Fun Freetime: Grand Meander (Dec. 1, St. Paul)

Are you looking for something to do this weekend? The Grand Avenue Business Association is holding its annual Grand Meander on Saturday, December 1. Families are invited to get into the holiday spirit by enjoying carolers, an art fair, community tree lighting, and more.  December 1 – 14, Grand Meander guests can also donate toys to Toys for Tots and food to Second Harvest Heartland at participating Grand Avenue businesses.

 

Grand Meander activities include:

 

·      8:30 a.m. –10:30 a.m. Breakfast with Santa: keep the magic of Christmas alive by joining Santa for a pancake breakfast.

Location: Tavern on Grand, 656 Grand Avenue

·      10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Reindeer Adventure: Kids will get to meet Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and the rest of the leaders of Santa’s sleigh.

Location: Frattallone’s Ace Hardware, 650 Grand Avenue

·      11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Free Trolley Rides: Take in the charm of historic Grand Avenue on a trolley ride to your shopping and dining destinations during Grand Meander.

Location: Trolleys pick up and drop off at bus stops along Grand Avenue 

·      11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Carolers: enjoy the sounds of the season from various musical groups and carolers.

Location: Along Grand Avenue

·      10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Art Fair: admire quality fine crafts and fine art created by 63 local artists.

Location: Ramsey Jr. High, 1733 Grand Avenue

·      12 p.m. – 3 p.m. Soup Tasting: keep warm and take part in the most delicious part of the Grand Meander: the annual Soup Tasting. Businesses will compete to win you over with their most appetizing soups.

Locations:

Tavern on Grand: 656 Grand Avenue

Dixie’s on Grand: 695 Grand Avenue

Brasa Rotisserie: 777 Grand Avenue

Wild Onion: 788 Grand Avenue

Billy’s on Grand: 857 Grand Avenue

Red Balloon Bookshop: 891 Grand Avenue

D’Amico & Sons: 975 Grand Avenue

The Lexington: 1096 Grand Avenue

Frattallone’s West: 1676 Grand Avenue

Whole Foods Market: 30 S Fairview Avenue

·      5 p.m. Community Tree Lighting Ceremony: join your neighbors for the lighting of the Grand Avenue holiday tree. Enjoy music, refreshments and the merriment of the holiday season. 

Location: Charlemagne Fine Jewelry, 1262 Grand Avenue

 

In addition, participating Grand Avenue businesses will also compete in holiday window decorating contest where the public can vote for their favorite holiday décor. I was able to interview Sue Evens from the Grand Avenue Business Association to find out a little more.

1. How did the Grand Meander get started? Grand Meander started in the 1970's. It was created as a way to bring the community together for the holidays. Since then it's continuously been a great holiday tradition for Twin Cities residents. Each year we put together fun family activities and support collections for Toys for Tots and Second Harvest Heartland. Additionally, it's a great opportunity for people to shop locally. Our stores have a number of different sales going on and various vendors bring in great holiday and gift items. 
2. Does the business who wins the decorating contest get a prize? Yes, we provide awards for the winner of the widow decorating contest.  In addition, there are two awards given for the soup tasting contest. 
3. Do you have tips for how families with young kids could minimize frustration and maximize fun? 
   1. Plan ahead! We have a lot going on so be sure to visit www.grandave.com/events/grand-meander for a full list of activities and times.  
   2. There will be free trolley rides up and down the avenue to help families get around.  
   3. Grand Avenue businesses will be hosting great sales and activities, take advantage of this and help support locally owned businesses. 
   4. Allow yourself enough time to find parking, Grand Avenue is a busy place, but there are always spots in the local neighborhoods. 
4. Will parents with older kids (tweens and teens) find enough to entertain them as well? 
   1. Most definitely! Tweens and teens certainly love to shop and eat food – there will be plenty of both at the Grand Meander. A number of local businesses are tween/teen friendly and we will have the soup tasting going on throughout the avenue. 
   2. Additionally, there are two different art events happening, one at Ramsey Junior High and one that starts at Mims Photography that they might love to check out. 

For a full list of events, participating businesses and sponsoring businesses, log onto www.grandave.com. Photos courtesy of Kristine Erickson.