August 2010
Festivals fill August weekends
We have enjoyed some of the most spectacular evenings ever this summer as the day’s heat melts away, dragonflies swoop in on a meal of mosquitoes, a breeze washes the air and the setting sun paints clouds with pastel colors.
August promises more of the same as the landscape slowly changes toward fall’s rich palette.
Festivals that celebrate our cultural heritage fill the month’s calendar.
Park Rapids will roll out the red carpet for an All-School Reunion. Every five years, organizers welcome alumni for a weekend of getting together with classmates, touring our growing community and having fun. Don’t be surprised to see a lot of button-wearing, smiling visitors Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 6-8.
The Park Rapids Antique Engine & Tractor Club hosts Field Days Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 7-8 at the East 40 Grounds on the east side of Park Rapids. Events, including field work using vintage implements and a tractor parade, may prompt you to reminisce about “the good old days” when small farms dotted the countryside and much of rural America thrived on an agriculture-based economy.
Legends and Logging Days starts Friday, Aug. 13 and continues Saturday, Aug. 14 at Red Bridge Park in Park Rapids. Logging is another cornerstone of Park Rapids’ heritage. The legendary Logging Days Competition was a signature event in Park Rapids for 30 years. After the great success of a comeback in 2008 and 2009, the logging event is back, bigger and better in 2010. The 33rd annual Logging Days Championships will welcome world champions in competitive logging events. A master chainsaw sculpting exhibition and auction also will entertain. This year event-goers will have a chance to win a beautiful northwoods quilt designed by Monika’s Quilt & Yarn Shop, a Stihl chainsaw donated by Park Ace Hardware and a stunning bench donated by Master Chainsaw Carver Ross Olsen. A magic show, water wars, a market place and food court will round out the two days of events.
The Northern Knights Car Club will host the 27th annual Run to the Rapids Friday and Saturday, Aug. 13 and 14 at the C’mon Inn and fairgrounds. Over 120 classic cars are expected to drive in Friday evening. The public is especially invited to the Show-n-shine Saturday morning at the fairgrounds.
Other area communities are celebrating their culture and heritage all weekend. Laporte offers Laporte Days Aug. 13-15, the Pine Point Traditional Powwow provides colorful viewing Aug. 13-15 and Wolf Lake’s annual Harvest Festival runs Aug. 13-15. The Nevis Triathlon invites spectators as competitors swim, bike and run for prizes Saturday, Aug. 14 and Sunday, Aug. 15 the Fish Hook Challenge Half Marathon & 5K Walk/Run takes off from Heartland Park in Park Rapids.
If it’s culture you crave, the Northern Light Opera Company’s productions of “Godspell” continue Aug. 5, 6 and 7 at Century School in Park Rapids. The Bemidji Symphony will perform in concert Monday, Aug. 9; the Noon Hour Concert series continues Thursdays, Aug. 12 and 26; Youth Music & Arts Showcase II will take place Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Aug. 19-21; and the Art Fair at the Winery (Forestedge) entertains Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 21 and 22. The North Country Museum of Arts is featuring an exhibit of artwork by 12 artists from four generations of the same family Aug. 7-28.
And all this is just a sample from a smorgasbord of activities and events planned all month long. So whether you want to just curl up with a good book or immerse yourself in some local culture, this is where to be in August.
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.