One of Minneapolis' most recognizable signs, the giant Grain Belt Beer bottle cap, will finally shine bright again on Dec. 30. And you can help bring the relic back to life by purchasing one of the LED light bulbs.
Minneapolis' iconic Grain Belt sign will light up again Dec. 30 — and you can buy a bulb
The Grain Belt Beer sign has been dark for years, but is ready to shine again.
December 1, 2017 at 3:09PM
![Grain Belt sign Minneapolis, Minnesota. ] CARLOS GONZALEZ cgonzalez@startribune.com, January 15, 2015, Minneapolis, Minn., Recent movement on the old-neon-sign front is welcome news to lovers of old signs, from North Star Blanket to Grain Belt and Schmidt Brewery. Story updates status of signs (Schmidt Beer is re-lit in St. Paul; North Star Blanket is slated for restoration; Pillsbury A Mill is down but there are hopes for its revival; Grain Belt on Nicollet Island is not lit but is slated for r](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/ZCFU43QKP4Y5F5PKI7YVI5MKPQ.jpg?&w=712)
In a Facebook post this week, the August Schell Brewing Co. (which owns the landmark alongside the Hennepin Avenue bridge) said:
"If you are interested in being a part of the action, we will be offering a limited number of commemorative packages in which you can buy a bulb! Along with a certificate stating which letter you helped to restore, you will also receive a T-shirt and porcelain Grain Belt sign."
The package costs $100.
The New Ulm beer company bought the sign 15 years ago and there's been a push to restore it ever since. The refurbishing process included replacing the neon tubes and 1,100 incandescent light bulbs with LED lights.
The sign was originally placed over the Marigold Ballroom at 13th Street and Nicollet Mall, now the Hyatt Regency Hotel. In 1950, it was moved to its current location along the riverfront. The sign was lit, then dark and re-lit several times over the years, but hasn't been illuminated since 1996.
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