Duluth, MN and the Honors Band

Ore ship and marina

We set off for Duluth, Minnesota, today to attend the Honors Band that Grandson Brandon was participating in.  We left Fergus Falls and drove five hours on MN 210 to get here.  We had time to walk around Canal Park.  On the left is the Great Lakes Ship, William A Irwin once owned by United States Steel Corporation and now on permanent exhibit.

Sue at the entrance to Duluth harbor.

Al on an anchor showing the roll that needs some work.

Sue with a boat that never makes one seasick.

The Duluth harbor lift bridge.

The above photos show the relation of Duluth to Lake Superior and ultimately to the Atlantic ocean through the St Laurence canal.  In the bilge water of ocean-going ships many unwanted invasive species have made home in Midwestern waters.  There is a campaign going on in Minnesota to limit the spread of invasive species by cleaning boats and trailers when removed from one of the 10,000 lakes.

Grandma's restaurant

Grandma's Saloon and Grill has weathered the depressed times that hit the Duluth waterfront in the latter part of the twentieth century.  A determined effort has been made to improve this area as a tourist area and now there are many restaurants and shops in the Canal Park area.

Another example of the new Duluth waterfront.

The old manufacturing and commercial buildings are memories shown by this sign painted on the building years ago.

Sue walking toward a "reused" building.

Some times it is fun when an unexpected opportunity comes along.  Walking along the street I noted this sign in the second story of this building.  I had to see what was going on so we went in with a reluctant Sue in tow.

A second floor doll house store.

We found Raggedy Ann and Andy perched on top of a doll house.  This large store caters to girls from age 5 to 65, according to the owner.  She let us look about and we were impressed with the variety of furnishings available for these houses.  She sell kits priced at $250 and up for a nice doll house.

Raggedy Andy and Annw

A nicely furnished doll house.

Our main purpose for being in Duluth was to show support for our Grandson Brandon who was participating in a Concert Band sponsored by the Minnesota Music Educators Association.  He did a live audition in competition with over 1800 high school students from schools large and small.  Judges selected 561 students to participate in the Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble, Orchestra as well as Men's, Women's and Mixed Choirs.  The Choirs and Orchestra performed in other sites.

The venue - Duluth East High School

Brandon is in the last row on the right and you must just take my word that he is there.

The 2012-2013 MMEA All-State Concert Band, Stephen Peterson, conductor.

These boys are growing fast.  I grew 12 inches during my four years of high school and these guys are doing the same thing.  Brandon works in a privately owned ice cream shop and Nathan is starting his Driver's Education program.  They do their parallel parking practice near our home and we have said that perhaps we would set up lawn chairs across the street to watch.  NO PRESSURE.

 From left, Al, Brandon, Nathan and Steve.  The Grandsons are catching up.