Last Day of Highland Fest This Year

I truly meant to write about this event on Friday, but it has been such a busy summer here it didn’t quite make it in time.  Luckily, Saint Paul’s Highland Fest is a three day celebration and there are still entertaining events happening today! 

Held in the Highland Park neighborhood of St. Paul, this year’s Highland Fest began on Friday, July 18, and goes through today, Sunday, July 20.  The festival features a juried art fair, music, entertainment, amusement rides, and plenty of food.  Highland Fest draws between 60,000 and 65,000 visitors each year, with the largest turnout on Saturday.

Highland Fest is an annual festival organized and promoted by the Highland Business Association, which works hard year-round to highlight the Highland Park community and businesses. All proceeds benefit the association, which in turn uses the funds for operational support and for street-scape improvements in Highland Village. Festival organizers hope to continue to build on the positive relationship between the business community and the local neighborhood.

New events this year include Bingo at the beer tent throughout the weekend and a Strongman Competition on Sunday.  Today from 1-5 pm, the Highland District Council and Thomas Liquors will be hosting a wine tasting in the beer tent.

So what exactly is on the agenda today?  Well, for music there are a few options.  On the Treasure Island Stage, School of Rock will perform from 12:30 p.m. to 1:15 pm.  Rubber Soul, a Beatles tribute band, will perform on this stage from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.  On the Pinehurst Stage, there are a few more bands scheduled throughout the day:

11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. - The Fabulous Fairlanes

12:45 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. - The Blue Drifters

2:00 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. - The Swing Daddies

3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. - Chuck DeVore and his St. Peter St. Stompers

There are plenty of rides for the youngins and adults both to enjoy, such as a ferris wheel, giant slide, and merry-go-round.  There will also be games like duck pond, ring a bottle, balloon darts, and break a plate. 

For the over 18 crowd, join real-live BINGO at the beer tent from 12:00 - 5:00 pm on Sunday.

Some other activities include:

Highland Water Tower Tours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Strongman Competition: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Bookmobile: Hillcrest Ramp: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 pm

Wine Tasting sponsored by the Highland District Council and Thomas Liquors: 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Water Wars: Throughout the Festival!

Hope you can make it today to this fun summer celebration!