The city of Scandia in Washington County holds a rich history within its 39 square miles of scenic , rolling landscape dotted with lakes , woodlands , farms and low-density rural development . It ’ s said that the first immigrants from Sweden to Minnesota settled in the area , which was incorporated as a city in 2007 .

Based on the 2020 census population , nearly 4,000 people live in the city . The residents are supported by a downtown core that includes manufacturing , retail , convenience and professional services . Scandia sits along Minnesota ’ s eastern border , within comfortable driving distance of the Twin Cities , and includes such natural gems as the St . Croix River , Big Marine Lake , and William O ’ Brien State Park .

The Gammelgarden Museum of Scandia shows off the town ’ s Swedish heritage each summer through tours of its historic buildings , displays of artifacts and annual Swedish celebrations . Such examples include its Midsommer Dag , a traditional Swedish festival celebrating the summer solstice in June , and the Spelmansstamma , a Swedish tradition where fiddlers gather in August . Gammelgarden also holds classes celebrating Swedish heritage , like a sausage-making class , Kurbits painting class , and language lessons . It ’ s “ Jul Shop ” is open through December for shopping of Swedish gifts , and then is closed until the spring .

Vinterfest , an annual community winter celebration , is typically held the last weekend in January . Events for Vinterfest include the Minnesota Cup adult hockey tournament , a pancake breakfast , clogging performances ,

a children ’ s snow sculpture contest , sledding , and Swedish crafts .

Visitors also come to the area to take part in the Scandia-Marine Lions annual Taco Daze festival , typically held on the Saturday after Labor Day . The event features many forms of fun including a parade , live music , carnival games and treats , a car and tractor show , arts and crafts exhibits , a farmers market , a kids sawdust scramble , a pickleball tournament , and the “ running of the meatballs .” Tacos , cheese curds , corn dogs , a beer garden and more are other highlights of the taco-themed festival .

A five-member City Council , including the mayor , governs the city and meets at 7 p . m . the third Tuesday of each month in the Community Center , 14727 209th Street North . The council also meets for a work session at 6:30 p . m . the first Wednesday of each month . Scandia City Council members and their term-expiration dates : Mayor Steve Kronmiller , Jan . 2027 ; Kirsten Libby , Jan . 2029 ; Jim Gribble , Jan . 2029 ; Michael Lubke , Jan .

2027 ; and Jerry Cusick , Jan . 2027 .

The city ’ s planning commission consists of five members appointed by the council for staggered terms of five years . The planning commission meets 7 p . m . the first Tuesday of each month .

The Scandia Parks and Recreation Committee is composed of five citizen representatives who meet the first Monday of each month at 7 p . m . in the Community Center .

Agendas and meeting minutes for all government meetings are available on the City ’ s website at cityofscandia . com

Scandia ’ s city staff is lead by city administrator Kyle Morrell , along with deputy clerk Brenda Eklud , as well as a treasurer and office assistant . Its public works department maintains the city ’ s parks , streets , and sewers .

The Washington County Sheriff ’ s Office and the Scandia Fire Department , lead by Fire Chief Mike Hinz and his 20-member firefighter crew , handle the city ’ s public safety needs . To receive area emergency notifications , Scandia

residents can sign up for the county ’ s CodeRED system online at cityofscandia . com / city _ services on the “ police services ” section .

SANITATION

When the two waste haulers of Scandia , Waste Management and SRC Inc . merged into one , the city entered into a contract agreement with Waste Management as the sole hauler for the area . Waste Management now offers weekly curbside trash pick up and every other week single sort recycling pick up .

The hauler will accept aluminum cans , plastic bottles , steel or tin cans , glass containers , newspaper , mail , uncoated cardboard and magazines recyclable materials . However , light bulbs , metal cookware , food waste , microwave trays , mirrors , coat hangers , household appliances , napkins , propane tanks and batteries are non-recyclable .

More information can be found online at cityofscandia . com / residents / recycling _. php .