While September traditionally marks the end of summer, it’s also when Carver’s annual celebration, Steamboat Days, takes place. This year the event is September 11–13. You can find the full schedule of events at CarverSteamboatDays.com.
Here are my updates for September:
Mayor’s Office Hours – On Saturday, September 12 from 9:30 a.m. – noon I’ll be holding my quarterly Office Hours in the Broadway Room at City Hall. That’s the Saturday morning of Steamboat Days, so if you’re downtown for any of the events, please stop by and say “hi.”
Hike to the Cheese Cave – Join me on Sunday, September 20 for a roughly two-mile hike on an unpaved trail, which includes steep hills and areas of thick underbrush. We’ll meet at 10 a.m. in the parking lot of Community Park (800 6th Street West) and begin our hike there. If the weather looks less than ideal, check Facebook.com/CarverMayorCourtney or call/text me at 612.702.7703 for updates!
Early End to the Farmers Market – Due to low participation and a limited number of vendors, the difficult decision was made last month to end the Carver Community Market. While there’s no longer a Farmers Market in Carver, I encourage you to shop the markets in Chaska, Chanhassen, Victoria, and Waconia.
Night to Unite Food Drive Update – While the City of Carver didn’t win this year, we, along with Chaska, Chanhassen, and Victoria, collected over 6,600 pounds of food (that’s more than three tons!), which was donated to Bountiful Basket Food Shelf. Congratulations to Chaska for winning this year’s friendly competition. Thank you to all who participated!
Taco Bell Grand Opening – On August 10, Minnesota’s first Taco Bell Kitchen-X opened for business with a line that wrapped around the parking lot. Most of the folks who were waiting in the line, some of whom camped out the night before, were hoping for a Golden Ticket, which gave them free tacos each week for a year. Taco Bell’s hours are 7 a.m. – 1 a.m. Please join me in welcoming them to our business community!
2027 Budget – We’ve been working throughout the summer on the building blocks of the City’s 2027 Budget. By the end of this month, the City Council must set the preliminary levy, a.k.a. the “not to exceed” amount that serves as the basis for the City of Carver’s portion on the property tax statements you’ll receive in November. To learn more about the preliminary 2027 Budget, visit the Resident’s Budget Guide at CityOfCarver.com/277/Residents-Budget-Guide.
Edith Anne Award – Last month Morgan Jacobs was presented the 2026 Edith-Anne Award. This award honors the legacies of Edith Herman and Anne Neils, who were both instrumental in the preservation of Carver’s historic district in the 1960s, and recognizes homeowners who have exemplified property excellence. Morgan can often be found in the yard of his home, which is located at 402 Broadway, just north of City Hall. Congratulations!
As always, if you have any questions, comments, or concerns about anything that’s going on in our community, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I look forward to hearing from you. See you at Steamboat Days!
Mayor Courtney Johnson
CJohnson@CityOfCarver.com
Cell: 612.702.7703
Facebook: CarverMayorCourtney
Instagram: Carver_Mayor_Courtney
