“Inspire MN” festival to host local celebrities

2013 Bezos Scholars, Como Park Senior Marshal Landrum and Educator Kathryn Kahn, announce “Inspire MN,” a local ideas festival launching on Thur., Mar. 20, 1-6pm (registration starts at 12:30pm). The festival will take place at Como Park Senior High School Auditorium at 740 Rose Ave. W. Please RSVP by Mar. 18 by emailing bigideasfestival@gmail.com to reserve your spot.

Taking part in the year-long Bezos Scholars program, Landrum and Kahn had the opportunity to attend the Aspen Ideas Festival last summer. They were inspired by notables including Shuttle pilot Jeff Ashby, oceanographer David Gallo, astrophysicist Brian Greene, Afghan women’s rights activist Shabana Basij-Rasikh, and world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma.

Landrum and Kahn decided to bring an experience similar to the Aspen Ideas Festival to Como Park. “Inspire MN’s” mission is to provide a gathering that inspires, ignites passions, and spurs students and community members into action. It will urge attendees to think deeply about what they want to do and who they want to be. It will also show examples of how following our own passions can both connect us to and enrich the community in which we live.

Landrum and Kahn have invited several successful Minnesotans, all with different fields of interest, to share their stories with the participants. The speakers will include such elements as their initial inspirations, first attempts, obstacles along the way, the will to never-give-up, the people who supported them, and their ultimate success.

Speakers include Arctic explorer Paul Schurke, $1 Million Forever St. Paul Challenge winner Tracy Sides, children’s book author Kurtis Scaletta, and visual artist Seitu Jones. Festival participants will hear their stories, ask questions, and are welcome to share their own ideas.

Landrum, Kahn, and the Inspire MN festival team warmly invite community members to attend. Suggested donation: $5 per person. And, a reminder that parking lot space is limited at Como Park High School—consider taking the MTC bus #3 or parking on the street.