Fair Neighbors Safety Collaborative | | |
The Fair Neighbors Safety Collaborative is active again for the 2025 fair.
These volunteer leaders have made great connections over the past few years between neighbors and the multitude of agencies and departments who have oversight of the nuanced aspects of the chaos that comes with living next door to the fair.
All are welcome at their 9:00am daily State Fair morning meetings@ garden at Midway and Arona.
Fair Neighbors Safety Collaborative Links to Keep on Hand during the Fair:
The Fair Neighbors have a page on the D10 website to house some of their resources. You can also sign up for their newsletter
Thanks so much to Jennifer and Cindy, the volunteer neighbors who lead the Neighbor's Safety Initiative who put so much time and effort into helping to smooth the myriad rough edges that come with living next to the fair!
Fair Grandstand Schedule
For the 2025 State Fair Grandstand Concert Series, the shows will start at 7pm unless noted. Fireworks shows immediately follow the Grandstand concerts. (Last year they ranged from 9pm-10:30pm)
Note that if there are weather delays or other unforeseen circumstances, these times may change or be delayed.
On Labor Day, There will be a 3pm show instead of a night-time performance. The fireworks will take place at 9pm to close the 2025 Fair. (Information subject to change)
More information about the 2025 Grandstand Concert Series at mnstatefair.org/grandstand/
We will update with information regarding fireworks times and other fair-time items of interest as we become aware of them.
State Fair Overlay District?
D10 Como Community Council has a “Neighbor’s Guide” to the special rules and regulations of the State Fair Overlay District in effect during the fair, including detailed maps, links to specific ordinance texts related to Parking (Yard, Street, and Alley), Vending & Peddling, Golf Carts, and who to call to report violations.
Como Kindness Dwells Here: Check Your Walk for Hazards
Obviously the fair brings a lot of extra foot traffic. Consider checking the sidewalks on your frontage for potential tripping and slipping hazards. With all the rain this summer weeds and boulevard gardens may have elevated to tripping hazards! Thanks to Como neighbor Julie T. for contributing this thoughtful tip!
Fairgrounds Closure: The fairgrounds is now closed for public access through the fair, which runs through Labor Day, Sept. 1. They anticipate reopening the fairgrounds by Saturday, Sept. 6.
Information on guidelines and restrictions regarding fairgrounds access, especially for pedestrians and bikers
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Join Us Next Week
D10 Community Meeting - 1st Wednesdays - September 3, 7pm
Hybrid on Zoom and @ Como Streetcar Station (1224 Lexington Pkwy)
The first Wednesday of every month typically hosts our Environment and Neighborhood Relations committee topics for discussion and planning, as well as guest presentations related to those issues. Occasionally time sensitive Land Use and Board/Organizational items are included on the agenda as well.
Next week we'll welcome Ward 4 Councilmember Molly Coleman, who was sworn in earlier this week, to introduce herself and share some priorities she plans to bring to the role. In Environment committee business we'll check in on the Sept. 20 Cleanup and Oct. 4 Como Tree Trek, and the board will vote on renewing our community garden use agreement. And in Neighborhood Relations business we'll get our regular Como Rec update and see how things are going for our Oct. 4 Harvest Festival and Oct. 12 Art Crawl plans. Open to all, come join us!
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Save the Date: Lake Como Cleanup - Sept. 20
Sat, Sept 20 9am-Noon, sign-in at Como Pavilion Lakeside (down by the docks)
We're planning our final 2025 Como lakeshore cleanup for Saturday, September 20, 9am-Noon. These events, in partnership with the Capitol Region Watershed District, focus on the shoreline and Lake Como itself.
District 10 provides volunteer t-shirts(!) trash-grabbers, rakes, buckets, nets, trash bags, and nitrile gloves for those who need them. Or, feel free to provide your own gear. Registration (before Sept. 20) is not required, but it helps us plan and communicate if changes come up.
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Como Bakers: Harvest Festival Pie Contest Returns!
Sat. Oct. 4, 3-5pm @ Tilden Park
The Como Community Council is excited to host the 4th Annual Pie Baking Contest at the Como Harvest Festival on October 4th at Tilden Park.
We’re looking for talented Como neighbors to enter their best pies. Festival-goers will sample each pie and vote for their favorites, and winners will receive a year's worth of bragging rights & a prize!
Ready to enter? Fill out the entry form to reserve your spot.
Questions? Email organizer@district10comopark.org.
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Sign Up: Como Park Tree Trek
Sat, Oct. 4 10am-Noon @ Como Park Butterfly Lot
The D10 Environment Committee coordinates Como Park Tree Treks where community members can learn how to identify and appreciate the multitude of different tree species living in Como Park. Volunteer master naturalist Stephanie Mirocha is our fabulous second-generation Tree Trek guide (her father was the original Tree Trek Guide). Stephanie, also a talented artist and author, released a book this year: Tree Trek: A Daughter’s Walk Through Grief
The event is free, but please register in advance. Attendance will be limited to 25 participants.
Self-Guided Tree Trek - Anytime
In addition to the guided events each year, the Tree Trek program has also created and installed Tree Tags on 41 species of trees around Como Park and recently published detailed write-ups about each species. We encourage folks to take themselves on a self-guided Tree Trek and Meet the Trees any time they’d like using the map on our website!
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Local Artist Call: Fall Art Crawl - Como
The Como hosting TWO spaces this year for the St Paul Art Collective Art Crawl on Sunday, October 12th from 12-4pm. This year we will have spots for 8 artists at the Como Streetcar Station (1224 Lexington Pkwy) and 20 artists at the Como Pavilion Waterfall Room (360 Lexington Pkwy N).
The Chelsea Heights PTO has also shared that they are hosting an Art Crawl location on Friday, Oct. 10 in the Chelsea Heights Gym.
If you're interested in participating, you can find out more information on our Registration Form or contact organizer@district10comopark.org. Registration is first come first serve, so sign up as soon as possible.
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Celebrating 50 Years of Community Engagement with District Councils
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Saint Paul District Council System. Since 1975, District Councils have helped connect residents with City government—creating more opportunities for community input, collaboration, and neighborhood-driven change.
As we reflect on the past 50 years, we’re also looking ahead—renewing our commitment to keeping residents informed, creating space for connection, and working together on the issues that matter most. This milestone is an opportunity to honor the incredible connections, projects, and collaborations that have shaped our neighborhoods.
Thank you to all the residents, volunteers, and partners who make this work possible and contributing along the way to make our community a thriving place to live, work, and play.
Como Community Council is proud to celebrate this milestone with all 17 District Councils working in pursuit of the shared mission to strengthen and connect our Saint Paul neighborhoods.
Save the Date: Planning is underway to celebrate this milestone with a community party on October 8. Stay tuned for more details!
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Labor Day weekend: Last iteration of Conny’s Affogato at Abogados Cafe
Head over to Abogados Cafe this weekend for the final 2025 iteration of Conny’s Affogato, featuring a Como-fusion of Conny's Creamy Cone and Abogados great coffee!
Abogados is open this weekend Friday 7am-2pm, Saturday 8am-2pm, and Monday 9am-1pm.
Don’t miss it — it’s the perfect sweet ending to summer.
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Como Farmers’ Market
Thursdays 2-6pm all summer thru Oct. 30 @ 1545 Hamline Ave (Como Park Lutheran Lot)
Back next week after the Fair!
Como Park Lutheran is partnering with the St. Paul Growers Association to bring a farmers’ market to our Como Park neighborhood!
The market takes place in the Como Park Lutheran Church parking lot located at 1545 Hamline Avenue, and will be held every Thursday afternoon from 2:00 – 6:00 pm from May 15 - October 30, 2025.
There will be a variety of locally grown and produced food items for sale. This market accepts and provides matching dollars to SNAP/EBT customers.
We look forward to seeing you at the market.
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Como Parks & Rec Programming
Como Pool is closed for the season. Great River Water Park will be open for limited water aerobics and lap swim programming from Sept. 15-26, and open for it's regular season on Sept. 29.
Fall Swimming lesson registration will open on Sept. 10 at 9am.
North Dale Rec Center (9am-9pm Mon-Thu, 9am-6pm Fri)
Ongoing Drop-In Programming
Northwest Como Rec Center (2-9pm Mon-Thu, 2-6pm Fri)
*Registration Required
D10 finds this info here in the Parks and Rec registration system, you can often find events further in advance than we have room here in the newsletter for!
St. Paul Parks & Rec Fee Assistance Program
The City of Saint Paul operates a special program that helps families pay for Parks & Recreation youth classes and activities. Fee Assistance can be requested by families who meet program requirements when registering for youth activities. To be eligible for the program, youth must live in Saint Paul, be 18 years old or younger, and qualify for free and reduced lunches.
Fee Assistance can be used toward most recreational sports or activities offered by Saint Paul Parks and Recreation. To view the online catalog of all available activities offered, click here.
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Neighborhood Notes
Class N License Application
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Saint Bark (1611 Wynne Ave/1145 Snelling Ave) has applied for a Class N License for: Liquor On-Sale - 100 Seats or Less and Liquor On-Sale Sunday. Public comment may be submitted in writing by August 30 4:30pm to Legislative Hearing Officer, 310 City Hall, 15 West Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul, MN 55102 or emailed to LH-Licensing@ci.stpaul.mn.us. D10 hosted Saint Bark owner Zimako Onwuagba back in March to discuss his license application and plans, you can watch the recording here on our website.
Upcoming License Renewals*
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Ted’s Recreation (1084 Larpenteur): Liquor On Sale - 2AM Closing license is up for renewal September 25. Anyone with input should contact the Ward 5 City Council office: ward5@ci.stpaul.mn.us. *While license notifications serve as community reminders, feedback on a business license can be submitted at any time.
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West Nile virus cases increasing in Minnesota
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has reported 20 cases of West Nile virus so far in 2025. Two of the affected people have died. Case numbers can vary significantly from year to year due to factors like heat and rainfall, but the recent increase has health officials encouraging people to take precautions.
West Nile virus is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people who are bitten by infected mosquitoes will experience either no symptoms or a mild flu-like illness. Less than 1% of people who are infected develop encephalitis or meningitis (inflammation of the brain or surrounding tissues). Symptoms usually show up within one to two weeks. There is no treatment for the illness other than supportive care.
To protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites:
- Use insect repellents that are registered by the Environmental Protection Agency and contain up to 30% DEET.
- Pre-treat clothing and gear with permethrin-based products.
- Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants.
- Be extra cautious or avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn, the peak feeding time for many mosquitoes, particularly from July through September.
- Keep mosquitoes out of your home by maintaining screens on windows and doors.
For more about West Nile Virus health.state.mn.us/diseases/westnile/
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Creeping Bellflower
Quick facts
- Creeping bellflower is invasive in Minnesota and spreads by seed dispersal and root propagation.
- Bell-shaped, blue-purple flowers grow up one side of creeping bellflower stalks and carry up to 15,000 seeds.
- Small sections of creeping bellflower can be managed by removing all of the plant’s roots; repeated removal may be necessary.
- Broadleaf herbicides may be effective on large infestations, but creeping bellflower is resistant to many herbicides.
Visit the U of M website for more info about identifying and managing Creeping Bellflower.
MPR did a story on Creeping Bellflower earlier this week, view/listen here.
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Mayor's 2026 Budget Address
Thur. Sept. 4 10am @ Allianz Field Stadium Club (doors open at 9:30am)
This address, delayed by the recent cyber-attack, is free and open to the public. Expect a degree of pomp and or circumstance.
ABOUT THE CITY OF SAINT PAUL BUDGET PROCESS
Following the Mayor's delivery of the 2026 Budget Proposal, the City Council will begin meeting with department leaders to review the Mayor’s proposed budget. As required by state law, the City Council will set the maximum property tax levy. Budgets may be adjusted, but they cannot exceed the maximum tax levy.
Before the end of the year, the City Council will hold public hearings on the budget and vote to adopt a 2026 budget and tax levy for the city. While the budget may represent changes made by the City Council to the Mayor’s proposed budget, the Mayor has line-item veto authority over the Council-adopted budget.
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Upcoming Shredding Event
Fri. Sept. 5 11am-4pm @ Ramsey County Environmental Center (1700 Kent St.)
Have confidential papers that need shredding? Bring them to Ramsey County’s new Environmental Center on Friday, Sept. 5 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This service is free to all Ramsey County residents.
You may bring up to three banker size boxes weighing 50 pounds each. Collection will end early if all collection trucks fill up before 4 p.m.
Learn more about this event.
Note: The Citywide Drop-off event at the Fairgrounds is NOT happening this year. Electronics, Scrap Metal, Mattresses, and up to 12 Bulky Items can be disposed of year-round now, but these shredding events are precious!
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CRWD’s Art + Water Workshop: Como Lake Shadow Puppets
Sat, Sept. 13, 11am-2pm @ Capitol Region Watershed District (595 Aldine St)
Tell a lake tale! Make shadow puppets inspired by your lake memories and cultural stories. Then, create a show with your puppets using an overhead projector and recorded soundscapes. Acclaimed puppet artist Oanh Vu will lead the workshop. She will share basic puppeteering techniques and the ingredients for crafting a spectacular show featuring your creative mythology. You can arrive anytime during the event to participate in the workshop.
Enjoy performances of Oanh Vu’s Como Lake Creatures, a humorous show set at Como Lake starring characters from lake legends and watershed reality. Performances at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 1:30 p.m.
For more information and to register: visit: https://www.capitolregionwd.org/event/art-water-workshop-como-lake-shadow-puppets/.
Or Find This Event on Facebook
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League of Women Voters Mayoral Candidate Forum
Wed. Sept. 17 7-8:30pm @ Johnson High School (1349 Arcade St.)
The League of Women Voters (LWV) of St. Paul is organizing a mayoral candidate forum on Wednesday, Sept. 17, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at St. Paul Johnson High School. The forum will be filmed and live streamed by the St. Paul Neighborhood Network with recordings available for later viewing.
Questions for the candidates can be sent to to lwvstpaul@lwvmn.org.
All St. Paul residents are encouraged to attend or watch online. More details will be forthcoming as information becomes available. Check the LWV website for updates.
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Rain Check: Tour des Jardins
New Date: Sat. Sept. 20, 8am-5pm @ Community gardens and urban farms around Saint Paul
The Tour des Jardins, coordinated by the Mounds Park Garden, is a social bike ride between community gardens and urban farms in Saint Paul, including stops here in Como.
The event is something between an open house, a bike ride, a culinary adventure, and a social gathering to bring people together in a fun way and strengthen our network of local community gardens. Watch a recap of the 2024 Tour des Jardins.
More details:
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This event is free and open to the public (Tell your friends! All are welcome.)
- You can ride your bike or drive to the locations
- Enjoy food, beverages, and garden tours at each stop
- You can visit all 8 stops, or just a couple
- Ride wrap + happy hour: 5:15 at Mounds Park Community garden
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Stay tuned to the event page for the most up-to-date information
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Important: Please RSVP on Facebook or Google Calendar so our partnering gardens know how many people to expect.
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Propane Tank Disposal
Propane tanks and gas cylinders should never be placed in household trash, dumpsters or recycling bins. Propane tanks, even when they appear empty, can still hold residual gas and rupture or explode, creating a hazard for waste facilities and workers.
Refill or Exchange: If your propane tank is in usable condition, the best option is to refill or exchange it at a participating retailer.
Residents of Ramsey County can drop off unwanted propane tanks for free at the County's Environmental Center (1700 Kent St).
More information: https://recyclingandenergy.org/education/propane/
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Keystone Free Farmers Markets
Keystone has announced their Free Farmers Markets for the 2025 season.
At these drive-through events, we will provide free fruits and vegetables to each household. All are welcome. No registration is required.
Keystone’s Free Farmers Markets:
- Sept. 5 10am-Noon @ Roseville Covenant Church (2865 Hamline Ave. N)
- Sept. 12 10am-Noon @ Allianz Field
- Sept. 19 10am-Noon @ Galilee Lutheran Church* (145 N. McCarrons Blvd)
All events take place from 10am-12pm. While they design Free Farmers Markets for drive-through traffic, they are happy to serve those who walk or bike.
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Event Recycling and Composting
Planning an event this summer? Whether a private gathering or large public event, include recycling and food scraps disposal.
The City of Saint Paul, Ramsey County Environmental Health, and many neighborhood District Councils have containers that can be loaned out to individuals and organizations, and resources on planning and disposal.
Go to stpaul.gov/public-works/event-recycling-and-composting to find where to get containers, disposal options for after the event, planning tips, and more.
- Use the online form to request containers from the City. Request containers at least 2 weeks in advance.
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D10 Como has containers to loan. Email info@district10comopark.org to request containers. Please request at least one week ahead of time.
Find additional information and resources on ramseycounty.us/recycling-waste/recycling-containers-events.
| | Have something you'd like us to consider sharing in our newsletter? Email us at district10@district10comopark.org | |  | |
Support Community Connection
Do you appreciate the work D10 Como Park does in the community? Consider supporting D10's work by making a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!
| | | Please note that this newsletter aims to inform and publicize local events and activities in our community. The inclusion of any event or activity does not imply endorsement by the District 10 Como Community Council. | |
D10 Como Park Merch!
Como Community Council now has D10 merchandise, including clothing, coffee cups, and stickers! Get your style set for the next Half-Time Social!
D10 gets a small portion of the proceeds of each sale.
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