It Really Was a Grand Old Day

I hope you were able to get out to Grand Old Day this past Sunday. What a day! I spent the afternoon strolling the avenue, listening to some great music, talking to vendors, and just watching the people. So many people! I saw old and young, parents and kids, fabulous vendors, I saw some of you(!), I listened to some great music… and everyone I spoke to said, “We’re SO glad it’s back. Great day to be here!”
 
Grand Old Day is the largest free festival in the Midwest, and the primary source of funding for the Grand Avenue Business Association. After a hiatus for the previous 3 years, it feels terrific to have it back. A bright spot this summer, particularly since not all festivals have been able to come back yet. And your Chamber was fortunate to play a key role in that. GABA initially hired us last year to assist with organizing the volunteer task force to bring back the event. That role grew, bringing in partners like our friends at Minnesota Public Radio and The Current to curate a fantastic musical lineup as well as event organization and logistics. We wanted to help make it happen. And our team was terrific! From marketing and social media, to vendors, to musicians, to sponsors and partners, to scheduling, our team played a part in all of it. 

The Grand Avenue Business Association Board had a vision for the day, and your team at the St. Paul Area Chamber helped them make that happen. Special thanks go to Megan Ryan, Alyssa Binsfeld, Madisen Rogers, and Kim O’Brien. They truly went above and beyond. I couldn’t be more proud.
 
Be sure to check out some of the photos we captured here.  
 
Grand Old Day is back!
 
See you in the trenches,
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B​