Event Details
August 28, 2025
5:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Harriet Island Wigington Pavilion
Clarence W. Wigington Pavilion
200 Dr Justus Ohage Blvd, St Paul, MN 55107
July 17: $125 Early Bird - General Admission Tickets go on sale.
August 14: $150 General Admission Tickets go on sale.
August 21: Online Silent Auction Opens
August 28: Picnic for the Park
Picnic for the Park
Come and see the only national park dedicated to the Mississippi River!
We invite you to join us on Thursday, August 28 from 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. at Harriet Island’s Wigington Pavilion for the 5th annual Picnic for the Park event to support the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.
Picnic for the Park, Mississippi Park Connection’s signature fundraising event, brings together community leaders, outdoor enthusiasts, and corporate partners to celebrate and support the only national park dedicated to the Mississippi River. Funds raised support meaningful experiences on public lands, including habitat restoration, recreational activities, volunteerism, and public programs, while showcasing local culinary treats.
About Mississippi Park Connection
Mississippi Park Connection (MPC) is the official nonprofit organization for the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, a unit of the National Park Service located in Minnesota's Twin Cities metro area. We support the national park by:
Providing funding for youth education, natural and cultural resources, interpretation, and public programs. ◦ Co-managing programs to improve outcomes including Volunteers-in-Parks, Mississippi River Paddle Share, and Adaptive Silviculture for Climate Change.
Supporting outreach and communication about the park through social media, the web, and in-person community programs.
Creating connections between the national park and people in its surrounding communities.
Bridging the gap in resources and funding to ensure the national park has what it needs to accomplish its goals.
Online ticket sales will open on July 9 for Mississippi Park Connection Members. Contact Anna Waugh at awaugh@Parkconnection.org if you are interested in sponsorship opportunities.
If you can’t attend, but would like to make a donation, please click below.
Performers
Jeff Goldstein Group
Provisions
Ono Hawaiian Plates
Founded in 2019 by chef-owners Warren Seta and Jessie (Jess) Kelley, Ono Hawaiian Plates delivers the taste of Hawaii to Minneapolis with generous, flavor-packed plate lunches. Known for staples like kalua pork, chicken katsu, garlic shrimp, poke bowls, and Spam musubi, each meal features hearty portions of rice and mac salad.
Bougie Waffle
The Bougie Waffle, founded by local entrepreneur Jada Williams, serves up “bougie” brunch charm on wheels—where every waffle is a handcrafted art piece made with fresh and local. Since launching in 2021, Jada has turned her passion for food and community into a BIPOC and woman-owned business. Whether it’s savory-sweet mashups or gluten-friendly delights, their gourmet waffles bring farm-to-fork elegance to any picnic spread.
Spicy Feta
Spicy Feta, owned by Chris and Yamah, brings bold Mediterranean flavor with a Halal twist to the Twin Cities. Formerly known as The Naughty Greek, their reimagined concept blends fresh, wholesome ingredients with vibrant spice—most famously in their namesake spicy feta spread and crowd favorites like the Spicy Apollo pita, rotisserie meats, and loaded grain bowls.
Viking and Goddesses
Founded in 2019, Vikings and Goddesses Pie Company is small, woman-owned wholesale bakery based in Saint Paul, Minnesota. By utilizing small farms and Minnesota-based businesses, our baked goods highlight the best of what the Twin Cities has to offer.
Saint Pops
Saint Pops — Artisan vegan ice pops crafted from local, simple ingredients and sweetened with organic sugar. Gluten-free, nut-free, and full of flavor.
Special Thanks to:
Premier Sponsors
Karuna Fund
Supporting Sponsors
Partner Sponsors
Steward Sponsors
Boston Scientific, Lathrop GPM, Plantra,
Prairie Island Indian Community, Point North IT, Surly Brewing Co.
