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Main level living in North Oaks!ks!
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SOLD in Birchwood Village!
Rare opportunity for your chance to build your dream home on one of three 1+ acre lots with access to White Bear Lake through 5 beaches in the quaint community of Birchwood Village. Enjoy a wooded backdrop, plenty of room on 1+ acre and close proximity to the newly constructed Lake Links Trail, plus tennis/pickle ball, hockey rink and parks and ballfields. The ability to choose your own builder makes this a great chance to explore this exceptional area. We have other building sites available.
SOLD Overlooking the St. Croix River!
Welcome to this main level living residence overlooking the St. Croix River! This exceptional property offers a perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and stunning natural beauty captured through walls of windows and set on 2+ acres. Situated in a highly sought-after location, this property offers easy access to downtown Hudson, restaurants, arts, shopping, and freeway access making this an ideal setting for those seeking the perfect balance between tranquility and amenities.
About the Cover
A generous (medium) scoop of “Superman” ice cream recently served up at Nelson’s in Stillwater.
SAVOUR MAGAZINE Vol. 11 No. 2
COPYRIGHT ©2024 PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Material may not be reproduced in whole or part in any form whatsoever.
Publisher Carter Johnson
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm
Contributing Writer Logan Gion
Photographer/
Photo Editor Paul Dols
General Manager Patty Steele
Advertising Brad Solem
Production Designer Michael McNamara
SaVour Magazine connects our readers and local businesses through personal stories and compelling images. We foster shared ideas to highlight creativity, the beauty of nature and perseverance. Our mission is to humanize the
The majority of content is paid for by our advertisers.
4779 Bloom Avenue, White Bear Lake, MN 55110 (651) 407-1200 | savour@presspubs.com presspubs.com/savour
From the SAVOUR TEAM
As summer begins, we—wait… it’s WHAT month already? Didn’t the school year just end? Why am I already seeing back-toschool commercials? Not to worry! We at SaVour want you to make the most of the long days and late sunsets— however many are left. That’s because summer in Minnesota is about communities giving their residents the best they have to offer. Art shows, outdoor concerts, town festivals—our What’s Happening calendar will help you and yours make flavorful memories to savor for years to come.
Summer’s also about sweet traditions, which is why this issue is focused on dessert. Inside, we explore candy stores and ice cream shops that have been trading in nostalgia for a combined 250 years! Candyland unveils their latest creations while describing what makes their stores a treat to visit. Nelson’s Ice Cream divulges what the newest generation of owners is adding to the mix. Cup and Cone dishes how its outlook and service earned a spot on Yelp’s Top 100 Ice Cream Shops in America.
Every outing can be a recipe for adventure, so
Booms Ice Cream Page 6
SweetLife Lane Page 10
we’ve also uncovered the entrance to SweetLife Lane, who sources and promotes nearly 100 makers of awardwinning chocolate, candy, and more. We also think you’ll have a blast at Booms Ice Cream, richly crafted hardserve with a rural charm.
Think of this issue as a guide to treat yourself on that next sunny day—or if you’re working on your beach body… You know what? Treat yourself anyway.
— We hope you enjoy. Pretty please, with a cherry on top!
Logan Gion & the SaVour team
Caramel Macchiato Ice Cream Pie Pages 7
What’s Happening Page 19-21
Photo illustration by Paul Dols
Plan now to attend a Marriage Encounter for couples who are married or an Engaged Encounter for couples who are preparing for marriage.
Plea se Join Us!
Mention this ad and get $50 off your registration fee.
Marriage Encounter
October 19 - 20
Engaged Encounter
November 9
(Attending an Engaged Encounter gives you a reduction on your marriage license fee)
For more information & to register please visit: www.marriages.org or call 651.454.3238
Booms Ice Cream Understands All of Hugo’s Flavors
By Logan Gion | Photos contributed
“Our horse got a little [pet-friendly] ice cream once,” says Jen Amundson, huge fan and regular customer of Booms Ice Cream, “My daughter walked her here from the stable.
How many ice-cream shops can say they’ve had a horse customer?” Sitting next to Amundson are Nicole and Josh Korus, owners and operators of Booms Ice Cream. “We had 100 kids one time here? We get a lot of field trips,” recalls Nicole. “Whenever my niece and her family come up… we always come here. It’s a family treat,” Amundson continues.
Horseback riders, school kids, and families seem like a wide customer base, but the Koruses expected that from their town.
The name “Booms” is a
tribute to the shop’s location in Hugo. “We first moved to Hugo five years ago,” Nicole recounts, “and in all these Facebook groups…everyone would talk about these ‘booms’ in Hugo—like, ‘What’s that boom?’ Hunting gunshots, fireworks, power outages… so that’s the running joke in our town,” finishes Nicole.
Hugo, additionally, has seen many development booms in the past 25 years, leading the ambiance of the town to be paradoxically rural and relaxed yet high brow and upscale. Booms, impressively, navigates both. Its whitepainted exterior, walk-up nature and uncluttered views make the store feel quaint. Its playground and yard games also let those who stop by unwind while they enjoy their
ice cream.
That ice cream, however, is small-batch produced by a local creamery out of North Oaks and Moundsview. “The coconut is loaded with actual coconut flakes,” describes Amundson. “Brownies are actually in the brownie deluxe,” Nicole agrees, “It’s not just, like, a flavor. There are true ingredients inside.”
Josh and Nicole believe their products’ quality is what inspires small-town loyalty. “We thought, ‘Oh, maybe we should open up [somewhere busier].’
But we own this building,” she states, “so to us, that’s a better investment than paying rent.” Josh adds, “To know that it’s established and people know the ice cream is good—“ Nicole concludes, “And to know the family you’re supporting.”
Caramel Macchiato Ice Cream Pie
Servings: 8 people
Ingredients Directions
• 1 1/2 cups finely chopped pecans, plus more for garnish
• 1/4 cup superfine sugar
• 1 egg white, lightly beaten
• 1 pt. coffee ice cream, softened
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce (such as Kowalski’s Classic Caramel Sauce)
• 1 pt. vanilla ice cream, softened
• cooking spray, to prepare pie plate
• Hot fudge sauce (such as Kowalski’s Deep Dark Hot Fudge Sauce)
• Chopped chocolate-covered espresso beans, to taste, for garnish (optional)
1. Preheat oven to 400°.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine pecans and sugar; fold in egg white.
3. Press pecan mixture into a 9” pie plate sprayed lightly with cooking spray; bake in preheated oven until browned (about 12 min.).
4. Cool crust completely.
5. Spread coffee ice cream in bottom of cooled crust; top evenly with caramel sauce.
6. Freeze pie for 5 min. to set caramel.
7. Spread vanilla ice cream over caramel; freeze for several hours or overnight.
8. When ready to serve, drizzle with hot fudge; sprinkle with pecans and chocolate-covered espresso beans, if desired.
Recipe provided by Kowalski ’s Markets
Coaching with Cup and Cone
By Logan Gion | Photos by Paul Dols
How does an ice cream store not only stay open for more than 50 years, but also land in the 50th spot on Yelp’s Best Ice Cream Shops in America?
“It starts with who I hire,” states Rick Johnstone, current owner of Cup and Cone and grandson of original owner, Glenn Johnstone. “And the expectations for when they’re here.” Every year, Johnstone uses the White Bear Lake iconic soft-serve and sandwich store to train teenagers on how to treat others in business and in life.
“I treat ‘em with the utmost respect. I call everyone ‘chef.’ We have a head chef, you know, ‘cause we’re cookin’ up things,” Johnstone smiles.
Respect is paramount at Cup and Cone because of staff members’ disparate backgrounds.
“Here, you’re with someone who maybe likes art, who maybe likes hockey, who maybe likes football. How do we blend that all together and work as a team?” Johnstone asks.
Fortuitously, his background informs this outlook. “Before I owned this, I had a background… at the Academy of Holy Angels. I used to be a teacher and a coach,” he recounts.
One of the main metrics the Yelp list used was volume of reviews. This means that consistency of experience is at the front of Johnstone’s mind.
“Make every single product the same no matter if you’ve worked here one year or six years,” Johnstone relays. That can be tricky on a sunny day when the line is all the way to Highway 61, but Johnstone is on top of that, too.
“It’s one of the things I
teach, especially the new kids: Don’t look at the line. Just make the cone the best you can for this person. Pretty soon, you’ll notice, there’s not gonna be a line anymore. I can kinda coach that up to life. Don’t worry about your test. Worry about studying today. Block that time off, so you’re not thinking about everything the entire time.”
That consistency has to also be present every day Cup and Cone is open.
“We’re open until Halloween, so sometimes the weather’s not nice. It makes for a unique picture,” Johnstone admits.“And If it’s raining, we have to treat these customers like it’s 90 degrees out.”
This is advice Johnstone makes sure to practice as well as preach.
“I’m here every day, I open and close. I’m the one ordering the product. I am totally focused on one day at a time. Try to provide the best product I can to my customers today.”
White Bear Owner Reveals Path to the Sweet Life
By Logan Gion | Photos contributed
On Third Street, directly across from Washington Square Bar & Grill, tucked next to White Bear Mall, is a brickred pathway lined with planter boxes and scrawled with chalk—all leading to the cheerful candy store
SweetLife Lane. “We’re kind of like that secret, special place,” Christi Schreyer, who owns SweetLife Lane with her husband, Matt, says. For a neighborhood as historic and developed as downtown White Bear Lake, one might be shocked when they discover the store. “When [locals] come in, they say, ‘I can’t believe I haven’t been
in here! Why am I passing this by?’” explains Schreyer, “But we want people to experience the store inside and out, and we’re one of the few stores that has that opportunity.”
The effect works.
Customer Bobbie L. says, “We travel 43 miles one way to come to SweetLife Lane! There is no other shop or experience like this… We love how we feel coming here!”
Fellow patron Cathy K. adds, “We love your store! Three generations of our family have shopped there.”
Regular visitor Elyse S. praises the aesthetic: “This shop is straight out of a
movie… It reminds me of going to the corner store for candy as a kid but Willy Wonka style!”
When a customer does drop by, they’ll likely be taken aback—then immediately fascinated—by the bifurcated layout. “This used to be a car garage,” Schreyer notes, “so we made use of the layout.” The right side, with pastel party flags and old-fashioned skis, is the “Nostalgia Room.” This is customer Kris D.’s favorite room. She describes, “The nostalgic candy represents sweet memories of getting my allowance and picking out my favorite treats:
Razzles, Zotz, Pop Rocks, Chiclets! It’s just a bright spot of sunshine in downtown White Bear Lake.”
The left side, fashioned like an old-timey general store, is the “Handmade Room.” Handcrafted confections cover this room, including enormous peanut-butter cups, M&M covered peppermint bark, and… barbecue sauce?!
“We’re SweetLife Lane: Flavors, Favors, and more…” reminds Schreyer, “How can everyone enjoy the sweet life? We carry products that cater to all nine of the big allergy groups. We have vegan products. We have savory flavors too—or even pickled products! Not everyone wants a sweet treat, so we try to be cognizant of that… Sweetness isn’t just candy. It’s so much more.”
Schreyer believes much of that sweetness lies in championing others. One way is in the products they carry in the Handmade Room.
“We work with 80 to 100 small independents,” Schreyer describes, “Anywhere from your fourth-generation chocolate makers, international award
winners, local candy makers to emerging, new makers.”
Describes maker Ann H., “Looking back at the events SweetLife Lane has participated in over the years, and the small businesses they continually nurture with pop-ups (like mine!), it is clear that Christi and Matt care deeply about both their store and their community!”
Customers are also impressed by the community programs SweetLife Lane supports. “As a community member, I greatly appreciate their commitment and give back program to the local schools and non-profits organizations,” local Tiffany S. states, “This store is an absolute delight, and we are so fortunate to have it contribute to the charm of downtown WBL.”
The customer praise—freshly gathered exclusively for this article in under a week—has been the best treat Schereyer has received yet. “It was during this process that the magnitude of our fortune truly hit me,” Schreyer says, “Matt and I are the luckiest people—we get to live the SweetLife every day!”
Adding the Next Layer to Nelson’s Legacy
By Logan Gion | Photos by Paul Dols
Nelson’s Ice Cream in Stillwater is 101 years old, but it wasn’t always called Nelson’s, and it used to sell milk, fireworks, and gasoline in addition to ice cream.
“It’s gone through evolutions and name changes,” Daved Najarian, co-owner of Nelson’s Ice Cream explains. “Some people still know it as Art’s. There’s some people who call it Brown’s… And then, obviously, a lot of people know it as Nelson’s.”
Such nostalgia from different generations comes with an enormous benefit.
“Kids who grew up coming to Nelson’s with their parents and grandparents are now bringing their own children,” explains Becky Najarian, Daved’s wife and Nelson’s co-owner. “Daved and I grew up scooping together at Nelson’s. We are so happy to be the next generation serving the community a joyful scoop of ice cream!”
Daved admits that the nostalgia also presents a challenge. “The legacy carries with it expectations… You have people who haven’t been here in 30, 40 years, and they come through and they look for that one flavor that we used to have. And like, can we still provide that? Or can we offer a good alternative?”
Daved’s father and co-owner, Dave, faced a similar question when he bought the store in 2006 with his business partner Bill Bergstrom. Upon purchase, the elder Najarian and Bergstrom streamlined the inside, focusing solely on ice cream, allowing for an eye-popping selection.
“Everyone probably knows what makes Nelson’s special is the value—big portions and variety,” Daved reports. “We have over 52 flavors now. We’re one of the only shops [in the upper midwest] that carries that many flavors.” The elder Najarian’s reason behind these trademarks is simple.
“I get tremendous satisfaction knowing that whoever walks through the door at Nelson’s comes out the other door with a smile on their face,” he states. “How many businesses can say that?”
While Daved and Becky have continued Dave’s philosophy, they’re aware that a business must adapt and evolve to survive. “It’s about not changing your core values and experience for customers,” Daved explains. “But where CAN you tweak? Where does it make sense to improve that customer experience? I do think if you’re not trying to get better every year, you’re getting worse.”
Their contribution, then, is expansion. In 2014, a second Nelson’s location opened on Snelling Avenue in Saint Paul. In 2021, a cookie/ ice-cream-sandwich sister store named Nellie’s opened on Marshall Avenue near The University of St. Thomas. In 2022, the Stillwater location added a walk-up coffee hut called Art’s Coffee, named after previous owner Art Nelson, who used to sleep there. What inspired Art’s?
“Wanting coffee,” Daved responds. “We’ve also got Millie’s Pastries; she does these big sourdough cinnamon rolls. They’re insane.”
All four stores’ Google reviews boast over 4.5 stars. That reputation speaks to Daved’s philosophy: “Do it right. Do one thing. Focus on that. And do it right.” With this ethic serving as foundation, the Najarians and Nelson’s should be able to add quite a few more scoops to the shop’s towering history.
Candyland’s Recipe for Success
By Logan Gion | Photos by Paul Dols
While browsing the popcorn selection at Kowalski’s Markets, one can now buy Candyland’s Chicago Mix—caramel, cheese and seasoned popcorn tumbled together into one pouch. While Chicago Mix is trademarked, Candyland’s owner Brenda Lamb, location manager, and Brenda’s son Brandon Lamb, as well as project manager and Brandon’s wife, Courtney Lamb, freely share the ingredients they believe go into making Candyland a 92-year-old community staple.
Here are some helpful hints before you get started:
Honor Your History:
Flavo Korn opened on Wabasha Street in Saint Paul in 1932, selling popcorn to hungry office workers, curious streetcar passengers and peckish moviegoers. Entrepreneur Arnie Kelsey took over in 1938 and began to add candy selections in the late 1940s, rebranding to Candyland in 1950. Then, in 1981, Kelsey sold the business to a former employee, Doug Lamb, and his wife Brenda.
Don’t Change Ingredients That Work: “When we were building the Stillwater location, the health department came,” Brandon recounts. “And we have these false-top, stainless-steel bins…which were invented by Arnie. Well, they said, ‘your bins are not NSF [National Sanitation Foundation] approved.’ I told them, ‘We have staff that are trained, wash our hands, don’t touch the product… I’m sorry, sir, but our process—Let me prove it to you.’ and the guy came back after seeing the process and said, ‘Yep, you are right.’ It’s easy to change things up, but to keep that path of history is more challenging, but more rewarding. This is who we are, and we’re not gonna change it.”
Ingredients
• 1 Best-Selling Product
“We had the trademark for Chicago Mix by ’92,” Brenda recalls. Chicago Mix’s story, however, begins in 1988. “At the time, all we sold was regular popcorn, cheese, and caramel,” tells Brandon. “So [Brenda] said, ‘Why don’t we start mixing these? Let’s try to create something new with what we already have.’” Within two years, not only did “The Mix” become Candyland’s number one product, other stores began copying them. “I think we pretty much named it right away,” Brenda recalls, “I just came back from Chicago, which is our second-favorite city to visit [Twin Cities is first place, of course].”
Brandon interjects, “It’s, like, snack/ popcorn capital of the world.”
“And thinking of marketing…” Brenda continues, “we wanted something that would stand out.”
•100% Quality Control
Brandon explains, “A lot of the candy? We don’t make those. But we try to buy, direct if we can, from manufacturer. We buy in quantities that are not this mega crazy amount, and we’re not storing them in a warehouse for two years.”
Brenda adds, “There’s a huge difference! People always say, ‘You’re candy is the freshest candy.’ There’s several candies in the last five to eight years that we quit carrying because they’ve been bought out, and the manufacturer destroyed them. We won’t carry them, even though they were huge sellers at one point.”
•4 Generations of Customers
“Everyone has grown up with Candyland,” Courtney comments. “So people have developed family traditions over generations—‘I’ve been coming since I was a kid,’ you know, or, ‘My family doesn’t let me come to gatherings unless we bring Chicago Mix!’ Just listening to so many stories, there’s a real sense of community around here.”
Directions
1. Deliver Top-Tier Customer Experience
“You can have a mediocre product—and our product is NOT mediocre; it’s far superior,” says Brandon. “But if your service is exceptional? You will be successful.”
2. Constantly Look for Ways to Evolve
“We’ve started to do, in just the last two years, our own hand-dipped chocolates,” Brandon says. “85% of the chocolates you see behind our counter we make ourselves.” One of the most successful of these new products? Chocolate-Dipped Potato Chips!
3.Do Not Leave Unattended
“People feel like a kid in a candy store,” Courtney jokes before looking over to Brenda, who’s talking to an older couple that have been regular customers for decades. “They love seeing the family,” Courtney smiles. “They’re happy that the owners are the ones behind the counter.”
BAKERY (651) 429-7202
BAKERY (651) 429-7202
Strawberry Season
Starts Mid June - Early July!
Picked for you • Strawberry bakery Visit website for more information
Apple season
mid August to March
Apples, Apples, Apples
Apples in pies, apples in Doughnuts, rollovers, muffins, cider and caramel apples. Enjoy special events and family fun. Corn maze, pick your own pumpkins. C’mon out... this is the place to make you smile.
See our website for strawberry information & fall events pinetreeappleorchard.com | (651) 429-7202 | North of White Bear Lake off East Hwy 96
Neapolitan Ice Cream Cake
Servings: 4 people
Ingredients
• 9 oz. chocolate graham crackers (such as Kodiak Bear Bites), very finely crushed
• 2 tbsp. Kowalski’s Unsalted Butter, melted
• 1 pt. Kowalski’s Signature Strawberry Ice Cream, softened
• 9 oz. jar Kowalski’s Deep Dark Hot Fudge Sauce, divided
• 1 pt. Kowalski’s Signature Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, softened
• 1 pt. Kowalski’s Signature Chocolate Ice Cream, softened
Directions
1. Line a 9x5x2” loaf pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the long edges of the pan.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine graham crumbs and butter; press about 3/4 cup crumb mixture into the bottom of the lined pan.
3. Carefully spread softened strawberry ice cream over crumbs; top with 3/4 cup crumb mixture and 1/3 of the fudge sauce.
4. Repeat 2 more layers with vanilla bean and chocolate ice creams, crumbs and fudge sauce.
5. Cover top of cake with parchment; cover pan tightly with foil; freeze until solid (8-12 hrs.).
6. Fill kitchen sink with warm water. Carefully lower the pan into the water until it almost reaches the top of the pan; hold for about 20 sec.
7. Lift cake out of pan with parchment paper. Cut into slices with a warm, dry knife; serve immediately.
Recipe provided by Kowalski ’s Markets
Bacon Turtle Ice Cream Sundae
Servings: 4 people
Ingredients
• 6 oz. Kowalski’s Applewood Smoked Bacon
• 2 tbsp. brown sugar
• local vanilla ice cream (such as Sweet Science or Grand Ole Creamery)
• toppings, to taste: warm Kowalski’s Sea Salt Caramel and Deep Dark Hot Fudge Sauces, roughly chopped Kowalski’s Lightly Salted Pecans
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350°
2. Arrange bacon on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet, overlapping slightly; bake for 15 min. in preheated oven.
3. Turn bacon; sprinkle evenly with brown sugar.
4. Continue baking until bacon is crisp and deep golden-brown (15-25 min. more).
5. Drain bacon on a clean sheet of parchment paper; cool to room temperature (bacon will crisp as it cools).
6. Chop bacon; set aside.
7. Scoop ice cream into serving dishes; drizzle with caramel and hot fudge.
8. Sprinkle with bacon and pecans; serve immediately.
Recipe provided by Kowalski ’s Markets
What’s happening
STILLWATER
Cruisin’ On The Croix
When: Select Wednesdays, through Sept. 18
Where: Downtown Stillwater, 100 Main St.
Details: View vintage, classic, street and hot rod automobiles on the banks of the St. Croix in downtown Stillwater. From genuine antique cars to ‘50s roadsters, visitors can see it all.
Contact: 701-261-7889 or cruisinonthecroix.org/
Fireworks Dinner Cruise to Stillwater
When: 8-11:15 p.m. Thursday, July 4
Where: 98 Walnut St., Hudson
Details: Enjoy fireworks display while on the St. Croix.
Contact: 651-436-883
Lumberjack Days
When: July 19- July 21
Where: Downtown Stillwater, 100 Main St.
Details: Includes a parade, tasting tent and a mega stunt jump show. Free to the public. Contact: greaterstillwaterchamber.com/ lumberjack-day-parade-main
Opera on the River
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, July 27
Where: Lowell Park, 201 Water St. N.
Details: Opera on the River is returning for the 6th time to its home on the banks of the St. Croix in downtown Stillwater. The concert is free and open to all. Bring chairs, blankets and a picnic.
Contact: www.scvopera.org/ootr
Chamber Golf Open
When: Monday, Aug. 12
Where: Oak Glen Golf Course, 1599 McKusick Rd. N.
Details: Enjoy a day on the course. Prizes, raffles an opportunity to get out of the office and connect with Chamber and community members.
Contact: 651-439-4001
LAKE ELMO
Flea and Crafter Market
When: 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. July 20 and 21; Aug. 24 and 25
Where: Washington County Fairgrounds, 12300 40th St. N., L. Elmo
Details: About 200 vendors and crafters.
Jeanne
Find a wide variety of antiques, household furniture, garden art and more. Free. Contact: www.facebook.com/ events/841291957796434
SCANDIA
Bluegrass and Lemonade in the Shade
When: 2-4 p.m. Sundays, till Sept. 29
Where: Gammelgården Museum, 20880
Olinda Tr.
Details: Bring your banjo, fiddle, guitar, cello, dulcimer, harmonica, mandolin, ukulele, or bass, and learn new tunes! Play along, or just relax and listen in a welcoming atmosphere.
Contact: 651-433-5053
Spelmansstamma
When: 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17
Where: Gammelgården Museum, 20880
Olinda Tr.
Details: Spelmansstämma is a longstanding Swedish folk music tradtion based on outdoor gatherings of Swedish fiddlers to share music, friendship and playing. Gammelgården’s 34th annual
What’s happening
presspubs.com/savour
Spelmansstämman will feature multiple musicians performing throughout the day. Free.
Contact: 651-433-5053
Taco Daze
When: All day Saturday, Sept. 7
Where: Scandia Community Center, 14727 209th St. N.
Details: The Scandia-Marine Lion’s Club major source of income. Event includes meatball race, a parade, vendors market, games and activities for children, a beer garden and more.
Contact: scandiamarinelionsclub@gmail. com
FOREST LAKE
Arts in the Park
When: 4:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Aug. 27
Where: Forest Lake Beach, 95 E. Broadway.
Details: Vendors, food trucks, live music and kids’ activities.
Contact: www.cityofforestlake.com/ ArtsinthePark
Lake Fest Street Dance
When: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, July 20
Where: Mallards Restaurant, 220 Lake St. N.
Details: A community street dance featuring a band, food and beverages booths.
Contact: 651-464-3200
Harvest Soiree
When: 5:30-9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5
Where: Running Aces Casino, Hotel and Racetrack, 15201 Running Aces Blvd.
Details: An evening of fun and fundraising. Lakes Center for Youth and Families’ annual fall gala. Contact: jenna.jones@lc4yf.org
WHITE BEAR LAKE
Ashti’s Journey to Jazz
When: Thursday, July 11- Saturday, July 20; VIP concert July 19
Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave.
Details: National debut of children’s play adapted from acclaimed author Carmen Rubin’s debut book about a little girl who meets an old jazz musician trying to save a school’s music program. Score prepared by local jazz musician Thomasina Petrus. Tickets available online.
Contact: 651-336-8613
Pops on the Porch
When: Thursday, August 8, 6:30-8 p.m.
Where: Fillebrown House, 4735 Lake Ave.
Details: Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and picnic supper. Enjoy the Big Band sounds of the Moonlight Serenaders. FREE event—donations are welcome.
Contact: (651) 407-5327
WBCA Summer Art Sale
When: Friday, July 12, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: White Bear Center for the Arts, 4971 Long Ave.
Details: This year’s art sale showcases the incredible talents of WBCA teaching artists and students, as well as highschool artists.
Contact: 651-407-0597
Hat-Making Bar
When: Thursday, Aug 1, 2024, 5:30-8 p.m. Where: 4 Deuces Saloon, 2222 4th St. Details: Grab your friends and unleash your inner fashion designer as you create your very own custom hats. No experience necessary - our expert instructors will guide you every step of the way. Get crafty and have a great time! Tickets available online.
Contact: 651-429-9286 or kristen@ kellermaneventcenter.com
Barn-Quilt Painting Class with The Blue Fox
When: Saturday, August 24, 1-4 p.m.
Where: Affinity For Quilts, 2199 4th St.
Details: Create your own unique 14”x14” barn quilt design on reclaimed barn wood! Locally sourced, carefully selected, sanded and assembled. Choose from nine beautiful designs! Pick your own color scheme, relax and paint. Class space is limited.
Contact: 651-429-1039 or quilt@ affinityforquilts.com
SHOREVIEW
Shoreview Summer Carnival
When: Friday, July 12, 12:30-3:30 p.m.
Where: Haffeman Pavilion, 4580 Victoria St. N.
Details: Join us for carnival games, face painting and lots of prizes! Tickets are $6. Register by July 11 on https://www. shoreviewmn.gov/parks-rec/specialevents. Or pay cash at the door. Contact: 651-490-4600
Slice of Shoreview
When: Friday, July 26-Sunday, July 28
Where: Island Lake County Park, 3611 Victoria St. N.
Details: There’s a slice of fun for everyone! Free petting zoo, slip ’n slide, fire department open house, and fireworks. Carnival rides, Bingo, pony rides will charge admission. Contact: 651-303-4667
Concert in the Commons
When: Wednesdays, Now-August 7, 7 p.m. Where: Shoreview Commons, 4580 Victoria St. N.
Details: These free, open-air concerts draw hundreds of fans to listen to a variety of music throughout the summer. Bring a lawn chair, blanket, and snacks. Dogs are welcome if they are wellmannered and leashed.
Contact: 651-490-4700
What’s happening
presspubs.com/savour
HUGO
North Star Gay Rodeo
When: Saturday & Sunday, July 27-28, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Dead Broke Arena, 5676 170th St. N.
Details: A full rodeo program—rough stock, roping, and speed events. This event also has “camp events”—steer decorating, goat dressing, and a wild drag race! Free admission, welcome to all, canned food donation appreciated. Contact: pres@nsgra.org
VADNAIS HEIGHTS
Vadnais Heights Days
When: Monday, Aug. 12-Sunday, Aug. 18 Where: Community Park, 641 E County Road F; Vadnais Heights Commons, 655 East County Rd. F.
Details: A community-wide effort, Vadnais Heights Days includes Bingo, a car show, a medallion hunt, and more! Sign up for bean bag, pickleball, family kickball, or men’s softball tournaments. Visit www. cityvadnaisheights.com/459/VadnaisHeights-Days for all event specifics. Contact: 651-204-6060
CENTERVILLE
Fete De Lacs Festival Beer Garden
When: Friday, July 19, 5-9 p.m.
Where: LaMotte Park, 6970 LaMotte Dr. Details: Part of Centerville’s weeklong festival, the Lion’s Club is hosting concessions and beer while visitors can explore the attractions of the park. Nearby events include a kids DJ and Bingo. Fireworks to follow!
Contact: (651) 429-3232
BLAINE
Senior Health and Wellness Expo
When: Saturday, July 13, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Northtown Mall, 398 Northtown Dr.
Details: Get questions answered about exercise and health, hospice healthcare,
senior housing, medical supplies, counseling options and more with over 50 booths!
Contact: (763) 786-9704
Bark in the Park
When: Thursday, Aug. 8, 5-7 p.m
Where: Aquatore Park, 9191 Lincoln St. NE
Details: To mark the end of the dog days of summer, Blaine is hosting Bark in the Park. Bring your favorite four-legged friend for ice cream while you sit back and listen to music from The Backyard Band. Food truck on site. First 100 dog owners will receive a free gift!
Contact: 763-785-6164
FARMERS MARKETS
Bayport
When: 2:30-6:30 pm Mondays through October 14
Where: Village Green Park, 294 N. 3rd St.
Contact: bcal55003@gmail.com
Blaine
When: 8 a.m.-12 p.m., Saturdays; 3 p.m.-6 p.m., Tuesdays, through October
Where: St. Timothy’s Catholic Church, 707 89th Ave NE
Contact: anokacountygrowersassociation.com/ contact
Lake Elmo
When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturdays through August
Where: Lake Elmo Elementary School, 11030 Stillwater Blvd.
Contact: www.facebook.com/ lakeelmofarmersmarket/
Maplewood
When: 8 a.m.-12 p.m., Wednesdays through October
Where: Aldrich Ice Arena, 1850 White Bear Ave.
Contact: www.facebook.com/ stpaulfarmersmarket
Roseville
When: 8 a.m.-12 p.m., Tuesdays through October
Where: Corpus Christi Church, 2131 Fairview Ave. N.
Contact: stpaulfarmersmarket.com/
Scandia
When: 3:30-6:30 p.m., Wednesdays through September 18
Where: Scandia Community Center
Parking Lot, 14727 209th St. N.
Contact: www.scandiafarmersmarket. com
Shoreview
When: 3-6 p.m., Tuesdays through October
Where: Community Center lower parking lot, 4580 Victoria St. N.
Contact: farmersmarket@shoreviewmn. gov
Stillwater
When: 7:30 a.m.-12 p.m., Saturdays through October
Where: Veterans Memorial Parking Lot, 3rd and Pine St.
Contact: www.facebook.com/ StillwaterMNFarmersMarket/
White Bear Lake
When: 8 a.m.-12 p.m., Fridays through October
Where: Clark Avenue between 2nd St. and 3rd St.
Contact: www.whitebearlake.org/ ourcommunity/page/farmers-market
Woodbury
When: 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Sundays through October
Where: Red Rock Elementary, 3311 Commonwealth Ave.
Contact: stpaulfarmersmarket.com/
