Julie Wearn (above left) likes to think outside the box…and dream BIG. In early 2016, Wearn approached her colleague Liz Ostrander (above right) with an idea. Wearn wanted to create an event that would bring Minnesotans together for a cause close to both of their hearts. This cause is children in need of the basics…specifically food and school supplies. Fast forward to this past January and “RoVival in Roseville” was officially created. The inaugural event was planned over the course of six months. Its debut is scheduled for the weekend of July 27-29, 2018 at Rosedale Center.
Wearn, the CEO of Roseville Visitors Association (RVA), and Ostrander, the marketing director at Rosedale Center, are each mothers of one child. Wearn is also a grandmother of one. They serve together on the executive board of RVA and have coordinated many projects together – but none of this scale.
“Planning this event has been an incredible journey. It’s been amazing seeing all the little pieces falling into place,” said Wearn. “This project has been like a child to Liz and me…our baby. We joke that we now each have two children.”
The RoVival weekend has a lot in store. Saturday morning includes a timed 5K race and a 1-Mile fun run/walk for families – even their family pooch is welcome. Participants of both runs will receive an amazing Athleta swag bag with a collector medal, a ¾ zip athletic shirt, and a reusable glass water bottle. On both Friday night and Saturday morning, YogaFit of Roseville will lead a free outdoor yoga session at the festival site. The keystone event, the Saturday Night Block Party, will feature Marshall Charloff, Kat Perkins (a VOICE tv show semi-finalist), and the Prince tribute band, Purple Xperience. This 21+ event also includes food trucks, beverages from Bent Brewstillery, and interactive activities.
As for the charity component, RoVival is partnering with the Twin Cities Kids in Need Foundation, which helps Minnesota teachers and students by providing essential supplies to promote learning and excellence in the classroom. They are also partnering with The Sheridan Story, which works to combat hunger in our community by filling the gaps to food access that children face. Both organizations will be on site accepting canned and boxed food and school supply donations from attendees. Plus, they each will receive a portion of the funds raised by the event.
“I can’t imagine being a child who doesn’t know where his or her next meal will come from,” said Ostrander. “I understand how expensive raising a child truly is, not only the food expenses but all the costs associated with preparing them for school.”
RoVival will be especially emotional for the planning team. This year’s event is dedicated in memory of Carrie Donovan Ford, RVA’s marketing & sales director and a mom of two young daughters (pictured below with her family). Carrie passed away unexpectedly a couple of weeks ago. “Ford was an avid racer and concert-goer who would’ve found great joy in this event,” explained Wearn. “I know she’ll be present in spirit and helping make the event memorable.”
And, for our readers, our partners at Rosedale Center have offered a special promo code!
RoVival’s organizers are inviting Minnesota moms to spend the weekend in Roseville as a special girls getaway with a special 50% off discount for all RoVival ticket types. Grab this deal NOW through noon on Friday, July 27. Simply enter promo code MOM50 when purchasing tickets online. Additionally, Roseville hotels are offering special discounted room rates (rates on event site). There will be the first opportunity to get a sneak peek of the new curated Minnesota makers market, ROSE & LOON, which opens this fall at Rosedale Center.
For more event information, to purchase tickets, and to book hotel rooms, visit:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rovival-in-roseville-race-revelry-registration-45493562470.
RoVival in Roseville is sponsored by Roseville Visitors Association, Rosedale Center and a new event grant from Explore Minnesota Tourism.
