I want wiener dog race like they do over in Wayzata for their James J. Hill Days celebration. It is so much fun to watch the little dogs run. They also get chuck and don's to come out and do Flyball demonstrations. The races draw huge crowds of wiener dog lovers....What needs to be done to get this going?

The "Lumberjack" theme is consistent with the history of the city and should be preserved. How could anyone argue that a parade would not be popular? Cultural events in addition to theme park events may broaden the interest, something beyond just drinking beer, eating and throwing your garbage on the ground. I can remember being fairly depressed on the site of downtown after some of the 'Lumberjack Days' events.

Open plays in the Lowell Park area might be interesting, on the river, on the day of the fireworks, after the parade, under the stars.

So let me get this straight, Susan, we should call this "Public Urination Days." You've beat that dead horse.

I gave input into this survey and I live five blocks from downtown. I am a proponent of the idea in its original form. I think it has been a great event. People are spending money at local establishments and restaurants and bringing their kids downtown during the day for family activities; and yes, there are rock n roll bands and adults drinking. If this is done responsibly and with adequate support from police and an ethical event organizer, it could be a great summertime event.

Re: Cleanup problems/Lowell Park - I would never categorize that strip of land as a park. I am more depressed that the space is called a park than I am seeing some trampled grass after a LJD event.

Re: the survey - I thought the survey itself was poorly implemented. Questions did a poor job of developing relevant feedback for a strategy; instead they were, in summary: "Do you want a small, med, or large LJD-like event?"

I'm with the one percent that wants an event in January--the REAL Minnesota experience!

I also like the implication of "Determine which neighborhoods and commercial districts are appropriate venues for events." It would be great to see the celebration spread across the whole community and not just confined to the downtown area.

$15,500 spent to send out 2000 surveys?? Couldn't that amount of money been spent more wisely??

Totally agree about the misappropriation of funds on this survey. I participated, but really wondered about the amount of postage and paper and data entry spent when there are many, many FREE online survey packages available! Plus the sampling was way off for 'middle' and 'original' Stillwater, whatever those are.

I suggest promoting our businesses! We all remember the LBJ sidewalk sales and while shopping for great deals the anticipation of a pickle from Brines! It makes no sense at all to me that the typical LBJ days of recent past has been set up to keep the crowds away from the beautiful main street that we are all so proud of and that tourists come to see every other day of the year. That's my 2 cents.

Oh! Now I see the error in my thinking! Yes we should follow the advise of those interested in local bands and cheap beer. While we are at it lets all get out our four wheel trucks with big tires and hold a contest to see who can spin the biggest "shi##ies" in the middle of Lowell Park. No, I know! We could have a log pull right down the middle of Main street - you know - like a tractor pull except with big trucks all with big tires. We could see who could pull the most logs! WOW! And, thousands of motorcycles, Harley's (I'll bring my Vespa, my other bike is a Harley) all over the place. We will drink our cheap beer and listen to local bands until we are all drunk and puking. Then we can all stumble home through the garbage that we have thrown onto the ground, puking and peeing in our neighbors yards as we go. Imagine!, it could be just like EdgeFest in Wisconsin and we could provide plenty of work for our police and State Troopers!

WOW! What was I thinking when I suggested cultural events? BTW, I don't mind Harley's - that is another type of cultural event.

I have a 2007 Vespa and a 1998 Harley. I love them both, but for getting around town there is nothing like my Vespa. You will see me on it spring through fall. I might let you ride my Vespa, but you must to wear a helmet and a smile!!!!!

Is Russ Wolf still around, and could he put a band together for "Polka in the Park"? That, and the neighboring beer garden, were a big hit 20 years ago.

Seriously, take a look at how Hudson does their 4th of July "Booster Days" celebration, if you want to see a great example of keeping it centered on the citizens. They have a Friday and Saturday night concert/dance using Twin City bands and draw plenty of people.

How about an interpretive dance competition? Randy?

Close off the downtown for foot traffic only for a sidewalk sale for that weekend. Allow street artists to entertain and put tables and chairs in front of the restaurants to encourage more patronage. Have local band concerts in the evenings at Lowell Park with a juried art show.

An event in Stillwater could focus on what put it on the map in the first place, the river. An on the water antique boat show, competitions similar to the milk carton boat races (with unique materials), canoe races, a nightime lighted boat parade, a daytime parade on the river with floats, bands, etc..., food and drink competitons between the local establishments in which the parameters are only revealed at the start of the weekend, sidewalk sales, a street dance........