Stillwater, known for its vibrant community events, is evaluating ways to reduce the number of festivals following concerns from residents about the frequency and scale of these gatherings.
In 2025, the city hosted over 100 days of festivities, including popular events like the Snow Sculpting Competition in January, Lumberjack Days in July, and Harvest Fest in October. While these events attract numerous visitors and boost local businesses, some residents feel the historic downtown has become too busy.
At an April city council meeting, Administrative Service Director Elizabeth Bechel introduced the idea of designating certain days as “no event” days, during which event permits would not be approved. Mayor Ted Kozlowski acknowledged the community’s mixed feelings, noting that while events bring economic benefits, it’s essential to balance them with residents’ quality of life.
The city council is currently gathering feedback from both residents and business owners to determine the best course of action. Potential measures include limiting the number of events per month or implementing specific days without events to provide respite for the community.
Residents are encouraged to participate in upcoming public forums to share their perspectives on the city’s event calendar and its impact on daily life.