To provide additional color and vitality in downtown Rochester and to promote a friendly pedestrian experience for visitors and residents alike, the Rochester Downtown Alliance’s Downtown Cultural Initiatives Committee is gearing up for more Public Art initiatives to be installed during the Summer of 2013. The Downtown Cultural Initiatives is a committee that focuses on utilizing the Rochester community’s art and cultural assets in creating a vibrant, unique downtown that has a strong, diversified base for economic prosperity.  

Specific 2013 Public Art projects include:

BaconFest is a fundraiser for the Sunset Terrace Elementary Playground Fund. It will be held Thursday, February 7th, from 5:00 to 9:00 at the Ramada Hotel located at 1517 16th Street Southwest in Rochester. Tickets are $25 and can be bought online in advance or at the door with case the night of the event. There will be a silent auction and endless amounts of bacon dishes for you to try including bacon sundaes and Pig Candy. To learn more about the event and the dishes being served or to get your ticket, go to http://baconfestrochester.wordpress.com/.

SocialICE—Rochester Minnesota’s Ice Bar, features seven 12-foot ice uniquely designed and themed ice bars. Each bar will have a unique theme along with a signature drink. Bar themes range from Ice Games, where you can participate in games made of ice, to Mardi Gras. The hours of operation will expand this year and be open from 4:00-10:00pm. Be sure to bring your camera to snap some photographs of the exceptional photo opportunities. Enjoy the ambiance of the ice and lighting as you sit in the ice lounge, drink from real ice glasses, and enjoy live music. Live bands perform in the skyway overlooking the crowds below on the Peace Plaza, with the music piped outdoors. New this year will be live ice carving demonstrations and kids’ activities from 4:00-6:00pm, each night. Also, check out the Wall office, featuring ice sculptures sponsored by several downtown businesses.