the bases and get autographs from the team. Purchase tix online HERE.

1:05 p.m., Midway Stadium, 1771 Energy Park Drive, St. Paul, $5

NORTHEAST PUSHCART DERBY

Head to Waite Park this afternoon for an old-timey "Pushcart" Derby. What's a Pushcart you ask? Well, it appears to be some sort of four-wheeled contraption that one person rides and two people push, often designed with a soapbox car-esque look. Whip one together and participate if you dare, or just stand on the sidelines and scarf down summertime treats like hot dogs and frozen custard while ya watch! The pushcart derby is sure to bring your Dad back to the days of yore when things were simpler and iphones would have been considered "magic."

1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Waite Park, 1800 34th Avenue, Northeast Minneapolis, Free

ROCK HUNTING!

One of our fondest memories of childhood involves a rock tumbler. You know, one of those little barrel-like gizmos that polishes rocks by tumbling them with grit and chemical compounds for weeks on end? The result was always a shinier version of whatever rocks you put into the tumbler -- fancy, right? On the more adventurous end of things, however, was the initial search for said rocks. The banks of the Mississippi were always a primo rock hunting location, turning up not only generally cool rocks, but also old pottery shards and smooth little pieces of brightly colored glass from days gone by -- not to mention a good place to find the Minnesota rock-hunter's most coveted prize -- the Agate. Grab your brood and head down to Crosby Park in Saint Paul, where the banks of the river are ripe with rocky-goodness. Crosby is also an awesome spot to go on a nature hike, picnic, or a family bike ride.

Dawn to Dusk, Crosby Park, 2595 Crosby Farm Road, St. Paul, Free

WEST SIDE STORY

Nurse your father's creepy crush on Natalie Wood by taking him to Heights Theatre on Sunday to see West Side Story in restored 70mm print with re-mastered digital sound. Stephen Sondheim's legendary lyrics tell the story of a Juliet and her Romeo in 1950s New York. There's romance, action, betrayal, and plenty of snapping and dance-fighting. Considered one of the best musical films of all time, West Side Story is worth seeing just to watch the phenomenal Rita Moreno sing and dance. Her portrayal of Anita steals the show, so prepare to hum along when she starts singing "America." Runs through June 25th.

3:30 p.m. & 7:15 p.m., Heights Theater, 3159 Central Avenue NE, Columbia Heights, $8

TITANIC EXHIBIT

If you have one of those history buff dads, spend an afternoon checking out Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, which is now open at the Science Museum of Minnesota. In addition to authentic Titanic room re-creations, over 200 artifacts are on display. Be sure to take in a viewing of Titanica, a non-fiction drama showing in the Science Museum's Omnitheater. This exhibition requires a ticket with a pre-set entry time, so making a reservation in advance is highly recommended.

8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Science Museum of Minnesota, 120 W. Kellogg Blvd, Downtown St. Paul, Exhibits only $11 adult/$8.50 children and seniors or Omnitheater + exhibits $17.50 adults, $14.50 children and seniors.

FAMOUS DAVE'S BLUES BRUNCH

We are not usually ones for crowded chain restaurants, but the weekly "Blues Brunch" at the Calhoun Square Famous Dave's is pretty awesome. Serving a smorgasbord of southern-fried, gravy doused and barbeque-smothered deliciousness, as well as plenty of sweets, meats and assorted treats, this buffet-style feast takes a Delta-spin on the traditional brunch. Backed up by live blues music and a lively crowd, this is an all-you-can-eat Dad's dream come true. Follow it up with an afternoon flick at the nearby Lagoon Theater or some book perusing at Magers & Quinn!

10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Famous Dave's, Calhoun Square, 3001 Hennepin, Uptown Minneapolis, $15.95

THE WIENERY

Nothing says "I love you, Dad" like a hot dog from the Wienery. If your pop's a risk-taker, encourage him to try the Tasmanian Devil, the hottest chili dog of all time. Does he prefer the classics? Pick him up a Chicago-style dog (smothered in relish, onion, tomato, pickle and celery salt) or a Warsaw (sauerkraut and Dusseldorf mustard). And if he's a fan of mayonnaise, introduce him to the Hairy Brain (mayo, cheese and sauerkraut). His world, it will be rocked.

10 a.m. to 7 p.m., The Wienery, 414 Cedar Avenue S., West Bank Minneapolis

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