Nov. 16, 2011--Enjoy a free ride on Northstar to the Target Holidazzle Parade in downtown Minneapolis Dec. 10 and 17.
A special, free Northstar Link Holidazzle bus on both Saturdays starts at the downtown St. Cloud Transit Center at 1:45 p.m., with stops at St. Cloud State University, the Northstar Link park and ride lot, and Becker before arriving at Northstar Big Lake Station at 2:45 p.m.
Northstar trains are free after 3 p.m. both days. Be on board when the train pulls out at 3:06 p.m. at Big Lake Station. You’ll arrive in downtown Minneapolis at Target Field Station at 3:55 p.m.
Once Northstar customers reach downtown Minneapolis, getting to Nicollet Mall is an easy—and free—ride on Hiawatha light rail, which connects at Target Field Station. All Metro Transit buses and light rail will be free from 4-8 p.m. on Dec. 10 and 17 as well.
You’ll have time to enjoy the downtown attractions before the parade starts at 6:30 p.m. on Nicollet Mall. Now in its 20th season, the parade features colorful displays, lights, costumes, music and dancing to celebrate the holidays. Get more information about the parade at www.holidazzle.com.
The special event Northstar train leaves Target Field Station at 8 p.m. The Northstar Link bus will meet the train in Big Lake at 8:50 p.m., arriving in Becker at 9:10 p.m., and St. Cloud stops starting at 9:35 p.m.
Complete schedule details are available at www.CatchTheLink.com for the bus, and www.metrotransit.org/northstar for the train.
“This is an opportunity even Scrooge would approve of,” says Stearns County Commissioner Leigh Lenzmeier, chair of the Northstar Corridor Development Authority.
“The Holidazzle Parade is a great tradition for many of us. But if it’s not your thing, use the free ride for another purpose,” said Commissioner Lenzmeier. “Scrooge would approve of saving up to $ 16.00 or more per person.”
Commissioner Lenzmeier predicts the free ride will entice newcomers to try the train.
“Try it once and maybe you’ll learn that transit is stress free, on time and reliable—not a bad present for yourself.”
