Council Finalizes Cavalia Plans

St. Louis Park City Council on Monday night paved the way for a unique equestrian show to make its way to the area this fall. Tonight it's the Golden Valley City Council's turn to make a decision.

A temporary use permit for Cavalia to operate at a parking lot at the  was unanimously approved by the St. Louis City Council. The show, which combines horseback riding and theater in a Cirque du Soleil-like performance, is set to debut Sept. 21 and run through late October or early November.

“This is pretty exciting,” Mayor Jeff Jacobs said.

Shows will run Tuesday through Friday at 8 p.m. Saturday will have performances at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sunday will feature a 2 p.m. matinee. Each show is expected to draw roughly 2,000 spectators. Adult tickets will range from $44.50 to $199.50.

Some council members expressed concern with the impact such crowds will have on parking in the area—particularly because an international film festival is coming to the  at the same time—but city staff said they are confident there will be enough parking. As part of their deal with the city, Cavalia officials also agreed to pay for up to two off-duty St. Louis Park police officers during shows.

In addition to approving the temporary use permit, council had to approve a change to a city ordinance to allow such a large-scale show to operate. Council also signed its half of a joint-powers agreement with Golden Valley, as part of Cavalia will spill into Golden Valley. The agreement would grant St. Louis Park the authority to grant the appropriate permits for Cavalia to use the small sliver of Golden Valley.

Golden Valley City Council is expected to vote on the agreement tonight.

In all, the show will take up 16 acres, 10 of which are in St. Louis Park. Set-up of the various tents and booths that make up the show is slated to begin in mid-August. The area will be fully cleared out by mid-November.