GOV
Public Safety Director's Spotlight - Small Business Week
A number of fun, exciting events in City neighborhoods this weekend. Take advantage of all that our great city has to offer.
This article is 12 years old. It was published on May 10, 2012.
Small Business Week
Small Business Week of Eastern Missouri is being celebrated this week. Small businesses are vital in today's economy. Locally-owned independent store owners help keep our city neighborhoods vibrant and stable. Profits remain here and local owners share local concerns with their neighbors. Their success is central to our local economy and quality of life. I encourage you to get to know the owners of the stores in your neighborhood and to support them whenever you can.
Upcoming Events
May 11 & 12 – The Community Needs Expo, America's Center
The Community Needs Expo will be held this Friday and Saturday at America's Center in Downtown St. Louis. Highlights of this resource awareness fair include a Youth Resource Awareness Rally at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Parking Amnesty Program from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Kickboxing Matches for charity from 7 – 11 p.m. on Saturday, as well as free workshops on self-defense, Anti-Bullying, Financial Literacy, Health, Safety, Fitness, Robotics and more. For ticket information and a complete schedule of events, call (314) 361-3984 or log on to http://www.communityexpo.org/ .
May 11 – Annual Spring Art Walk, Grand Center
The world-class art museums and galleries of Grand Center will open their doors for the annual Spring Art Walk from 5 – 9 p.m. this Friday. The Art Walk will feature more than a dozen museums and galleries - several of which are hosting opening receptions for their latest museum exhibitions - lively entertainment, music, and more. For a program and map, visit the web site at http://www.grandcenter.org/directory/festivals-events/artwalk/ .
May 11 & 12 – Urban Roots Planting, City Hall Complex
Volunteers from Urban Roots will be participating this Friday and Saturday in the group's annual Spring planting effort in Poelker Park and the City Hall Gardens. If you would like to join the effort, contact Brightside St. Louis at (314) 772-4646 or meet at 13th & Market (on the south side of Market) near the Laclede Statue at City Hall.
May 11 – Food Truck Friday, Tower Grove Park
The Shaw Neighborhood Improvement Association wants to remind everyone that Sauce Magazine Food Truck Friday will be back in Tower Grove Park the 2nd Friday of every month on the southwest side of Tower Grove Park from 5 - 8 p.m. starting this Friday. You can expect this season to be even bigger than last year. There will be plenty of goodies for all from Food Trucks such as Falafelwich Wagon, Holy Crepe, Sarah's Cake Shop, Seoul Taco, Hot Aztec, Zia's Italian Food Truck, Chop Shop, and Go Gyro Go, to name a few.May 11 – Loop de Loop Grand Prix
This is going to be a spectacular weekend of professional bicycle racing in St. Louis, and it will start off with the Loop de Loop Grand Prix criterium on Friday. Races will take place from 3:30 – 9:15 p.m. Spend the evening watching America's fastest athletes in a neighborhood with some serious momentum – not to mention great shopping, dining and entertainment venues. For a map of the race route and other activities being held in conjunction with the event, visit http://www.tourdegrove.com/ .
May 12 – Tour de Grove Professional Cycling Race
It will be a full day of excitement in the Grove neighborhood on Saturday. Cycling races will begin at 9:40 a.m. with the last race beginning at 5 p.m. Prior to that the Tour de Grove 5K Run will begin at 9 a.m. After the professional bicycle racing, the Tour de Grove Street Sprints & Drag Race will take place starting at 7 p.m. Visit http://www.tourdegrove.com/ for a map of the race route, starting times for the different category races, and other activities taking place in connection with this event.
May 12 & 13 – Dutchtown Celebrates National Bike Month events
The final stage of the Missouri Professional Cycling Series will occur on Sunday with the Dutchtown Classic. The challenging criterium circuit around the Dutchtown Business District and Marquette Park will put both amateurs and professionals to the test. The day's racing schedule will also include children's races and a U.S. Handcycling event. On Saturday, the Blessing of the Bikes and Dutchtown Bike Tour will start at 10 a.m. at the historic St. Anthony's Church, located at 3140 Meramec Street. Everyone is welcome to attend and enjoy the leisurely tour through historic Dutchtown. You may find a map of the race route and starting times for the different category races at http://www.tourdegrove.com/ .
May 12 – 13 – Central West End Association House & Garden Tour
This year's Central West End Association House & Garden Tour will feature six historic mansions on Washington Terrace, which is located just north of Forest Park in a 1904 World's Fair-era neighborhood. The regular tour will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 12 and from Noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 13. Parking with shuttle buses will be available. Tickets are $25 the day of the tour. For more details, go to http://www.TheCWE.org/ or call (314) 367-2220.
May 12 – Downtown Architecture Walking Tour – West
Discover Downtown St. Louis beyond the Gateway Arch. This guided tour on Saturday will highlight the history and architectural significance of St. Louis' Memorial Plaza and surrounding district. Historic buildings on the tour route include the Peabody Opera House, City Hall, and Soldiers' Memorial. Cost is $5. Meet at St. Louis Union Station, 18th and Market at 10 a.m. For more details, call (314) 662-3187.
May 12 – Girls on the Run 5K, Soldiers' Memorial Plaza
The annual Girls on the Run 5K has moved to Downtown. The race is open to the public – to runners and walkers of all paces -- and includes lots of family-friendly activities surrounding it. The 1-Mile Fun Run will start at 8 a.m. and the 5K Run will step off at 8:30 a.m. from Soldiers' Memorial, 1315 Chestnut in Downtown St. Louis. Proceeds will benefit the Girls on the Run St. Louis Scholarship Fund. For more information, visit the web site at http://www.girlsontherunstlouis.org/5k-run .
May 12 – Pet Health & Wellness Fair and Micro-Chip Clinic, Four Muddy Paws
Everyone is invited to stop by the Pet Health & Wellness Fair and Micro-Chip-A-Thon on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Four Muddy Paws, located at 1711 Park Avenue in the beautiful Lafayette Square neighborhood. This fun event will include presentations on cat and dog nutrition, clicker training demonstrations, Ask the Trainer sessions, dog treat decorating, and more. All proceeds from the $20 micro-chip clinic will benefit Gateway Pet Guardians. For a schedule of all the activities, visit http://fourmuddypaws.com/ .
May 12 – Dogs & Donuts, BentonPark
The Benton Park West Dog Park will be holding an Open House from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday. Stop by for coffee and donuts and let your pooch check out the dog park. Applications will be available to take with you or bring your dog's vaccination records and sign up "Spot" at the event. Questions? Call (314) 256-1893.
May 13 – Trailnet's South Grand Mother's Day Bicycle Ride
Celebrate Mother's Day with a family bike ride. The Trailnet South Grand Mother's Day Bicycle Ride on Sunday is sponsored by the South Grand Community Improvement District. Registration will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the South Grand Parking Lot, located at 3500 Hartford in the Tower Grove East neighborhood. Routes include a 5-mile family ride to and around Tower Grove Park, and 20- or 34-miles on City streets. Cost is $8; Moms and children under 10 ride free. A rest stop at the Compton Hill Water Tower will give you the chance to climb to the top and enjoy the best view in the City for an additional $5 admission ($3 for children under 12). For more information, visit http://www.trailnet.org/ .
May 15 - Twilight Tuesday Concert Series, Missouri History Museum
A favorite of many St. Louisans, the Twilight Tuesday Concert Series at the Missouri History Museum in beautiful Forest Park takes place at 6 p.m. every Tuesday, weather permitting, on the museum's front lawn. Admission is free. The series will run through June 12. For a complete list of performers, visit www.mohistory.org/ .
May 16 - Wednesday Night Out (Downtown-wide Happy Hour)
The Wednesday Night Out Downtown-wide Happy Hour event is back by popular demand this year. Every Wednesday night, May – August, from 4 – 7 p.m. at participating Downtown restaurants and bars, take advantage of dining specials. Invite your friends and co-workers to join you after work at one of the great night spots in Downtown St. Louis.
Save the Date
May 18 – National Bike to Work Day, Downtown Bicycle Station
May 18 – 20 – MayFest, Ballpark Village Lot
May 19 – 2012 Metro Heart Walk, Busch Stadium
May 19 – Guns and Hoses Basketball, Harris-Stowe State University
May 19 – Soulard Blues Cruise
May 19 – Old North St. Louis House Tour & Homegrown Festival
May 19 – Saturdays in the Plaza, Soulard Market
May 19 – People & Pets Health Fair, Our Lady of the Holy Cross Church
May 19 – Compton Heights Home & Garden Tour
May 19 – Trivia Night, 5 Star Senior Center
May 19 – Benton Park 5K Run, Walk & Stroll
May 19 – The Hill's 1st Annual Wine Walk, Berra Park
May 20 – Annie Malone May Day Parade
Promoting Your Neighborhood Activities
Is there a neighborhood event on the schedule that you would like noted in the Spotlight? If so, you may email the information about it to me at rothe@stlouiscity.com or to Cathy Smentkowski at smentkowskic@stlouiscity.com for consideration. You may also post it on the City's Calendar of Events on the City's web site: http://stlouis-mo.gov . The link to submit an event is on the home page. The listing is free. I encourage you to take advantage of this free way to promote your event.
2012 Tourism Season
In closing, I want to pass along to you that the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission (CVC) and St. Louis hospitality industry officially kicked off the 2012 tourism season this week, during National Travel and Tourism Week. The CVC reports that 21 million people visit our great city each year. St. Louis is fun for everyone. Visitors of all ages can enjoy a wide variety of family-friendly activities. When you have family and friends visiting you this summer, be sure to check out http://www.explorestlouis.com for information about local attractions they might enjoy seeing.
Eddie Roth
Director of Public Safety
City of St. Louis
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Department:
Department of Public Safety
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Topic:
Arts and Entertainment Events
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