Archive · 9 Jun 2025
Annual Pencil Sharpening: Minneapolis' Unique Community Ritual
In Minneapolis, a couple turns storm damage into a fun tradition.
They sharpen a giant 20-foot pencil every year.
This pencil came from a tree that was hurt in a storm.
Now, people come together for music, costumes, and fun.
They celebrate new beginnings and community.
It's like they are saying, even when things are hard, we can make something good happen.
They even give out purple pencils in honor of a famous musician's birthday!
Each year they make the pencil a little shorter, as part of the tradition.
A Minneapolis couple hosts an annual event to sharpen a 20-foot pencil.
The pencil was created from an oak tree damaged in a storm.
The event, held near the Lake of the Isles, draws hundreds of attendees.
Attendees celebrate with music, costumes, and a festive atmosphere.
The event symbolizes renewal and community unity.
- Who
- John and Amy Higgins, attendees, and sculptor Curtis Ingvoldstad
- What
- Sharpening a 20-foot pencil
- When
- Annually
- Where
- Minneapolis, USA
- Why
- To celebrate renewal, art, community, and turn storm damage into a positive event
- Location
- Minneapolis
- Pencil Height
- 20 feet
- Frequency
- Annual Event
- Organizers
- John and Amy Higgins
- Sculptor
- Curtis Ingvoldstad