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In the heart of Minneapolis, a whimsical event has taken the internet by storm: the annual Cat Tour. What started as a modest neighborhood activity has now gone viral, drawing cat lovers from far and wide. The Wedge neighborhood, where the tour takes place, has become a hotspot for residents and visitors eager to catch glimpses of local cats lounging in windows. As The Washington Post reported, this quirky tradition has grown in popularity, attracting both locals and curious visitors.
Tour for cat lovers
The idea for the Cat Tour was sparked by John Edwards, a Wedge resident, who thought it would be fun to bring the community together by showcasing neighborhood cats in window displays.
“It was a joke, and now it’s real. I just thought it would be a funny theme for an event, and it turned into a thing hundreds and hundreds of people wanted to come to,” Edwards told the Washington Post. Edwards originally saw it as a way to foster neighborhood connections, but the event gained unexpected traction on social media, quickly becoming a viral sensation. Now, the tour is a beloved annual tradition that unites cat lovers from all over the city.
Participants in the Cat Tour stroll through the streets, stopping at homes where cats are prominently displayed in windows. The feline stars often sit on windowsills or nestle in their favorite spots, appearing unfazed by the attention. Some homeowners go the extra mile, decorating their windows with signs or props to make the experience even more delightful. The Dodo reports that the 2023 Cat Tour drew hundreds of participants, turning a quiet neighborhood into a vibrant celebration of cats and community.
Neighborhood celebration
The event’s appeal lies not only in the cute cats but also in its simplicity and focus on human connection. As Edwards emphasized, the Cat Tour aims to bring people together through shared experiences. There are no tickets, lines, or commercial elements—just a neighborhood full of cat-loving people coming together to enjoy an afternoon stroll. According to The Washington Post, Edwards has always seen the event as a way to encourage face-to-face interactions, something increasingly rare in today's fast-paced world.
The Parade Pets newsletter highlights the tour’s grassroots nature, noting that its charm comes from its laid-back approach. Unlike larger, commercialized festivals, the Cat Tour is free, unstructured, and open to all. It encourages a slow, enjoyable pace where participants can simply admire the cats and chat with their neighbors.
Looking ahead, the Minneapolis Cat Tour shows no signs of slowing down. As the event continues to grow, Edwards hopes to maintain its grassroots spirit and focus on community. Whether you're a lifelong cat enthusiast or someone looking for a unique neighborhood activity, the Cat Tour offers a purrfectly enjoyable way to connect with both cats and people.
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