Events & Programs
From Folk Arts demonstrations to films, special presentations, workshops and History Player performances, there's plenty see and do in the Museum.
Try MDC for your holiday party!
Call 218-254-1223 to learn how Minnesota Discovery Center can help plan and provide a great party, meeting or other business event.
Ultimate Fire Ring Competition
October 5
Overview Entries are sought for the first-ever Ultimate Fire RingCompetition. Participation in the competition will consist exclusively of northeastern MN metal artists. Entries will be brought in by October 4th and on public display October 5th – November 4th. The primary goal of this challenge is to showcase our region’s incredible talent for custom manufacturing craftsmanship. The competition’s open entry policy is designed to encourage creativity and be inclusive of the skilled artisans of our resource rich Arrowhead region.
Background Camping has long been part of the heritage of northeastern MN. Throughout our villages, at campsites and lake-side dwellings, our traditions include gathering around the fire. It’s the place where stories of old are passed down, foods are roasted, and family/friends come together. Uniquely important to this tradition is the “fire ring”. It comes in many styles; from the simple to the customized and ornate. Custom fire rings have even become a status symbol; quietly envied by guests as they compliment their host’s good taste while staring into the fire. This is where the Ultimate Fire Ring comes in. The 1st place fire ring winner earns bragging rights for decades to come.
Competition Format The competition will be judged based on votes cast by MN Discovery Center’s guests. Each guest entering the museum between Oct 5th and Nov 3rd will be offered a ballot. In the fire ring display area they will cast their vote for the most envied fire ring. Winners will be based strictly on # votes received, and announced at a ceremony on November 4th. The Ultimate Fire Ring(1st place) will remain on display through the winter months in recognition of the organization &/or individual(s) whom crafted it. Each of the other fire rings will be included in a raffle/auction fundraiser. Proceeds go toward MN Discovery Center’s arts programming.
Guidelines
Entrants are encouraged to be as creative as possible within the guidelines listed here. The goal is for teams to compete on an even playing field to ensure the success of what is to be a fun and challenging event. The organizers realize that the guidelines here may not cover all possible questions around what constitutes an even playing field. For this reason, MN Discovery Center reserves the right to clarify and even modify guidelines in the unlikely event it becomes necessary.
1. Fire ring may be constructed of & incorporate any non-hazardous materials
2. Fire ring will be newly created, and may take any shape (e.g., round, oval, square, octagonal, etc.)
3. Fire ring may not be less than 2’ across at its narrowest point
4. Fire ring may not be more than 5’ across at its widest point
5. Fire ring may not extend higher than 2’ at its highest point
6. Fire ring will include the name of the organization &/or creator(s) (limit: 1 fire ring per organization)
7. Fire ring will be dropped off at MN Discovery Center for display by October 4th
8. As a condition of participation, entrants agree to donate their fire ring to the MN Discovery Center
9. Entrants should contact MN Discovery Center with any questions at 218 254-1220.
10. Confirmation of intent to participate must be received at MN Discovery Center by August 31st, 2010
Participants should confirm their intent by emailing paul.dwyer@mndiscoverycenter.comor by calling 254-1220. Please include: 1) your organization’s name, 2) name(s) of the individual(s) crafting your entry, and 3) phone number and email contacts. MN Discovery Center reserves the right to limit the # of entrants in case participation exceeds display area capacity.
….Let the competition begin!
© 2009 Minnesota Discovery Center. All Rights Reserved.