Shoppers flocked to local jewelry store Larissa Loden on Friday to participate in the first-ever “National Loon Day” event.
The event at the store on Marshall Avenue featured new jewelry with loon designs, a DJ, a loon costume contest and an appearance from Minnesota United mascot, PK the Loon.
“We love being here in St. Paul, and you know, Minnesotans, I think we’re eager to get out,” Store Operations Manager Amy Olson said. “March is always that month when people are kind of in between winter, but like craving spring, so we’ve been really delighted with how many people have come out, and it’s been really fun so far.”
According to Olson, the idea behind National Loon Day came after Store Owner Larissa Loden found there was no definitive holiday for the loon, a bird that can be found on many lakes in Minnesota. Loden decided on March 13, the anniversary of the loon being declared the state bird.
“Larissa designed some loon products last year, and as longtime Minnesotans, we’ve always loved loons. She lives on a lake. It’s, you know, just a part of Minnesota culture,” Olson said.
Some of the new products at the store featured the “Rebel Loon,” combining both the bird and the logo of the Rebel Alliance from the Star Wars film franchise. The design became well-known as a protest symbol during the height of Operation Metro Surge, where federal law enforcement, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement, were sent to Minnesota by President Donald Trump and former Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem.
“We’re a brand that’s always felt really strongly about being part of the community and speaking our minds and giving back to the people doing the good work in our community,” Olson said.
Olson noted that proceeds from Rebel Loon merch sales would go to the Salt Cure Fund, which has been providing relief to struggling restaurants that have had their business affected by ICE’s presence in the Twin Cities.
St. Thomas alum Trinity Woolery cited community as the biggest reason for turning out to the event with her husband and daughter.
“We’ve been fortunate enough to do more community events since having our daughter nine or so months ago, so we want to participate and show up,” Woolery said.
Woolery, who wore a Rebel Loon t-shirt, said that resistance was also a major inspiration for her.
“We want to show our support and be a part of resistance, and I think resistance starts with the community,” Woolery said.
Looking to the future, Olson is excited for more events, including more product launches and the opportunity to make National Loon Day a regular thing.
“We’re really excited that this is just the first of many loon days to come,” Olson said. “We’re excited already and have great ideas for next year.”
Miles Schiffer can be reached at schi9629@stthomas.edu.
