Weekend events thrive in Twin Cities despite smoke [Video]

MINNEAPOLIS — The scent of nostalgia and the haze of wildfire smoke mingled in the air Saturday at the Northeast Vintage Block Party, where shoppers and vendors gathered despite a statewide air quality alert.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency issued the alert as smoke from Canadian wildfires drifted south, casting a bit of a haze over the Twin Cities and much of the state. The alert is expected to remain in effect through Monday, with conditions moderate in Minneapolis but worse in northern Minnesota.

“I have noticed the sky is a bit different today,” said Jeremiah Michalik, owner of Red Eye Vintage, as he helped customers sift through racks of retro cardigans and denim. “You feel that quality difference and see it. It felt off.”

For many, the draw of vintage clothing outweighed …