June 29, 2021
T-minus 5 days to fireworks! The annual Mississippi Alumination fireworks display is happening this year and YOU can help! They're close to reaching their donation goal and get this--the City will contribute a matching grant! We can't wait for this year's spectacular display; here are some great spots to catch the show!
Sneak Peek at Our New Coffee Shop
In our last issue, we told you about the Old West Main Street car wash getting renovated into restaurants. Now, check out these new illustrations of the finished project presented at the City Council meeting. Scooter’s Coffee, a Midwest franchise with nearly 350 locations, will occupy the east tenant space. The remaining two spaces are zoned for fast-food or standard restaurants. Designs include plans for 32 new parking spaces and at least one drive-thru window. The redevelopment is one more major improvement remaking the West End District.
Community Art for Community Building
The City’s Arts & Culture Commission, in collaboration with the Anderson Center, hopes to welcome more community art downtown soon. Camila Leiva, the Anderson Center’s inaugural First Step Public Artist Residency Program participant, will create a “Plant Wisdom Mural” with community partners later this year. Leiva was born in Chile to a Minnesotan mother and Chilean father. Her artwork seeks to tell the stories of Latin American women and build community. The mural’s location and funding are still forthcoming, so stay tuned or watch the Arts & Culture Commission’s special meeting on July 14th to find out more!
Camila Leiva will lead a community mural project in Red Wing later this summer.

Contact the Anderson Center for full details at
(651) 388-2009 - Ext. 4
The Scoop on the Budget Workshop
Aerial photo of Red Wing with the words Budget Workshop and wing logo
Budget planning for a city is a long, careful process. In addition to planning next year’s budget, the Administrative Business team also works on the five-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget, a long-term plan for Red Wing’s future needs, from construction projects to maintaining our parks and everything in between. Get a closer look at the process by watching Monday's Budget Workshop, where City Council and staff members discussed the preliminary CIP plan, or browse through the documents to learn more.
Night to Unite is Back
You might not need an excuse to fire up the grill and enjoy time outside, but here's one anyway! This year, Night to Unite will be Tuesday, August 3. Hosted by the Red Wing Police Department, this annual event is an opportunity for neighbors to gather in their own neighborhoods and get to know each other, as well as meet members of the RWPD, Fire Department, and even City Council members! Registration is open now, and if you want to host your event in a public space, register ASAP. We'll see you on August 3--save us some chips!
Red Wing's Downtown HeART
You have nine new reasons to visit downtown Red Wing this week! Seven temporary and two permanent sculptures are now downtown as part of the Art in the Heart of Red Wing Art Walk! Creating the Art Walk was a true community effort, thanks to the sponsorship of the Albrecht-Poss Family Foundation, Jones Family Foundation, Red Wing Area Fund, Red Wing Shoe Foundation, and WINGS, planning and organizing by Red Wing Downtown Main Street, Red Wing Arts, the Arts & Culture Commission, and key community volunteers who brought this project to life. Thanks to all of you for putting the "art" in our city's heart!
Photo of Public Works employees smiling next to a downtown art sculpture
Central Park Bandshell
6:00 p.m. - Public Tours
6:45 p.m. - Opening Ceremony
7 p.m. - Salsa Del Soul performance
Can't Spell Port Authority Without U!
Have you been excited to keep up with the renovation of the old car wash? Do new business opportunities in Red Wing interest you? If so, consider joining the Port Authority Board! The Red Wing Port Authority helps guide new business projects and ventures in Red Wing and the board helps advise City Council on new business opportunities. If you want an active role in Red Wing's business and economic future, this is the board for you! Apply online today!
Celebrate Safely
The Fourth of July is fast approaching and for many people, it means a lot of colorful booms and pops. If you're planning your own fireworks display, check out these safety tips from the Red Wing Fire Department.
River City Days Returns
Mark your calendars -- one of Red Wing’s premier festivals is back! After a year off due to the pandemic, River City Days' music, food, and fun returns on August 6-8 this summer. Be sure to visit the City’s booth at Bay Point Park, hosted by our staff and elected and appointed leaders. The fun isn't limited just to the park either; the whole family will love breakfast with planes and helicopters at the airport's annual Fly-In Pancake Breakfast, and don't forget about the parade! Keep checking this link for more emerging festival details. Summer's back in a big way at River City Days.
All in a Day's Work - Fire Department
Group photo of firefighters standing in front of a ladder truck.
Monday was a proud night for the Red Wing Fire Department, as numerous firefighters were recognized for promotions and achievements at the City Council meeting. Grady Nelson, Cole Swanson, Alec Whipple, Leo Dressen, and Chris Zenner have all completed their firefighter certifications. Firefighter/paramedic Justin Hasler passed his probationary period, and there were several promotions. Luke O'Reilly has been promoted to Engineer, Corey Ahern is now a Lieutenant, Matt Lenz is the newest Captain, and Peter Hanlin is now the RWFD's Assistant Fire Chief. We are proud to congratulate all of them on their accomplishments and thank them for their service to our community.
We'll Save You a Seat
Port Authority Board Meeting
City Council Chambers
Tuesday, July 6 at 5:30 p.m.

Public Library Board Meeting
City Council Chambers
Monday, July 12 at 4:30 p.m.
Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting
City Council Chambers
Wednesday, July 7 at 5:30 p.m.
City Council Meeting
City Council Chambers
Monday, July 12 at 6 p.m.
Housing & Redevelopment Authority Board Meeting
City Council Chambers
Tuesday, July 13 at 3:30 p.m.
Arts & Culture Commission Special Meeting
City Council Chambers
Wednesday, July 14 at 5 p.m.