Category Archives: Community

Third Thursdays Downtown

Thank you all for joining us at our first Third Thursday Downtown event of the summer in May! Our next event will be on June 15 with a performance by the Northfield Community Band. We’ll have family-friendly activities, Riverwalk Market Fair vendors,  the Northfield Public Library bookmobile, craft beverages, and more!

There is still room for a few more vendors, if you are interested, contact the Riverwalk Market Managers to sign up!

Third Thursdays Downtown

In 2023, we are partnering with Riverwalk Market Fair for a newly improved Third Thursdays Downtown! More than a Market, Bigger than a Block Party!

On the third Thursday of each month from 5:00pm to 8:00pm we will be co-hosting an all ages event downtown. Each month we will feature live music, specials from the downtown shops & restaurants, family fun activities, and the carefully curated mix of fine art, crafts, cottage foods, and farmers market that Riverwalk is known for!

Join us downtown on Thursday, May 18, 2023 for a performance by All Good Company, a rock music collective led by Minneapolis-based artist Rob Stokes. The group features a constantly rotating cast of musicians who bring both their original material and popular covers to the setlist. A typical show will weave together Americana, popular hits of the last century, and exploratory jams. Each performance is vastly different and will always bring a new experience. Loon Liquors Distillery will be serving their delicious cocktails as well!

Stay tuned for the rest of the summer’s lineup! Follow along on our website, Facebook, Instagram, or the Community Events Calendar.

Annual Meeting

We will be hosting our Annual Meeting on May 22, 2023 8:30am-9:30am at the historic Northfield Depot (204 3rd St W). Whether you are a own a business downtown, love to shop downtown, or want to learn more about downtown – all are welcome to attend!

We will share more about the Friends of Downtown Northfield and the return of the Artists on Main Street program, upcoming grant opportunities, ways to get involved, and how the Friends can help you!

RSVPs are encouraged, but not required.

We hope to see you there!

Questions can be directed to friends@downtownnorthfield.org.

Second Round of SMIF Main Street Grants Open

The Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) was awarded a Main Street Economic Revitalization Grant of $2.34 million from the Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development to serve commercial corridors in their service region, with at least $1 million being allocated to Northfield. Eligible applicants can apply for grant funding from SMIF. First round grants were awarded earlier this year and the second round of applications is now open.

In Northfield, eligible properties are within the C-1 (Downtown) and H-O (Historic) Zoning Districts. Eligible projects are for capital improvements of real property.

Projects will be evaluated based on:

  • Project is by or for underserved populations or communities.
  • Project has a positive projected economic impact through job creation, job retention, and projected tax base increase
  • Project feasibility and readiness
  • Project has other positive impacts to the community such as accessibility upgrades, providing access to culturally appropriate spaces, local suppliers, etc.
  • Project resolves a health or safety risk
  • Project meets the objectives of a strategic plan adopted by a public body

The second round of grant applications are due May 1, 2023. Learn more about the grant online at: https://www.northfieldmn.gov/1562/Main-Street-Grant.