World Peace and Prayer Day 2011 Events Begin Saturday in Mendota Heights Area

The four days of events leading up to on Tuesday, June 21 have been finalized and agreed upon by the multiple jurisdictions that the cultural events will take place in.

Mendota Heights Police Chief Mike Aschenbrener reported to the Mendota City Council June 15 that he’s satisfied with the logistics, and aside from some traffic on Sunday, he does not foresee any major issues.

“All of the permits are in-hand and the public safety issues have been addressed,” said organizer Stephanie Smith of the Bloomington Daymakers International Rotary.

World Peace and Prayer Day began in 1996 as an initiative of Chief Arvol Looking Horse, a Lakota/Dakota/Nakota spiritual leader.

Every year, it moves to a new location as part of its mission, “All Nations, All Faiths, One Prayer.” Some of its past locations include Ireland, South Africa and Japan.

Events this year are now largely centered around the grounds of on Sibley Memorial Highway.  Visitors from the community are encouraged to park at the Fort Snelling Light Rail Station, Neiman Sports Complex or Historic Fort Snelling and walk over the bridge to the church grounds.

“The hope from the planning committees is that local residents come and stay as long as they like,” said Smith. She emphasized that the four days of programming and mingling are not just a learning opportunity for Minnesotans, but also an opportunity to introduce the international guests present to local residents in the Mendota area.

The location where the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers meet, called “Bdote” in the Dakota language, holds spiritual and historic value as a gathering place.

The programming is billed as an alcohol and drug-free event appropriate for families and seniors.

Tents at The Church of St. Peter are scheduled to host international speakers, art, dancing, educational programs and music starting on Saturday. Volunteers and visitors will be camping on the site.

“Peace Riders” completing The Tailfeather Woman Horse Ride from South Dakota to Fort Snelling are scheduled to ride from Eagan along Highway 13 to Pilot Knob on Saturday morning. At about 4 p.m. Sunday, they will then cross Mendota Bridge to Fort Snelling.

A “rolling roadblock” of the right lane and a law enforcement escort will accompany the procession crossing the bridge, said Aschenbrener.

A sacred fire to burn throughout the rest of the events will be lit on Saturday at Pilot Knob.

Visitors are invited to a picnic lunch at the church on Sunday at noon. Organizers ask that picnickers bring their own food and reusable dishware to reduce waste throughout the four days.

Following the arrival of the Peace Riders on Sunday, an attempt at a record for biggest hug will take place. The initial proposal to host the hug on Mendota Bridge was denied, said Aschenbrener, so the hug will be staged at the church. Registration is free, but encouraged.

Fort Snelling Historic Site will be open and free to the public Sunday from 12-5 p.m. The visitor center will host free films, and the Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel will have an open house from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Music performances are scheduled at the central church tent at 6:30 p.m. both Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

Tuesday is World Peace and Prayer Day, and will be dedicated to silent prayer.

If You Go

What: World Peace and Prayer Day events

When: Saturday, June 18-Tuesday, June 21, rain or shine

Where: Church of St. Peter, Fort Snelling State Park

Pricing: Free

Details: Visit the World Peace and Prayer Day 2011 website for updated information. If you need to speak to an organizer, call 952-888-4311 and leave a message. Do not call the church. Parking at the church will be reserved for handicapped and senior citizens.