Roll out the sunshine for east metro festivals

After a long and dreary winter in which even the snowmen wore grumpy faces, the arrival of summer is cause to celebrate, and just might make this year's full slate of community festivals in Washington County a little extra festive.

Forest Lake, as usual, gets things rolling starting on Friday with the start of its weeklong Lake Fest. And new this year is Stillwater's revival of Lumberjack Days, which marks its 80th anniversary on July 18-20 under a new name — Log Jam — with new management and a new community-focused outlook.

Here is a roundup of summer festivals excluding Fourth of July in the county:

June 21-22, Town Square Park, S. St. Croix Trail and 34th St.

This free outdoor festival will feature a blend of artists showcasing and selling their goods, vintage/secondhand vendors selling repurposed or vintage treasures and a business expo. There will be food, live music and family activities.

Sept. 27-28, Town Square Park, S. St. Croix Trail and 34th St.

Fine arts and traditional craft fair includes more than 75 vendors showcasing fine arts, pottery, woodwork, jewelry, photography, sculpture, fiber and more. Plus food, a small business fair, and live folk/jazz music both days. Info on both events: aftonartfair.com; 651-321-3535.

Delicious barbecue by the St. Croix River accompanied by live music from Crankshaft, David Ybarra and the Northside Dukes and Mick Sterling. Info: rockinribsontheriver.com; 651-439-4001.

June 19-22, Kingston Park, Indian Blvd. and 75th St.

Live music, hot-air balloon rides, petting farm, strawberry pie eating contest, kids tractor pull; Grand Day Parade 10:30 a.m. June 21; fireworks at 10:30 p.m. June 21. Info: cottagegrovestrawberryfest.com.

May 30-June 7, Lakeside Park, 95 E. Broadway Av.

Fishing tournament, Arts in the Park, wine and beer tasting, movies in the park, mini powwow, talent show, pig roast, running races; Rockin' Hollywoods perform at 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 30. For more information, go to: fl-lakefest.com.

Petting zoo, carnival rides, pancake breakfast, parade at 11 a.m. June 7. More information at ci.hugo.mn.us.

July 30-Aug. 3, Washington County Fairgrounds, N. 40th St. and Manning Av.

Animal and craft exhibits, carnival, live music, monster trucks, demolition derby and free events from pig races to magician shows and other entertainment. Admission is $4 to $7; children under 5 are admitted free of charge. Info: washingtoncounty fair.org.

Aug. 7-10, Lions Park, 3525 Laverne Av. N

A four-day sports tournament including softball, volleyball and other family events. Info: lakeelmojaycees.org.

Barbeque, street dance, children's activities to aid the volunteer fire department.

Aug. 24, Burris Park

Music, local food, exhibits, activities for kids and an all-town photo. Info on both events: marineonstcroix.org.

Aug. 10, Pioneer Memorial Park, 2nd Avenue & 6th St. 11 a.m.

Parade, live music, raffle, Elvis impersonator, food, vendors, games, car show. Info, call 651-556-4601 or rhelm@newportmn.com.

Parade, carnival rides, medallion hunt, royalty coronation, music, and food. Info: 651-730-2704 or ci.oakdale.mn.us.

June 21, Gammelgården Museum, 20880 Olinda Trail.

"Immigrant inspired" children's activities, raising of the Majstång, craft fair, genealogy booth, smörgåsbord. Info: 651-433-5053 or gammelgardenmuseum.org.

Aug. 15-16, Heritage Park, Portland and 13th Avenues.

Parade, flea market, garden tractor pull, carnival and mud volleyball. Info: 651-775-9565 or stpaulpark.govoffice.com.

Water St. S. St. Croix Valley's largest art fair with more than 100 artists and vendors. Marketplace with handcrafted items, art in a variety of media. Info: 651-439-4001 or rivertownartfestival.com.

July 17-20. Events at Historic Washington County Courthouse and Pioneer, Teddy Bear and Lowell parks

Medallion hunt, tethered balloon rides, fishing tournament, lumberjack demonstrations and pontoon boat rides. Parade at 1 p.m. July 20. Info: stillwaterlogjam.com

Aug. 22-24, Ojibway Park, 2695 Ojibway Dr.

Carnival rides, business fair, children's coin hunt, martial arts and robotics demonstrations. Fireworks nightly. Info: woodburydays.com.