Golden Valley Scrambles to Bring 'Cavalia'

What will a troupe of horseback riders, aerialists, acrobats, dancers, and musicians and 49 horses from all over the world bring to the ? That's what Golden Valley city officials are considering after representatives with the international show Cavalia presented their plans Tuesday at the Golden Valley city manager's meeting. 

The zoning code needs to be changed and the city council still needs to give its approval—not to mention the similar work that needs to happen in St. Louis Park—but the world-renowned equestrian show has already started selling tickets to its west metro premiere. Performances are planned to begin Sept. 21.

"The city council is excited to try something new," says Golden Valley Mayor Linda Loomis.  "We all hope everything runs smoothly, and we are willing to go through the process we need in order to make sure this event happens."

Cavalia combines horseback riding and theater in a Cirque du Soleil-like performance. Owners of Cavalia say the tent village will include nine white-top tents—one more than 100 feet high—and will be similar to the tent set-up used by Cirque du Soleil at the Mall of America in Bloomington right now. The show would be held on a vacant, 16-acre lot in an area slated to eventually become an office building. Ten of those 16 acres are technically in St. Louis Park, while the other six are in Golden Valley, meaning the two cities would have to reach some sort of agreement.

In order to host the dozens of performers and animals, both St. Louis Park and Golden Valley would have to ease zoning restrictions so the production could set up a tent village near the intersection of Interstate 394 and Minnesota Highway 100. 

"We're concerned about traffic, noise, sewer and sanitation, police patrols and many other issues that will come up," says Tom Grimes, planning director for Golden Valley.  "And it sounds like this group is ready to address most, if not all, of our concerns."

The Golden Valley Planning Commission would first have to amend the “Temporary Uses” section of the city’s zoning code to make Cavalia a reality. An amendment is expected to be voted on in mid-July. If and when the amendment goes through, the city council will give the show a final vote July 19. Cavalia's owners would also need permits for food and alcoholic beverages, building permits, sewer and water permits and traffic and crowd control permits.

Cavalia didn't approach Golden Valley until late last week with its plans, but so far, it seems the city is willing to work quickly to bring the business dollars in.

"We're dealing with a professional outfit here," Grimes says.  "The show starts in a few months, so of course they're going to sell tickets now.  We're focusing on other concerns and what we need to do to make sure this can all happen and happen in the amount of time we have."

Cavalia would run from September through mid-November, with up to seven shows per week. Cavalia expects each show to draw roughly 2,000 spectators, with tickets ranging from $50 to $200.

Cavalia, by now well-versed in staging these productions, has even accounted for the less-than pleasant odors that can accompany any horse show. A representive said Monday that manure is kept in closed containers that are emptied daily, and the horses are kept very clean.

"It may be a one-time thing, but we will see," Loomis says. "It should be fun."

Ticket to the event are now on sale.  You can visit the Cavalia web site or call 1-(866) 999-8111 for prices, show dates and times.