St. Paul Rocks the Block

Shop local program encourages businesses & non-profits to showcase themselves

A joint event hosted by The St. Paul Chamber of Commerce and Champions for Change, along with the St. Paul Journal, looks to drive people to the downtown core. Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce, Linda Sallstrom, says Rock the Block showcases all the amazing business and organizations in the town; while allow the public to discover main street.

“It was sometime last year, I remember seeing a mom, dad and two kids walking down main street,” Sallstrom explains Rock the Block wants to bring back that small town feeling, “I thought when was the last time you saw that? I remember as a kid walking main street with my parents all the time. You just don’t see that anymore. This is to encourage people to go downtown.” It’s not just for exercise, Rock the Block wants you to discover all the businesses in town. Often, people will find a few stores they like and need to purchase goods from and won’t go to others. Whether that’s because they don’t need anything or they are scared to just look around. The Chamber hopes this event will encourage people to just “look around”.

Music, games, kids activities, store specials & sales will line the main stretch of St. Paul. Rock the Block also encourages any businesses outside of main street to host sales or to team up with a main street location to use their sidewalk to be a part of the main hub. “We want to encourage local businesses to host sales and encourage shopping local,” explains Sallstrom.  The Chamber of commerce can help with the teaming up, if your business or organization wants to be a part of the action.

“Champions for Change has been hosting Rock the Park for a number of years,” Sallstrom explains the idea for a business element spurred from the original concept. “Last year we thought, why not add a business component?” As for activities, there will be bouncy houses and facepainting for the kids; as well as games. Food and farmer’s market style vendors will be out, with music throughout the day. Boomtown will be playing Foundry Park from 7:00-9:00 pm.

The event will be held on August 24th 11:00 am – 9:00 pm. The Chamber is looking for more businesses and organizations to participate. To find out more visit the St. Paul & District Chamber of Commerce on Facebook or call Linda 780-645-5820.