August 2012
August festivals invite you to head north
The north woods have been blessed with rain this summer. Our geographic good fortune keeps us humble as showers bring an abundance of wildflowers and maintain the rich green landscape. Still most days are perfect for playing on the water with cool nights for walking, bonfires and sleeping under the stars. August promises more of the same plus weekends filled with festivals and other events that celebrate our cultural heritage.
Legends and Logging Days starts with Water Wars on Main Street Thursday, Aug. 9 and continues Friday and Saturday, Aug. 10-11 at the Antique Engine & Tractor Club’s East 40 Grounds where there is ample, free parking. The legendary Logging Days competition was Park Rapids’ signature event for 30 years, paying tribute to the area’s cultural heritage. The Chamber revived the celebration and this year’s Logging Days Championships will welcome world champions in competitive logging events. A master chainsaw sculpting exhibition and auction also invite spectators. Both days, live bands will entertain, playing folk rock, blues, bluegrass, Celtic, indie and other styles of music. Kids’ activities, food and art vendors, historic demonstrations, a Chili Cook-off and Hot Wings Contest, Loon Calling Contests, Loggers Breakfasts and more will round out the events. https://www.parkrapids.com/events/legendsloggingfestival.htm
2nd Street Stage, an evening of music, a beer garden, snacks and family activities on 2nd Street between Main Avenue and Highway 71 in downtown Park Rapids continues Aug. 9 following the Water Wars and Aug. 16 with the 4th annual Youth Music Concert.
https://parkrapids.com/second-street-stage.htm
The Northern Knights Car Club will host the 29th annual Run to the Rapids Friday and Saturday, Aug. 10-11 at the C’mon Inn and downtown Park Rapids. About 120 classic cars are expected to drive in Friday evening. The public is especially invited to the Show-n-shine Saturday morning on Main Street.
Other area communities are celebrating their culture and heritage in August. The Pine Point Traditional Powwow provides colorful viewing Aug. 11-12 and Nevis’ Northwoods Triathlon invites spectators as competitors swim, bike and run for prizes Aug. 11. Wolf Lake welcomes you to their Harvest Festival Aug. 17-19 or head to the Annual Lake Itasca Region Pioneer Farmers’ Show near the north entrance of Itasca State Park that weekend.
If it’s culture you crave, the Noon Hour Concert series continues Thursdays, Aug. 9 and 23; Youth Music & Arts Showcase IV will take place Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Aug. 16-18; and the Art Fair at the Winery (Forestedge) entertains Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 18 and 19. The Nemeth Art Center (formerly North Country Museum of Arts) is featuring Midwest Multiples, a juried show of contemporary prints, artist books and other artworks from Minnesota, North Dakota, Iowa, Wisconsin and Michigan, through Aug. 30. Live theater and other events add to the season’s cultural offerings.
And all this is just a sample of the 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, the Park Rapids Lakes Area 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.