An aerial view of the Dance Here event from August 5, 2023. Photo: Chad Mohler
Dine Here Dance Here event commemorates the opening of Chestnut Street Plaza.
Back in 1901 at the Stillwater Street Fair, a photo was taken of Main Street with a large banner spread across a building with the words “Dance Here.” This photo would become the inspiration behind a 2023 street dance and photo contest, as construction on Chestnut Street Plaza began. Now, to celebrate the opening of the plaza, civic boosters are reprising the event.
The original photograph of the 1901 Stillwater Street Fair on Main Street which inspired the 2023 event. Photo: Frederick Holcombe
“Everyone had a fantastic time last year,” says Cory Buettner, owner of Leo’s Grill and Malt Shop. “We thought it would just be a one-time thing, but it went so well, and we had so much fun that we knew we had to do it again.”
This year’s dance party will take place from noon–11 p.m. on May 18. The downtown Stillwater shindig will feature live music and a 1800s-era hat and costume contest. For guests interested in a plated Italian meal, limited tickets are available for dinner from 4–6 p.m. Dinner will be served on the Historic Stillwater Lift Bridge, with proceeds going to local charities.
This event marks the beginning of a new pedestrian-centric era for the Stillwater community. The new plaza offers new avenues for residents and visitors to enjoy the scenic downtown area. This event is hosted by the City of Stillwater and the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
The 2023 Dance Here event included a hat and costume contest. Photo: Chad Mohler
“For most of our lifetimes, the lift bridge and downtown streets were choked with car traffic,” Stillwater city council member Mike Polehna says. “The idea that we can just hang out with neighbors on the bridge, enjoy a meal and enjoy the river on a summer evening–I can’t think of a better way to open the new pedestrian mall.”
Find out more about the Dine Here Dance Here event here.
Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce
333 Main St. N., Stillwater; 651.439.4001
Facebook: Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce
Instagram: @greaterstillwaterchamber
