With new shops and street improvements, Saturday’s ‘Rice and LarpenTOUR’ showcases three cities

On paper, the intersection of Rice Street and Larpenteur Avenue forms the gateway to St. Paul, Roseville and Maplewood, a three-way border that one might expect to yield significant investment.

In reality, civic leaders have for years called the intersection sparse and neglected. It’s also not immune to crime, including the fatal shooting of 23-year-old cosmetologist Nia Black outside the Lamplighter Lounge on June 13.

Nevertheless, members of the Rice and Larpenteur Alliance say they’ve seen signs of progress near the intersection, and along the Rice Street business corridor.

In an effort to improve the intersection’s image, the government and business alliance this Saturday will host the “Rice and LarpenTOUR,” a four-hour outdoor showcase that focuses on emerging and longstanding businesses and cultural offerings.

From 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, guests at the “Rice and LarpenTOUR” will receive an event “passport” for self-guided stops in the three cities, including free food samples and live music. All events will be outdoors, and masks are strongly encouraged. Sanitation stations will be provided.

Read more at: https://www.twincities.com/2020/09/24/with-new-shops-street-improvements-in-mind-saturdays-rice-and-larpentour-showcases-three-cities/