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Assembly Union Park in Saint Paul is a Futuristic Gem

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Our family visited several parks this week, and discovered a NEW park – Assembly Union Park in the Highland Bridge neighborhood of St. Paul!

assembly union park small slides

This park is awesome. It has:

  • a large play area with futuristic play structures and a tall climbing fort with slides
  • basketball court
  • picnic tables
  • 3 pickleball courts
  • dog relief area 
  • benches
  • bike racks

When I did some research, I learned it is the third of four city parks to open on the former site of the Ford Motor Company’s Twin Cities Assembly Plant in St. Paul. 

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Free Fall Sampling Open House at Let’s Dish on September 14th

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It’s time for fall and fall foods! Though fall doesn’t officially start until later this month, we’ve had some chilly days, plus fall festivals are starting, with foods and pumpkin spice galore.

And there’s a FREE fall sampling open house at Let’s Dish on September 14th!

It was so worth going to. On Thursday, September 14th from 2:00 – 6:00pm, you can enjoy food samples (good, quality foods), discounts and giveaways at all 5 of their Twin Cities locations (Apple Valley, Eden Prairie, Maple Grove, Prior Lake, Woodbury). 

lets dish store

This summer I went to a free sampling open house event at Let’s Dish, and it was so fun and tasty that I bought a few items using their discounts. They had many samples of their foods and beverages, as well as discounts and giveaways.

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Discounted Tickets for Tricks and Treats at Valleyfair 2023

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Tricks and Treats is back at Valleyfair this year! And you can get discounted tickets.

valleyfair tricks treats 2022

Tricks and Treats is back at Valleyfair on Saturdays and Sundays, September 23 – October 29, 2023.

Last year we went to Tricks and Treats and it was so fun!

The park is divided into 2 “lands” – The Land of Tricks, and the Land of Treats. 

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Free Admission to Minnesota State Parks on Saturday, September 9th

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Free Minnesota Park Days 2021

Earlier this year I shared that there are 4 days you can get FREE admission to Minnesota State Parks in 2023.

The first two were April 22nd and June 10th. And the next day is Saturday, September 9th!

Free Entrance Days in Minnesota State Parks

All 75 Minnesota state parks and state recreation areas will offer free admission to everyone on four days, and the next one is coming up this Saturday, September 9th.

There is one more this year after this: Friday, November 24th.

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Bowlero Bowling Discounts – Save up to 75%

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bowlero lanes

Bowling was one of my favorite things to do growing up. I’d go with family and friends to local bowling alleys in Duluth – it was really fun! And I was sort of good – I think. The more you play, the better you get anyway! 

I actually had a few birthday parties going bowling!

Bowling can be fun for all ages and makes a great family outing, but the price can add up, so to make it even easier, Bowlero has a deal right now. Save up to 75% on bowling plus shoe rentals!

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Where to See Alpacas (for FREE) during National Alpaca Farm Days September 23 – 24!

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Foggy Bottom Alpacas

I never knew about National Alpaca Farm Days until 2020 when we were looking for something outdoors to do, and an alpaca farm called Foggy Bottom had a FREE open house!

Then I saw that other alpaca farms have open houses too during this one weekend – the last weekend in September.

Keep reading for events happening this year!

(Unfortunately Foggy Bottom doesn’t have an open house this year but read about our visit at the bottom.)

FREE National Alpaca Farm Days Events

Here are events happening near the Twin Cities in 2023 (all are free as of this posting)!

Though they’re all outside the Twin Cities, they make a good day trip, at about 1-2 hours away!

For more places participating nationwide, check out this website.

Otherwise, here are local events:

Crimson Sunrise Farm Alpacas
16529 110th Street SE
Becker, MN             
(northwest of the Twin Cities just past Monticello)

September 24th
12:00pm – 5:00pm      

** FREE fun for the entire family!!!**
-Barn Tours for an up close alpaca experience
with our friendly animals
-Shopping in the Farm Store: apparel for all
ages, & many unique alpaca themed
souvenirs/gifts
-Refreshments
-Children’s activities
**Don’t miss out!!! Make plans to join us!!**

 

Triple T Alpaca
15414 140th St.
Foreston, MN   
(northwest of the Twin Cities near Milaca)

September 23rd & 24th 
9:00am – 3:00pm

Join us for this Free Family Event!!
-Meet the Animals-Babies will be born throughout the summer season-How many will you see????
-Shop local vendors
-Grab food from the Food Truck
 

Evergreen Oasis Farm
34133 Oasis Road
Center City, MN             
(northeast of the Twin Cities, east of North Branch)

September 23rd
10:00am – 2:00pm

Join us for our 4th National Alpaca Farm Day(s) 🦙
°Visit & feed the animals (alpaca & sheep)
°Watch fleece, yarn & spinning demos from our friend Denise w/ Gone Astray Farm
°Learn about our sponsorship program & volunteer opportunities
°Pick flowers from the u-pick field
°Gather & harvest your own sunflower seeds to take home and preserve for next year ( or to feed the birds)
°Shop the barn market & special guest vendors
°Learn what it takes to raise alpaca (and sheep) – Receive our special NAFD specials on animals available for purchase
°Save 15% on birthday parties, weddings & other events when saving the date during National Alpaca Farm Days

Peaceful Acres Alpacas
4432 Clementa Ave. SW
Waverly, MN 55390

September 24th
1:00 – 4:00pm

Spend some time with the Alpacas. Have some hot cider and treats. Browse our alpaca products and shop for early Christmas gifts! (Venmo, paypal, cash or checks only)

Live Music by Nick Love!

Vermillion River Alpacas
18495 Goodwin Ave
Hastings, MN 55033

September 23rd 
10:00am – 5:00pm

September 24th
10:00am – 3:00pm

Join us for our open house September 23rd and 24th 2023. Meet our alpacas and learn more about these inquisitive, unique animals. Other activities include;

  • Tour the farm
  • Experience the alpacas up close
  • Tour the fiber processing mill, see how wool and alpaca products are made
  • Shop for alpaca products
  • Feed the sheep and goats their favorite treat

Double S Alpaca LLC
34022 Nacre St NW
Princeton, MN 55371

September 24th
10:00am – 4:00pm

Our farm will be open for everyone to come and see our alpacas and ask questions. We will have activity(ies) for children. People may also interact with our chickens, turkeys and livestock guardian dogs. Refreshments available.

Free of charge.

There’s one event happening another weekend earlier in September:

Whispering Oaks Alpacas
21851 Calmor Ave
Prior Lake, MN 55372   
(south of the Twin Cities, near/west of Lakeville)

September 10th
11:00am – 4:00pm

Check each venue for updates before you go.

And to get an idea what these open houses are like, read our visit to an alpaca farm, Foggy Bottom Alpacas in Isanti!

Foggy Bottom Alpacas

The open house was all day Saturday and Sunday and there were various animals (not just alpacas), a food truck and some activities.

The farm is family-owned and started in 2008. It’s on 20 acres and is just an hour or so north of the Twin Cities. They have an on-site store with various items made from alpaca products like gloves, scarves, and socks (which are really warm by the way, and not itchy like wool)!

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What to Buy (& Skip) in September to Save Money 2023

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What to Buy in September

Did you know that there are different things on sale each month of the year? 

A while back I put together a Month to Month Shopping Guide that lists the best items to buy each month to save money!

Here I am highlighting the best items to buy this month!

September

September is a great time to still buy school supplies, even after school starts.

Labor Day is also probably the best time for some items like mattresses until the holiday sales come.

There are also special days to note which could mean discounts!

National Cheese Pizza Day is September 5th, and National Pepperoni Pizza Day is September 20th, so watch for pizza deals.

National Guacamole Day is September 16th, National Cheeseburger Day is September 18th, National Ice Cream Cone Day is September 22nd, and National Pancake Day is September 26th – so more food deals to watch out for!

And National COFFEE Day is September 29th! There are always some good coffee deals and freebies.

September is the best time to buy:

Summer clearance

Perennials, shrubs and trees – Greenery at this time of year can’t be beat, according to Consumer Reports

Bicycles – deals start now and run through Fall

Halloween candy, decorations, costumes show up in stores

Baking supplies

Lawn mowers – prices get trimmed to create space for snowblowers and other winter gear

Apple products like the iPhone and watches as new models are revealed

Appliances (like washers, dryers, stoves) as new models are hitting showrooms soon

Airfare for the winter holidays is cheaper now

Cars: New models hit the showroom floor so older vehicles are the ones to buy

What NOT to Buy Right Now:

Large TVs. Prices aren’t the best. Wait until late November for the Black Friday deals if you can.

Seasonal produce on sale now:

Acorn squash
Apples
Beets
Butternut squash
Cantaloupe
Cauliflower
Eggplant
Figs
Grapes
Green beans
Lettuce
Mangoes
Mushrooms
Okra
Peppers
Persimmons
Pomegranates
Pumpkins
Spinach
Sweet potatoes
Swiss chard
Tomatoes

Labor Day – 50% off clothing, shoes and home items at thrift stores like Savers and Unique Thrift Stores

View the full month to month list here!

And be sure to view my Deals & Events Calendar for more deals and fun this month!

Dairy Queen $.85 Blizzard from September 11 – 24

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dairy queen blizzard fall

Dairy Queen is introducing their new Fall BLIZZARD® Menu with a special throwback deal- get a small Blizzard® treat for only $.85 from September 11 – 24, 2023!

Dairy Queen first introduced their Blizzard treat in 1985, and in honor of that, you can get an $.85 Blizzard with this exclusive app offer.

They offered this same deal in the spring, and it was so good they just had to bring it back for fall!

Here are their yummy fall flavors:

  • Pumpkin Pie Blizzard Treat: Pumpkin pie pieces blended with world-famous soft serve to Blizzard perfection garnished with whipped topping and nutmeg.
  • Snickerdoodle Cookie Dough Blizzard Treat: Snickerdoodle cookie dough pieces sprinkled with cinnamon sugar and blended with creamy DQ vanilla soft serve. 
  • Caramel Fudge Cheesecake Blizzard Treat: Cheesecake pieces and fudge covered salty caramel pieces blended with world-famous DQ soft serve.
  • OREO® Hot Cocoa Blizzard Treat: OREO® Cookie pieces and cocoa fudge blended with creamy DQ soft serve garnished with whipped topping. 
  • REESE’S® Peanut Butter Cup Pie Blizzard Treat: REESE’S® Peanut Butter Cups and graham blended with our world-famous vanilla soft serve to Blizzard perfection and garnished with whipped topping.
  • Choco Dipped Strawberry Blizzard Treat: Strawberry and choco chunks blended with world-famous DQ soft serve. 
  • New! Royal REESE’S® Fluffernutter Blizzard Treat: REESE’S® candies and peanut butter swirled with world-famous vanilla soft serve, complete with an irresistible marshmallow center.

To get the deal be sure you have the app! It will be in there.

dairy queen app

If you don’t have the app, here’s what you do: just download the app here.

You’ll be able to get other great deals and order easily all year-round.

And be sure to subscribe to my email newsletter for more deals like this plus FREEBIES INSTANTLY including this:

Boredom Busters Pin TCFM

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Note: If you have any issues with accessing your free printables, email me at twincitiesfrugalmom@gmail.com.

Just Between Friends Andover Kids Consignment Sale September 7-10

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just between friends andover

It’s time for the Just Between Friends Andover Kids Consignment Sale!

It’s Thursday, September 7th through Sunday, September 10th at the Andover YMCA Community Center!!!

First, be sure to get your FREE admission ticket for opening day!

What I love about these sales is that they have so much variety and for great prices. They even have teen clothing now, sports jerseys for all your football celebrations, plus items just for moms!

 

Here are the sale details

Where is it?

Andover YMCA Community Center
15200 Hanson Blvd NW
Andover, MN 55304

jbf andover showroom

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