Summer Tuesdays Will Be Heading West, To The Historic Courthouse

Summer Tuesdays will have a new home this year, as well as a few other notable changes.

The Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce's popular event will be moving west from Lowell Park to the Washington County Historic Courthouse starting mid-July.

“A search for a new location started after the first of the year when it was clear that planned construction at Lowell Park would make this summer’s event very problematic,” Todd Streeter, the chamber's executive director stated in a press release. 

It remains unclear if and when park construction may begin, but temporarily moving the event frees the city to continue park improvement discussions without any conflicts involved with the six-week long event, the chamber's press release states.

That construction was supposed to begin after Lumberjack Days, but hit a snag when the Army Corps of Engineers  told city officials that soil pollution had to be removed from the site before the construction of flood-control measures could begin.

“We appreciate the Chamber’s flexibility as we continue working on Lowell Park construction options for this summer," Stillwater Mayor Ken Harycki said. "We also apologize to Summer Tuesdays attendees and hope they understand the need to make temporary adjustments to this season’s event.”

The venue provides an opportunity to focus the event more on family, Stillwater-area vendors and musical talent, the chamber states.

“The new location allows us to simplify the event and get back to showcasing local businesses, organizations and area amateur and professional musicians who can utilize the courthouse’s terraced amphitheater,” Streeter states.

So the family-friendly event will go on ... but without the late-night movies. 

The change in venue is not perfect, Streeter said.

“Unfortunately, the new venue makes it a challenge to offer late-evening movies because of potential sound issues," he said. "We are sensitive to the surrounding neighborhood and we have decided we will not be offering movies for this summer season.

"I know this temporary change may be disappointing to some, and offer my sincerest apology and hope that people will still come and enjoy the new activities,” Streeter said.

With plans for the event still being finalized, the chamber announced that they are still seeking a variety of supporting sponsors, talented local amateur and seasoned musical performers, market exhibitors and food vendors.

For more information about food, vending and Valley Cooks applications, visit www.summertuesdays.com.  For music performance, sponsorship and volunteer information, contact the Chamber at info@ilovestillwater.com.