A note from the Program and Volunteer Coordinator, Heather P. Westerlund:

Park founder Tony Caponi once told me that the Great Depression was one of the best times of his life. Naturally, I asked quizzically "uh... why?!" Never satisfying a question with a simple answer, he recalled stories of neighbors, friends and family gathering together to make and enjoy music and art. His stories called to mind Charles Dickens immortal words: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times."

In times of economic downturn, people often find creative outlets to relieve stress, strengthen personal relationships, and bring joy into their lives. This season, Caponi Art Park has seen a significant upturn in the number of patrons and visitors. It is inspiring to be able to fulfill our mission of sharing accessible, high-quality arts and cultural experiences with our friends, neighbors and community during these times.

THIS SUNDAY: Dakota Valley Summer Pops Orchestra presents "We Love a Parade!"
Special Guest: '09 Miss Minnesota, Eagan Native to Perform


Dakota Valley Summer Pops Orchestra 2008 concert in the Theater in the Woods.
Photo: Chet Ellingson

Just try to keep your foot from tapping at the Summer Performance Series on July 12 when Dakota Valley Summer Pops Orchestra presents “We Love a Parade!”, a lively concert filled with marches and music from well known Broadway plays and Hollywood films of new and old. The expansive Theater in the Woods amphitheater is a match made in heaven for this 80-member orchestra directed by Stephen J. Ramsey and is a season favorite. Dakota Valley Symphony is a nonprofit, volunteer community arts organization serving the community since 1986.

2009 Miss Minnesota, Eagan's Brooke Kilgarriff, will be leading the National Anthem with the orchestra. Brooke is an Eastview High School alumnus, appeared on American Idol's season 5 in the top-60, and is currently studying music at The Boston Conservatory.

Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy a musical experience like none other. Concert begins at 6:30pm and is free and open to the public. A suggested donation of $4 per person is greatly appreciated and helps to make this program possible. (Rain date: July 19, 6:30pm)

Getting Married?
If you are looking for a beautiful location to exchange vows, Caponi Art Park's Theater in the Woods is now available for wedding ceremonies. Our wooded amphitheater is one-of-a-kind and truly a magical space. For inquiries about wedding ceremony rentals, please contact Wedding Coordinator Gayle Roberts at 651-452-1969 or by email.

A New Challenge!
All of the programs offered at Caponi Art Park are free to the public. We strongly believe in making the Art Park an affordable and accessible cultural center – a value we feel more committed to than ever during these challenging times.

But we can’t do it alone. Your support it critical. As a nonprofit we rely on contributed income to keep the Art Park and its programs alive. The Katherine B. Andersen Fund of the Saint Paul Foundation is challenging donors to help raise $15,000 in new or increased gifts. The Andersen Fund will match these contributions dollar for dollar. Please help us meet the challenge!



Make your tax-deductible gift simply and securely online. You do not need a PayPal account to give. Find out how you can double your gift through your employer.