March is Minnesota Food Share Month with a goal of 60,000 pounds/dollars from this event.  To participate in this drive, food and monetary donation can be brought to the Salvation Army, located at 208 S. 5th Street between the hours of 8 – 12pm and 1- 4pm.  Monetary donations can also be sent to The Salvation Army…PO Box 385…Brainerd, MN  56401.  All donations stay local. Food shelves can stretch donations of cash further than donations of food because of their access to discount products and programs.  For more information call Bonnie at 829-1120.

Crow Wing County Community Services Health Division will be holding Walk In Flu Clinics (H1N1 and Seasonal) at the Crow Wing County Public Health office located at 204 Laurel Street, Suite 12, Brainerd MN from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM on the following Wednesdays in March: March 10th , 17th  & 31st. For more information please call the Crow Wing County 24 Hour Flu Hotline at (218) 822-7022 or (218) 824-1080

If your child is 3 or 4 years old, ISD #181 needs to hear from you.  MN Law states that early childhood screening be offered in every school district.  You are encourage to make this free appointment that includes checking your child’s immunization, growth, hearing and vision as well as skills in thinking, communication and language, large and small muscles, and social/emotional development.  Registration with the district for your child’s kindergarten year is part of the appointment.  Call the Early Childhood Center at 454-5430 to make an appointment.
(thru March)

The Pequot Lakes Festival of the Arts has been a community wide celebration of artistic talent for 27-years and will be held on Thursday, April 8 at 5:30pm to 8:00pm.  Local artists are encouraged to set up a display and show their artistry.  Visual artists who would like a table, should call Dave Guenther at 218-568-9252.  Performing artists or groups should call Chris Nick at 218-562-6170. Reserve your place in the festival by Mid-March. 

The 9th annual Hallet Center & Kinship Partners Chili-Cook-Off will be held on Tues., March 23 at the Hallet Center from 11 – 1pm. The cost to sample some great chili will be $4 for adults; $2 for youth and kids under 6 are free.  The cost to enter your chili is only $10and is limited to the first 30 teams. Proceeds to benefit the Hallet Center & Kinship Partners.  For more information call Maurice at
the Hallett Center -  218.546.2616.

Through  March 28, Grand Casino, Mille Lacs and Grand Casino Hinckley will be running the “Add a Quarter to Your Order” promotion.  It works like this, guests and associations will have an option to add a quarter their order each time they dine at one of the food venues, and all proceeds will go to benefit Second Harvest North Central Food Bank near Grand Casino Mille Lacs and the Family Pathways Food Shelf in Hinckley.  Grand Casino will be matching your donations.

The American Cancer Society is again sponsoring Daffodil Days the week of March 15.  The donation for a bunch of daffodils this year is $10.00.  If you're interested in purchasing a bunch of daffodils or want more information, call Glenda Schmidt in Pequot Lakes at 218-568-8701 during the daytime. 


Brainerd Parks and Recreation is asking people who have used ice skates in good condition to donate them to the skating rinks for children to use who have no skates or can’t afford them. You can drop the used ice skates at the Brainerd Parks and Recreation office at Lum Park and they will clean them up, sharpen them and distribute them to the ice skating rinks.  Parks & Rec is in need of the smaller children’s skates, either figure or hockey skates.


Pre-registrations are now being accepted for the 46th Annual Staples Rotary Arts Show April 30 - May 2 in the lobby of Centennial Auditorium in Staples. For pre-registration or to have a brochure mailed to you, call Jim Hofer at 218-894-1152 or email jmhofer@charter.net. Exhibits will be accepted from 3-8 p.m. Thursday, April 29.  Artists may exhibit their work or enter it for juried competition. Exhibited art may also be for sale. There is no limit to the number of items artists may exhibit in the non-juried portion of the art show and there is no fee for non-juried items.  The show will be open to the public from noon to 5 p.m., Friday, April 30; from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday, May 1; and from noon.-4 p.m., Sunday, May 2. Artists may pick up their exhibits from 4-5 p.m. Sunday.

Pine River Market Square: a local growers’ and crafters’ market is busy preparing for the 2010 season. The market will run Fridays, May 28-Septembert 24 and potentially October Fridays, weather pending. The times have changed to 2:30-6:30pm and will be on the same site downtown Pine River, Barclay Ave and Third Street. Farmers and crafters who qualify and are within 50 miles of Pine River are welcome for the up-coming season. A Market Vendor Information Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 20, 6:30pm at the Hunt Utilities Group campus located on Co Rd 2 in Pine River off Hwy   The kick off on Friday, May 28 will feature the 3rd Annual Plant Sale hosted by the Pine River Garden Club and Community Education.. Proceeds will go for a horticulture student scholarship and a portion to scholarships for Pine River-Backus Community Education summer youth programs
. For further information on the market go to www.prmarketsquare.wordpress.com, or call 218-587-3199.

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MONDAY 3.8
Lakes Area Habitat for Humanity will begin building the first home of 2010 on Mon., March 8th near Merrifield.  Shifts for the first week of framing are 8:30am-noon and 1:00-4:30pm.  15-25 volunteers are needed for each shift.  Volunteers can sign up individually or as a group.  The build will take approximately six weeks.  For more information or to sign up for a shift, contact Laurie Ziebell, Volunteer Coordinator at 218-828-8517 or on the web at www.lakesareahabitat.org.

The Morrison County Genealogy Society of offering another series of genealogy classes in the Motley area on Monday evenings; March 8, April 12 & May 10 from 6:30 – 8:30pm.  Find out how to get started, where to begin your research, gather records and more.  Contact Julie at Staples-Motley Community Education to register.  Cost for this class is $10.  For more information contact Pat at 320-632-3360.

TUESDAY 3.9

The Acting Co. & Guthrie Theatre will present “Romeo and Juliet” at Central Lakes College in Brainerd on Tue., March 9 in the Chalberg at 7:30pm.  Tickets for general admission seating is $20 in advance, $25 the day of the performance and $10 for CLC and other college students, plus those attending District 181 and are available from the CLC Box Office at 218-855-8199.

Are you feeling left behind in this technology era? Tuesday, March 9, Unlimited Learning is offering a class to bring you "up-to-speed" at the Hallett Community Center in Crosby.  The event is scheduled from 1:30pm - 3:30pm.   For more information, call Larry Foote at 218-678-3034.

WEDNESDAY 3.10

The Mille Lacs Indian Museum & Trading Post will conduct a Hand Drum Workshop on Saturday & Sunday, March 13 & 14.  Learn some techniques of working with rawhide in this two day workshop.  Registration is required by March 10.  For more information and registration, call 320-532-3632.

 

THURSDAY 3.11

"Woodworking for Wildlife," Homes for birds and animals will be presented by Carrol Henderson, DNR Nongame Wildlife Program Supervisor on Thursday, March 11 at 7:00pm at the Northland Arboretum Visitor Center in the upstairs meeting room.  This program is free and open to all interested persons.  For more information, call the Arboretum at 218-829-8770.


There will be a wine tasting event supporting the Legacy Chorale of Greater Minnesota on Thurs., March 11 at Prairie Bay in Baxter from 4:30 – 6:30pm.  Presented in part by Cash Wise Liquor & Prairie Bay.


The Brainerd Legion all-you-can-eat bologna feed will be from 3-7 p.m. Thurs., March11. Cost: $7.

FRIDAY 3.12

Holy Cross Church of Harding will be having a fish fry on Fri., March 12 at the Brickyard Bar in Pierz.  Serving will be from 4 – 8pm.  Cost for adults $8, children 6-12 $4 and 5 & under are free.  There will also be a silent auction.


The Kiwanis Club of Little Falls hosts their Annual all you can eat Fish Fry on Friday, March 12 from 4 – 7pm, or until gone at the Little Falls VFW.  Cost: adults $8; children over 5:  $4.50 & children under 5 will be free.  Everyone welcome!

The Brainerd VFW Auxiliary fish fry will be 5:30pm until gone Friday, March 12 at the VFW Home Post, 309 S. Sixth St., Brainerd. Cost is $8.

The Pequot Lakes Community Theatre production of "Peter Pan" wraps up this weekend. Performances March 12 & 13 at 7:00pm, and March 14 at 2:00pm.  Tickets available through Pequot Lakes Community Education at 218-568-9200, at a cost of $12.00 for adults; $10.00 for Seniors (60 & over); and $8.00 for youth (age 18 & under).  Tickets also available at the door one hour before each performance. 

Critically-acclaimed composer, performer and writer, Elisa Korenne, will perform her "Minnesota Ordinarily Unsung" concert on Thurs., March 11 at the Brainerd Library at 6:30pm.  Kitchigami Regional Library System and the Longville Library are proud this special concert with funds from the Legacy Grant Program and is free of charge.  For more information, call 218/587-2171.

Bluegrass and country music from Dick Kimmel and Jerilyn Kjellberg will be the featured show in the Spring season of Grassroots Concerts in Nisswa on Friday, March 12.  The group will take the sate at the Live Well Nightclub and Coffee Bar at 7:30pm.  Doors open at 6:30pm. All concerts start at 7:30pm.  Admission is $10.00 at the door.  For more information, visit www.grassrootsconcerts.org. 

 

SATURDAY 3.13
The Pine River Friends of the Library Foundation will be hosting their annual Wine & Beer Tasting with silent auction at the AmericInn Lodge & Suites.  The event will take place on Sat., March 13 from 6 - 8pm.  Advance tickets can be purchased at the library for $15 or at the door for $17. Friends will receive $2 off the ticket price.  Proceeds will be used to continue with the Roof Project. For more information call the PR Library at 218-587-4639.

The next Grassroots Concert Series will feature Dick Kimmel & Jerilyn Kjellberg on Fri., March 13 at the Live Well Nightclub & Coffee Bar in Nisswa starting at6:30pm. At all shows, seating is first-come, first-served.   Cost;$10.00 at the door for adults and $5.00 for children under 12 with listening attention, when accompanied by an adult. Grassroots welcomes your non-perishable food (or cash) donation to a local food shelf.  For more information, visit www.grassrootsconcerts.org. 

Crosslake's 36th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade & Celebration

Monday-Saturday, March 8-13

 

 

Pot O’Gold Treasure Hunt in Crosslake

 

Find the Pot-O Gold and win $100 in Chamber Bucks! Clues posted daily at 9 a.m., at Crosslake area merchants, and at all Brainerd Lakes Chamber Offices.

 

 

 

Saturday, March 13 

 

7 a.m. - Noon

Crosslake FireFighter’s Pancake Breakfast

Crosslake Lutheran Church

7:30 a.m.

RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon Tether Rides (weather permiting)

Manhattan Beach Lodge

11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Leprechaun Coloring Contest

American Legion

11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Maucieri’s Food & Beverage Cart

Town Square

11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Food & Beverage Garden

Whitefish Lodge & Suites

11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Edina Foundation Brat & Pop Sale

Edina Realty

Noon - 2 p.m.

Live Music by SKATYRS

Town Square

2 p.m.

36th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Parade Route

Following Parade

Live Music by S.T.A.R.T. Band

Maucieri’s

3 - 7 p.m.

Live Music by Tim Mahoney

Manhattan’s


The 19th Annual Men & Boys Wild Game Potkluck Banquet will be held on Saturday, March 13 starting with events at 4:00pm, including a youth archery shoot and displays.  Hors d' oeuvres will be served at 5:00pm with dinner at 6:00pm.  There will be a guest speaker to round out the evening.  The event will be held in the Trailside Center, next to the Pequot Lakes Baptist church.  For more information, call 568-4794.


There will be an introduction to beekeeping class on Sat., March 13 from  - 5pm at the Northland Arboretum Visitor’s Center. Presented by H.G “Harry” Meyer, Shawn Strong and members of the North Central Beekeepers.  Learn what you need to start up beekeeping – from equipment to the bees.  Cost is $3 for Arb Members and $5 for non-members.  Advance registration requested, walk-ins welcome if there is room.  Call Peg at 829-8770 or email arboretum@brainerd.net.

The Merrifield Lions will have a spaghetti dinner fundraiser to benefit the Merrifield Lions Park on Sat., March 13 from 4 – 8pm at the Merrifield Marathons Building on County Rd 3.  Cost: $7 and for those 10 & under - $4.


THURSDAY 3.18

The Good Samaritan Society – Woodland Annual Brat Sale will be held on Thur., March 18 from 10:30 – 2pm.  Cost is $2.50 for a brat & pop.  Eat in or have your order of 10 or more delivered to your door.  Call 829-1429.  Proceeds to benefit Resident Library Equipment.

 

FRIDAY 3.19

Pine River-Backus Renaissance Festival will be held on Fri., March 19 from 5 – 8:30pm in the PRB Commons & gym.  Royal Procession at 6pm with the Madrigal Choral Performance at 7:30pm.  There will be games, vendors and activities.  There is a $2 donation at the door (max. $10/family).  Co-sponsored by the PRB Language & Music programs, and Community Education.

The Cuyuna Range Chamber of Commerce Trade & Sport Show will be Friday & Saturday, March 19 & 20.  Hours Friday: 1 – 7pm; Saturday 9 – 4pm. 

 

SATURDAY 3.20

There will be a benefit for Diane (Pettit) Bjerkness on Sat., March 20 start at 2pm at the Walter Scott Erickson Legion Post #557 in Deerwood.  Diane was diagnosed in August of 2009 with esophageal cancer.  Since that time she has had surgeries with extensive radiation and chemo, and is facing a long recovery.  Silent auction will be from 2 – 4pm with a spaghetti dinner from 4:30 – 6pm.  Cost is $6 per place.  All welcome.

Minneapolis Guitar Quartet will perform on Sat., March 20, starting at 7:30pm in the Pequot Lakes High School Auditorium. The Minneapolis Guitar Quartet, presented by GLAPA, will perform March 20, 2010. The quartet presents a range of musical genres the will leave you inspired--from Renaissance to Latin to contemporary.  For more information call 218.568.9200.

If you enjoy making messes, mixing different chemicals together and having fun, check out the Eewy Gooey science class held at the Staples-Motley High School on Sat., March 20 at either 9 -12pm or 1 -4pm.  Cost for the class is $17 and is open to students in 1st – 4th grade. For more information or to register, contact Julie at the Staples-Motley Community Education at 894-2497

 

SUNDAY 3.21

You are invited to a Favorite Game Quilt Party, sponsored by the St. Michael’s Christian Mothers/Women at 1pm on Sun., March 21 at the new parish center in Buckman.  Door prizes and free lunch provided.  For more information call Janice Janson at 320-468-6011.

The Relay for Life team is having a bingo fundraiser at 2pm on Sun., March 21 at the Pillager Community Center in Pillager. All proceeds are going to the American Cancer Society.


MONDAY 3.22
The Legacy Chorale of Greater Minnesota Presents its Annual Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser, Pasta, Pipes, and Pedals and Organ Recital on Monday, March 22, from  5- 7 PM at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Brainerd. $7 Adults, $3 Children under 12.  For more information, go to: www.legacychorale.org 

 

 

TUESDAY 3.23
The 9th annual Hallet Center & Kinship Partners Chili-Cook-Off will be held on Tues., March 23 at the Hallet Center from 11 – 1pm. The cost to sample some great chili will be $4 for adults; $2 for youth and kids under 6 are free.  The cost to enter your chili is only $10and is limited to the first 30 teams. Proceeds to benefit the Hallet Center & Kinship Partners.  For more information call Maurice at the Hallett Center -  218.546.2616.

 

WEDNESDAY 3.24

The Brainerd American Legion will host its 1st Annual "Fishing Frenzy" on Wednesday, March 24.  For tickets, call 218-829-2249.

The Brainerd Lakes Chamber will host the Lakes Area Job Fair, sponsored by BL Broadcasting, on Wed., March 24 from 9 – noon at Central Lakes College in Brainerd.  This event allows you to connect with area employers who will have booths promoting current and future job opportunities.  Come prepared to submit resumes and interview for a job on-site with local employers looking for summer, part-time and full time employees.  Businesses connect with area employees and promote your employment opportunities by reserving your booth space by contacting Mary Gottsch at mGottsch@ExploreBrainerdLakes.com or call 218-822-7117