St. Paul's Grand Old Day canceled for second year in a row The business association sponsor lacked planning time, had board turnover. May 26, 2021 — 10:08am Text size Copy shortlink: Organizers of St. Paul's Grand Old Day said the long-running street festival, often dubbed the unofficial start to summer in Minnesota's capital city, will not be held for the second year in a row. Pandemic-related uncertainties and other challenges spurred the Grand Avenue Business Association's (GABA) decision, but planners are hopeful the event will make a comeback in 2022. "It takes about a year to plan," said Lanai Koep, GABA's treasurer. "By the time we knew what restrictions would be lifted, we knew that there was just no way."