TAKE ME TO THE RIVER! - Art in Stillwater, MN

Stillwater Arts Festival Sept 23-26
Take Me to the River Event Celebrates Arts in the St. Croix River Valley

Stillwater, MN, will be the center of the arts this fall as a dozen communities along a 50 mile stretch of the St. Croix River celebrate art and music. The first annual Take Me to the River festival is a collaborative effort sponsored by ArtReach St. Croix, to showcase the richness and diversity of arts and musical traditions along the St. Croix River from Hastings to Taylors Falls along Minnesota’s banks and from St. Croix Falls to Prescott on the Wisconsin side.

Participating festivals include the Hastings Art Fair, Afton Art in the Park, Hudson Spirit of St. Croix festival, Franconia Art & Artist celebration and St. Croix Falls Autumn Fest. The weekend will also feature story telling sessions about growing up in these river communities. Hear tales of the not so rich and famous on Thursday evening in Prescott, Afton, Marine on St. Croix, Osceola and St. Croix Falls.

Friday night will be a cross between American Idol and last Comic Standing as Hudson, Hastings and Taylors Falls host story slams in various bars and drinking establishments. Stillwater will feature a Music and Humor session Saturday night as musician Nancy Duncan teams up with humorist and storyteller Lori Power Gordon.

With a dozen activities and events to take in, visitors will want to make an entire weekend of it and spend at least one night in the St. Croix River Valley. Stillwater is centrally located along the Take Me to the River route and offers historic inns along Main Street, a dozen intimate B&Bs and several affordable hotels with free parking and complimentary breakfast. The town’s large selection of restaurants ranging from fine dining along the riverfront to casual cafes and vibrant bars, plus over 50 unique shops and boutiques makes Stillwater the ideal spot to overnight during the Take Me to the River festival. For more information on lodging, restaurants and attractions or for a detailed calendar of events visit www.discoverstillwater.com.

About Art Reach
ArtReach St. Croix is a non-profit organization whose mission is to connect the St. Croix Valley community and the visual, literary and performing arts. ArtReach sponsors community arts events and arts education, supports the work of artists and other arts organizations, and provides arts leadership within the St. Croix Valley community.

About Stillwater, MN
Considered the birthplace of Minnesota, Stillwater sits just 30 minutes northeast of Saint Paul on the bluffs of the St. Croix River, across from Wisconsin. A beautiful, historic river town featuring antiques, art galleries, wineries, historic B&Bs and fantastic restaurants, Stillwater is the perfect spot for a weekend getaway or a day trip from the Twin Cities of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. The city’s stunning location high atop the St. Croix River bluffs provides visitors with panoramic views of the river, especially in autumn when the colors along the bluffs are breathtaking.