November Events at the River’s Edge Convention Center

November is full of fun at the River’s Edge Convention Center! From the Minnesota Train Show to a special appearance by a reality TV star, we have a great lineup of events this month.

Granite City Train Show

The Granite City Train Show is back! If you’re interested in trains of any sort, this event is perfect for you. The show will feature model and toy trains of all scales and operating displays. In addition to the trains, the show will include accessories, antiques, and collectibles. This family event even has a Children’s Railway Play Area, giving kids the opportunity to build and run trains. Looking to display your train layout? Register here.

When: Saturday, November 10, 2018; 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Tickets: Available at the door; $6, Kids 10 and under are free.

Post Veteran’s Day Parade Social

After 11 years, the St. Cloud Veterans Day Parade has changed its route. This year, the parade will be on West Germain Street beginning at the public library and ending at River’s Edge Convention Center. The parade this year should be bigger than ever: it falls on the 100th anniversary of both Armistice Day and the American Legion. The dedication of St. Cloud’s Abraham Lincoln statue is celebrating an anniversary, as well. To celebrate this year’s parade, the River’s Edge Convention Center will be welcoming all participants and viewers to enjoy a short reception following the main event.

When: Sunday, November 11, 2018 at 1:00 PM – Following the Parade

Central Minnesota Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast

This year is the 40th anniversary of the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast. To celebrate, we are welcoming Si Robertson. Not only is Si a devout Christian, but he is also known for being one of the stars on A&E’s hit show Duck Dynasty. The Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast is a nonprofit project, relying heavily on sponsorship and the volunteers in the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast Committee. The profits contribute to the Christian Business Men’s Committee of St. Cloud.

When: Monday, November 15, 2018; 6:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Tickets: Available online for $30 – free for veterans. Tables are available to sponsor.

Made in MN Expo

The Made in MN Expo features products made in Minnesota and Minnesota-based businesses. Make sure to stop by for a fun afternoon and experience some of the best things that your state has to offer. If you’re interested in setting up your own booth, click here.

When: Saturday, November 17, 2018; 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
No tickets required


The events this month are not to be missed – We look forward to seeing you soon! For even more fun events, check out River’s Edge Convention Center’s full event calendar.

Host Your Perfect Wedding at River’s Edge Convention Center

Everyone wants the perfect wedding, but beautiful, elaborate weddings often come with a great deal of stress.

River’s Edge Convention Center works with you to provide a stress-free planning experience – and, more importantly, a stress-free wedding day.

1. Decoration and Catering Options

Everyone pictures their wedding in a unique way. At River’s Edge Convention Center, we make that the dream become a reality. We work with over ten decorators; each one is happy to work with you and your space to create a unique look that you’re searching for. Since food is also an important and memorable part of your big day, we also have many caterers to choose from. You will definitely find something that everyone will love and remember.

2. Convenient Downtown Location

When you plan any major event, you always have to remember out-of-town guests. Since River’s Edge Convention Center is located right in the heart of St. Cloud, we’re surrounded by almost 400 hotel rooms, all within walking distance! In addition, there are plenty of activities for your guests, including beautiful gardens, shopping, and restaurants.

Parking is also readily available. In addition to plenty of nearby parking, we have our own parking ramp. The ramp is connected to the building by a skyway, so you don’t have to go outside to get to your event.

3. Outdoor Weddings

At River’s Edge Convention Center, we are now hosting outdoor weddings! You’ll definitely wow your guests with our outstanding views of the Mississippi River. Don’t forget that an outdoor wedding also comes with the many other advantages of a wedding at River’s Edge Convention Center. Make sure to book a date soon to take advantage of the warm weather! Get started here.

4. We Can Fit a Variety of Party Sizes

Two of the most important things to consider when choosing a venue are capacity and price. River’s Edge Convention Center is unique because we have over 150,000 square feet of flexible space, meaning we can divide and combine rooms to create precisely what you’re looking for. We can further customize your space with a dance floor, AV equipment, and a DJ. With so many options, you can easily work with any type of budget!


At River’s Edge Convention Center, we pride ourselves on our ability to make your wedding unique. With decorators who work specifically with your needs and space, a variety of caterers, and many rooms to choose from, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for.

September Events at the River’s Edge Convention Center

Temperatures are winding down but the excitement is just heating up at the River’s Edge!

Mark your calendars and clear your schedules for September’s must-attend events. Find our full calendar of events, here.

St. Cloud Pride Drag Show

When: Saturday, September 15, 2018; Doors open at 6:30 PM and Show starts at 7:00 PM

Tickets: 2018stcloudpride.eventbrite.com or at the Modern Barnyard in St. Cloud

Join us for a night of comedy and drag by some of the best local, regional, and national performers. Bonnie the Barfly will perform some of her best comedic acts and Azalia Cruz, Trixi Del Mar, Juliet Devine, Roxy Marquis, Genevee Love, DJ CaptiVader and Mercedes Iman will follow it up with jaw-dropping drag. If you love drag, laughing, and having a great time, you won’t want to miss this.

LionCon

When: Saturday and Sunday, September 22-23, 2018

Tickets: lion-con.com or call 320-774-1802

Grab your friends and the entire family for a night of role-play, board games, card games, anime, computer games, cosplay, and more at LionCon, Minnesota’s very own geek and counter-culture convention. Guests include Daniel Mohr, Wolfie B. Bad, Wig-Wig Cosplay, Demon Armor, Jamie Coker, Brian Berg (TPK Games), Minnesota Mystery Machine, and Dusty’s Prop House. Entertainment will go from 10:00 AM Saturday till 6 PM Sunday.

The St. Cloud Wedding Expo

When: Sunday, September 23, 2018; 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Tickets: Online or in person the day of the event

If you’re a bride-to-be, groom, wedding planner, or the family of a couple-to-be, you won’t want to miss Central Minnesota’s longest running wedding expo. Connect with over 90 premier vendors and businesses to start planning your dream wedding. The expo features the latest trends in wedding fashion on a high fashion and entertaining runway presentation. Experience stress-free wedding planning in a stylish, sleek, entertaining atmosphere.


September is going to be a big month at the River’s Edge Convention Center in Downtown St. Cloud! Which event are you most excited for?

The 9th Annual St. Cloud Pride Festival

The ninth annual St. Cloud Pride Festival is coming up once again! Come celebrate and show you support to the community September 14th through the 16th in Downtown St. Cloud!

The Pride Drag Show at River’s Edge

River’s Edge Convention Center is once again happy to host the annual Pride Drag show, which will take place on Saturday, September 15th. Doors for the event open at 6:30 PM and the show begins at 7:00 PM.

This year, there will be local, regional, and national drag performers in attendance. Giggle Gram’s Bonnie the Barfly will provide comedy for the event, and there will be Drag performances by Azalia Cruz, Trixi Del Mar, Juliet Devine, Roxy Marquis, Genevee Love, and Mercedes Iman, with music by DJ Capi Vader.

Advanced tickets and pricing will be available soon and tickets will also be available at the St. Cloud Pride booth at the Pride in the Park event. The Drag Show is sure to be a high-energy and entertaining night. Come out and show your colors!

Pride in the Park 2018

The annual Pride in the Park event is a fun experience for the whole family. Come check out the booths, food vendors, live music, games, and more on September 15th at Lake George/Eastman Park. The festivities begin at 11 AM and will continue until 4 PM.

Sponsors that have made this weekend possible include CentraCare, 104.7 KCLD, and Beaver Island Brewing. It’s not too late to become a sponsor and show your support!

The annual St. Cloud Pride Festival has a track record of drawing people in for an engaging, inclusive experience. One of the highlights from last year’s event was a showing of the movie Philadelphia. Follow the St. Cloud Pride Facebook page for all the latest developments on the festival.

Be ready to show your pride and participate in a great weekend of events!

River’s Edge Convention Center Caterer Features

One of the more difficult decisions to make when hosting an event is the catering service. Your guests might forget what kind of music they heard or how the flowers were arranged, but the tastiness of a meal is one of the features of an event that is sure to be remembered.

If you are planning an event in Central Minnesota, take a look at a spotlight on a few of the fantastic catering services available at the River’s Edge Convention Center in Downtown St. Cloud.

Food Ecstasy

Food Ecstasy is a family owned full service, licensed catering company serving green organic local culinary menu choices. The company has served parties of 50 to 300.

Food Ecstasy’s mission statement is to create a menu with your design & style ready for your “signature of approval.” The reality that food is art awakening your taste buds.

Food Ecstasy begins a partnership by asking the bride and groom 5-questions to help them get creative and make their wedding as unique as possible. These questions include:

1. Is there a theme for the day?
2. Where did the couple meet?
3. How did they meet?
4. What kind of foodies are they?
5. Do they envision a Formal-Classic-Casual-Rustic-Vintage or Eclectic style?

Food Ecstasy has served the Central Minnesota area - including numerous events at the River’s Edge Convention Center - for more than 35 years. Learn more about the company on their website.

Sterling Catering

Booking with Sterling Catering has many great benefits. Aside from delicious food and great service, each menu pricing includes:

• Linen table cloths (white, ivory or black)
• Skirting on all appropriate tables
• Linen napkins 
• China plate service for all courses 
• China coffee cups
• Stainless flatware for all courses
• Glass water glasses for dinner service
• Coffee (hot herbal tea upon request) and water service during dinner
• Salad service with main entrée
• All necessary serving staff

For wedding parties, Sterling offers a complimentary Jacuzzi suite for the Bride and Groom on the night of the reception at the Best Western Kelly Inn - when available. They also offer a complimentary space for a Groom's Dinner the evening before and a Gift Opening the day after at the Best Western Kelly Inn depending on availability.

Find out more about Sterling Catering and contact the company on their website.

Courtyard by Marriott

When you choose to have the Courtyard by Marriott help you plan the perfect menu for your wedding, rest assured that you are in very capable hands.

With over 50 collective years of wedding planning experience, the Courtyard provides the freshest ingredients prepared by an award-winning culinary team offering a contemporary spin on all your traditional favorites and then some. They also have all the latest alternatives for dietary and allergy restrictive needs.

Meet with one of the Courtyard by Marriott directors to talk about the amazing wedding packages. Incorporating things like your favorite color or flowers is simple, but adding in flavors from your first trip together or a hobby the two of you share… that’s the personal flair you’ll get from the Courtyard.

A Spotlight on The Creative Decor Vendors at the River’s Edge Convention Center

You might be aware that the River’s Edge Convention Center has some amazing spaces to host events, but do you know much about our incredible decor vendors?

If you choose to host a wedding or event at the River's Edge, you’ll have access to all the creative abilities of many designers. Learn more about three of our design vendors below:

Designer Y&I Events

Owner Yasmin Hussein owns Y & I Events based out of the Midtown Global Market in Minneapolis. Specializing in multicultural event planning, the company boasts seasoned designs and decor rental for all occasions.

“When we get a new client,” says Hussein, “we sit down with them for a complimentary consultation. I will find out their vision for their wedding, where and when the wedding is taking place. When getting all the information about the wedding, from the event space to how many people attending.”

She continues, “We start brainstorming the decoration ideas and even though every bride is a designer, I show them my vision and it usually works. We start the process of the decoration a few days before to prepare everything we need to make the event happen. The day of the wedding we start putting the vision to come alive.”

View a gallery of decor examples from Y & I Events here.

Arch Angels Wedding Decor

Mary Regan is the owner of Arch Angels Wedding Decor. Arch Angels is a full-service wedding decoration company specializing in making your wedding beautiful, elegant and exactly what you want.

The company helps eliminate stress for brides and party planners of all types by providing delivery, set up, and take down of all of their unique products, which include chair covers, backdrops, centerpieces, ceiling draping and more.

Click here to view a slideshow of Arch Angels’ work at the River’s Edge Convention Center.

Designer Weddings

Designer Weddings is all about creating the perfect wedding. The company takes pride in using the wedding couple’s venue and molding it into one-of-a-kind decor attraction at a fraction of the cost.

Says owner Sara Almjeld, “As a designer decorator, I take whatever conceptualizations I'm given and enhance the bride and groom's vision. While the big things are important, it's the details of wedding décor that are the differentiation between what's good and great.”

“While every couple may want ‘the Pinterest wedding,’ my job is to decorate a wedding that reflects the bride and groom as individuals with their own personalized flair,” she adds. “A couple's wedding should reflect both individual's aesthetics, allowing the décor to be perceived as more than just pretty decorations and more as a representation of both parties as people.”


These three companies represent a sample of our available vendors. Hosting your event at the River’s Edge Convention Center gives you the opportunity to really make the event your own and create the theme of your dreams.

Contact us to learn more.

The Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame at River’s Edge

Summertime has a different meaning to baseball fans. The smell of a freshly mowed grass field. The heat of the sun warming the stadium seats. The comradery that joins fans as they cheer on their team.

If these are things that excite you, did you know that we permanently host the Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame Museum at River’s Edge Convention Center?

We take great pride in our museum that commemorates and celebrates Minnesota’s long-lasting history of baseball. Our museum holds an assortment of artifacts collected throughout the state’s baseball history: uniforms, balls, gloves, caps, bats, photos, game day programs, and much more. We feature baseball teams at all levels, including minor league, college, high school, American Legion, VFW, amateur, town-team, and Major League players born in Minnesota.

The St. Cloud Times reports on one excerpt from our archives that you may find interesting: the Municipal Stadium which was right here in St. Cloud.

What is now a strip mall on Division Street was the home of the St. Cloud Rox just over 45 years ago. Municipal Stadium, as it was called in its heyday, was the place to be on any given game day. The stadium sported 60 pro home games in the summer, plus local amateur, college, and high school baseball teams in the off season.

Creating the stadium was a labor of love spearheaded by volunteer group Sports Incorporated. They gave their time and resources to drive the building of this concrete temple to baseball on what used to be a bare field. At the time of its completion, the community and local media were abuzz, praising its excellence.

"The new stadium is a modern, concrete structure," Dick Cullum wrote for the Minneapolis Tribune. "Which is regarded as one of the best to be found in a Class C league."

Robert Statz, the oldest son of the runner for the announcer and scorekeeper of the St. Cloud Rox, looks back on fond memories of Municipal Stadium, where he assisted the team back in the 60s.

"What I remember most is that it was one of the higher places in town then,” Statz recalls. “And you could stand up there on a hot night and see the whole city. It was really something to behold."

This stadium came to a crushing end in 1970 as it was demolished, but it’s legacy lives on in the community. Local baseball enthusiasts keep the history and memories of this place alive through visiting our collections and reminiscing on the highlights of baseball in Stearns County and in the state of Minnesota.

The Rox continue to thrive as a minor-league team here in St. Cloud. Their season opens May 29th with the first home opener on June 1st. Grab some tickets for this season on their website.

Not sure what to do on an away game day? Stop by our museum! Admission is free when you visit Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm. If you can’t make it on a weekday, call our Administration Office at 320-255-7272 to check our hours on any given weekend.

5 Tips For Choosing the Right Venue for Your Event

It seems like every restaurant or hotel is trying to be the location for your next event. There are many venues to choose from in our area, but how do you know that your choice will be one that supports every aspect of your planned event?

Follow these tips as a start.

1) The Right-Sized Room(s)

Have you ever been to a meeting or a get-together where the room is way too big, leaving you feeling like there should be more happening? Or worse, a space that is too small and gets stuffy and warm?

The venue you choose should have the right-sized room for your group and for the type of event you’re planning. River’s Edge Convention Center offers more than 75,000 square feet of continuous exhibit space alone with 24-foot ceilings and easy on-grade load-in access. We have an extensive list of room choices; view square footage and ceiling height specifications here.

2) Catering or Beverage Choices

Look for a venue that has catering on-site or great catering vendors that they regularly use. This will ensure that professional service and delicious food are served for your guests (complete with linens and catering staff in most cases). Beware those venues that only work with 1-2 caterers or liquor providers, forcing you to choose from a weak menu. River’s Edge Convention Center provides you with the freedom to choose from among many quality, local caterers – from BBQ to sophisticated fare.

3) Layout for Flow for Guests

Do a walk-through of how your guests will flow through your event. Where will they enter and register? Where will they find materials or refreshments? What additional rooms might you need to reserve as overflow, green room, or staging area? Working with experienced event planners like the pros at River’s Edge will help you think through the spaces and added needs you require for your event.

4) Ambiance

Does the venue feel right for your event? Is it professional enough, friendly and welcoming, or up-to-date with the latest technology and amenities? (Bonus: River’s Edge also has a view most other places can’t compete with!)

5) Extra Amenities

These are the things you may not have even thought about! A River’s Edge, we provide the following added amenities: open access to Wi-Fi for a fee, seating and stage arrangements, access to more than 1,500 parking stalls within a four block area and 700 parking stalls connected to the facility by a skyway system, and more.


For more information or to reserve the perfect space for your event, contact us!

Highlighting the Recent Tradeshows and Events at River's Edge

There’s nothing like the feeling of sunshine and fresh air, but the Minnesota winter doesn't always agree. We’re in the final stages of the cold stuff and ready to get back out there again.

While waiting for Winter to end can evoke a feeling similar to watching paint dry, we can still think about all the fun we’ve had in the past few weeks to prepare for sunshine and good times.

With that in mind, we’ve prepared a recap of our events to tide you over for these last few indoor weeks and remind you of all the fun you’ll soon have outdoors!

The Sportsman’s Show

Can you think of anyone in Central Minnesota that doesn’t like the outdoors? Neither can we - especially since it felt like all of Central Minnesota attended last month. The 2018 Sportsman's Show sported the best in fishing boats, tackle, and equipment, as well as campers and trailers. With hunting and fishing seminars and information about the top lodges and campsites in the Midwest and Canada, the attendees went home with smiles and warm thoughts of what’s to come this Spring.

The Saint Cloud Boat Show

If the Sportsman’s show didn’t have the boat you were looking for, the Saint Cloud Boat Show certainly did. This free event boasted watercraft from Minnesota’s largest dealers and everything that could come along with it. From the small canoes to the giant cruisers, this event had enough boats to make you forget it was cold outside - even though it took place in the heart of February. 

The RV Camp and Travel Expo

If water isn’t your thing, the RV Camp and Travel Expo was probably right up your alley. Pleasureland RV has been hosting the event since 1971. Even if Camping and traveling aren’t your style, everyone seemed to appreciate a day to stretch their legs a bit while looking at an impressive display of interesting booths, info, and camping equipment. 

The Central MN Farm Show

Do you like farming and agriculture? Seeing what goes into your meals can be interesting – whether it’s your profession or not. At the end of February, the Central MN Farm show showed their attendants hospitality, offering a variety of free giveaways and refreshments, as well as educational seminars, and even offering scholarships.

No matter what you’re into, we all have one thing in common – especially around this time of year; We want to be outside. If you were able to attend these events, we hope you had a great time!

If you’re still looking for a break from the cold, check out the MN Amature Baseball Hall Of Fame to get amped up for the spring season and stay tuned to our calendar for upcoming events.

The January Wedding Expo 2018: A Beautiful Day of Fun!

The first St. Cloud Wedding Expo of the year was held at the River’s Edge Convention Center on January 14th and had over 90 wedding professionals in attendance!

We’d like to express a very big thank you to all the exhibitors and couples that came out to join us. We met so many fabulous couples and had an absolute blast! From florists to calligraphers to photographers, the St. Cloud Wedding Expo is the largest in the Central Minnesota area.

River’s Edge Convention Center was transformed to an ethereal collection of booths and vendors who welcomed hundreds of brides, grooms, friends, and family members. The atmosphere was not only excited, but elegant, feminine, and fun.

Dozens of professionals were on hand from all corners of Minnesota to make the details of any wedding come alive. Represented were vendors for everything from catering, baking, venues, photography – even Paintball for bachelor and bachelorette parties. Truly something for everyone.

A highlight of the expo is the runway show of gorgeous wedding fashion, including bridal gowns, menswear, and bridesmaid fashions. Lots of lace, sequins, and voluminous skirts were on show for brides and grooms looking for that personal inspiration.

The next wedding expo will be held this fall; look to our Facebook page for more information.

For anyone planning their wedding day, River’s Edge Convention Center is a memorable venue for weddings of all sizes. We partner with several options for caterers, decorators, and liquor suppliers for your specific wedding ideas. As our name implies, we are located along the beautiful Mississippi River, offering spectacular views for your special day. Find out more, or contact us to find out if your date is available!

Coming Soon: Exciting Events Coming to the Convention Center

Winter can put a damper on fun. Some days, many of us Midwesterners want to do nothing but stay indoors and snuggle up.

Shield yourself from the bitter cold by enjoying a variety of events with us in downtown St. Cloud. Have a look below to learn more about our upcoming events in February.

30th Annual 2018 St. Cloud Sportsmen's Show

Central Minnesota’s favorite Sportsmen’s show is returning to St. Cloud the weekend of February 9th -11th! This is a fun event for the whole family and a great opportunity to learn more about top-of-the-line resorts, lodges, and camps in the Midwest, as well as Canada.

Looking for a new fishing boat? Or maybe a new camper? All the best dealers in the area will be there with competitive boat and RV show pricing, in addition to the latest and greatest in fishing and camping technology. Finally, you’ll have access to fishing and hunting seminars.

St. Cloud Boat Show

Get a head start on a summer full of fun and see the best of the Midwest’s inventory of new boats, pontoons, jet skis, canoes, lifts, docks, swimming rafts, the latest gear, and more. Not only is this a great event for experienced boaters, but it’s also a great event for those who are new to the lifestyle; you’ll find boats for every style, activity, and budget.

The St. Cloud Boat Show will run all weekend February 16-18 and, best of all, admission is FREE! For more information, visit their website here.

Camp & Travel Expo

Whether you’re an avid camper or not, the Camp and Travel Expo is sure to get you excited for the 2018 camping season! This year’s show is gearing up to be bigger and better than ever before even more vendors, as well as some of the best seminars and workshops in the industry!

St. Cloud’s local PleasureLand RV Center is organizing this 4-day event. A wide range of products and services related to camping and the outdoors will be showcased, in addition to a long list of camper trailers, RVs, tents, and more!

Central Minnesota Farm Show

This year’s Central Minnesota Farm Show will feature over 200 vendors and will last 3 full days from February 27th - March 1st. Not only will there be countless free prize drawings, but there will also be free seminars and topic discussions every day (click here to see the seminar schedule). The Farm Show offers all of this and so much more!


As you can see, February is shaping up to be an exciting month of events here at the River’s Edge Convention Center. We sure hope to see you soon!