When, Where Did April Fools' Day Start? Fun Facts

Learn more about the origins of April Fools' Day.

While the origins of April Fools' Day are sketchy at best, one of the more popular theories dates back to the 16th century. Prior to 1582, the new year began on April 1.  When the new year was moved to Jan. 1 in 1582, there were some people who hadn't heard or didn't believe the change in the date, so they continued to celebrate New Year's Day on April 1. These "April fools" were often ridiculed by being sent on "fools errands" or were made the butt of other practical jokes. Below are some other fun and interesting April Fools' Day facts: Follow us Southwest Minneapolis Patch on Twitter | Like us on Facebook | Sign up for our free daily email newsletter

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Nominations Being Accepted for Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Awards

Deadline to submit nominations is April 5.

Editor's Note: The following is a Minneapolis Community Planning and Economic Development Department press release. Preserve Minneapolis, the American Institute of Architects Minneapolis, and the Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission invite nominations of outstanding projects for the 22nd Annual Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Awards. The Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Awards recognize projects, individuals, and organizations that celebrate, preserve, and enhance the city's heritage and historic character. Submissions are judged on attention to the quality of design, architecture, workmanship, and materials, as well as the positive impact on the surrounding neighborhood and community. The nominations will be evaluated by a jury…

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12 Days of Hannukwanzaamas

A Festival of Lights

How well do you know your Menorah?

Hannukah is observed by the kindling of one light on the Menorah every night for eight nights. While there are eight days in the celebration, the Menorah features a ninth light—the shamash—raised in the center of the Menorah. Why does the Menorah hold a ninth light? Editor's Note: Select your answer in the poll below and tell us how you know the answer in the comments section. We'll post the correct answer later Tuesday.

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Caitlin Burgess

12:44 pm on Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Will you be attending any Jewish services during the Hanukkah holiday? If so, any place in particular that people should check out if they are interested?   more ›

The Up and Down History of the Lake Harriet Pavilions

Lake Harriet has been the site of numerous park pavilions over the years, many of which met a tragic end.

Early spring can be a harsh time in Minnesota, a time when many turn to daydreaming about summer picnics and music in the park. For many the Lake Harriet Band Shell is a perfect place to focus those daydreams. With concerts, movies in the park, picnic grounds and a beautiful view, there’s a lot to appreciate about the park during summer. The band shell that stands at Lake Harriet today is the fifth music and entertainment facility near the same site. Concerts at Lake Harriet date back as far as 1880 when a steam railway motor line opened up access to what had been a remote lake resort. To entice visitors to Lake Harriet, concerts were sponsored by the motor line. The First Attempt The first Lake Harriet pavilion was called The Grand …

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