The Rosemount High School Marching Band performed at the Member Appreciation Event.
Dakota Electric Association had a total of 6,756 people attend the company’s 20th annual Member Appreciation Event at the Minnesota Zoo on July 27. During the event, zoo admission was free to all Dakota Electric members and their families.
The bird show is always popular at the MN Zoo.
As part of the event, Dakota Electric, a member-owned cooperative, asked attendees to bring food donations for area food shelves, and visitors donated 2,523 pounds of food along with $1,037.69 in cash. The cash donation was the largest amount collected since Dakota Electric began collecting donations.
“The generosity of those who attended the event is amazing and will help a lot of people living in this area,” President and CEO Greg Miller said. “Dakota Electric is a not-for-profit electric cooperative, so this member-only event is our way of showing our appreciation to our members.”
Since Dakota Electric began collecting food at the event, Dakota Electric’s members have donated nearly 17 tons of food and more than $11,000 to go to local food shelves.
LED Lucy was on hand to greet the children.
At the Member Appreciation Event at the zoo, cooperative members enjoyed Kangaroo Crossing, where they were able to walk through the display and see kangaroos, wallabies and emus. Members also had the opportunity to view the Hawaiian Monk Seals, African penguins, grizzly bears, gray wolves and more. Entertainment included the World of Birds Show, the Rosemount High School Marching Band and close-up magic performed by Bob Miller.
This year’s temporary exhibit was Kangaroo Crossing.
LED Lucy, Dakota Electric’s mascot was on hand for added fun for the children, and many people enjoyed discounted tickets to the IMAX. Members can see
photographs from the event on the company’s Facebook page.
Kids had the chance to get stick-on tattoos that show a 3D animation when used with the cellphone app.
