Why Hosting Prom at River's Edge is a Good Idea

One of the most anticipated high school seasons is fast approaching — prom season! Prom is a time for dancing, dressing up and making lifelong memories with friends. Though prom is undoubtedly one of the most unforgettable high school memories, it can be a pain for parents and schools to set up for their kids. That’s why you should book your school’s prom at River’s Edge Convention Center.

Tons of space

No matter the theme, activities, or size of the crowd, the River’s Edge has the space that you can customize to fit your needs. For example, our pre-function space will work perfectly as a backdrop for prom photos. We’ve got 150,000 square feet of space, including a 16,000-square foot ballroom. Download a colored map of the floor plan, or check out our full brochure for more details.

Decorating

At the River’s Edge, you can do all the decorating yourself. Assemble a prom committee, designate a group of art students, or recruit parents or volunteers to help. You also have the option of hiring a professional to do it for you — we’ve got a great list of them on file!

Catering

With the connections we have, you can bet you’ll find tons of catering options for a beautiful evening. Don’t worry about the setup, after party clean-up, or refilling food and beverages throughout the night. We’ve got it all under control.

Equipment Rental

Worried about finding a rental company for prom? Luckily, you don’t have to go through another company to rent your equipment. We’ve got everything you need to host a fun prom: dance floors, pianos, podiums, tables and chairs, microphones, projectors, spotlights and much more. Read our Material Service Price Guide for more information.

We Provide Services

Worried about housekeeping? Not sure if there will be enough parking? Nervous about setting up and executing the perfect slideshow or video? We can help. Just let us know about all your event details and service needs before the event, and our friendly staff will be happy to help.

Planning the perfect prom at the River’s Edge Convention Center makes perfect sense. If we haven’t convinced you yet, contact us with your questions and concerns.

Downtown St. Cloud Has A Lot To Offer

The River’s Edge Convention Center is sitting in the best part of St. Cloud. Historic downtown St. Cloud has a lot more to offer than meets the eye.

Downtowns are becoming cool again throughout the country. City Centers may have lost some of their popularity in the 1980s and 90s, but they’ve come back in a big way in the 2010s.

Downtown meetings have become trendy at hotels and convention centers all around the country again. Convention centers and visitors bureaus throughout the United States help paint a vibrant and exciting picture of what meeting planners and attendees can experience downtown.

The River's Edge can easily accommodate events such as concerts, weddings, trade and consumer shows, conventions, and conferences for a wide array of businesses and group sizes.

The River's Edge offers more than 75,000 square feet of exhibit space along with 24-foot ceilings and easy on-grade load-in access.

The River’s Edge hosts conferences and trade shows throughout the week and on weekends and other events such as weddings, graduations, and proms. Entertainment is also part of what the River’s Edge offers, including sporting events like SCAR Dolls Roller Derby and concerts like Trampled By Turtles. But things aren’t just going on at the River’s Edge. There are plenty of other things to do in Downtown St. Cloud.

There are more than 40 food options in the downtown area. The options include gourmet, down-home buffet, family style, health-oriented, Asian and more. To see a list of St. Cloud’s downtown dining options, visit here.

We'd like to welcome 7 West Taphouse and JL Beers as the latest additions to downtown!

If you want to make a weekend out of it and stay in downtown St. Cloud for a few days because of a wedding, meeting or banquet, Downtown has plenty of  accommodations awaiting you.

The Arts District in Downtown St. Cloud is also very vibrant. The district offers a wide array of theater options, classes, clubs, galleries, shopping and more.

Speaking of shopping, you’ll find more than a few spots Downtown to find what you’re looking for - from specialty shops to department stores, to chic boutiques.

Maybe the best part of downtown St. Cloud is the nightlife. There are plenty of bars and restaurants to have a great time at while also seeing live music, comedians, theater and other entertainment.

So come and see what downtown St. Cloud has to offer you. We promise you won’t be disappointed.

To learn more, or to plan your next event at the River’s Edge Convention Center, call us at 320-255-7272 or visit our website.

2016 PleasureLand RV Camp and Travel Expo

The 45th annual PleasureLand RV Camp and Travel Expo gets under way on Thursday, February 18, at the River’s Edge Convention Center.

The expo, which started in 1971, is free and open to the public.

There will be more than 100 new RV units taking up the convention center floor. There were 125 units at last year’s show, according to PleasureLand assistant sales manager Vinny Binsfeld.

“Last year we put in more units than we have ever had before,” said Binsfeld, who has worked for PleasureLand for 11 years. “It’s really expanded more and more every year.”

There will be everything from motorhomes, travel trailers, ice houses to pop-up campers at the expo.

The expo goes from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, February 21.

Some of the companies represented at the expo will include Winnebago, Keystone, Thor, Grand Design, Forest River, Crossroads, Cruiser RV and Palomino.

Fitting in all of the RVs on the convention center floor certainly isn’t an easy task for PleasureLand to accomplish.

“The River’s Edge does a great job of working with us,” Binsfeld said. “It’s almost like putting together a puzzle. Our GM does a fantastic job of making it all happen. Sometimes it comes down to a matter of feet and inches to fit all of these units in.”

RVs have come a long way since 1971. Binsfeld said the general public will be amazed by some of the technology advancements if they step into an RV today.

“There are always floor plan and technology changes,” he said. “There are so many more features like bluetooth, LED lights, larger bathrooms. The technology continues to grow and I think people love it.”

PleasureLand has six different locations in Minnesota including two in St. Cloud and Brainerd and one each in Ramsey and Long Prairie.

Upcoming Events at the River's Edge ConventionCenter

River’s Edge has a number of exciting events coming up in the next few months and we couldn’t hold back from giving you a little preview. So mark your calendars because you won’t want to miss these!

St. Cloud Sportsmen's Show - February 5-7

From camping and outdoor equipment to travel and boats, this show will cover everything a sportsman needs to know! This show will also feature two famous speakers, Ted Takasaki and Billy Molls, who will host alternating seminars each day. This event is not just for the avid sportsman because the whole family is invited to attend. We even have unique shows running especially for families, which include (but are not limited to): The Live Trout Pond, The Great American Duck Race, and The Fur-Ever Wild show. For further information, visit stcloudsportshow.com.

St. Cloud Boat Show - February 12-14

You live in the land of 10,000 lakes. You would get real tired swimming through all of them, so how about exploring them in a new boat? The St. Cloud Boat Show has everything you’re looking for, whether it is a new pontoon to enjoy family weekends with, or a top-of-the-line fishing boat that makes fishing a whole new experience. Why settle for less when you can have the best? Help picture yourself in the best ride of the summer. Don’t forget to check out booths showcasing the latest engines, electronics, fishing gear and accessories to make this summer better than the rest! For more information, visit stcloudboatshow.com

Camp and Travel Show - February 18-21

Sick of the cold and eagerly waiting for spring? The Camp and Travel Expo is a great place to check out all the latest campers and trailers to make this summer’s vacation one to remember. Pleasureland will feature about 100 different recreational vehicles, which will make any camper’s mouth drop. Event planners say that February is the kick-off for planning summer activities, so don’t fall behind and make sure not to miss out on any specials going on during this expo. Best of all, admission is free!

Central Minnesota Farm Show - February 23-25

Come check out the Central Minnesota Farm Show, which showcases agricultural equipment, electric motors, barn flooring, milking equipment and other products in the Agriculture & Forestry field. There will be more than 300 professional vendors from the five-state area on hand to talk about their new products and services for the upcoming year. Come hang out with those who know how to grow.

Central Minnesota Wellness Expo - March 5

New Years Eve resolution dying down? Not sure what more you can do? The Central Minnesota Wellness Expo has all the information you need from health to fitness and even a little general wellness. This is your go-to expo where you can learn all you need to know about health and wellness without the pressure of buying anything. The show will also feature amazing guest speakers who will talk about how to unlock your full potential. To get a sneak peak of which exhibits will be there, and a preview of what you can expect, visit centralmnwellnessexpo.com

St. Cloud Home Show - March 11-13

One of the most anticipated events of the season is St. Cloud Home Show put on by the Central Minnesota Builders Association. This show will have more than 200 exhibits displaying enchanting landscapes, breath-taking carpentry and vendors from all over the state to help with those special projects that make your house a home.

There will also be seminars on DIY gardening, beekeeping, home building and selling tips as well as a project and play area for the kids and a fish fry and music on Friday. The show will also be auctioning off a brand new home. Don’t miss out on this year’s biggest show. With more than 5,000 people attending, you’re going to want to come early.

Check in with Facebook and Twitter to keep up with up-to-date information on these upcoming events and other sneak peaks!

Made in Minnesota Expo Draws a Large Crowd

The second annual Made in Minnesota Expo took place November 21 at the River’s Edge Convention Center.

More than 100 Minnesota-based businesses had stands set up during the event, which lasted from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. The expo focuses on businesses that produce their products based out of the Land of 10,000 Lakes and allows them face-to-face interaction with customers to pitch their products.

Admission was free, courtesy of St. Cloud Red Wing Shoe Store. A large crowd of more than 1,000 came out to partake in free samples, games and giveaways and also got the chance to speak with local business owners.

It was also a good chance for the public to get some Christmas shopping done with a lot of products being on sale during the event.

The crowd was able to sample hot dish, nachos, granola, chocolate — among other things — during the expo.

The crowd could also register for a $500 stay at Cragun’s Resort in Brainerd. The public could also explore a luxury ice house and the comforts that come with it in the west corner of the room.

A large contingent also gathered to take part in a session with the Trivia Ninjas. There was a bounce house on hand for the youngsters to burn off some energy while their parents did some exploring.

In addition, free massages were available from HealthSource Chiropractic.

The expo was presented by Smude Sunflower Oil and Townsquare Media.

Some events happening in January at the River’s Edge include the Pleasureland Scratch and Dent Show on New Year’s Day, the St. Cloud Wedding Expo on January 10, the St. Cloud Craft Beer Tour on January 16 and Catholic Charities’ Mardi Gras on January 23.

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:

Fall Fun Fest 2015 at River’s Edge Convention Center

The Joy Christian Center’s Fall Fun Fest drew a packed crowd to the St. Cloud River’s Edge Convention Center this Halloween.

The event (which went from 1-5 p.m.) was free and open to the public and collected donations for area food shelves.

Originally held in a shed, the event started in 1998 and only drew in about 100 people. Seventeen Halloweens later, the Fall Fun Fest was held in the River’s Edge Convention Center and was expected to host around 5,000 - a successful improvement.

Kids that came to event played games and left the River’s Edge with their trick or treat bags filled with candy. Most of the parents and kids in attendance were decked out in their best costumes.

There were more than 100 games to play and a puppet show was also performed. Kids could also have their faces painted, burn off some energy in bouncing castles, and have their pictures taken in front of Halloween backgrounds.

Was your halloween just as successful? Leave us a comment and tell us about it!