The St. Louis County Board of Commissioners declared this week that May 24, 2021 through May 24, 2022 shall be the "Year of Dylan" across the county. The proclamation, which was voted on during the board's May 4 meeting, recognizes Dylan for his musical notoriety and accomplishments as well the influences the area had on his music as he prepares to celebrate his 80th birthday.

Dylan, who was born in Duluth on May 24, 1941 with the name Robert Zimmerman, spent his early years in the Zenith City before his family moved to Hibbing. The proclamation goes on to highlight specific references in his music to the area and other historical facts about the musician in the written decree of the 'Year of Dylan'. You can read the entire proclamation on the third page of the St. Louis County Board of Commissioners agenda.

The 'Year of Dylan' will feature a number of virtual and in-person events in both Duluth and Hibbing, including Dylan Fest, which kicks off two days before the official start of the 'Year of Dylan'.

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The weeklong Duluth Dylan Fest event will include a tour of Bob Dylan sites in Duluth and livestreamed concert from Sacred Heart Music Center on May 22, in-person Duluth Does Dylan concert on May 28, and a number of other events, all laid out on the Dylan Fest website.

In Hibbing, a groundbreaking will be held on May 22 for the Dylan Monument at Hibbing High School. Also announced for the Iron Range as part of the 'Year of Dylan' are that one of the Mesabi Trails 2021 Bike Tours will be Dylan-themed, featuring music and the unveiling of an addition to the bike trail near Hibbing. There are also plans for a Dylan-themed concert and display at the Minnesota Discovery Center in August.

More events are to be announced as we move into the 'Year of Dylan', but you can mark your calendars for some of the early highlights on the schedule to celebrate Bob, his music, and his ties to the Northland.

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