City Beat: Signs of Summer, A Juneteenth Celebration, and Your Next Reading Challenge

May 24, 2022

The start of the Farmer’s Market and the opening of the Water Park are two sure signs of summer in Red Wing, and both are just around the corner. The Farmer’s Market on Levee Street is open on Saturdays all through the summer beginning June 4. Get your season pass to the Water Park soon; summer splashing starts on June 8!

Farmer's Market starts June 4

Water Park Opens June 8

Sign Us Up

Get your cameras ready; cool new photo ops are coming soon! Downtown Main Street spearheaded an initiative to bring two signs to Bay Point Park, signs that will naturally draw the public in to take a selfie or group photo. One sign is a mobile Red Wing sign that can be moved around town for events. The second sign is shaped like a heart and will be on permanent display in Bay Point Park. City Council lent their support on Monday, and we can’t wait for the signs to arrive. Practice saying cheese; we'll let you know as soon as the signs are here.

Badges and Brew With You

Take a cup of joe and turn it into a conversation. The Red Wing Police Department and Goodhue County Sheriff’s Office will be having a Badges and Brew coffee hour at Hanisch Bakery on June 8. Conversation comes easy with a good cup of coffee, and these informal get-togethers are a great way to get to know our local officers and community members. Caffeine, coffee, and community on June 8; don't miss out!

Celebrate Juneteenth in Central Park

Juneteenth Celebration

Sunday, June 19, Noon to 4 p.m.

Central Park

Mark Red Wing's first annual Juneteenth celebration on your calendars! Head to Central Park on Sunday, June 19 from noon to 4 p.m. to enjoy free barbeque and music, learn about the history of Juneteenth, and see performances from community members. On top of all that, you could also win a door prize. The Human Rights Commission is hosting this event, and they hope you stop by to celebrate this important day. Want to participate or perform? Call Miss Faye at 651-764-0709.

Housing May Be on the Horizon

City Council members gave a verbal green light Monday to keep three potential housing projects moving forward. During this week's workshop, Community Development Director Kyle Klatt outlined two possible market-rate projects – one along West Fourth Street adjacent to the Elks Lodge and one in the old Associated Bank building at the corner of Third and Bush. Leah Hall of Three Rivers Community Action presented a third potential project focused on affordable and supportive housing and asked for Council direction. All three projects would most likely require financial incentives from the City to make them happen. Council highlighted housing as a key priority of the City and directed staff to continue working on all three. Council will hear additional details in the near future. Stay tuned for more developments.

Chapter One: Start This Reading Challenge

Readers of all ages, bust out your books this summer for the Red Wing Public Library Summer Reading Challenge. From June 6to August 8, read up a storm to earn prizes. Prizes include Red Wing Water Park passes, books for kids, card games for teens, and a chance to earn local gift cards for adults. Register online or pick up printed reading logs at the Library’s front desk. Happy reading.

Neighborhoods Assemble

Summer is going to fly by so even though the next Night to Unite won't be until August 2, the time to start planning is now. Whether they're hot dog cookouts, potlucks, parades, or carnivals, these neighborhood events are a great way to connect. Meet your neighbors, City workers, and the people who represent you. If your neighborhood doesn't usually have one, consider starting a Night to Unite block party. Stay up to date on the latest news here. Let's rock every block in Red Wing on August 2.

Changing for the Better

Change can be a good thing. The Bench Street landfill has long been co-managed by the City of Red Wing and Goodhue County, but care and control of it is being transferred to state. That's good news for us and our environment. This landfill hasn't been in operation since 2018. With the transfer of ownership, the state can begin cleanup actions, long-term operation and maintenance, and monitoring for groundwater contamination and landfill gas. This change is a win for everyone.

All in a Career's Work

Mark Milkanin is retiring at the end of the month, which gives us the chance to celebrate all the work he has accomplished over his 37-year-long career. Mark started on a four-man survey crew with steel chains and plumb bobs and has since evolved to GPS and laser survey equipment. Mark's dedicated work ethic has helped him meet the demands of Minnesota’s busy summer construction schedule. Outside of work, he served for years on the Red Wing Youth Baseball Board of Directors and assisted in coaching youth baseball. Mark was recently awarded the Rotary Service Above Self Award for his contributions to bettering the community and going above and beyond for the past 37 years. Happy retirement, Mark; you've earned it!