Written by Kathleen Hustad
Calling all North Minneapolis residents and visitors! Get ready for an exciting event that will bring our community together and make a positive impact. The highly anticipated Northside Ramble, organized by the North Minneapolis Rotary Club, is just around the corner. This year’s Ramble promises to be a thrilling history tour of our beloved neighborhood, combined with visits to unique local breweries. So, mark your calendars for Saturday, August 5 at 1 p.m. and get ready to join the fun!
The Northside Ramble allows us to explore, connect and support our community. We are thrilled to partner with two amazing breweries, La Doña Cervecería, and Sisyphus Brewing Co., as well as Cycle Sisters and various community organizations throughout North Minneapolis, to make this event a memorable one.
“The Northside Ramble is an incredible opportunity for our community to come together, have a great time, and support a worthy cause,” says Lesley Toumi, the founder of Gotcha Glasses, an organization helping Northside youth access proper eyewear. “We’re thrilled to be a part of it and make a meaningful impact for the next generation of North Minneapolis.”
Jim Tincher, a dedicated member of the North Minneapolis Rotary Club, adds, “The Ramble is a signature event our club hosts with the goal of connecting the community, fostering learning and making a positive impact. We invite everyone to join us for an exciting history tour, explore the parks that hold fascinating stories, and enjoy the vibrant community we call home.”
Last year’s Northside Ramble was a tremendous success, with enthusiastic participation from neighbors, business owners, professionals and individuals from both within and outside North Minneapolis. Kathleen Hustad, the President of the Rotary Club of North Minneapolis, reflects on the event’s impact, stating, “We were overwhelmed by the support we received from the community. Together, we raised funds for Gotcha Glasses, ensuring that Northside children have access to the eyewear they need to thrive. This year, we aim to surpass our previous accomplishments and make an even greater impact.”
In fact, Rotary’s Northside Ramble bicycle and brewery tour raised an impressive $5,126 for Gotcha Glasses, translating into providing 41 pairs of new glasses for Northside youth. This significant contribution will make a tangible difference in these young individuals’ lives, ensuring they have the vision they need to excel academically and thrive in their daily lives. The Northside Ramble attendees can take pride in knowing that their participation and support have directly impacted the well-being of our community’s children. With you, we can continue to help young students in North Minneapolis get eyewear through NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center’s Gotcha Glasses.
Your ticket to the Northside Ramble 2023 grants you several exciting perks, including an event t-shirt, drink tickets at each brewery location, and a guided tour of North Minneapolis’s captivating history. The route will begin at La Doña Cervecería; additional information will be provided soon. Remember to dress comfortably, wear suitable footwear, and if biking, don’t forget your safety gear, such as lights and helmets. Driving between sites is an option, but the ride is designed for biking, so grab your two wheels and embrace the adventure. We encourage you to secure your spot for this incredible event by signing up on Eventbrite at northsideramble.com. Visit the event page to get all the details and secure your ticket before they’re gone.
We also welcome sponsorship opportunities from local businesses and organizations interested in supporting the Northside Ramble and its mission. Contact us to discuss how you can contribute to this fantastic event and make a difference in our community. With you, we can continue to help young students in North Minneapolis get eyewear through NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center’s Gotcha Glasses.
The Northside Ramble is not just an event; it’s a celebration of our vibrant community, its history and its future. Let’s come together, explore our neighborhood, meet our neighbors, and create lasting connections. Join us on August 5 and be a part of this extraordinary experience. Together, we can make a positive impact and continue to build a stronger, more connected North Minneapolis. Spread the word to your friends and family and we hope to see you at the Northside Ramble 2023!
The North Minneapolis Rotary Club meets online every Tuesday by Zoom from 7:35-8:35 a.m. and welcomes Northside community members and professionals to get involved. It is always looking for guest speakers who are making a difference in our community. Contact us at northmplsrotary@gmail.com to request the link.