Events/Public Service Announcements

Brainerd Area 4th of July Events

Also as part of the celebration the Pequot Lakes Community Library's Giant Book Sale is taking place Saturday, July 5 from 7:00am - 5:00pm at the library. The Library is located in the Pequot Lakes City Hall on County Road 11 on the East of side of town.

Crosslake Fireworks will be displayed on Saturday, July 5 at Dusk over Sand Island, located on the south end of County Road 16, straight across from the Army Corps of Engineers Park. Best viewing spots from land: From bridge on County Road 16; From the beach at the Army Corps of Engineers Park in Crosslake; From the dam next to the Army Corps of Engineers Park in Crosslake or, launch your boat for a spectacular view over Cross Lake.

Baylake, Fireworks, July 5th,at dusk at Ruttger's Bay Lake Lodge.

Outing, July 5th, Fireworks at dusk, Lawrence Lake.

Sunday, July 6th, Lions Breakfast, 7:30am Community Building in Hackensack.

Bean Hole Days In Pequot Lakes

Join the fun of Bean Hole Days in Pequot Lakes. Be a part of this annual festivity. Monday, July 7 - Wednesday, July 9 . Search for Paul Bunyan's Paddle, which was lost by Babe the Ox and Bessie the Yeller Cow while playing ball. Paul needs his paddle to stir the beans. Clues will be available daily at participating businesses and the Pequot Chamber Office. On Tuesday, July 8 at 6:00pm be on hand as Burying of the Beans Ceremony begins. The beans, prepared from a secret recipe, are buried in huge cast-iron kettles and cooked over wood for some 18 hours. On Wednesday, July 9, the By-The-Way Players will be featured at 10:40am; The Coronation Ceremony takes place at 11:15am; The Raising of the Beans at 11:30am when the serving will begin. The By-The-Way Players will once again be featured at 1:30pm and there will be a craft fair along the Paul Bunyan Trail all day from 9:00am - 4:00pm.Join the fun of Bean Hole Days in Pequot Lakes. Be a part of this annual festivity. Monday, July 7 - Wednesday, July 9 . Search for Paul Bunyan's Paddle, which was lost by Babe the Ox and Bessie the Yeller Cow while playing ball. Paul needs his paddle to stir the beans. Clues will be available daily at participating businesses and the Pequot Chamber Office. On Tuesday, July 8 at 6:00pm be on hand as Burying of the Beans Ceremony begins. The beans, prepared from a secret recipe, are buried in huge cast-iron kettles and cooked over wood for some 18 hours. On Wednesday, July 9, the By-The-Way Players will be featured at 10:40am; The Coronation Ceremony takes place at 11:15am; The Raising of the Beans at 11:30am when the serving will begin. The By-The-Way Players will once again be featured at 1:30pm and there will be a craft fair along the Paul Bunyan Trail all day from 9:00am - 4:00pm.

Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Podcast

A new podcast has joined the cyber library. Through the support of KLKS, the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Association recorded local people telling their stories of everything from the development of walking and biking trails to working in a resort kitchen in the 1930's to famous explorers who mapped the Whitefish Chain. To hear the podcast, vist www.paulbunyanscenicbyway.org and click on the podcast logo.

LIONS CLUBS

The Pequot Lakes/Breezy Point Lions are selling wristbands for veterans . The money goes to the families of returning servicemen who are attending Project New Hope. It's a way for them to cope with the issues of soldiers returning from the the war theaters. The cost of a wristband: $5. They can be purchased at Lakes Latte and The American Legion in Pequot Lakes, and Pelican Square in Breezy Point

The Pequot Lakes/Breezy Point Lions meet the second Monday of every month at the Pelican Lakes Conservation Club house in Breezy Point. They are a family friendly club, so you can take your kids to the meetings. For more information call Gary at 562-4850.

The Nisswa Lions meet on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month . For information call Ted Dullum at 963-2452.

Brainerd Area Fun Events

ROAD CLOSING: Excelsior Road from Cypress Drive to Conservation Drive will be closed from 7:00am - 7:00pm on Tuesday, July 8 for the construction of the Paul Bunyan Trail Bridge. Alternate routes should be considered.

The Salvation Army Back-To-School Sign Up will be through July 17 . For an appointment, call 829-1120. Identification and current mail will be required.

Now playing at the ITOW, Veterans Museum in Perham, every hour on the 1/2-hour, "In Their Own Words," a 30-minute documentary that highlights the stories of area veterans from World War II, Korean and Vietnam wars. On August 14 a lecture by Werner Juretzko on Cold War Espionage. For more information, call 218-346-7678 or visit www.itowmuseum.org.

The Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway presents the By-The-Way Players in this season's 2008 Historic Mailboat Performances as they return to the summer of 1948 as the cast performs stories and songs. One of two scripts, "No Fish," and "Donna Mae," will be presented. Be sure to see both. A performance of "Donna Mae" will be featured Wednesday, July 9 at Bean Hole Days in Pequot Lakes at 10:40am and "No Fish" on July 11 at about 2:00pm at the Pine River Duck Races and at the Cass County Fair in Pine River on July 18 at 4:30pm. All performances are weather permitting. Bring your own lawn chairs and blankets. Watch this site for future performances.

The Brainerd Blue Thunder baseball team will show its support for Komen Brainerd Lakes Race for the Cure on July 5 , by helping during the race, opening its gates free to the public during the home game that night and holding a silent auction. That night the Blue Thunder will be playing the Alexandria Beetles. The race will be held at the Forestview Middle School in Baxter. During the race the Brainerd Blue Thunder players will be helping the event committee and will be visible by wearing their game jerseys. For more information, call 218-764-3315 or visit www.komenbrainerdlakes.org.

The 2008 Crosslake Outdoor Music Series continues on July 5 with the music of the SKATYRS. These events are held every Saturday evening at 6:30pm in the Crosslake Town Square. Take a lawn chair or a blanket and join in the fun.

The Pine River American Legion is holding its' 1st Annual Hillbilly Day on Saturday, July 5 , starting at Noon. Everything from Possum On A Stick, to Sorgum & Rabbit Berries, to Chopped Collard Greens & Pig Weed. The event will feature a Hoedown furnished by Jan's Heart & Soul.

On Saturday night, July 5, the Malmo Free Church presents Simple Grace from Martell, Nebraska. This is part of the church's summer Gospel Music concerts held outdoors each Saturday night at 7:00pm. Come as you are and bring your own lawn chair or blanket. Malmo Church is located near the junction of Highways 47&18 on the Northeast corner of Lake Mille Lacs. A free will offering will be taken.

Deep Portage Learning Center near Hackensack will be hold the Forkhorn II Deer Hunting Camp with Session 1 July 6 - 11 and Session II from July 27 - August 1, sponsored by the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association. For more information, call 218-682-2325.

The Jenkins VFW is holding a Sunday Breakfast Buffet on Sunday, July 6 from 9:00am 'til Noon (or gone). $6.95 for adults; children 3- 10, $3.50 and those under 3 eat free.

Riverview Church Adult Sunday School Class on Sunday, July 6, will be held at the Warehouse in Pine River. The class is scheduled from 9:30am - 10:30am.

The Northwoods Arts Council of Hackensack will present the hilarious Melodrama, "The Dastardly Dr. Devereaux" performed at the air-conditioned Community Center in Hackensack. Performances will be held on Saturday, July 5 and Monday, July 7 at 7:00pm with a Sunday matinee on July 6 at 3:00pm. Advance tickets are $5.00 and available at many locations in the Hackensack area. For more ticket information and times for all performances, call Shirley at 218-675-6181.

A reception will be held in honor of Reverend Dianne Ciesluk , the new pastor of Grace United Methodist Church in Pequot Lakes, on Sunday, July 6 at 4:00pm at the church.

The Sons Of The American Legion in Pine River will host a Gourmet Omelet Breakfast at the Legion Hall in Pine River on July 6 from 9:00am - 1:00pm. This event is to raise funds for local youth activities. Cost is $8.50 for those over 10; 10 & under $4.50 and those under 3 eat free.

The Hackensack Chamber of Commerce will hold a Kids Treasure Hunt on the Paul Bunyan Trail on July 7. Just find a matching card with entry and prize pick up at the Visitor's Center. And on July 8, kids games, concessions, inflatable games in the City Park all day. The Sweetheart Days parade will be held at 6:00pm with a street dance with Elija Blue to follow the parade.

A public meeting to discuss plans and options for relocating the Leech Lake Senior Center (The Whistle Stop) will be held July 8 at 7:30pm at the Walker-Hackensack-Akeley School Auditorium. State Representatives Frank Moe and Larry Howes will be hosting the meeting.

Kid's wristbands for the kid's inflatable games, as part of Sweetheart Days coming up in Hackensack, are on sale at various locations around town.

The Crow Wing County Health Department will hold immunization clinics on Tuesday, July 8 and Tuesday, July 22 from 8:15am - 4:15pm both days. The location is at the Crow Wing County Health Department, 204 Laurel Street in Brainerd. For more information and to schedule an appointment, call 824-1080 or Margie at 824-1098.

The Riverview Church in Pine River will hold a Block Party on July 9 from 6:00pm - 8:00pm. The event will be held on Norway Avenue between 2nd - 3rd Streets in Pine River. Games for toddlers through adults, prizes, Hair Beading, Clowns, Face Painting, Food, Music and more. It's all free. For more information, call 218-587-2021.

Just a reminder that the 118th annual Aitkin County Fair will be held in Aitkin July 9 - 12 at the Aitkin County Fairgrounds. For more information visit www.aitkincountyfair.com.

The Pequot Lakes Community Theatre production of "Crappie Talk," will be showing from Wednesday, July 9 through Saturday, July 12 and again on Monday and Tuesday, July 14 & 15 at the air-conditioned Pequot Lakes High School Theatre. Peformances begin at 8:00pm. The ticket office opens one hour prior to the show or tickets may be purchased by calling the Pequot Lakes Community Education office at 568-9200. There will be group ticket discounts for groups of 15 or more. Adult tickets are $10.00, $9.00 for seniors and $8.00 for youth, 18 and under.

The Brainerd Lakes Area Women Connection will hold its next luncheon on July 10 at the Red Roof Inn in Brainerd. Speaker will be Brenda Copeland who will speak on "How To Be A Princess and Not Wear A Crown All Day." RSVP to Dolly at 218-829-2234 and request free childcare with her. Cost is $13.00, all-inclusive.

The Warehouse in Pine River has arranged field trips to Trout Lake Camp throughout the summer. The next trip is scheduled for Thursday, July 10, leaving at 8:00am and returning at 11:30am, with a visit to the camp's Skate Board Park. There is no cost, but you can take your own board if you wish. For more information, call The Warehouse at 587-5404.

Cragun's Legacy Courses on Gull Lake is hosting their 8th annual U of M Golf Event on Friday, July 11. This is a fundraiser benefiting the University Of Minnesota's Athletic Scholarship program. This event consists of a luncheon followed by a 12:45pm 18-hole shotgun start. A live auction at the conclusion of the luncheon will be kicked off by the University Alumni Band with a number of autographed Gopher items, game tickets and memorabilia to go to the highest bidder. Cost of the luncheon is $25.00 for adults and $12.50 for students. Cost of the luncheon and golf is $125.00 per person. For complete details and registration, call or e-mail Amy at 218-825-2730 or arobeck@craguns.com.

The family of Moon Bay Designs in cooperation with Paths Less Traveled Gallery is hold an art show to benefit the continuing music education of Jayd Hagberg on Friday, July 11 at 25282 Hazelwood Drive in Nisswa. Jayd is hearing impaired but that does not stop him from playing the music he loves, whether flute, piccolo, piano, bassoon and many other instruments. He composes his own music and attends the St. Paul Conservatory of Performing Arts to further his education. The event takes place from 4:00pm - 6:00pm.

"The WPA Brought To Life" will be featured at the Charles A. Lindberg Historic Site, located at 1620 Lindberg Drive in Little Falls on Saturday, July 12 from 11:00am - 4:00pm. Cost is $7.00 for adults; $6.00 for seniors and college students; $5.00 for children 6-17 and free for children 5 and under. The event is a cooperative event offered by the Lindberg Historic Site and the Lindberg State Park. For more information, call 320-616-5421.

The 2008 Crosslake Outdoor Music Series continues Saturday, July 12 with the Squires Band at 6:30pm in the Crosslake Town Square. These concerts are free. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket and enjoy. On July 19 the featured group will be Feelin' Groovy and on July 26, Clear Blue.

The Staples Host Lions Club and the Staples-Motley Area Arts Council, along with the Staples-Motley Public Schools and the City of Staples present free Music in the Park on Sunday evenings at 7:00pm beginning July 13 with Red Johnson, a country legend; followed by Fiddle & Squeeze on July 20. The concerts are held in the NP Park, next to the Government Center.

The Hackensack Sweetheart Days Golf Tourney will be held on July 13 at the Black Bear Golf Course beginning at 10:00am with a shotgun start. For more information, contact Todd at 218-675-6969.

The Hope Lutheran Church in Walker will be holding A Christmas In July event on Tuesday, July 15 from 10:30am - 1:30pm. There will be a Salad Luncheon at a cost of $8.00 for adults and $3.00 for those age 10 and under. A Craft Sale and Bake Sale will also take place at the event. The church is located at 305 10th Street South. Turn South at Jimmy's Restaurant.

Family-friendly naturalist classes continue at Deep Portage Learning Center near Hackensack with an Animal Adaptions Hike on July 16 beginning at 10:30am followed by a Fish Prining Session at 1:00pm. On July 17 at Block Printing Session will be held at 10:30am with a Bog Hike scheduled for 1:00pm. July 23 features Pioneer Olympics at 10:30am and Basic Orienteering at 1:00pm. On July 24 Family Archery at 10:30am and Family Canoeing at 1:00pm. For more information, contact Deep Portage at 218-682-2325 or visit www.deep-portage.org.

Aitkin's 28th Riverboat Heritage Days Celebration begins on Wednesday, July 16, with great activities and events every day. For more information, call the Aitkin Chamber at 218-927-2316 or visit www.aitkin.com.

The Crow Wing Council on Aging is sponsoring a Senior Citizen Picnic at Mission Park on Thursday, July 17 from 10:00am - 2:00pm. Every senior is invited. Mission Park is located 8 miles north of Merrifield, then 1 mile east of the Sportsman Store on Mission Park Road. a freee 30-passenger Reicher bus will leave the Brainerd Senior Center at 8th and Kingwood at 9:45am and return at 2:15pm. The cost of the picnic is $5.00 for a full course meal catered by Pine Ridge Lodge. The outstanding Senior Awards Ceremony will be held at 1:00pm. Order your tickets from Marge at 218-562-4234. Deadline is Monday, July 14 .

The 21st Annual Mission Fire Fair will be held on Saturday, July 19 beginning at 11:30am at Mission Park, located 7-miles north of Merrifield on County Road 3, then 1-mile east on Mission Park Drive. There will be door prizes all afternoon with fire department and EMS demos taking place. A Safe House and North Air Helicopter will be on display. A roast pork dinner, brats, popcorn and drinks along with games, auctions, and contests throughout the day. The event is sponosred by the Mission Township Firefighters Relief Association.

The EcoSquared Fair is scheduled for July 17 - 19 at the Cass County Fair in Pine River, sponsored by the Hunt Utilities Group. They are planning a great line-up of workshops on various topics, focused on living more sustainably. There are still spaces available for exhibitors and vendors. For more information, call 218-587-2303 or visit www.exosquared.org.

The AARP Safe Driving Program (formerly known as 55 Alive) will hold a 4-hour refresher course on Tuesday, July 22 from 8:30am - 12:30pm at the Lakes Area Senior Citizens Center in Brainerd and Wednesday, July 23 from noon - 4:00pm at the Nisswa Community Center in Nisswa. The cost is $10.00 per person. For information and registration, contact Dell Draves of the Nisswa Lions Club between 8:30am - 7:00pm at 218-568-4732.

Deep Portage Learning Center near Hackensack is sponsoring a Forkhorn III Deer Hunting Camp for ages 14-16 July 27 - August 1, sponsored by the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association. For more information, contact Deep Portage at 218-682-2325 or visit their website at www.deep-portage.org.

The Crosslake-Pequot Lakes & Fifty Lakes American Legions are hosting the American Legion Region 6 Section II Baseball Tournament on July 31 - August 3. All games will be played either in Crosslake or in Pequot Lakes. The Legions are seeking sponsors for this event. For more information, contact Bea Paul at 218-562-4167.

Eco Camp for kids is happing in August with Session One for kids entering grades 3 - 5 on August 4 - 8. Session Two for kids entering grades 6 - 8 on August 11 - 15. For more information contact Happy Dancing Turtle at 218-587-2303 or visit www.happydancingturtle.org.

Light of the Cross Lutheran Church, Garrison, is sponsoring the 1st Annual Consignment/Donation Auction on Saturday, August 9, 2008 starting at 10:00 am in the church parking lot. The Auction is open to consignments or donations from the community at large. Items can be dropped off on Friday, August 8, at the church parking lot. Trader Jack Huber will be calling the auction. Food and Refreshments will be available. If you have questions, please call 218.678.3550 or 218.678.3492.

There will be a Corn Fest Parade on August 9 in Backus, sponsored by the Corn Fest Committee. They are looking for entries and floats into the parade. The theme this year is Colonel Cobber for President. Contact the Corn Fest Committee, PO Box 98, Backus, MN, 56435, no later than August 7.

The 3rd Annual Dru Sjodin Golf Event will be held Sunday, August 10 with a shotgun start at 12:00pm at Whitefish Golf Club. This event promotes awareness and prevention of violence against women and children. $350.00 per team of 3, which includes 18 holes of golf, steak dinner, drink ticket, ticket to a concert by GB Leighton from 8:00pm to 11:00pm at Moonlight Bay in Crosslake. Concert tickets for non-golfers will be $15.00 at the door. For more information, call Dave Jacobson at 218-820-7243 or Eli Loven at 218-820-6834.

A Recruitment Rally for the 1st Annual Cuyuna Range CROP Walk For Hunger will be held on Sunday, August 10 from 7:00pm - 8:00pm at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Crosby. The CROP walk will be held on Sunday, October 8 with much of the funds raised to support the Crosby Food Shelf. For more information, contact Paul Mattson at 218-546-6010.

Continuing Education

If you live in the Pequot Lakes School District and have a child that will be entering Kindergarten this Fall and have not received a registration form, call 218-562-6100 for more information.

Crosby Ironton Community Education offers Adult Basic Education (ABE) and General Education Diploma (GED) classes at the Hallett Library in Crosby, each Monday that the library is open. Classes are held from 4-6PM and are individually paced and offered at no cost. For more information, call C-I Community Education at 218-545-8822. Pequot Lakes also offers these classes. Call Community Ed at 568-9366 for more information.

General Announcements

For the summer, Grace United Methodist Church of Pequot Lakes will hold two worship services every Sunday at 8:30am and 10:00am. A Coffee Fellowship will be held at 9:30am every Sunday with this schedule in effect through August 24. For more information, call Don Peterson at 218-765-3405.

Area businesses are reminded to participate in a special Minnesota event, the annual "Veterans Career Fair," scheduled for October 9 from 11:00am - 4:30pm at the Earle Brown Heritage Center in Brooklyn Center. Don't miss this opportunity to show your company's patriotism and promote your products and services. For more information, call Gary at 763-785-6465 or e-mail at gary.quernemoen@state.mn.us.

The Riverwood Foundation in Aitkin reminds you to consider the Zachary Johnson Kids with Cancer Fund, started in 1993 because Zachary was diagnosed with Leukemia, and his parents saw a need to help other families dealing with a childhood illness. For more information, contact the Riverwood Foundation in Aitkin at 218-927-5554 or visit www.riverwoodhealthcare.com.

There are many people living on fixed incomes, such as Social Security Disability, who may not have resources to rely on with sky rocketing gas prices and fuel oil. The Disability Linkage Line of Minnesota wil help located disability services and information for person with special needs with a simple phone call. For more information, call 1-866-333-2466. One of the call centers for this service is in Brainerd.

Brainerd Senior Citizens Dance Club holds dances on the first and third Wednesday of each month from 2pm-5pm at the Brainerd Eagle's Club. Music provided by good old-time bands. Just $5.00 per person.

Families Anonymous Support Group is a for family members who are dealing with a loved one's drug/alcohol addiction. The group meets on Mondays, 6:30pm - 7:30pm at Sportland Cafe, corner of Highway 371 and CR 13 in Nisswa. For more information, call Sue at 218-831-2364.

If gambling is destroying you or someone you care about, you're invited to consider Brainerd Gamblers Anonymous . Meetings are held Monday and Friday evenings at 7PM at the First Congregational Church at 5th and Juniper in Brainerd. For more information, call Scott B. at 218-828-1152.

The Pequot Lakes Area Senior Citizen Van Program is looking for volunteer drivers. If you can drive an 8-passenger van, have a valid Minnesota Drivers License and a good driving record, you can help. Call Ivanna at 562-6109.

Learn what you need to know about C-T scans, M-R-I, ultrasound, mammography and other radiology tests or treatments by visiting www.radiologyinfo.org. This site tells you what to expect from your procedure in clear and detailed way.

The Brainerd Area Crisis Line needs volunteers. The mission of the Crisis Line and Referral Service is to provide confidential and anonymous telephone support to people in distress and crisis, and to serve as a lifeline for positive change by connecting their clients to area resources. The Crisis Line is currently recruiting line volunteers. If you're interested in giving back to your community right from home, call the Crisis Line Executive Director, Mary Marana at 218-828-4515.

Take part in the summer tourist season by becoming an official Minnesota Historical Society "Sesqui-Scout." Visit one of 26 historic sites and museums and earn a "Sesqui-Scout" badge. Use the badge to receive discounts on future visits to all sites, all summer long. The summer long program runs through Labor Day. For more information, visit www.mnhs.org/sesqui.