Come Celebrate the Conservatory Turning 100 November 7 & 8!

Media Release
October 29, 2015
Contact: Matt Reinartz
matt.reinartz@stpaul.gov
651.487.8294 (o)
651.248.9836 (c)

A weekend that includes live music, vow renewals (calling all couples!), a time capsule, cake, Muddy Waters, poetry, prose, and much, much more.

On November 7, 1915 the Como Conservatory opened its doors for the first time. Fast forward 100 years and join us for our Centennial Celebration Weekend November 7 & 8, 2015. All weekend long enjoy music, a Como trivia contest, make and take crafts, special Gardener Talks, and a fun opportunity to add your memorable moments to our Time Capsule.

The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory has had its fair share of weddings over the last 100 years, and now we are inviting all couples, whether they were married here or not, to a special Vow Renewal Ceremony on Saturday, November 7th at 10am! Retired Judge and award winning officiant Tom Armstrong will preside over couples wishing to renew their vows. The first 100 couples will receive a special 100th Anniversary Vow Renewal Certificate!

Saturday, November 7
10:00am: Vow Renewals! Calling all couples! Did you get married here? Even if you didn't, we're looking for 100 (or more!) couples that would like to renew their vows! All participants will receive a special certificate indicating they renewed your vows at the Conservatory's 100th Anniversary! A Cappella group “Summer Time Quartet” will serenade the loving couples.
11:15am: Join Us for Anniversary Cake (while supplies last)!
1:00pm & 3:00pm –Gardener Talk: History of the Conservatory.
4:30pm-6:30pm: Music Under Glass Concert! Join us for free live music in the Conservatory! Beer and wine will be available to purchase so you can stroll thought the gardens while listening to live, local music and sipping a tasty beverage.
ALL NIGHT: The Conservatory’s Dome, North, and South gardens will be lit all night long! Grab your camera for this rare beautiful exterior shot.

Sunday, November 8
8:00am-10:00am: Rise and shine artists & photographers! We’re opening 2 hours early for you to bring in your tripods, easels and whatever else you need to capture the beauty of the gardens. Also a great opportunity for families to get that holiday photo!
11:15am: Join Us for Anniversary Cake (while supplies last)!
1:00pm & 3:00pm: Gardener Talk: History of the Conservatory.
2:00pm-3:00pm: LYRIC: Poetry, Prose, and Music for the Conservatory’s Next Hundred Years.  Enjoy performances by local artists sharing their work inspired by the Conservatory. Performers include: Ed Bok Lee, Angela Pelster, Katrina Vandenberg, & Ben Weaver

Daily Ongoing Activities 10:00-4:00pm
* Conservatory Postcards - Decorate your choice of postcards all to the celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory (MMC).
* Make your own MMC 100 Button
* MMC trivia - Test your knowledge of all things MMC and win prizes!
* Animals that live to 100 – Learn about animals from around that world that celebrate Centennial Birthdays.
* Time Capsule Station – What was your most memorable moment in 2015? What is your favorite Conservatory memory? Share your memories and we’ll include them in our Time Capsule which will be buried in 2016.
*1915 Playlist in the Conservatory - While strolling the Conservatory the music of Artists who were born in 1915 will be played overhead. Hear musical luminaries Muddy Waters, Hound Dog Taylor, Frank Sinatra, Edith Piaf, Billie Holiday, Frankie Yankovic, Brownie McGhee and more.

Please share your memories and photos using #MMC100 on all your social media sites!