For anyone planning a picnic or reunion for 2014 in a St. Paul park, the annual permit lottery begins Thursday. That's when residents or businesses can apply in person for park permits.

The city's permit office, 1100 Hamline Av. N., will open at 6 a.m. Thursday and issue lottery numbers for 30 minutes. Then, starting at 6:31 a.m., park permits will be issued to customers holding lottery numbers.

Those arriving at the permit office after 6:30 a.m. will be put on a list and issued permits on a first-come, first-served basis after lottery customers have been helped. Reservations are limited to one per day for an individual, group or organization.

Starting Friday, St. Paul residents and businesses can apply for permits by calling 651-632-5111, with credit card payment only, or in person at the permit office, which is open 7 a.m. through 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Nonresidents can apply for permits starting Feb. 3. Go to www.stpaul.gov/parks for more information.

KEVIN DUCHSCHERE

@KDuchschere