Downtown Red Wing Challenge

The winning businesses in Red Wing’s historic downtown and West End District have been announced for the Red Wing Downtown Mainstreet’s Retail & Restaurant Challenge.

Thanks to funding provided by the Jones Family Foundation, Red Wing Area Fund, Wings Foundation and Albrecht-Poss Family Foundation, $75,000 in grant money will be awarded to these businesses opening or doing a significant expansion.

Jake Gibbs and Rivertown Games, is Red Wing's source for boardgames, card games, stickers, novelty candy, fidgets, and other fun stuff. This grant will help Jake offer even more cool fidgets and Red Wing-, LGBTQ- and Minnesota-themed stickers, as well as wholesale and custom services to local businesses and organizations.

Emily Palka and Ivory & Wing, will be a modern bridal boutique offering curated gown collections in sizes 8–28, along with handcrafted veils and accessories. Emily will also offer concierge services for any bride celebrating her wedding in Red Wing.

Melissa Klema and Adourn, At Adourn, located on Main Street, you’ll find a boutique style shop, filled with vintage + antique furniture, unique finds, lovely gifts, luxury hand poured candles, jewelry, and so much more. Melissa was awarded a separate grant many months prior to this challenge but never got a shout out, so the funders asked that she be included in this announcement post.

Katie Rausch and Artisan Collective, is a retail and creative hub in the West End District showcasing local makers and handcrafted goods. It is now expanding with a walk-in, DIY Candle Bar where guests can create custom candles using high-quality ingredients in a hands-on experience.

Amy Thorland and North Star Stiching Studio will be the local hub for the quilting community. Amy will feature high quality quilting, fabrics, and supplies; such as wide back fabric, quilt kits, and notions. The studio will offer a variety of sewing and quilting classes by various instructors and will have in-house longarm quilting services and rental.

Taylor Irwin & Bethany Hubbard with Achieve Collective is bringing an inclusive play cafe -- I Rise Café, and pediatric physical/occupational therapy to town.

This will be a warm, welcoming space where sensory-friendly play, community connection, and meaningful employment come together under one roof. Kids can explore imaginative play, calming sensory zones, and active spaces to climb, play, and swing. I Rise Café will serve handcrafted drinks and food while proudly employing teens and adults of all abilities. 

DTMS has reserved some of the funds to host another challenge soon. For more details, go to https://www.facebook.com/DowntownRedWing.