Preview of the Cloud-A-Scope Tattoo and Arts Convention

The Tattoo You Minnesota and Cloud-a-Scope Tattoo and Arts Convention gets underway on Friday, November 11 at the River’s Edge Convention Center.

Tattoo You has presented Minnesota some of the finest tattoo artists for 25 years and celebrated its Silver Anniversary at Grand Casino Hinckley in August, with over 100 artists and two huge contests.

The Tattoo and Arts Convention at the River’s Edge Convention Center will also feature tattoo art, contests, plus more than 100 artists. Doors open to the public at noon on Friday, November 11 and attendees will be able to purchase weekend passes for $20. Friday night’s entertainment will feature two Scarlette Revolver Burlesque shows - the first beginning at 7:00 pm and the next at 10:00 pm. Please note that this is an 18+ event due to the nature of the performance.

Tattooing and piercing continue at 9:00 am on Saturday, November 12, when doors re-open to the public. The tattoo contest judging begins that afternoon at 3:00 pm. Categories will include color size, black and grey size, portraits, lettering, hand tattoos, water color and cover-ups. All first place winners at Saturday night’s tattoo contest award ceremony will automatically qualify for the Best of Show Award on Sunday.

Don’t miss Saturday’s music headliner, City of the Weak. The dynamic and talented rockers from Minneapolis are scheduled to hit the stage at 9:30 pm.

The convention comes to a close on Sunday, November 13, but not before another jam packed day of events. Tattooing and piercing will continue throughout the morning and tattoo contest judging begins early in the afternoon. Sunday evening concludes with a grand prize drawing, as well as an awards ceremony for Tattoo of the Weekend and Best of Show.

You can find more information on the event - including a list of artists and lineup of events - on Tattoo You Minnesota’s Facebook page.

MADE IN MINNESOTA EXPO PREVIEW

The Made in Minnesota Expo returns to the St. Cloud River’s Edge Convention Center this Saturday, November 21st. The expo, presented by Smude Sunflower Oil and Townsquare Media, runs from 10 am to 4 pm. Admission is free, courtesy of St. Cloud Red Wing Shoe Store. The expo focuses on businesses that are based out of Minnesota or produce their products in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

Looking to start your holiday shopping? You’ll find something special, unique, and made in Minnesota, as most of the retailers will have items for sale. 

Last Year's Expo was the first year for the event, and it drew quite a crowd. So if you’re looking for a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon, stop by the River’s Edge Convention Center this Saturday for the 2015 Made in Minnesota Expo!

While you learn more about some local companies, test out some free hot dish samples (what’s more Minnesotan than hot dish?) and register to win a $500 stay at Cragun’s Resort in Brainerd. You can also test your brain power by playing trivia with local trivia masters, the Trivia Ninjas. For the youngsters, there will be a bounce house to help them burn off some energy.

The expo allows businesses face-to-face interaction with customers and allows them to pitch their products from all over the state. With a cold weekend anticipated, come inside to the River’s Edge Convention Center and see what products our great state has to offer! 

This year's vendors include:

S.C.A.R. Dolls Returning to River's Edge Convention Center Nov. 8

In September the S.C.A.R. Dolls skated in the River’s Edge Convention Center for the first time. The team made their downtown debut with an intrasquad bout with a huge crowd of over 700 and we are happy to announce they are returning Nov. 8. The team, based in St. Cloud, has been wanting to make their way downtown, especially nearing the winter months to give families more events to attend in the colder times of the year. Now, they have a regular home downtown.

The team was formed in 2011 to create an opportunity for women in the Central Minnesota area to participate in roller derby -- a challenging, exciting and empowering sport. They are now the one and only women’s flat track roller derby league in the area.

Along with bringing family-friendly entertainment to the downtown St. Cloud area, the S.C.A.R. Dolls actively work with local charities, including the Tri-County Humane Society, Anna Marie’s Alliance, the Boys & Girls Clubs and the United Way. The bout on Nov. 8 will benefit The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central MN Operation Military Mentoring Program.

The River’s Edge Convention Center is excited to provide the S.C.A.R. Dolls with home turf in the downtown area and we look forward to hosting more bouts for them in 2015.

To purchase tickets for the Nov. 8 intrasquad bout between the Gargoyle Brigade and the Pin-Up Prowlers, find your favorite roller girl or get them at any of these local ticket outlets -- The Skatin’ Place, Granite City Comics and Games or the Youth Shelter Supply. Tickets are $10 presale and $11 at the door. The Nov. 8 bout will be in the Terry Haws A and B rooms at River's Edge and feature a glow in the dark dance party (audience participation encouraged!) and an after-party at D.B. Searle’s.