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SAVOUR

FALL 2026

THE JOY OF LIVING MAGAZINE

MURDER MYSTERY COMPANY

FALL BIRD TOURS

ROASTED CORN ORZO SALAD

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Content From the SAVOUR TEAM

F Cover photo by Paul Dols

About the Cover Pumpkins and gourds of all shapes and sizes decorate porches, curated by Hugo-based Signature Welcome Co. SAVOUR MAGAZINE Vol. 13 No. 3 COPYRIGHT © 2026 PRESS PUBLICATIONS Material may not be reproduced in whole or part in any form whatsoever.

Publisher Carter Johnson Managing Editor Shannon Granholm Editor Logan Gion Contributing Writers Jackie Bussjaeger Sarah Bakeman Emma Masso Photographer/ Photo Editor Paul Dols General Manager Patty Steele Multimedia Sales Associate Brad Solem Elise Odmark Production Manager Mary Peterson

SAVOUR FALL 2026

all is a season about teamwork, with sports teams representing their schools, churches organizing their fall festivals and orchards harvesting their produce. Autumn aesthetics also work in conjunction. Logan Gion Fashion favors layers as does the leaf-covered ground. Even our cover photo features stacks of decorations.

Similarly, this issue of SaVour is all about teamwork. Like a murder of crows, our team of writers have gathered stories from the northeast metro and present them to readers like trinkets. Writer Sarah Bakeman attends the Murder Mystery Dinner Co. and the Stillwater Event Center and reports back. Contributor Emma Masso rounds up the seasonal scarecrow trails in the area. Reporter Jackie Bussjaeger offers a birds-eye view of guided ornithology tours in Washington County. Editor Logan Gion observes intriguing events at The

Stillwater Murder Mystery Page 6

Curious Crow Company in Lexington. And Managing Editor Shannon Granholm carves out time with new Hugo business Signature Welcome Co. As you can see, this issue of SaVour is a veritable pumpkin patch of perspectives. Our team, however, has one goal — to ensure your next few months are as colorful as the world around you. Happy fall, from our flock to yours! Logan Gion & the SaVour Team

Signature Welcome Co. Porch Pumpkins Page 8

Curious Crow Company

What’s Happening

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SaVour: The Joy of Living Magazine connects our readers to local businesses and organizations through personal stories, compelling images and curated curiosities. We humanize the economic and community impact of supporting local merchants and initiatives. While advertisers may occasionally buy paid advertorials with content, this is not a prerequisite for Business to be featured. 4779 Bloom Avenue, White Bear Lake, MN 55110 (651) 407-1200 | savour@presspubs.com presspubs.com/savour DISCLAIMER: Paid advertisements appear in Press Publications’ publications, including print and other digital formats. Press Publications does not endorse or evaluate recipes, the advertised product, service, or company, nor any of the claims made by the advertisement. Advertising does not influence editorial decisions or content. Press Publications reserves the right to refuse, reject, or cancel any ad for any reason at any time without liability.

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Stillwater’s Murder Mystery Company turns dinner show guests into detectives By Sarah Bakeman | Photos contributed

ev Brouillet arrives at the Stillwater Event Center on Aug. 15 with a polka-dot bow in her hair and a pink lady’s jacket around her shoulders. Buddy Holly’s hits bounce from the speakers as attendees fill the dining room wearing mid-century statement pieces – poodle skirts, suspenders, browline glasses. Brouillet takes a seat at a table with her friends. The past two times her group came to The Murder Mystery Co’s themed dinners, they had failed to crack the case. This time, Brouillet’s friends had notepads next to their silverware – no detail would be missed. The Murder Mystery Co. is a performing arts company that puts on

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interactive, Clue-style public dinner shows and private murder-mystery parties. Though it’s based in Grand Rapids, MI, one of the company’s 23 national troupes works out of Stillwater. Performers can bring the show to preferred venues, with events designed for groups ranging from small gatherings to parties of more than 350 people. Their two-hour shows upend conventional theater where the audience and actors are separated by curtain and stage. Instead, actors and audience work together through a half-scripted, half-improvised show where a murder takes place, characters’ motivations are learned, and it’s all solved by the end of the night.

Media Coordinator Jo Przybyla has attended every theme Murder Mystery Co. has to offer, from ‘80s night to masquerades to Old Hollywood. Among them, her favorite element of the shows stays the same: the immersion. “When you think about the word ‘theater,’ you think about sitting down and watching something,” Przybyla said. “What we do is very much not that – you are genuinely part of it. You’re either a suspect in the crime, a character in the decade or a detective just trying to solve the crime.” While attendees waited for the 1950s show to start, actors roamed around the dining room and chatted with diners in-character. Cayla Wolpers, the

Minneapolis director for The Murder Mystery Co., spent the evening in a swing skirt, introducing herself to attendees as DJ Bobby Fairlane, a local radio personality. Actor Scarlet Gray came over, peering at diners through her cat eyeglasses. She introduced herself as Barb Ados, a journalist whose newspaper articles could be read at the center of each table. Headlines covered the latest talk of the fictional characters and town of the night’s mystery. Before Brouillet could finish reading the paper, Wolpers came over with a floppy black hat and a binder labelled with the name Ivanna Liv. She placed them in front of Brouillet and asked a simple question: “Why didn’t you tell me who you were sooner, Ivanna?” Brouillet removed the polka dot bow from her hair and placed the hat on her head. Going from table to table, the actors placed costume pieces and binders in front of their now-fellow cast mates.“These shows give people

a chance to play,” Gray said. “At first people can be kind of shy, but you make them part of it and you get to see this inner child come out.” Stillwater is a local favorite for events and weekend outings, but the murder-mystery concept offers something different for a dining experience. Here, conversation at and between tables is not just encouraged, but essential for gaining clues. Wolpers and Gray agree one of the best ways to prepare is to come dressed for the occasion and to be ready to participate. “In today’s world, we’re so glued to our phones,” Wolpers said. “It’s really great to have this in-person, lasting memory. Pretty much all these tables work together, and at the end, you feel like you completed something together.” Sometime between dinner and dessert, Brouillet would enter the event center dramatically with a prop knife held to her chest. She

dramatically “dies” in front of six tables filled with onlookers, falling to her knees before toppling over completely. A stage gasp leaves the mouths of the attendees. Another woman, who came with her friends and children, stands to assess the situation. Tonight, she has been given the role of Nurse QT, the only “medical professional” in the cast of characters. Peering over the body of Ivanna-not-Bev, Nurse QT makes her assessment. “She’s dead.” Another stage gasp from the room. Back at Brouillet’s own table, her friends are putting together their notes. This time, they think they got the killer and the motive. The table ending up being the only group out of the six to pinpoint the right suspect and motive. Other tables followed deceptive red herrings thrown out throughout the show. “We finally got one right,” Brouillet’s friend, Gary Albreicht, said.

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Hugo couple turns love of fall into new pumpkin porch business

By Shannon Granholm | Photos by Paul Dols and contributed

arta Schofield has a confession: She thinks about pumpkins probably more than she should. She decorates her Hugo home early for fall, fills the porch with pumpkins and gourds, and waits until after Thanksgiving to give Christmas its turn. So, when she and her husband, Jake Schofield, started talking about ways to build something of their own to do together and share with their 9-month-old son, Lochlan, it’s not surprising that pumpkins entered the conversation. This fall, the Schofields are turning

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that love into a new Hugo business, The Signature Welcome Co., which delivers and arranges elaborate porch pumpkin displays for homeowners across the Twin Cities. They began taking orders in August and will start transforming porches September through October. Marta said she has been thinking about the idea for the business for several years, but it wasn’t until this summer that they decided to give it a try. “I thought it was a cool idea and such a fun way to get to decorate for fall over and over and over again,” she explained. Marta’s mom, a business owner herself,

gave her the final push she needed over a conversation at dinner. “She said, ‘You should do this … Why not give it a shot? What do you have to lose?’” A few days later, thanks to Marta’s marketing background, the website was up and running. Marta’s mother also helped her come up with the name. All of the names they were tossing around included pumpkins, and her mother encouraged her to think beyond fall, just in case someday the business expands to holiday or spring arrangements. “We loved the idea of people feeling like we are creating this welcome home moment for them,” Marta explained. “I have pumpkins and gourds all over the house and when I come home, it just feels like

home. There is just something about that harvest season that I think is so special, especially when you live in the Midwest and you get to experience the change of seasons.” Porch arrangements can include a variety of pumpkins, gourds and mums. They range in size from approximately 30 pumpkins to more than 90 pumpkins. Signature Welcome Co. will take care of design, delivery, setup and removal. “We are really trying to make it as easy as possible for homeowners to enjoy that same fall magic that we have but not have to think through all of the details of making it happen,” Marta explained. “We really tried to think of everything so (homeowners) don’t have to worry about any of it.” All of the pumpkins are treated CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

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with a hot pepper spray to keep the squirrels away. Customers also receive a bottle of the spray to preserve the pumpkins throughout the entire fall season. The business has turned into something fun for the Schofields to do together when they come home from their day jobs; Marta works in customer insights for Ecolab in St. Paul, and Jake is an engineer for Polaris in Wyoming. “Jake and I haven’t found a lot of projects that both of us are passionate about from the beginning. With engineering and marketing, there isn’t always a lot of overlap. So, we were both excited about it, and it’s been fun to get to work on it together and figure out the logistics and what that could look like for our family.” The Schofields come from generations of farmers and entrepreneurs, and they hope their new venture will teach their son something about taking a chance, working hard and building something from the ground up. Marta’s grandfather started Park Tool with a business partner, and her grandmother founded Chickadee Cottage Tea Room in Lake City, Iowa. Growing up, her parents started Chickadee Cottage Restaurant in Woodbury.

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“It’s not the safest thing to start your own business. It is certainly a lot of hard work, but I want him to feel like he can do something like that,” Marta explained. “You can learn just as much if something doesn’t work out as if it does.” Jake, meanwhile, grew up on a cattle farm in Chetek, Wisconsin. “Growing up, my dad had two cows, and both had calves. Now, dad has 40 cows, and they all have calves … Suddenly it went from two to 80, and for me, it was cool to see it grow and to see him keep chipping away at it,” Jake said. “So, if this thing works out like we hope it does, Lochlan will get to see the same thing.” Jake said it’s been fun to watch Marta latch onto something. “I haven’t seen her be this excited about anything since Lochlan,” he said. For this year, the couple will source the pumpkins from a Twin Cities farm, but if the business takes off, someday, they might move to more land and grow their own pumpkins. “It’s just a dream at this point, but it is fun to think about,” Marta said. For more information about The Signature Welcome Co., visit SignatureWelcomeCo.com.

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Local scarecrow trails to check out By Emma Masso | Photos contributed With handmade displays and fun community events, scarecrow trails are a great fall activity for families and friends to explore.

Vadnais Heights Scarecrow Trail When: Oct. 26 - Nov. 3 during community park hours Where: Vadnais Heights Community Park, 641 East County Road F, Vadnais Heights Details: Local organizations and residents can craft scarecrows that will be on display throughout the park trails. There is no fee to enter the park, but you can visit cityvadnaisheights.com/265 to register a scarecrow or vote for your favorite. In addition, from 5-7 p.m. Oct. 30, a Halloween party will be held at the park with a costume parade at 5 p.m. Following the parade there will be free games, a dance party and treat bags provided by Vadnais Heights Fire Relief Association.

Lino Lakes Scarecrow Crawl When: Oct. 22 - Nov. 1 during The Rookery’s regular hours Where: The Rookery Activity Center, 7690 Village Drive, Lino Lakes Details: Walk along the trail at The Rookery to see an array of scarecrows created by local businesses, community organizations and residents. Visitors can vote on their favorite scarecrows, and top scarecrows will win prizes. Visit linolakes.gov/529 for more information. If you would like to make a scarecrow to display, email AThorson@LinoLakes.us to reserve a free wooden frame for your scarecrow (first-come, first-served basis for reserving frames).

White Bear Lake Fall Fest Scarecrow Stroll When: Sept. 24-26 Where: Downtown White Bear Lake, 2179 Fourth St., White Bear Lake Details: During Fall Fest, downtown White Bear Lake will be filled with scarecrows handmade by local businesses. Visitors can vote on their favorite scarecrows as they walk along downtown and shop. Fall Fest includes a variety of other activities as well. Previous years have featured pumpkin painting, ladies’ night and polka dancing. For more information, visit facebook.com/downtownwhitebearlake.

Stillwater Harvestfest Scarecrow Trail When: Scarecrow Viewing: Oct. 4-11, Festival: Oct. 10-11 Where: 101 Water St. S., Stillwater Details: Scarecrows are only one part of the large, free celebration in Stillwater. Scarecrows will be designed and put up around Stillwater by local businesses, with winners chosen by a panel of judges. Other attractions at Harvestfest include a giant pumpkin weigh off, pumpkin drop from a crane, pumpkin regatta – which uses pumpkins as paddle boats – live music, beer and wine garden, chili cook off, vendor market and other activities for children. Visit harvestfeststillwater.com to learn more, see specific event times or sign up for any activities that require applications prior to the event.

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Guided bird hikes offer immersion in the changing seasons By Jackie Bussjaeger | Photos contributed

Nicole Love

This photo of a great horned owl was selected as the image for the annual vehicle permit sticker for Washington County Parks in 2025.

s the seasons turn, the birds move with them. As it begins to shift into the darker, cold months, many of us can appreciate a deeper look at the outside world. That look is through the eyes of the wildlife that live outside our windows. Anyone looking for a little guidance, expertise or just a bit of pleasant company in a peaceful natural setting might enjoy a guided bird hike this fall at one of the seven Washington County Parks. Bird hikes are held at 9 a.m. on the second Saturday of every month. Each month’s hike is hosted at a different location, showcasing the diverse natural features of the parks across the county. Hikes are led by Shelley Bowman, an experienced birder.

“Bird hikes in autumn and early winter typically feature birds continuing their migration south,” Bowman wrote, when asked what to expect on upcoming hikes. “Warblers begin heading out in mid-August and move through the Twin Cities into September. The blue-winged warbler, one of the last to pass through, can linger into mid-December. Most sparrows leave between September and October. Baltimore orioles migrate in mid- to late September, and the last ruby-throated hummingbirds depart in early November. Along with watching and listening for birds, hikers can observe seasonal changes as plants go to seed and squirrels gather food for winter.” As migration gets under way, and leaves fall from the trees, bird behavior

becomes more noticeable. The crows in the treetops call to each other in harsh cries. “Crows remain in Minnesota yearround, although some shift slightly south in winter and some northern birds move into the area,” Bowman wrote. “A large flock, known as a murder of crows, can seem troublesome to some people, but it can also be an impressive sight. Crows are highly intelligent and family oriented, often tending to injured members of their group. They have been observed surrounding an injured bird, vocalizing, and remaining nearby until it recovers or dies. Another species that adds to the season’s atmosphere is the barred owl, which can fly silently overhead or call from the woods at night while hunting for prey.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

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From the banks of the St. Croix River to the sandy upland prairies, each county park boasts a unique combination of habitats that harbor hundreds of species. The next scheduled hikes will take place at Pine Point Regional Park and Lake Elmo Park Reserve. “Each month, hikers are often amazed to see a bird for the first time,” Bowman wrote. “The area hosts a wide variety of species throughout the year. Golden-winged warblers, indigo buntings, ovenbirds and clay-colored sparrows all spend their summers here raising their young. As of 2016, more than 300 bird species have been observed in Washington County, some stopping briefly to refuel and others nesting in backyards and parks.” In addition to learning something new and enjoying the sights and sounds of the parks, hike participants can play an important role in collecting data that helps plan the future of the parks. “The hikes support citizen science by documenting all birds seen, heard, and counted during each outing,” Bowman wrote. “The observations

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are shared with park staff, helping them better understand the species that use the parks and providing valuable information to guide future land management and conservation efforts.” There are still several chances to enjoy bird hikes at Washington County Parks in 2026, even as the snow begins to fall and freezing temperatures set in. “Winter also brings its own mix of species, including several woodpecker varieties, black capped chickadees, blue jays, northern cardinals and migrants from farther north, such as dark eyed juncos and red breasted nuthatches,” Bowman wrote. “The hikes serve as an informal introduction to bird identification, but most of all, they offer a chance to get outside and enjoy the natural world.” Admission is not charged for bird hikes, but a Washington County Parks vehicle pass, available for a small fee, is required. Learn more and find other upcoming events at Washington County Parks at https://www. washingtoncountymn. gov/492/Parks-Trails.

Birds in Folklore Birds have been regarded as supernatural symbols for as long as human culture has been around. In fact, there is a word for the practice of telling the future by observing the appearance and behavior of wild birds — ornithomancy.

Crows, Ravens and Magpies Corvids — the family of birds that includes crows, ravens and magpies — are considered some of the most intelligent species of wild birds. They have a complex social structure and have been observed using tools. According to superstition, a nursery rhyme can be used to predict the future based on the number of birds seen in a flock together. Usually applied to magpies (which can be found in some areas of northern Minnesota), the saying has also been used for gatherings of crows, ravens, and blackbirds. There are several variations on the rhyme, but one version reads:

One for sorrow, Two for joy, Three for a girl, Four for a boy, Five for silver, Six for gold, Seven for a secret never to be told.

Northern Cardinals Many folklore customs consider cardinals to be a message from beyond the grave. The bright, cheery comfort of a cardinal, particularly on a cold winter day, has sometimes been thought to be a message or appearance of a loved one who has passed away, sending comfort to their loved ones from somewhere beyond death.

Owls

Eastern Bluebirds

Dark-eyed Juncos

Most people only encounter owls under the cover of night. Their silent flight and haunting calls are enough to unnerve the steadiest spirit, so it’s no surprise that owls are seen as an omen of bad luck and death in many cultures. Others regard owls as mysterious creatures with otherworldly wisdom. Minnesota is home to 12 species of owl.

Bluebirds are often seen as a symbol of good luck, happiness, and joy. The expression “a bluebird day” describes fair weather with a bright blue sky, putting anyone in the best of moods. Although a few hardy bluebirds stay in Minnesota all winter long, many of them migrate south for the winter, and their return marks the hopeful new beginning of spring.

These gray and white sparrows are very noticeable in the winter months, but completely disappear once the flowers of spring are blooming. Juncos have earned the nickname “snowbirds” because their first appearance in the fall foretells the approach of colder weather and the first snow of the year.

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Curious Crow Company gathers its flock By Logan Gion | Photos by Logan Gion and contributed

ith alarming regularity, a murder occurs in the event room of The Curious Crow Company in Lexington. No matter the themed party — The Roaring Twenties, ancient Egypt, Santa and his elves — a body appears not long after guests receive a round of cocktails and experience flickering lights. While the murder may be pretend, The Curious Crow Company cofounders Erin and Tristan Proza have noticed the connections that the guests make as they figure out whodunit are real. “Most of the time, it’s people who have never, ever done a murder mystery party, let alone have to show up as a character in role play,” said Erin. “At the end of the night, they’re having such a good time … they’re all going to (a bar) together, in costume, and they’re exchanging phone numbers.” Helping customers create new friendships was the goal for the co-founders when they opened The Curious Crow Company in 2024. Two years later, the store offers everything from retro Nintendo systems to trading card games, all in the name of bringing people with

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shared interests together. “We wanted to open a nerd store — we say that with love — that was different than everything else we had been to. We wanted it to be an entry point and accessible. So many times, you go into these stores … the space is tiny, everything is crammed in,” Erin recalled. “We wanted it to be the opposite of that.” Erin added that the store’s design allows for ample floor space so wheelchair users can navigate freely and people with sensory issues are not overwhelmed. This consideration speaks to a larger attitude at The Curious Crow Company, one that is outspoken about inclusion. “We wanted to do this in a way that we felt honored ourselves,” said Tristan. “We spent decades in corporate worlds where you have to shut up and smile,” Erin added. “We were both like … ‘We’re done with that. We’re not doing that anymore. Not in our own place.’ It’s been an incredible privilege.” The Prozas’ commitment to authenticity has garnered The Curious Crow Company a dedicated following. “Our customers are supremely

loyal,” Tristan said. “We had a regular recently to try to set a record. We don't have a record, but he … made it to 14 days in a row before he actually had to be out of town.” Regulars leave trinkets for the store’s frontdesk crow, though neither Tristan nor Erin know when they do. “We had it right up front, and we started noticing, day after day, there’d be a couple more little weird things,” Erin recalled. “Now, it’s like this crow altar … It’s one of the whimsical things that has happened here, totally organically.” Whimsy was one of the reasons The Curious Crow Company began hosting murder mystery parties. The space already had a bar and an event room, so Erin thought a Clue-style whodunit would highlight both the store’s aesthetic and its capabilities. Tristan believes that the parties are a success because Erin sends out questionnaires to participants in advance, matching roles to an attendee’s desired

participation level. “I don’t want to throw people into the deep end of the pool,” Erin noted. “That part is important because it lends to the chemistry of the night.” Erin added that a participant’s character also informs costume choices. While costumes are not required, Erin mentioned that dressing up adds to the immersion, and many people find everything they need at a thrift store or in the back of a relative’s closet. While some may be a little timid at the beginning of the party, Erin notes that they usually get into character after the first round of drinks. “I think the vibe here helps that, too, because it’s a judgment-free zone. So what if you’re acting is awful?” Tristan added. “It’s a container for you to be your weird self,” Erin added. “We’re good for that.” For more information on The Curious Crow Company’s events, visit curiouscrowcompany. com/pages/events.

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AFTON Artist Reception with Suyao Tian

When: 5-7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20 Where: Belwin Conservancy Savanna Center, 795 Indian Trail S. Details: This fall, Belwin is hosting a gallery exhibition, “Worlds Within Worlds.” In this exhibition, painter Suyao Tian will present a series of abstract, water-based paintings that respond to the natural rhythms and quiet presence of Belwin. The exhibition will be open until Oct. 4. Contact: belwin.org/stec_event/artist-reception-suyao-tian.

Fall Prairie Walk

When: 4-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10 Where: Belwin Conservancy Savanna Center, 795 Indian Trail S. Details: Join us for a leisurely walk amongst the glorious grasses and late fall foliage of a restored oak savanna. Bring your binoculars, water bottle, hiking shoes and dress for the weather. Contact: 651-436-5189 events@belwin.org North St. Paul

Fire Department Booya Sale

When: 11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 11 Where: Casey Lake Park, 2089 17th Ave. N. Details: Made by our firefighters and cooked using their secret recipe, this hearty fall tradition is the perfect way to enjoy the season while supporting our local fire department. If you wish to order in advance, visit secure.rec1. com/MN/north-st-paul-mn/catalog/index. Contact: 651-747-2400

SHOREVIEW Pickleball Tournament and Family Fun Day

When: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19 Where: Bobby Theisen Park, 3575 Vivian St. Details: Bring the family for yard games, food trucks, face painting, kite making and more. Introductory pickleball lessons are 12-2 p.m., provided by city of Shoreview. Register for the tournament online at shoreviewcommunitycenter.com/Events-directory/Pickleball-Tournament-Family-Fun-Day. A fee will be charged to enter the tournament. Contact: shoreviewcommunityfoundation@ gmail.com

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Barnyard Boogie

Log Run Half Marathon

Kids’ Garage Sale/Touch a Truck

Square Lake Floating Film Showcase

Boo Bash

Murder Mystery Co. Dinner Theater Show

When: 2:30-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27 Where: Bobby Theisen Park, 3575 Vivian Ave. Details: Come shake your tail feathers — it's time to boogie. This event features a petting zoo, music, farm-themed crafts and tasty refreshments. Register by Sept. 20 Contact: 651-490-4600 or shoreviewmn.gov/ Parks-rec/Special-events

When: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3 Where: Haffeman Pavilion, 4580 Victoria St. N. Details: Kids find their inner entrepreneur, selling toys, books and sporting goods. Next door, check out all the big trucks used throughout the city. This is your chance to hop in the driver's seat of a snowplow, dump truck and more. Don’t forget your camera. Contact: 651-490-4700

When: 3-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24 Where: McCullough Park, 955 County Road I Details: Come join us for a family friendly event filled with spooky fun. Put on your best costume and enjoy trick-or-treating along the spooky trail walk, hayrides, music and bonfire with build-your-own s'mores. Registration is required for anyone attending the event over the age of one. Contact: 651-490-4600

Indoor Market

When: 3-6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17 Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N. Details: Come start your holiday shopping with these items from local food and artisan vendors. Contact: 651-490-4750

STILLWATER 2026 Oktoberfest

When: Sept. 18-27 Where: Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter, 8390 Lofton Ave. N., Stillwater Details: The most anticipated fall festival in Minnesota returns in September, with beer imported from Munich. German food, from bratwurst to strudel will be available along with live music, face painting and balloon art. Contact: 651-439-7128 or gasthausbavarianhunter.com/2026-oktoberfest

When: 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19 Where: Water Street Inn, 101 Water St. S. Details: A superb, mostly downhill race gently descending into historic Stillwater, Minnesota, the scenic route showcases the St. Croix River and surrounding valley. Register online. Contact: info@runstillwater.com or runstillwater.com/stillwater-log-run

When: 5:30-9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25 Where: Stillwater River Boats, 525 Main St. S. Details: The 2026 Square Lake Floating Film Showcase will feature the premiere of St. Croix River Tales films as well as music, dinner and drinks. Contact: 651-226-5046 or squarelakefestival@gmail.com

When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26; 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16 Where: Stillwater Event Center, 1910 Greeley St. S. Details: Join the murder mystery experience that puts you in the spotlight. At this event like no other, you’ll play along as a detective or play a part as a suspect in the crime. Work with other guests to crack the case over a mouthwatering three-course meal, and discover whodunnit before the killer gets away. Tickets at murdermysteryco.com/dinner-theater/minneapolis. Contact: shows@themurdermysterycompany.com

Rivertown Fall Art Festival

When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 3-4 Where: Lowell Park, 201 Water St. Details: Join us for the annual Rivertown Fall Art Festival, a beloved tradition set against the stunning backdrop of the St. Croix River. This event showcases the work of talented artists, offering a diverse array of unique creations, from fine art to handmade jewelry. Contact: 651-439-4001 or communications@ greaterstillwaterchamber.com

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Totally Criminal Cocktail Hour

When: 5-6 p.m. Wednesdays, Oct. 7 and Nov. 4 Where: Lowell Inn, 102 Main St. N. Details: Wouldn’t it be great to be able to chat with your favorite mystery authors? This event for local mystery writers and their fans always includes lively discussion, a great time and drinks. Presented by Valley Bookseller. Contact: events.valleybookseller@gmail.com

Ninth Annual Haunted History Trolley Tour

When: Oct. 9-30 Where: River Siren Brewery, 225 Main St. N. Details: Come experience new terrifying stories, new horrifying characters and more chilling Stillwater history like you’ve never seen before. For tickets, visit stillwaterzephyrtheatre.org/home/#events Contact: calyssa@stillwaterzephyrtheatre. org

Guided Bird Hike

When: 9-10:30 a.m. Saturdays, Oct. 10 and Nov. 14 Where: Pine Point Regional Park in October, Lake Elmo Park Reserve in November Details: Take part in a guided bird hike, listen to the sounds of nature and learn to identify the birds that call the St. Croix valley home. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Contact: 651-430-8370 or parks@co.washington.mn.us

Stillwater Fall Craft & Vendor Show

When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7 Where: Stillwater Armory, 350 Maryknoll Drive N. Details: Stop by and find beautiful Thankgiving decor and unique holiday gifts. Over 100 vendors will awe you with their crafts. Contact: 715-557-1785

WHITE BEAR LAKE ‘Beetlejuice, Jr.'

When: Oct. 2-11 Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave. Details: The ghost-with-the-most comes to the stage in “Beetlejuice Jr.,” the frightfully funny

musical based on the beloved motion picture. Contact: 651-336-8613 or childrensperformingartsmn.org

Minnesota Jazz Chamber Orchesta

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16 Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave. Details: The highly acclaimed Minnesota Jazz Orchestra returns with an all new show “Celebrating Crooners and Divas.” Enjoy the vocal stylings of Dakota Andersen, a Rat Pack favorite and the incomparable Katia Cardenas as they sing big-band favorites Contact: 651-478-7427 or tickets@lakeshoreplayers.org

Walk and Run for the Apples

When: 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17 Where: Pine Tree Apple Orchard, 450 Apple Orchard Road Details: This beautiful course is on the trails through the apple orchard, strawberry fields and pumpkin patch. Awards for top three male and female finishers in each age group. No strollers or pets. Proceeds from the race help fund scholarships for high school students who participate in the Strive Program. Contact: Dale@Grambush.com or 651-3576109

Candy Crawl

When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct 24 Where: 4701 Highway 61 Details: Trick or treat in downtown White Bear Lake. Explore participating businesses to receive a special treat. Costumes are encouraged. Some stores are dog friendly and will have puppy treats. Contact: info@downtownwhitebearlake.com

‘Hello, Dolly!’

When: Nov. 13-21 Where: White Bear Lake Area High School, 5040 Division Ave., Door A Details: Join us for a golden-age story full of comedy and romance as matchmaker Dolly Gallagher Levi tries to find a partner for gruff widower Horace Vandergelder. Contact: theatrewbl@gmail.com

Gazebo Lighting

When: 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18 Where: Railroad Park, 4749 Washington Square Details: Join us for an enchanted evening of lights, laughter and complementary hot cider as we light up the park and gazebo. Contact: info@downtownwhitebearlake.com

WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP White Bear Township Day Celebration

When: 2-8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19 Where: Polar Lakes Park, 1281 Hammond Road Details: Experience live music, community demonstrations, a car show, Bingo and more. Food and refreshments are available for purchase at the VFW Beer Gardens and from various food trucks. Fireworks will be at dusk. Feel free to bring lawn chairs. Contact: 612-616-0711 or events@whitebeartownship.org

WOODBURY One Woodbury

When: 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday Sept. 26 Where: Ojibway Park, 2695 Ojibway Drive Details: One Woodbury is a vibrant multicultural celebration of the diverse people, perspectives and experiences that make our city unique. This event features cultural performances, food trucks and resource tables from local partners and sponsors, all designed to bring our community together. Contact: ashley.bednar@woodburymn.gov

Halloween Hoopla

When: 3-5 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 17 Where: Ojibway Park, 2695 Ojibway Drive Details: Come dressed in your best costume for an afternoon of family fun! Children will search for a mini pumpkin to decorate, trickor-treat at various stations, make a craft and play Halloween carnival games. Those who choose to wear costumes may win a prize from the secret judge. Contact: 651-714-3583 or reconline@woodburymn.gov

PRESSPUBS.COM/SAVOUR

ROASTED CORN ORZO SALAD SERVES 6 Recipe provided by Kowalski’s Markets www.kowalskis.com/recipes/salads/roasted-corn-orzo-salad

Ingredients

Directions

• 6 ears corn on the cob, trimmed and shucked • 1/2 cup plus 1 tbsp. Kowalski’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil, divided • - kosher salt and freshly ground Kowalski’s Black Peppercorns, to taste • 3 tbsp. red wine vinegar • 2 tbsp. finely chopped shallots • 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard • 1/2 lb. dried orzo pasta, cooked according to pkg. directions • 1 lb. grape tomatoes, halved • 8 oz. crumbled feta cheese • 1 orange bell pepper, seeded and diced 1/4" • 1/2 cup chopped green onion • 2 tbsp. chopped fresh marjoram, plus more for garnish, if desired • 3 handfuls fresh baby arugula

1. Preheat grill to high heat; clean grill grates. 2. Place corn on a baking sheet; drizzle with 1 tbsp. oil and roll to coat. Season lightly with salt and pepper. 3. Roast corn over direct heat until tender and dark golden-brown in spots (10-15 min.). Remove corn from grill; set aside until cool enough to handle. 4. Stand an ear of corn upright on a stable cutting surface. Holding the top of the cob, use a sharp knife to remove the kernels with long downward strokes; set roasted corn kernels aside. 5. In an extra-large mixing or serving bowl, whisk together vinegar, shallots and mustard; slowly drizzle in 1/2 cup oil, whisking vigorously. Season dressing with salt and pepper. 6. Add roasted corn kernels, orzo, tomatoes, feta, bell pepper, green onion and marjoram to the bowl; toss gently to combine. 7. Serve at room temperature over a bed of arugula, or fold arugula into the salad just before serving. Garnish with additional marjoram, if desired.

22 SAVOUR FALL 2026

TASTY TIPS • Oregano may be substituted for the marjoram, if desired. • You can also roast the corn in a 400° oven instead of on a grill.

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