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This is my favorite time of year. Fall may be crisp and winter may be cozy, but there’s nothing like the joy and sense of community you feel in the height of summer.
This is the time when we’ve fully emerged from our residential cocoons, when we can stretch our legs, get reacquainted with our favorite parks and patios, smell the flowers, wave and smile at our neighbors who are all suddenly out and about along with us.
It’s also a time to delight in the abundance of community events we have available to us. In Ward 2, we’re fortunate to have an enormous number of these activities, many of which are free and easily accessible. The Mears Park Lunchtime Concerts, Lowertown Sounds, Summer Nights in Rice Park, Music on the Mississippi, Melodies & Market on the Mississippi, Movies in the Parks, Fitness in the Parks at Harriet Island & Mears Parks, and the Alebrijes - Keepers of the Island are just some of these events.
These events aren’t just about having a good time.
I often say that St. Paul’s superpower is our connection to one another, our strong web of social capital that makes our big city feel like a small town, that helps us help one another, and that allows ideas to take root and flourish. Summer is the season when that superpower is nurtured through these opportunities to connect with one another and enjoy the beauty of our city. When we feel more connected to one another, we’re happier and healthier, we’re more aware of one another’s strengths and struggles and how we can help, and our community becomes more resilient.
I hope you’ll take some time this summer to enjoy these community events and the joyous feeling of connection and belonging they bring. See you out in the neighborhood!
Click here to read Rebecca's note and learn more about the events mentioned above.
 Welcoming Emery's Playhouse to Grand Avenue! - July 10, 2025
Upcoming Community Conversation
- August Community Conversation
- Thursday, August 21st
- 9 - 10 AM
- Minnesota Boat Club - Raspberry Island, 1 Wabasha Street South
 Packing the backroom at Keys Cafe for our July Community Conversation - July 10, 2025
Downtown Action Series Meetings Announced
Join fellow neighbors for the launch of the Downtown Action Series, a new initiative led by Council President Rebecca Noecker to bring community members together around the future of downtown Saint Paul.
This series of public meetings is designed to keep you informed and engaged in the progress of Saint Paul’s Downtown Investment Strategy. Whether you're a downtown resident, business owner, employee, or simply care about downtown’s future—your engagement matters.
All meetings are held at Union Depot (214 4th Street East) from 4:30 - 6 PM.
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Thursday, August 21
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Thursday, October 16
- Thursday, December 11
RSVP here: https://forms.office.com/g/hpTbTkt92m?origin=lprLink
Together, we’ll share updates, collaborate across sectors, and build momentum toward a more vibrant, inclusive, and thriving downtown. Please feel free to share this invitation and bring others who care about downtown’s future. The more people at the table, the stronger our path forward.
Let’s shape the future of downtown—together, hope to see you there!
Minnesota Yacht Club Festival returns to Harriet Island this weekend!
The Minnesota Yacht Club Festival is returning to Harriet Island Regional Park July 18–20! This three-day event will bring incredible live music across two stages, delicious local food vendors, riverboat rides, and community fun under the beautiful cottonwoods.
Here are some closures to note as the festival takes place:
- Harriet Island Park: Closed July 9-25
- Bike path through the park: Closed July 15-22 (detour information is posted on the festival website linked below)
- Lilydale Boat Launch & Off-Leash Dog Park: Closed July 17-21
- Some area businesses: Padelford Riverboats & Covington Inn will also have limited operations during this time.
- Residents and businesses on W. Water St. or Bidwell St. will receive access passes for road closures July 18-21.
For full details, road closure maps, and festival FAQs, click here to visit the Minnesota Yacht Club Festival website.
Alebrijes: Keepers of the Island
The Minnesota Latino Museum, in partnership with the Mexican Cultural Center DuPage, brings Alebrijes: Keepers of the Island to Saint Paul!
This outdoor art exhibit features 16 Alebrije sculptures, bringing vibrant Mexican folk art to Raspberry Island through October 26th, 2025.
Click here to learn more about this stunning exhibit!
 Photo from "Alebrijes: Keepers of the Island" exhibit ribbon cutting - May 30th, 2025
Mini-Forest Workshops
Join Friends of the Mississippi River, Urban Farm and Garden Alliance, Renewing the Countryside and the Pilgrim Baptist Church Community Garden for free upcoming workshops on Mini-Forests: How Planting a Pocket Forest Can Bring Nature to Your Community or School.
Featured presenters Garden Educator/Land Connector Nate Galloway and Hannah Lewis will take participants on a tour of the mini-forest at the Pilgrim Baptist Church Community Garden and share information about how to get started on planning a mini-forest and bringing the benefits of nature to workplaces, schools, neighborhood gardens, faith communities, and more.
You may choose from one of two dates:
Workshop for community members - Thursday, August 14th from 5:30 - 7:30 PM, click here for information and to RSVP for this date.
Workshop for educators - Monday, September 30th from 4:00 - 5:30 PM, click here for information and to RSVP for this date.
Public Art Opportunity - Digital Utility Box Art
The Saint Paul Utility Box Mural Program is turning ordinary utility boxes into vibrant works of art - created by local artists to reflect the culture, history, and stories of our neighborhoods. It's a simple way to make our streets more colorful, welcoming, and uniquely us.
Next time you're out for a walk, keep an eye out for these mini murals - and snap a photo if you see one you love!
Click here to learn more about the project and see how art is brightening up our public spaces!
 Honoring and recognizing Juneteenth at Council - June 18, 2025
Construction Update
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4th Street:
- Road closed between Minnesota and Sibley streets.
- Intersection with Robert Street closed starting Monday, July 14th.
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6th Street:
- Lane restrictions between Wabasha and Jackson streets.
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7th Street:
- Lane restrictions between Cedar and Jackson streets.
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Closed between Walnut and Chestnut streets.
- Local business traffic only between Grand Avenue/Ramsey Street and Kellogg Boulevard.
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9th Street:
- Closed between Sibley and Wacouta streets for sewer work.
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10th Street:
- Intersection with Robert Street closed.
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Kellogg Boulevard:
- Kellogg Boulevard/3rd Street bridge remains closed through 2027.
- Kellogg Boulevard remains closed between Lafayette Street and Mounds Boulevard.
- www.stpaul.gov/Kellogg-3
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Minnesota Street:
- Lane restrictions between 11th and 10th streets, and between 7th Place and 6th Street.
- Southbound one way between 11th and 10th streets for local business and property access.
- Closed between 10th and 7th streets.
- stpaul.gov/MinnesotaStreet2
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Robert Street:
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Closed between 11th Street and Kellogg Boulevard.
- Intersection closures at 10th and 4th streets.
- Intersection restrictions at 11th, 9th, 7th, 6th, and 5th streets.
For more information on construction projects in Saint Paul, visit stpaul.gov/construction.
 Construction map as of July 11th, 2025
Get Out and about in Ward 2!
Click here for a list of even more summer activities offered in the Ward!
 Enjoying the weather at our June Community Conversation at Wabasha Brewing - June 24, 2025
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