‘Good Morning America’ visits Stillwater, honors business owner and community booster

Jennifer Leonard, Pioneer Press
Updated ·3 min read

‘Good Morning America’ surprised a Stillwater business owner and community booster during a live, national broadcast on Monday morning.

The ABC morning show kicked off a weeklong series — highlighting some of the most iconic Main Streets across the country — with its stop in the Washington County river town.

Residents from across Minnesota poured into downtown Stillwater early Monday, carrying signs saying “Mainstreet U.S.A,” “This is our home” and “We heart MN!”

GMA hosts Robin Roberts, George Stephanopoulos and Michael Strahan weren’t in attendance, but ABC News correspondent Alex Perez was broadcasting live from downtown Stillwater.

“Stillwater, Minnesota has one of the most amazing, beautiful main streets across America,” Perez said, “You’ve been here once or a million times, it always feels like home.”

What happened next on Main Street in Stillwater came as an apparent surprise to viewers and attendees.

Perez turned to the crowd and asked for Sara Jespersen, owner of the Lumberjack and Mad Capper in downtown Stillwater, to come forward.

“Sara Jespersen makes everyone feel welcome,” a video montage began.

The video showed murals around Stillwater that Jespersen organized in an effort to beautify the town as well as photos from a snow sculpting competition she started to help energize Stillwater’s economy during the pandemic.

“Thank you for all you’ve done for this community for so many people, and the legacy you’re leaving is amazing,” Stillwater Chamber of Commerce Robin Anthony-Evenson said.

As the video montage ended, the crowd began cheering and chanting, “Sara, Sara, Sara!”

“I never don’t have words,” Jespersen told Perez, “but I don’t have words — I’m really overwhelmed! There’s so many people here that are so wonderful, I’m very touched.”

Later, Jepsersen told the Pioneer Press she fell in love with Stillwater when she moved to the “birthplace of Minnesota” a decade ago ago because it reminded her of the close-knit community in her hometown of Hibbing, Minn.

She said she first got involved by helping shovel the stairs that connect the upper part of Stillwater to Main Street closer to the St. Croix River.

“Every little thing I did just encouraged me to do more,” she said.

Jespersen received an honorary plaque which will hang at the Stillwater Union Art Alley commemorating her contributions to the town. Jespersen worked with ArtReach St. Croix to create the Union Art Alley in a rundown corner of Stillwater. The space, which used to be filled with trash, is now a popular hang out spot showcasing murals by local artists.

“Union Alley has been three years in the making,” Jespersen said. Her advice to individuals hoping to better their communities is to reach out to good partners and keep up a “little engine that could” attitude.

Mayor Ted Kozlowksi came forward and proclaimed today “Sara Jespersen Day” in the city of Stillwater.

Perez also took time to praise the city of Stillwater itself.

“With an historic Main Street, home to more than a hundred local businesses, from veteran-owned barber shops to exhilarating axe-throwing, the restaurants and shops along Main Street make Stillwater a family-friendly destination year-round,” he reported.

The video featured Joe Ehlenz, co-owner of the Stillwater Proper, a restaurant, bar and distillery; Chris Pomeleo, the owner of Prohibition Barbers; Cory Buettner, owner of Leo’s Grill & Malt Shop; and Adam Turner, a Union Art Alley muralist.

“These are the people that make this town, I just get to be a part of it,” Jespersen said, beaming, “It’s a vibrant place to be, an amazing community to live in, and we’re all so proud. Every single person contributes to its success. All these small business owners and community members — they’re parts of our heart.”

Perez seemed impressed.

“Maybe we should plan a road trip around here,” he said, sending the broadcast back to the studio in New York.

GMA’s next Main Street USA feature will take place on Tuesday in Chestnut Hill, Pa., followed by Chagrin Falls, Ohio on Wednesday; McKinney, Texas on Thursday; and Disney World in Orlando, Florida, on Friday.

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