St. Paul, MN Ushers in Summer with Annual Grand Old Day Celebration

Mark your calendars, the first Sunday in June is almost here. That means only one thing in Saint Paul, MN-Grand Old Day. This year's date for the celebration that kicks off the start of summer in the Twin Cities will be June 3rd, rain or shine.

Grand Old Day was voted "Best Festival" in the annual Best of the Twin Cities issue of the City Pages publication. It was created 34 years ago by the Grand Avenue Business Association (GABA), as a part of a revitalization project for Grand Avenue's business district. Today, Grand Old Day has the honor of being known as "the largest one day festival in the Midwest" typically drawing over 250,000 people. For one day, 2.5 miles of St. Paul's historic Grand Avenue is converted into a festival like no other. The street is closed to all motorized vehicles between the cross streets of Fairview and Dale and is filled with vendors, entertainment and activities to fascinate visitors of all ages.

Early morning risers can participate in one of several run/walk/rollerblade events. These events have staggered start times beginning at 8 am and include an 8K in-line skate, an 8K run, a 5K walk/jog, and a 1/2 mile youth run.

If running is not your thing, and you prefer being a spectator, get a good spot for the Grand Old Day Parade which starts at 10:30 am. There will also be a Kiddie Parade; children are welcome to decorate their favorite mode of transportation (bikes, wagons, scooters etc.) and ride them in a designated area.

Once the parade has concluded is when the Grand Old Day really lets loose. Beginning at noon the street swells with a swarm of people all in search of food and frolic. Over 140 venders are there offering many fair food favorites such as roasted sweet corn and deep fried cheese curds. Many merchants will have a variety of jewelry and hand made crafts to entice fair goers. Designated beer tents also ensure everyone can have a fun time without it getting out of hand.

As you stroll the 30 blocks that encompass the fun, there are numerous other activities you won't want to miss. There is the Amazingly Silly Pet Tricks Competition where local pet owners can show off their pet's unusual talents. Also the Grand Old Day Art Fair will once again feature local artists' original artwork. And this year marks the return of Strongest Man and Strongest Woman contest which is expected to be popular. Also various street performers such as unicyclists, mimes and more will perform at various spots along the way.

Little ones are to be left out at Grand Old Day, there is a free family area for everyone to enjoy. This year's theme will be the Grand Carnival and will include clowns, jugglers, a petting zoo, pony rides, a climbing wall, live children's music and much more. The family area is in an enclosed safe area making it a festival within a festival.

No summer festival is complete without great live music and Grand Old Day is no exception. Whether you enjoy R&B, rock, hip hop or something else, you'll find your favorite type of music represented here. There will be ten outdoor stages playing continuous music from noon till the fair's end at 5 pm. Traditionally, one of the most popular stages, the teen Battle of the Bands stage, has always drawn a large crowd.

At precisely 5 pm, police cars ride down clearing the street and signaling the end of the festival. Vendors immediately comply by shutting down their stands, sometimes even with customers waiting. In addition, the street is thoroughly cleaned and ready for business as usual the next day. This was part of the agreement GABA made with Grand Avenue residents in order to have the event each year. It is also one of the key reasons why it is so successful.