Blaine CityConnect
May/June May/June 2018 2018
BLAINE MN
2017 CONSUMER CONFIDENCE
DRINKING WATER REPORT
Mark Your Calendars
Night to Unite is Tuesday August 7
Enjoy a summer evening with neighbors to celebrate our community on Tuesday, August 7, for the annual Night to Unite celebration. Night to Unite is the best Tuesday of the year, with the police and fire departments out in full force visiting block parties and strengthening community partnerships. The City public works department will again be joining the celebration and making visits to neighborhood parties with their special monster trucks. McGruff the Crime Dog, along with specialty units within the police department, will also be out that night. For the first time this year, members of the Minnesota State Patrol will be joining the community celebration. Get to know your greater community, join with other block parties, and take your party to your local park. Make new friends and guarantee a visit from police, fire, and others. If you don’t know other party hosts in your area, check out the map on the website for parties near you or give us a call. In The Lakes area, the pavilion rental fee for Lakeside Commons Park will be waived for that evening for a block party with attendance greater than 75 people. It’s free to register as a block party host, and the City will provide you with some ideas and items to help with planning your block party. Each party will receive door hangers, name tags, t-shirts for the organizers, informational brochures, and a few other goodies. Registration deadline is July 20, 2018. The Pet Photo Contest is back again with prizes. See website for details. For more information, check out our Night to Unite website at www.BlaineEvents.com/N2U, contact Kim Kiley or call 763-785-6186.
Mark Your Calendars
Hydrant Flushing is Scheduled for May 14-18 7:30AM to 4:30PM For helpful links and answers to commonly asked questions, visit BlaineMN.gov/HydrantFlushing, contact Public Works at PW@BlaineMN.gov, or call 763-785-6167.
By law, all community water systems are required to distribute their drinking water report to customers before July 1 of each year. This annual report, known as the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), includes results of water monitoring conducted on the City’s drinking water from the previous year, in this case 2017. Because of the water delivery events that occurred in early 2017, the Minnesota Department of Health required the City to sample and test for Total Coliform bacteria after each event. The results of these tests, similar to the 2017 report, indicated no safety or contamination issues with the water. To view the results, visit BlaineMN.gov/DrinkingWater A paper copy of this report is available upon request. For more information, contact the Public Works Department at 763-785-6165.
BlaineMN.gov
2 City Council*
May 3 | May 17 | June 7 | June 21 7:30PM | City Hall Council Chambers
10801 Town Square Drive Blaine, MN 55449 763-784-6700 763-785-6156 (fax)
CITY COUNCIL
May 3 | May 10 | May 17 June 7 | June 14 | June 21 6:30PM | City Hall Cloverleaf Room
Arts Council
May 8 | June 12 5:30PM | City Hall Lunch Room
Historical Society
May 8 | June 12 6:30PM | City Hall Sanctuary Room
Natural Resources Conservation Board* May 15 | June 19 7PM | City Hall Cloverleaf Farm Room
Planning Commission*
May 8 | June 12 7PM | City Hall Council Chambers
Park Board*
May 22| June 26 7PM | City Hall Council Chambers
MAYOR Tom Ryan
12147 Radisson Road NE Blaine, MN 55449 763-757-3390 tryan@blainemn.gov
RECYCLING CALE NDAR
Blaine City Hall
PUB LIC ME E TING S
City Council Workshops
Traffic Commission*
Holiday
*Meetings can be seen live on cable channel 16.
For more information, visit www.WaltersRecycling.com or call 763-780-8464 .
May 1 | June 5 6:30PM | City Hall Council Chambers
WARD 1 Wes Hovland
8650 Van Buren Street NE Blaine, MN 55434 763-228-1117 whovland@blainemn.gov
Zone A
Zone B
Receive Emergency Communications BlaineMN.gov/CivicReady
WARD 2 Dave Clark
Julie Jeppson
1702 - 116th Avenue NE Blaine, MN 55449 763-354-4709 jjeppson@blainemn.gov
WARD 3 Jason King
424 - 122nd Avenue NE Blaine, MN 55434 763-360-5266 jking@blainemn.gov
Andrew Garvais
12744 Petersburg Street NE Blaine, MN 55449 612-229-8890 agarvais@blainemn.gov
CITY MANAGER Clark Arneson
763-785-6120 carneson@blainemn.gov
CITY DIRECTORY
10833 Fillmore Street NE Blaine, MN 55434 612-940-5207 dclark@blainemn.gov
Police & Fire............................................................ 911 Police (non-emergency) ....................... 763-785-6168 Fire (non-emergency)........................... 763-786-4436 Anoka County Dispatch........................ 763-427-1212 Building Inspections............................. 763-785-6170 Cable Channel 15.................................. 763-780-8241 City Cable Channel 16 .......................... 763-785-6192 City Clerk ............................................... 763-785-6122 City Manager......................................... 763-785-6120 Community Standards.......................... 763-785-6187 Crime Prevention.................................. 763-785-6113 Economic Development....................... 763-785-6180 Engineering........................................... 763-785-6172 Fire Inspections .................................... 763-785-6187 Forestry ................................................. 763-717-2660 Housing Services .................................. 763-785-6146 Human Resources ................................ 763-785-6109 Job Line ................................................. 763-717-2679 Newsletter ............................................ 763-785-6192 Operator................................................ 763-784-6700 Parks & Recreation .............................. 763-785-6164 Planning & Zoning ................................ 763-785-6180 Public Works.......................................... 763-785-6165 Recycling & Solid Waste ....................... 763-785-6192 Senior Citizens Center ......................... 763-786-9375 Sewer Backup........................................ 763-785-6165 Streets ................................................... 763-785-6165 Stormwater............................................ 763-785-6188 Utility Billing ......................................... 763-785-6141 Water & Sewer System ........................ 763-785-6165 Web........................................................ 763-717-2638
Share Anonymous Tips with Police or Download Our Blaine PD App BlaineMN.gov/Tip411
Conncect with Your Community and Sign Up for Topics that Interest You BlaineMN.gov/NotifyMe
Visit BlaineMN.gov/SocialConnect for more communication options.
ABOUT
926 - 97th Lane NE Blaine, MN 55449 763-370-2557 dswanson@blainemn.gov
STAY CO NNECTED
Dick Swanson
CityConnect is published bimonthly by the City of Blaine and distributed to all residents and businesses. Past copies of the city newsletter are available at BlaineMN.gov/Newsletter Feedback can be directed to Newsletter@BlaineMN.gov All city legal notices are published in the city’s official newspaper, the Blaine/Spring Lake Park Life.
M ay/J u n e 2 0 1 8 Police Department News
Blaine K9s had a very busy 2017! The K9 unit consists of Officer Mark Allen and K9 Remy and Officer Reggy Larson and K9 Rex. Check out their impressive stats: • 217 deployments • 36 arrests • 16 school sniffs • 15 demonstrations • 47% find rate on tracks (U.S. average is around 22%) • Assisted the Violent Crimes and Drug Task Force 24 times on search warrants or obtaining evidence to acquire a search warrant • Located considerable amounts of meth, heroin and marijuana in vehicle sniffs • Found $40k cash on vehicle sniffs • Located 3 guns on 3 separate calls In June, the teams competed in the Region 12 K9 Trials against 89 teams. Rex placed 2nd in Agility and 2nd in Article Search and Remy missed placing by just ½ a point. The Police Northtown Retail Unit also had a successful 2017. The unit is made up of two officers - Officer Travis Hale and Officer Wes Villegas, and is overseen by Sgt. Matt Carlson. The unit concentrates on Northtown Mall and Northcourt Commons. In the summer months they utilize bike and foot patrol. 2017 stats: • 393 total arrests • 45% increase in arrests over 5 month period (Jan-May) 2016 v 2017 • Vast majority of arrests are theft, narcotics and warrants • Zero tolerance for theft (all adult shoplifters jailed)
@BlainePoliceMN
Blaine Police Department recently launched our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram channels. Like or Follow us at @BlainePoliceMN or visit BlaineMN.gov/BlainePoliceMN for more information.
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SBM Management Staff to Run the Anoka County Fire Academy
Spring Lake Park, Blaine, Mounds View Fire Department (SBM) Chief Charlie Smith has been named the Director of the Anoka County Fire Academy. As Director, Chief Smith oversees the operation and administration of the academy. SBM Assistant Chief of Operations Dan Retka was appointed as the Director of Operations and SBM Chief in Training Chad Martin was appointed as the Director of Administration. All three replaced the original Directors, who founded the Academy, as they stepped down to focus on other professional endeavors. The SBM staff has been appointed to two year terms. The academy consists of delivery of training in Firefighter I, II, Hazardous Materials Operation and some Emergency Medical skills. This is only for new recruits for all of the Anoka County Fire Departments. The Academy puts on approximately two classes a year (Spring and Fall) and has trained nearly 300 firefighters since its inception in 2012. Congratulations Chief Smith, Assistant Chief Retka, and Chief in training Martin.
Mark Your Calendars
Pictured L to R: SBM Chief Charlie Smith, Asst. SBM Chief Operations Don Retka, and SBM Chief in Training Chad Martin Saturday, May 5 9 to 10 AM Celebrate Cinco De Mayo with
Donuts and Coffee Hans’ Bakery 10400 Baltimore Street
Sunday, June 10 3 to 4 PM
Thursday, June 21 11 AM to 12 PM
Join us for
Meet us at the Park for
Cone with a Cop Big Dipper Creamery 1250 - 125th Avenue
Popsicle with a Cop Lakeside Commons Park 3020 Lakes Parkway
Like or Follow us @BlainePoliceMN For more details, visit us online at BlaineMN.gov/CoffeewithaCop
Like or Follow at @SBMFireDept or visit our website at SBMFire.com.
BlaineMN.gov
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ELECTION 2018 Filing for Office
Filing for office is the process by which a candidate’s name gets placed on the ballot. All City office candidates: • must be an eligible voter of the City of Blaine • have not filed for another office at the upcoming primary or general election • must be 21 years of age or more upon assuming office • have maintained residence in their Ward for at least 30 days before the General Election A filing fee of $50 or petition in place of the filing fee is required. City offices for the 2018 General Election include one seat in each of the three Council Wards. Filing begins May 22 at City Hall and ends at 5PM on June 5. For more information, visit the City’s website or contact the Blaine Elections Office at BlaineElections@BlaineMN.gov or 763-717-2737.
We Need You
Register to Vote
You may register and vote in Minnesota if you: • will be at least 18 years old on election day • are a citizen of the United States • will have resided in Minnesota for 20 days immediately preceding election day • maintain residence at the address given on the registration form • are not under court-ordered guardianship in which the court order revokes your right to vote • have not been found by a court to be legally incompetent to vote • have the right to vote if convicted of a felony but felony sentence has expired (been completed) or have been discharged from sentence and have read and understand the statement that giving false information is a felony punishable by not more than 5 years imprisonment or a fine of not more than $10,000, or both For more information about voter registration, got to www.mnvotes.org or 763-717-2737.
Elections Judges Needed
Serving as an election judge is an excellent way to get involved in your community. You will learn election procedures and help ensure that elections are administered in a fair manner. Election judges are paid an hourly wage and are essential to our democracy. Interested in learning more, visit the City’s website or contact the Blaine Elections Office at BlaineElections@blainemn.gov or 763-717-2737.
Peddlers and Solicitors
Throughout the year door-to-door peddling, soliciting and canvassing raises questions from Blaine residents. While most of these activities are regulated by the City they cannot be prohibited entirely. A canvasser, for example, may go door-to-door without a permit from the City. A canvasser may be a person asking for signatures on a petition, requesting support for a political candidate or position, seeking donations for a religious organization or fundraising for a high school booster club.
All peddlers and solicitors are:
• Required to obtain a permit from the City • Required to carry their City-issued photo ID card with them and present upon request • Restricted to soliciting between the hours of 9AM and 7PM and are not allowed to solicit on Sundays and State or National holidays Please join with us in making our neighborhoods safer by promptly reporting unlicensed solicitors or any other suspicious activity.
Absentee Voting In Person
Eligible voters may cast an absentee ballot in person 46 days prior to each election at either City Hall or Anoka County Elections during regular business hours; from 10AM to 3PM on the Saturday before Election Day; or until 5PM on the Monday before Election Day. Absentee voting for the August 14 Primary Election will begin on June 29 and Absentee voting for the November 6 General Election will begin on September 21.
Absentee Voting by Mail
Absentee voters must first complete an absentee ballot application by visiting www.anokacounty.us and clicking on Elections and Voter Registration or by calling the Anoka County Elections office at 763-324-1300 to have an application sent to you by mail. Return your application as early as possible by any of the following methods: • Mail: Anoka County Elections 2100 3rd Avnue, Suite W130 Anoka MN 55303 • Fax: 763-324-1160 • Email: Send a scanned image of your application to elections@co.anoka.mn.us The absentee ballot will contain voting instructions and a return envelope. Be sure to follow the absentee instructions very carefully and return the ballot as soon as possible.
BlaineMN.gov/Elections
For your safety, residents should:
• Not let a peddler, solicitor, or canvasser into your home, even if they have a permit • Direct complaints about business practices to the Better Business Bureau of Minnesota at www.bbb. org or 651-699-1111 • Check contractor references at www.dli.mn.gov • Help in filing insurance claims can be found at www.mn.gov/ commerce • Report suspicious persons or activities to the Police Department at 763-427-1212 or by dialing 911
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M ay/J u n e 2 0 1 8 Building Codes Save Lives
May is Building Safety Month (BSM) with the theme “Building Codes Save Lives”. BSM is a public awareness campaign celebrated worldwide to help individuals, families, and businesses understand what it takes to create safe and sustainable structures. The campaign reinforces the need for the adoption of modern, regularly-updated building codes, a strong and efficient system of code enforcement, and a well-trained, professional workforce to maintain the system. All communities need building codes to protect their citizens from disasters like fires, weather-related events, and structural collapse. Building codes are society’s best way of protecting homes, offices, schools, manufacturing facilities, stores, and entertainment venues. Code officials work daily to keep the public safe. The campaign is presented by the International Code Council and its 64,000 members worldwide, along with a diverse partnership of professionals from the building construction, design, and safety communities. Corporations, government agencies, professional associations, nonprofits, and more come together to support BSM because they understand the need for safe and sustainable structures where we live, work, and play.
Blaine is Named Tree City USA for the 24th Consecutive Year The City of Blaine has been awarded the title of Tree City USA for the 24th consecutive year. This recognition from the National Arbor Day Foundation is a reflection of our community’s commitment to Urban Forestry. The City Council, City Management staff, City Forester, and the residents of Blaine deserve to be recognized for their continuing support for maintaining high quality natural resources.
In order to receive this award a City must meet four standards: • A Tree Board of Department • A Tree Care Ordinance • A Community Forestry Program with an Annual Budget of at Least $2 per Capita • An Arbor Day Observance and Proclamation
Arbor Day Tree Sale In celebration of Arbor Day, the City of Blaine is holding an Annual Tree Sale on May 12 from 9 AM to 1 PM. Advance tree reservations can be made by visiting BlaineMN.gov/TreeReservations. Additional information on available trees can be found at BlaineMN.gov/TreeSale. Unclaimed trees will be available for sale beginning at 1 PM.
BLAINE RECYCLING SATURDAYS! 10:00AM - 2:00PM
3rd Saturday of Each Month New Drop-Off Location Green Lights Recycling Enter at 1525 - 99th Lane NE
The City of Blaine sponsors a recycling drop-off day the third Saturday of each month. You do not need to be a Blaine resident to bring items to the drop-off day. Please note, no garbage will be accepted.
Green Lights Recycling 763-785-0456 | GLRNow.com Collects mattresses, box springs, carpet, appliances, florescent lamps, electronics, rechargeable batteries, and tires. Free items include scrap metal and vehicle batteries. There is a small fee for some items: • Mattresses/box springs, $21 each. • Most appliances, $9 each. • Most electronics, between $2 and $50 depending on size. • Carpet - $4/ roll (up to 7 rolls). Drop off tires and rechargeable batteries for a small fee. See the complete list of fees at BlaineMN.gov/RecyclingSaturdays
Randy’s Environmental Services 763-972-3335 |
RandysEnvironmentalServices.com Offers free paper shredding. There may be long wait times for shredding.
Bikes 4 Kid Bikes4KidsMN.org
Mayor’s Office Hours at City Hall
Mayor Ryan holds regular office hours the second Tuesday of each month, from 2:30 – 5PM. You can stop by Blaine City Hall, 10801 Town Square Dr. NE, and meet with Mayor Ryan on any issue you want. There is no need to call and make an appointment; visits are done on a drop-in basis. Office visits with Mayor Ryan are held in the Laddie Lake Conference Room located on the second floor of Blaine City Hall, on the west side of the building.
Sewer Backup? Water Concerns?
Contact Public Works
Residents experiencing a sewer backup should immediately contact the City of Blaine Public Works Department. Public Works will check the sewer main for blockages, as tree roots in the line can cause backups for neighbors as well. Residents with questions regarding their water should contact the Public Works Department. Call 763-785-6165, during normal business hours from 7AM to 3PM, otherwise call 763-427-1212.
Drop off any size bicycle that you no longer want. Bikes will be refurbished or have their parts used in refurbishing other bikes. Bikes are then donated to people in need. There is no charge to drop of a bike. Bikes for Kids is part of The Robert & Wilma Burbach Bike Foundation.
Other City Recycling Opportunities 763-785-6192 | BlaineMN.gov/Recycle Walters Recycling & Refuse 763-780-8464
For information regarding curbside yardwaste service or to report missed garbage, recycling or yardwaste pick-up. Recycling drop-off day is funded by the Anoka County Board of Commissioners and State SCORE funds (Select Committee on Recycling and the Environment)
BlaineParks.com
6
! New parks & recreation
connection
May is American Wetlands Month Blaine Wetland Sanctuary, 11980 Lexington Avenue
parks & recreation
connection SU MMER 20 1 8
blaine world fest celebrating blaine’s cultural & ethnic diversity p. 35
playnet blaine coming to a park near you p. 15
Celebrate Earth Day by gathering with your neighbors and cleaning up your community. The Parks and Recreation Department is looking for residents to organize an Earth Day clean-up event at one of the following areas: Parks * Ponds * Rain Gardens Storm Drains * Drainage Ditches You select the date, time, and project, and we’ll provide the supplies. Select a date from April 15 to May 15.
blaineparks.com 2017 Worldfest photo by Sarah Grace Photography
Summer 2018 Online Registration
To get started, contact Jerome Kreiger at 763-785-6161 or jkrieger@blainemn.gov. Visit our website, at
FACEBOOK.COM/ BLAINEPARKSMN
TWITTER.COM/ BLAINEPARKSMN
BlaineEvents.com
For more detailed information, dates, times, and fees, visit
BlaineMN.gov/ BlaineWetlandSanctuary
Gymnastics & Dance Dance classes for ages 0 to 18; Gymnastics classes for ages 16 months to age 10. Classes begin the week of June 11. For class descriptions, details, and to register, visit website at BlaineParks.com or call 763-784-6164.
BlaineParks.com/ Register
More information about Parks & Recreation programs is available at 76378 5 -6 1 6 4 or in the current Recreation Connection online at BlaineParks.com.
Check out our variety of programs for families of all ages to discover and appreciate this valued Blaine resource. Programs include: Springs Alive!, Welcome Hike & Belly Biology, Superheroes & Systems, Introduction to Birding, Wetland Habitat Hike, Insect Hunt, Wetland Ecosystem Diversity.
BlaineParks.com/EarthDay
Browse our catalog and register online at
BlaineParks.com
Come and explore the Blaine Wetland Sanctuary. This 500 acre dedicated open space is now accessible for the public to escape the urban landscape and reconnect with nature.
Summer playground program for ages 3 ½ to Grade 5. June 11 – August 9 Morning and afternoon sessions available! Locations: West Lake, Quail Creek, Happy Acres, Deacons, Kane Meadows, Legacy Creek, Lexington Athletic Complex. Call 763-785-6164 to register or for more information, or visit BlaineParks.com.
Youth Sports For ages 3 to grade 5 beginning the week of June 18. Pre-games, T-ball, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Sports Sampler. For detailed information and to register, visit website at BlaineParks.com or call 763-784-6164.
Summer
Community Outings The Best of Red Wing Tuesday, May 15 8:30AM – 4:30PM $45
Take Me Out to the Ball Game Thursday, June 21 11AM – 4PM $55
All community outings depart from and return to the Mary Ann Young Senior Center located at 9150 Central Avenue and include motor coach transportation. Times include pick up and return. Outings include lunch and ticket unless noted otherwise. Visit BlaineParks.com or call 763-785-6164 or 763-786-9345 for more detailed information.
2018
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Summer Camps Sports
Track and Field, Tennis, Basketball, Volleyball, Golf, Mini-Hawk, MultiSport, Soccer, Flag Football, Playground games
Science & Engineering
Junior Engineering: Theme Parks, Geology Rocks, NASA Academy of Space Explorers, Ultimate Rocket Launch, Junior League Robotics, Destination Mars: Rocketry, Star Wars Robotic Builders
Computer
Minecraft, Java Minecrafting Modding: Custom Armor, Roblox Game Development
Dance & Theater
Frozen Adventure, Descendents 2, My Little Pony, Snow Princess, Dancer and Doll, Ninja camp, Terrific Trolls For dates, fees, descriptions, locations, and to register, visit website at BlaineParks.com or call 763-784-6164.
Show us your best shot! From people, pets, and places to celebrations and locations, you are invited to show us your impression of Blaine! Impressions of Blaine Photo Contest is held quarterly, capturing the best that Blaine has to offer each season.
Spring Photo Contest Submission Dates May 1 - 31 Finalists Announced June 7
Summer Concert Series
JUN 13 North Suburban Concert Band 6:30pm Town Square 20 Teddy Bear Band, children’s 6:30pm Town Square 27 Vinnie Rose, variety 6:30pm Town Square JUL 11 Steve V. and Knockouts, blues 6:30pm Town Square 13 The Alphabits, children’s 10:30am Aquatore 17 Family Fun Night, free games, food 6:00pm Aquatore 18 The Resistors, variety 6:30pm Town Square 20 Wendy’s Wiggle, Jiggle, & Jam, children’s 10:30am Aquatore 25 QC Dance, dance recital 6:30pm Town Square 26 Wendinger Band, polka 6:00pm Aquatore 27 The Bazillions, children’s 10:30am Aquatore AUG 1 Jam Hops Dance Connection 6:30pm Town Square 3 Tricia and the Toonies, children’s 10:30am Aquatore 8 Echoes of Elvis, tribute 6:30pm Town Square 9 The Backyard Band, Bark in the Park 6:00pm Aquatore 10 Bob the Beachcomber, children’s 10:30am Aquatore 15 Tim Patrick & His Blue Eyes Band, Sinatra 6:30pm Town Square 17 Kids Dance, children’s dance party 10:30am Aquatore 22 Minnesota Blue, bluegrass 6:30pm Town Square
People’s Choice Voting June 7 - 30 Winners Announced July 6
Prizes $25 Gift Card Winner in Each Category per Season $100 Gift Card Photo of the Year
Photo Categories People & Familes Community Activities & Events Wildlife & Nature City Landmarks Pets Throwback Thursday For more information, visit
BlaineEvents.com/ ImpressionsofBlaine
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID TWIN CITIES, MN Permit No. 29418 10801 Town Square Drive NE Blaine, MN 55449-8101 763-784-6700
ECRWSS
POSTAL CUSTOMER
DATED MATERIAL PREPARED BY THE OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
POSTMASTER: TIME SENSITIVE MAIL
May 19, 2018 • 1-4PM, Town Square Park BlaineEvents.com/WorldFest Food Trucks/Stands
Entertainment By:
Other Activities
Acapulco Ruhland’s Strudel Brynny’s Concessions The Big Dipper Med Box Grill XStream Cuisine From Inside Africa
Asian Media Access Dance Team Grupo de Danzas Colombianas Titambe Dance Ensemble Mi Peru Minnesota O’Shea Irish Dance Dans Askina Ketzal Coatlicue The Spin Zone with Mr. Fun
Facepainting Crafts Chinese Fortune Telling Chinese Calligraphy Health Fair 11 Community Screenings Sons of Norway MN Indonesia Society And more!
Event is RAIN OR SHINE!
Blaine Market
Farmers & Handcrafted Blaine City Parking Lot 10801 Town Square Drive Beginning June 6 - August 29
Wednesdays, 3 to 7PM For a list of vendors, visit our website at
BlaineEvents.com/FarmersMarket