Summer fun in St. Paul

During my final summer as Councilmember, I am looking forward to enjoying a full schedule of family friendly events and festivals across St. Paul. With Grand Old Day back and celebrating its 50th year as the official kick-off to summer, I want to share some other amazing activities and events happening around the city over these cherished summer months! 
Summer Festivals and Events
As a board member of Visit St. Paul, I frequently utilize their exhaustive list of all the great happenings and events around St. Paul (visitsaintpaul.com). Below are a few of the many events I am looking forward to this summer! 
Soon the 25th annual Twin Cities Jazz Festival (June 23-24) will kick-off in Mears Park. I am excited to see headliners that include, Christian McBride, Davina and the Vagabonds and more! Grab a lawn chair or blanket and come down to Mears Park for food trucks, local drinks and jazz.  
Presented by Public Art St. Paul, the WAKPA Triennial Art Festival is taking place all summer long from June 24-September 16. WAKPA means RIVER in the Dakota language, a name that recognizes the great rivers that define our lives and landscapes, while also acknowledging that the Twin Cities inhabit Dakota land. I’m excited about the connections this festival will bring to the Mississippi River which include opening ceremonies on Raspberry Island and Crosby Farm Park walking tours.
The surname Tolbert is as Irish as a leprechaun planning St. Paul’s street grid. That said, Irish Fair returns to Harriet Island on August 11–13. All are welcome to celebrate all things Irish with music, dance, family activities and good craic! 
Highland Park Water Tower 
Once again, the Highland Park Water Tower will be open to the public on July 15-16 from 9 am to 5 pm. No one can beat the views of the majestic Mississippi River valley, beautiful downtown St. Paul skyline and our western suburb. The tower was designed by notable architect Clarence Wigington and completed in 1928. While the 127-foot tower is no longer in service, staff from St. Paul Regional Water Services (SPRWS) will be present to talk about our amazing water system and share information on the SPRWS Lead Free program. Replacing all lead water pipes in the next ten years is a high legislative priority and St. Paul is leading the way.  
Free Summer Swimming Lessons
Starting this year, St. Paul is rolling out a new program to offer free swimming lesson scholarships at Como Regional Park Pool, July 24–August 4. St. Paul Parks and Recreation is partnering with four local organizations to award 300 youth scholarships for an introductory swimming lesson and water safety program. St. Paul residents may apply. Two scholarships per session are also available for all other swimming lesson sessions at Como Park Pool and Highland Park Aquatic Center. To apply, call 651-642-0390 during normal business hours Monday thru Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
It’s an honor to serve as your Councilmember and feel free to contact my office at any time by emailing ward3@ci.stpaul.mn.us or calling 651-266-8630.

Regards,Chris Tolbert
Councilmember Ward 3