Chamber Blog

January 2012
Cabin fever reliever

Snow is falling as 2012 begins and we’re hoping for enough to welcome winter recreation enthusiasts to hit the trails as we glide into a new year. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources updates snow and trail conditions in weekly reports posted after 2 p.m. every Thursday at www.dnr.state.mn.us/snow_depth/index.html.

The ice on area lakes is thickening. Fish houses dot the ice near shore and will spread farther out as temperatures fall to more normal winter digits.

Our winter lodging facilities are open as a cabin fever remedy no matter what Mother Nature brings. Warm up by the fire or in the pool, hot tub or sauna and enjoy the area’s fine dining, fun shops and more to do.

If you time your stay, you can sample one of the following fun winter activities:

Lantern lit skiing/snowshoeing events and naturalist programs are on the January calendar at Itasca State Park. For details about winter activities in the park, call 218-699-7251 or go to www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/itasca/index.html.

Open houses are planned Sundays, Jan. 8 and 22 and Feb. 5 and 19 at Soaring Eagle Ski Trails north of Park Rapids. Bring your own skis or check out the club’s ski equipment. The Park Rapids Area Library and Itascatur Ski, Bike & Run Club are working together on a free Legacy program at 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12 at Soaring Eagle Ski Trails. Charlotte Wolf, musher and veterinary technician, will do a brief presentation on the history of Minnesota dog sledding and offer dog sled rides. Depending on the size of the group, part of the program may take place in the warming house. For more information about Soaring Eagle Ski Trails, visit itascatur.org.

Menahga’s Family Fishing Derby on Spirit Lake offers prizes, including $500 cash for the third largest fish caught, and a day of fishing fun from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21. Boy Scouts will serve food on site and the Menahga VFW will host a fish fry in the evening.

In the evening Saturday, Jan. 28, the Forest Riders Snowmobile Club hosts the annual SnoDeo Weekend Dance at the Eagles Club in Park Rapids.

And remember to buy tickets for the 14th Annual Park Rapids American Legion Community Fishing Contest on Fish Hook Lake Saturday, Feb. 4. The contest offers more than $110,000 in prizes. Grand prizes in this year's raffle are a 2012 Ford XLT truck and an Ice Castle fish house. Other raffle prizes, including $5,000 cash prizes, will be awarded. Polaris ATVs top the list of prizes in all four divisions: bluegill & crappie; northern, walleye & largemouth bass; perch; and rock bass. In conjunction with the fishing contest, the American Legion also sponsors a Medallion Treasure Hunt, starting Wednesday, Jan. 4. Tickets for the fishing contest at $40 each are available at the American Legion or call 218-732-3360. For more information, go to www.parkrapidsamericanlegion.com.

The Chamber Website provides information about trail riding and cross country skiing possibilities as well as available lodging, dining and other things to see and do while you’re here. If you’ve resolved to celebrate winter and need help planning a memorable and affordable visit or if you have questions, call our friendly staff at 800-247-0054 to learn more.

Labels: Community Ice fishing contest, Snowmobile trails, winter activities

December 2011 ‘Nature gives to every season, a beauty all its own’

It is Charles Dickens who wrote: “Nature gives to every season, a beauty all its own.” In December, colorful sunrises crown shortened days and sunsets silhouette the landscape. We are waiting for more than a dusting of snow to give snowmobilers, cross-country skiers and other outdoor enthusiasts the Christmas gift they want most. The ice is beginning to thicken so anglers patiently wait. It is a busy, but joyous time of the year. Most of us whittle away at our to do lists and fill our calendars with activities that make the season bright from decorating the tree to gathering with friends. For those who shop here, the Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce Jingle Bells Sweepstakes offers five $1,000 prizes and one $5,000 prize. Participating businesses are giving customers a ticket for each $10 spent in their stores. The lucky winners will be announced at a celebration Dec. 15 at Century School. Hundreds of people gather at this annual community evening of food, music, fun and door prizes. A weekend or a week here to embrace the joys of the season, experience nature and take life at a different pace may be the best gift to you and yours for the holidays. Some may want to hit the trails. Others would prefer a concert, go to a play or find church ladies selling homemade lefse. Visitors are always welcome to share the culture of those who live here and enjoy the area’s natural beauty. All season, Park Rapids’ giant tree brightens Main Street on winter nights and stands as a symbol of small town cheer and good will, lighting the way to a New Year. Take time in December to smell the hot chocolate or celebrate the arrival of a New Year. If you need help planning a memorable and affordable visit or if you have questions, call our friendly staff at 800-247-0054 to learn more.

November 2011
Pleasures change with the seasons

Fall has crept across the landscape this year with uncommonly warm days and frost free nights. Clear blue skies heighten the brilliance of gold tamarack needles and colorful leaves linger. Some wildflowers bloomed again, confused by the mild conditions.
For many of those fortunate enough to live here year round, the days ahead are filled with preparations for the firearms deer hunting opener. Hunters unpack their gear and kitchens warm from the steam of boiling pots and heated ovens. Some prepare for the arrival of family and friends for the opener. Others cook and bake for church basement feasts of chili or turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes and pie.
After the final “harvest” of the season, quiet descends. You can’t measure it or take a picture of it or even really describe it, but the true quiet of the north woods brings a certain calm to hectic days.
And it’s always a good time to head north to enjoy the outdoors, relax or enjoy some local culture. There’s a lot to see and do.

Jingle Bells Sweepstakes tickets are now in most stores in and around Park Rapids. The Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber presents the annual Jingle Bells promotion, sponsored by area businesses. The sweepstakes offers a $10,000 cash giveaway of five $1,000 prizes and one $5,000 prize in a drawing and gala celebration on Thursday, December 15, 2011 at Century School in Park Rapids.

Merchants welcome early shoppers to savor the hometown-style atmosphere you will find downtown where personal service, free gift wrapping and friendly smiles await as you fill those Christmas wish lists.

A Park Rapids tradition continues with Peppermint & Pinecones craft show for “hunting widows” Friday and Saturday, Nov. 11 and 12 at Century School.

The Arts Downtown PR series will continue Thursday, Nov. 17 in downtown Park Rapids. This event is designed to bring audiences to see and hear visual artists, musicians, writers and other artists in businesses in downtown Park Rapids on the Third Thursday of the month year round. A schedule will be available at downtown businesses and the Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber office as well as on the Park Rapids Downtown Business Association website (www.parkrapidsdowntown.com).

The Park Rapids Community Band will bring in the spirit of the season at a winter concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, November 20, 2011 at the Area High School Auditorium.

Another activity sure to bring smiles is Park Rapids’ annual Hospice Light Up a Life tree lighting on Main Street the Friday after Thanksgiving. This tradition comes with caroling, a Live Nativity production, a Santa visit and merchants offering hot cider and other treats in their stores as part of a Yuletide Sampler. After the tree lighting ceremony, the giant tree stands as a symbol of small town cheer and good will, lighting the way to a New Year.

Many other activities and seasonal events are on the November calendar. The Chamber Website has all the information you need to put together a memorable vacation or weekend visit. If you want help or have questions, call our friendly staff at 800-247-0054 to learn more.

Labels: Arts Downtown Park Rapids, Christmas Tree Lighting, Community Band Concert, Craft Fair, Jingle Bells Promotion, Shopping

October 2011
Fantastic fall days

The only word for fall in the north woods right now is fantastic. With leaves turned deep red, golden yellow and bright orange, the sky looks brighter blue than ever and lakes mirror nature’s changing palette.

It’s time to hike, bike or simply gaze at the wonder of it all and let your senses take in the comforting scent of crisp fall days and appreciate the fact that the only sounds you hear are the crunch of leaves and pine needles under your feet, the occasional chatter of squirrels getting ready for winter or geese overhead noisily winging their way southward.

Some hunters have already headed to the woods and water, paddlers relish one more morning cruise around the lake, anglers fish one more time on a sunny afternoon and we burn logs in the fireplace to warm up.

The Park Rapids Lakes Area remains a beautiful, peaceful place to head outdoors, relax or enjoy some local culture. There’s always lots to see and do.

Every Saturday in October, Carters Red Wagon Farm (14766 119th Avenue) is hosting Pumpkin Parties. All your favorite activities - wagon rides, live scare crows, the pumpkin propeller, photo ops, concessions and more - offer family fun. You’ll also find a sunflower maze, straw bale maze and a 4.5-acre corn maze in the shape of Minnesota and a loon! A concession stand is also available with homemade treats, all-beef hot dogs, soup, cider and more.

A legendary Czech band, Druha Trava, will launch a month-long, U.S. tour with a concert at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13 at the Park Rapids Area High School auditorium. Tickets will be available at the door.

The Minnesota Folklore Theater Children’s Theater will present the beloved play, “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” Oct. 14-23.

The Arts Downtown PR series will continue from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20 in downtown Park Rapids. This event is designed to bring audiences to see and hear visual artists, musicians, writers and other artists in businesses in downtown Park Rapids on the Third Thursday of the month year round. A schedule of times various artists will be performing will be available at downtown businesses and the Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber office as well as on the Park Rapids Downtown Business Association website (www.parkrapidsdowntown.com). The public is invited to participate in these events and encouraged to make a free will donation to the artists.

Main Street businesses will hand out treats to colorful, costumed characters from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 31 celebrating Halloween.

Many other activities and events to celebrate fall are on the October calendar. The Chamber Website has all the information you need to put together a memorable vacation or weekend visit. If you want help or have questions, call our friendly staff at 800-247-0054 to learn more.

Labels: Arts Downtown Park Rapids, Fall color tour, Halloween, Live theater shows, Pumplin Party

September 2011
Bring on September

Mother Nature will soon be washing the northern landscape with fall colors so breathtaking you won’t be able to resist a drive, bike ride or walk to take them all in. Later in the month, we will celebrate the area’s outdoors, arts and cultural resources supported by the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment as part of Legacy Destination Weekend.

The scenery is spectacular and the mosquitoes are gone. Lakes and rivers mirror their surroundings, reflecting the change of seasons. Purple asters, goldenrod and sumac’s red spikes accent country roads. And geese and ducks will soon be making their noisy overhead formations, preparing to depart.

The small community of Nimrod hosts an end-of-summer bash like no other over the Labor Day weekend. The theme for the 33rd Annual Jubilee Days Celebration is “Still Revvin’ in 2011.” Festivities include a bull ride, parade, mud run, fireworks and much more along the banks of the beautiful Crow Wing River. A canoe race has been added to Sunday’s schedule of events this year.

The Fall Classic Fishing Tournament on Long Lake lands on Saturday, Sept. 10.

Akeley will celebrate its 4th Annual Hay Days Friday and Saturday, Sept. 16 and 17. Or sign up for a Cowgirl Weekend Sept. 16-18 at Toad Mountain Ranch. Fall fun begins Sept. 24 with a Pumpkin Party at Carter’s Red Wagon Farm and continue every Saturday through October. In additon to live scare crows, a pumpkin propeller, concessions and other activities, experience a sunflower maze, a straw bale maze and a 4.5-acre corn maze in the shape of Minnesota and a loon.

Legacy Destination Weekend will feature annual events and several special activities Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 23-25.

The 31st Annual Headwaters 100 bike ride Saturday, Sept. 24 will depart from Century School for 100-mile, 75-mile and 45-mile rides and provide an opportunity for a beautiful ride in a well-organized event, sponsored by the Itascatur Ski, Bike and Run Club.

On Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 25 & 26, the Park Rapids Lakes Area Arts Council will sponsor the 6th Annual Art Leap, a driving tour of artists’ studios and other cultural destinations.

Additional events will include a Celebration of the Arts in conjunction with Kinship’s annual spaghetti dinner at the Century School Friday, a production celebrating the Northern Light Opera Company’s 10th anniversary Saturday and the opening concert of the Heartland Concert Association’s 30th season Sunday.

For details about these and other Legacy Destination Weekend events, go to www.parkrapids.com/legacyevent.htm.

Many other activities and events are on the September calendar. Or just head north for a stay and enjoy listening to the pine cones plopping to the ground below, the special scent of the fall afternoon air, the sight of early morning fog on lakes and fields, the sound of geese flying overhead and the feel of a warm campfire.

The Chamber Website has all the information you need to put together a memorable vacation or weekend visit. If you want help or have questions, call our friendly staff at 800-247-0054 to learn more.

Labels: fall happenings, Park Rapids Vacation destination

July 2011

Fantastic fireworks, the county fair, festivals, theater and more fill the July calendar. The Park Rapids Lakes Area celebrates summer like no other place and it’s all in a setting of crystal clear lakes, beautiful beaches, fresh northwoods air and star-spangled night sky.
The PBR Challenger Tour Bull Ride kicks off the 4th of July weekend in Park Rapids. Talented and brave cowboys pit their skills against some of the world’s best bucking bulls July 1, 2 and 3, followed by dances nightly at the Jokela Rodeo & Auction Grounds.
From the Firecracker Footrace at dawn to the fabulous fireworks at dusk, Independence Day promises picnics and time at the lake. Then visitors can head into Park Rapids for the Old-Fashioned Parade starting at 5 p.m. on Main Avenue, the Park Rapids Area Community Band Pre-fireworks Concert at Red Bridge Park at 7:30 and the Rotary Fireworks display at dusk.
The Hubbard County Fair opens Wednesday, July 6 with midway fun, a tractor pull, demolition derby, 4-H and other exhibits and more through Sunday, July 10.

Menahga’s Midsummer Festival runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 8-10. Or cheer for a winner at the Pig Races in Nevis Sunday, July 10 and return for Nevis’ 60st Annual Muskie Days Friday and Saturday, July 22-23.

The Lake George Blueberry Festival rounds out the month’s festivities Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 29-31.

If it’s culture you crave, check the calendar for dates for Arts Downtown PR, performances at Long Lake Theater and Jasper’s, exhibits at the Nemeth Art Center (formerly North Country Museum of Arts), an encore performance of Patsy Cline shows and productions of “On Golden Pond” at the Minnesota Folklore Theater, the Northern Light Opera Company’s productions of “The Music Man” and other events.

While July offers lots to see and do in the area, you may want to just stay at the lake to relax, unwind and watch the clouds float by. It’s up to you.

The Chamber Website has all the information you need to put together a memorable vacation or weekend visit. If you want help or have questions, call our friendly staff at 800-247-0054 to learn more.

Labels: 4th of July, Bullride, July Events

NEWS RELEASE
Park Rapids Lakes Area Arts Council


Arts Downtown PR planned June 16
The Arts Downtown PR series will continue from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 16 in downtown Park Rapids.
Enjoy Natalie Roy’s stylings on the piano from 5 to 5:30 and 6 to 6:30 p.m. at Bella Caffè, 116 3rd Street West.
Dawn Rossbach, member of the Menahga Arts Guild and Menahga School art instructor, will show her art work at The Good Life Cafe from 5 to 7 p.m. From 5:30 to 6 p.m., Sandra Perez will give a presentation on the Art of Making Goat Cheese and from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Eric Bervig, aka Chasing Clarence, will play his original blend of folk jazz at The Good Life Cafe, 220 South Main Ave.
The Arc in Bemidji will bring “Opening Doors…” to Blank Canvas Gallery & Education Center. This art project was conceived, designed, named and painted by 25 adults with developmental disabilities. The two-sided mural is painted on re-purposed interior doors and signifies the desire to open doors to all people in all aspects of their lives regardless of their abilities. The front of the mural depicts love of Minnesota. Individual collage art is centered around the collectively chosen theme of power and each interpreted power in collage form. The back of the mural shows the many emotions that are a part of life with a disability and were chosen during design for their variety of shapes, colors and features, representing the diversity of people including people with disabilities. Participants in this art project are from Park Rapids, Nevis, Bemidji, Mahnomen, Shevlin and Bagley. Blank Canvas Gallery & Education Center is located at 311 South Main Ave.
Arts Downtown PR is designed to bring audiences to see and hear visual artists, musicians, writers and other artists in businesses in downtown Park Rapids on the Third Thursday of the month year round. The public is invited to attend and encouraged to make a free will donation to the artists. Contact Lu Ann Hurd-Lof at 652-4081, luann47@gmail.com.
This activity is funded, in part, by the Minnesota arts and cultural heritage fund as appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on Nov. 4, 2008.

Labels: Arts Downtown, free entertainment, music, Park Rapids Lakes Area Main Street