Learning about Hopkins really can be fun

“State of the City” lacks the pizzazz to really get the blood going. As a phrase, it ranks right down there with “environmental impact statement” or “comprehensive annual financial report” in terms of pure, mind-numbing bureaucratese.

Don’t be fooled, though. Hopkins has something special planned for the State of the City, as it does every year. Officials pride themselves on offering up an event that goes well beyond the usual yawn-inducing PowerPoint presentations.

The mayor and council will still provide information on all things Hopkins. But the event is sure to stick out from the more traditional council meetings. One year, the city even did a version of Jeopardy! (thankfully, before supercomputer Watson started trouncing human champions).

This year’s theme is a closely guarded secret—that is, unless you’ve been attending the city’s work sessions, where it’s discussed openly. Suffice to say, it won’t be a normal council meeting.

If that mystery doesn’t pique your interest, there’s also the Taste of Hopkins that the Hopkins Business & Civic Association will host just before the State of the City. The event will include a sampling of appetizers, entrées, beverages and desserts from local Hopkins restaurants.

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If you go …

When: Taste of Hopkins starts at 5 p.m. Tuesday. The State of the City follows immediately after at 6 p.m. and will run through 7 p.m.

Where: , 1111 Mainstreet

Everyone is encouraged to donate a non-perishable food item at the event to support the ICA Foodshelf.