Join the Reimagine Grand Old Day Task Force!

The Grand Avenue Business Association is seeking community members and business representatives to volunteer to help reimagine Grand Old Day for 2023.

We know Grand Old Day is a St Paul tradition and one of the best and largest community festivals in Minnesota and we now have the opportunity to bring this wonderful tradition back to Grand Avenue. We're bringing back the event in 2023 in a way that is supportive of local businesses and residents and in keeping with our organizational values.

The Reimagine Grand Old Day Task Force will meet monthly between October and December; bi-monthly from January to March; and weekly from April through the event. Meeting times are to be determined. Task Force Members are expected to attend all planning meetings (virtually) and volunteer for a sub-committee to help bring the event to life.

The 2023 Task Force will have the opportunity to help GABA reimagine the event in a sustainable way from which to grow.

Our goals are:

Promote Grand Ave as a world-class destination for shopping, entertainment, and dining
Prioritize engaging community residents and families
Be realistic on event size and scope as we rebuild

Grand Old Day is tentatively scheduled for June 4, 2023.

Committee Chair Leadership Roles Include:

Event Manager (Or Co-Managers)*NOTE: This position must be filled by an engaged GABA member)
Sponsorships/Fundraising (Filled)
Business. City, and Community Engagement (Filled)
Entertainment and Booking
Budget/Finance (Filled)
Volunteer Recruitment and Management
Parade and Site Footprint Redesign
Communications/Marketing (Filled)
Special Events
Wristbands/Beverage Operations
Zone or District Captains (for supporting events at various locations on the Ave.)

If you are interested in joining our Task Force, please send an email to [email protected] with your preferred Committee Role(s) and a brief description of your interest and qualifications. Please inquire by Friday, September 30.

We look forward to bringing back this great tradition in a new and improved format that supports our members and community!

Chris Jensen, Brian Wagner,

Axia Home Loans Coldwell Banker,

President, GABA MGCC Representative

Thanks to all for another successful PAWS on GRAND!

PAWS on Grand had all the elements of a successful event and spotlighted Grand as the thriving place we know it can continue to be. In addition to all of the fun activities, more than 20 animals were placed with their forever homes.

See more in this KSTP story...

Membership Matters!

The future is Grand! Be part of the rebuilding effort and renew your membership or join today and help implement our new Strategic Plan, reimagine Grand Old Day, secure staff, financing, and oversight necessary to achieve these goals AND reengage businesses through enhanced communication (like this newsletter).

Welcome to these new GABA members. Thank you for your support! Check out their websites below and support our local businesses.

Become a GABA Member!

Upcoming Dates to Remember

Contact [email protected] for Zoom links

September 28 | Public Works Virtual Meeting re: Grand Avenue Reconstruction | 5:30 - 7 pm

October 3 | Grand Meander Planning Meeting |1:00 pm

October 3 | GABA Board Meeting | 6:30 pm

October 5 | Grand Old Day Task Force Meeting | 3-4:30 pm

November 2 | Grand Old Day Task Force Meeting | 3-4:30 pm

December 3 | Grand Meander

December 7 | Grand Old Day Task Force Meeting | 3-4:30 pm

Important Updates for Grand Avenue Businesses:

Concerned about public safety along Grand Avenue? Join monthly public meetings to share your concerns and hear from SPPD Western District Leadership

The SPPD Western District hosts public safety meetings every third Tuesday to hear concerns from local residents and businesses. If you are interested in attending, the next meeting takes place on October 18 at 9:30 am and again at 6:30 pm at the Western District Office at 389 N. Hamline Avenue.

Grand Avenue Reconstruction Project Update and Public Meeting Notice

The City of Saint Paul plans to reconstruct Grand Avenue from Fairview Avenue to Snelling Avenue in 2024. The project includes the demolition and replacement of the pavement, sidewalks, and underground utilities along the corridor.

This is the first full reconstruction of this section of Grand Avenue in many decades and presents an opportunity to refresh the historic street to better accommodate all modes of travel to and along the corridor.

The Public Works goals of the project are to:

Improve safety along the corridor, with an emphasis on pedestrian crossing safety
Upgrade and modernize aging infrastructure
Improve built environment to better serve Grand Avenue businesses
Improve transit user experience
Balance mode share to encourage non-automotive trips along and to the corridor
Improve pedestrian crossing interactions/placemaking through Macalester College campus

Find out more about the Grand Avenue Reconstruction Project here. Public Works staff will host a virtual open house at 5:30 PM on September 28th to review these concepts with the public and answer any questions.

Nominate your favorite Grand Avenue business for an award!

The City of Saint Paul is now accepting nominations for 2022 Business Awards. Find out more and submit your nomination for the following categories at www.stpaul.gov/bizawards by September 28.

Alice O’Brien Award – Honoring a women-owned business that is committed to equity and empowerment
Good Neighbor Award – Honoring a business that shows a dedication to improving the community
New Kid on the Block Award – Honoring a business that has been opened in Saint Paul within the last five years
People’s Choice Awards – Honoring a business that is recognized for its excellence by Saint Paul residents
Traditions Award – Honoring a business that has been active in Saint Paul for 20+ years

Summit Bike Lane Update

The City of St. Paul will be releasing a draft of the Summit Avenue Regional Trail Master Plan in the next few weeks and will be looking for your input. Please watch for the public engagement opportunities on their website. We will continue to share information in upcoming newsletters.

New to the Ave

Welcome to Evergreen Collective, a new retail shop on Grand selling ethically-sourced goods at 1104 Grand Avenue. Read more...

Help rebuild our photo library and promote your business!

Send us your photos of people living, shopping, dining, and enjoying Grand Avenue! Send photos to [email protected] and include a photo credit and we'll feature more imagery in our monthly newsletters and social media.

READ OUR NEW STRATEGIC PLAN

Grand Avenue Business Association

grandave.com