The upcoming awards celebration marks a shift from previous years, evolving from a single-day event into a day-long festival featuring various speakers and activities in partnership with Main Street. The intention is to draw greater public participation by creating a more interactive and educational experience about St. Cloud’s historical assets. The event will begin at 2 p.m., with the awards ceremony starting at 5:30 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend.

The awards program honors structures that contribute to the historical fabric of the city, offering plaques for properties denoting their original construction date and awards for restoration efforts that enhance historical character. This year, the application process for plaques has been made more accessible by reducing the cost from $300 to $100, while awards are now free to encourage more participation. Applications require at least one photograph and must meet the city’s historic preservation ordinance standards.

During the meeting, it was clarified that while the historic district—from Ohio to Wisconsin and 9th to 13th Street—is a primary focus, properties throughout St. Cloud can be nominated. Structures must be at least 50 years old to qualify. The board also discussed the certificate of appropriateness, necessary for any external modifications within the historic district, to preserve the architectural integrity of the area.