National Minnesota Day!
As managing editor of Live Play AAA, my job is to ensure we produce relevant, timely content that helps you stay informed and inspired. I often look to the calendar, or the internet, to determine what matters to readers and when. That was what led me to the National Day Calendar. This directory captures all the fun and weird “National Days,” like Love Your Pet Day (2/20), National Chili Day (2/26), National Cereal Day (3/4), Pi Day (3/14), and National Unicorn Day (4/9). I don’t know who decides such things, but I admire their passion and creativity.
I searched the calendar and discovered that March 1 is National Minnesota Day! I am not sure how or where this came from, but I feel like March 1 is a fitting date. It is likely to be cold and snowy, and a perfect day to celebrate our great state. I will be greeting people with “Happy National Minnesota Day” when the day arrives and do so while being Minnesota Nice.
We have great content in this issue of Live Play AAA. In our cover story, Renata Faeth profiles national parks that offer beautiful scenery without the large crowds. To help celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the School Safety Patrol, Raya Garrison captures the program's history and impact on the community. For you lake lovers and road trippers, check out Liv Martin’s review of Midwest lake towns. And don’t miss Raya’s list of “Pandemic Purchases,” highlighting some of the consumer trends we’ve observed since the pandemic began.
I hope you have a happy National Minnesota Day!
Jesse Simon
Senior Manager, Marketing & Communications
Managing Editor, Live Play AAA
It’s that time of year when the days are getting cooler and shorter but the activities and gatherings are only increasing.
While it might not feel like it when this issue first comes out, there will soon be a shift in the air, and Minnesotans who were once actively outdoors at any opportunity will start to spend more time indoors and back at school. Some people dread this transition, while others are excited for the busy summer to calm down and ease into cooler temperatures and the holiday season. The good news is there is plenty to do around the Twin Cities and beyond, whether you prefer to become an official homebody or are itching to get out and make the most of every second before the first few snowflakes start to accumulate.
There’s something about the month of May in Minnesota. It’s a favorite month for many, including myself, and not just because it’s my birthday month.
We have officially reached the point of winter where we’re all getting stir crazy and are aching for those warm summer days.