Neil C. Lahammer - Winter Caravan News

Oh Winter Caravan...where will you be stopping?

Following the “kick-to-the-groin” that cutting back to one day of player signings at TwinsFest, I know that I, and other Twins fans, are really looking forward to the return of the Minnesota Twins winter caravan.    Prior to COVID, the Minnesota Twins always had their winter caravan schedule out by now.   Here’s what was announced by the team back on December 1^st.

According to Andrew Halverson, the Director of Broadcast for the Minnesota Twins…

”The goal will be to connect with Twins fans in person but also look for opportunities to give back as well.  We are partnering with the Twins Community Fund to help us create those charitable events and contributions.  As a result, we will be re-wording the Twins Caravan to the “Twins CARE-avan.”

I read this to mean perhaps fewer stop-and-run free community visits and player signings, and more by a ticket, get a quick meal, to help raise money for a local organization, then get player autographs, type of events.   No big deal, many of their winter caravan events have been like this in the past, and I’ve been more than happy to buy a ticket to help support a local cause and get some autographs from my favorite team.  

Today is January 8, and there has not been a formal announcement by the Minnesota Twins with their winter caravan schedule for 2023.     So I starting doing some searching online, and I’ve found a few crumbs of a winter caravan schedule through their local radio affiliates.  Here’s what I’ve found with links to more information.

January 24, Tuesday, in St. Cloud, MN, at Rivers Edge Convention Center.  This story was made public was back on November 7.  Doors open at 6:00 pm with program beginning at 7:00 pm.  The WJON website does not provide a guest list, but says tickets will be available once the list is announced.  A ballpark meal (think hot dog, chips, & pop) is provided with your ticket.           https://wjon.com/twins-winter-caravan-coming-back-in-2023/

January 25, Wednesday, in Fargo, ND, at the Sanctuary Events Center (info. from KFGO.)   Doors open at 5:00 pm with program starting at 6:00 pm.  Tickets are $10.00.  You receive a ballpark meal…again likely a hotdog, chips, and pop.  Players expected (subject to change , of course), Jose’ Miranda, Nick Gordon, coach Tommy Watkins, and broadcasters Kris Atteberry and Dan Gladden.  See the link for more information.

https://kfgo.com/twins-winter-caravan/#:~:text=The%20Minnesota%20Twins%20are%20coming,meal%20thanks%20to%20Country%20Hearth.

January 29, Sunday, Treasure Island Resort and Casino, Welch, MN (by Red Wing.)    This date is tentative and has not yet been confirmed, but my source at our local Minnesota Twins affiliate says it is the date being considered at this time.   I will post an update with time and players when this information is confirmed.

Has anyone heard of any other winter caravan stops?  If so, please share that information.

Thanks.