Mainstreet Stillwater MN

🐜A Picnic by the River, Then and Now

Happy International Picnic Day!

This charming 1908 photograph captures Selma Holcombe and friends enjoying a picnic near the St. Croix River, reminding us that gathering outdoors with good company has long been one of life's simple pleasures. Whether packed in a basket or wrapped in paper, a shared meal has a way of creating lasting memories.

Selma, one of photographer Frederick Holcombe’s younger sisters, spent many years as a teacher and principal at Nelson School in Stillwater. But on this day, she's simply enjoying time by the river with friends, surrounded by the beauty of a Minnesota summer.

The image was taken by Frederick Holcombe, an award-winning amateur photographer and banker whose photographs documented everyday life in Stillwater from the late 1800s into the early 1900s. His work offers a remarkable glimpse into the people and places that shaped our community.

This photograph is part of the Frederick Holcombe Historical Photo Collection in the St. Croix Collection Room at Stillwater Public Library. You can explore this image and many others depicting life in Stillwater from the mid-1800s through today whenever the library is open. You can also view many of Frederick Holcombe's photos through the Minnesota Digital Library.

Whether you're spreading out a blanket in the park, gathering with family, or enjoying lunch by the water, we hope you find a moment to celebrate the timeless joy of a picnic.

Mainstreet Stillwater MN Discover Stillwater Minnesota Digital Library Carolyn Blocher

We are so thrilled to announce the full lineup for the 8th Annual Opera on the River Grand Concert, part of our SCVO Summer Series! 🎶

This year's concert features soprano Meghan Kasanders, mezzo-soprano Christina Pezzarossi Ramsey, tenor Adrian Kramer, and bass Colin Ramsey, with returning Conductor and Pianist Andrew Sun leading the chamber orchestra. Dr. Jeffrey Madison joins us as Emcee for the evening!

And the fun begins even earlier this year! Mick Sterling Presents: A Billy Joel State of Mind takes the stage at 4:45 PM as a special opening concert before the Grand Concert. This 15-piece tribute show is free and open to all!

VIP Experience packages are available for the Mick Sterling show, the Grand Concert, or both, featuring prime seating and catering by Scheel's Catering. Limited packages available so reserve yours today!

📅 Saturday, July 25, 2026
🎹 Mick Sterling | 4:45 PM
🎶 Opera on the River Grand Concert | 7:30 PM
📍 South Lowell Park, Stillwater, MN
FREE Admission!

🎟 Reserve your VIP seats: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/2026season/event/ootr26viptix/

Learn more: www.scvopera.org/summer-series/ootr

🏆Who's your favorite fictional dad?

From wise mentors and protective parents to goofy father figures and flawed heroes who try their best, books are full of memorable dads. Tell us who stands out to you and what makes them your favorite!

Mainstreet Stillwater MN Discover Stillwater

WE WANTED TO SHARE OUR SISTER RESTAURANT'S POPUP at LOLITO CANTINA
NEW SUMMER MENU - LOLITO LATIN BARBECUE!!
We are excited to introduce our new summer theme: Latin Barbecue Summer with house smoked meats and fresh summer dishes!
Available in house dining and online ordering
Reservations
www.lolitostillwater.com
651-342-0972

LATIN BARBECUE PLATTERS & COMBO PLATTERS (feeds 2-4 people) - smoked pulled chicken, gf fried chicken, smoked pulled pork, house smoked bacon, pork spareribs, chorizo, hanger steak, salmon, coconut shrimp
Sides - latin mac salad, nopales ensalada, brown sugar plantains, roast sweet potato, mexican rice, black beans, sweet corn, fried yukon potato

MORE NEW DISHES
SHRIMP & CRAB CEVICHE
BLUEFIN TUNA CEVICHE
NACHO FRIES
LATIN COBB SALAD
COCONUT SHRIMP
CUBANO SMOKED PORK TACOS
SMOKED CHICKEN TACOS
CEDAR PLANK MAHI TACOS
COCONUT CRUSTED SHRIMP TACOS
CHIPOTLE GUACAMOLE

Note - our inspiration for this theme comes from our friend Shawn Smalley & is dedicated to his memory and legacy of his restaurant, Smalleys Caribbean Barbecue. We hope to recreate a small part of the vibe and sense of community that Shawn and his restaurant brought to so many people.