I recently attended I AM MPLS!, a fashion and variety show celebrating the talented and creative people of the city. The event was held at Aria and included a fashion show with local creatives as the models, comedy from Jenn Schaal and Maggie Faris, musical performances by Hookers $ Blow and Bollywood, and food from Minneapolis-based eateries.
Looking around Aria’s vast and open space, I was stuck by the essence of unity that radiated through the diverse crowd. No two attendees were alike and yet everyone was connected by a general love for the city they live in. That strong sense of pride got me thinking: What does it mean to be Minneapolis?
We can start with the facts:
– No. 1 (Mpls./St. Paul) Healthiest City in the U.S. (American College of Sports Medicine)
– No. 1 City for Parks in the U.S. (The Trust for Public Land)
– No. 1 (Mpls./St. Paul) Cleanest City in the U.S. (Travel + Leisure; 2012)
– No. 1 (Mpls./St. Paul) Most Intelligent People (Travel + Leisure; 2012)
– No. 2 Most Bike-Friendly City in the U.S. (Bicycling.com)
– No. 4 (Mpls./St. Paul) Quality of Life in the U.S. (Travel + Leisure; 2012)
– No. 5 Hottest Travel Destination (Travel + Leisure; 2012)
But Minneapolis is more than that. Having only lived here for five years, I cannot classify myself as a native, but in my short time here I’ve developed a sense for what Minneapolis means.
– Not just surviving, but thriving during -13-degree wind-chills.
– Possessing an impressive ability to pull off the not-so-flattering colors of maroon and gold.
– Knowing “the difference between a blue line and a clothesline” (And also knowing what that quote is from).
– Starting to plan for the Fourth of July in March because you know getting a spot on a boat is harder than finding alcohol on a Sunday.
– Owning at least one flannel shirt.
– Seeing a blizzard outside your window in the morning and it making you happy because that means it’s going to be warm today.
– Fully knowing that Minnesota Nice isn’t a myth – people here really do still open doors, apologize for bumping into someone and pay for a stranger’s Caribou.
Sarah Edwards, a stylist and event producer based in the Twin Cities and the organizer of I AM MPLS!, stated it best. “I fell in love with this city and the people that live here,” she said. “I created I AM MPLS! To celebrate all of the talent!”
What does being from Minneapolis mean to you? We would love to hear your answers – Comment below!
