August 2022
Cultural experiences fill August weekends
Heartland Lakes area communities celebrate their heritage and culture on weekends
throughout August. Music, food, old-fashioned entertainment and more offer a chance
to dive in and explore something new. In between, you can go fishing, take a kayak
around the lake, go tubing down a river, pitch a tent under the pines, stay off line for a
few days or shop where you don’t have to stand in line. Whatever you choose, it’s not
too late to enjoy time at the lake.
Come out to the Park Rapids American Legion Friday, Aug. 5 for the annual backyard
barbecue bash. The backyard beer garden opens at 4 p.m. with entertainment by Rick
Wooly and the In the Box Band. The burger and corn feed starts at 4:30. and a
backyard corn hole tournament will start at 5. The Pub and Grub Comedy Tour will
entertain from 7 to 8 and The 4onthefloor will play beginning at 8.
Park Rapids Legends and Logging Days events will celebrate the area’s logging and
lumberjack heritage. The festivities start with water wars at 5:15 p.m. Aug. 11 on Main
Street in downtown Park Rapids. Teams sign up to battle it out for bragging rights and
possession of the coveted Loony Traveling Trophy. The Park Rapids Chamber and
Convention & Visitors Bureau will sponsor 2nd Street Stage following the competition.
On Aug. 12, American Legion Post 212 will sponsor a dinner and silent auction to
benefit Northwoods Wildlife Rescue.
The Northern Knights Car Club will host the annual Run to the Rapids Rod Run Aug 12
and 13 at the C’mon Inn and Downtown Park Rapids. The public is invited to the Show-
N-Shine Saturday morning on Main Street.
A Loggers Breakfast will be served from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday, August 13 at the American
Legion with the day of Legends and Logging Days activities starting at 10 on the 4th block
of Main Avenue in Downtown Park Rapids. The award-winning Timberworks
Lumberjack Show will entertain three times throughout the day. Check out grill masters,
competing in the Grandma Foster’s Backyard BBQ Challenge. Other family-friendly
activities, music, a food court and beer garden add to the fun. New this year the Park
Rapids FFA is sponsoring a Da-Dunk Tank as a fundraiser for their trip to national
competition. On Sunday, Aug. 14, there will be a free concert featuring “The Whips”
from 2:30 to 5 p.m. on the beach at Sleeping Fawn Resort. Proceeds will benefit
Northwoods Wildlife Rescue.
August weekends are filled with other tantalizing events. The Park Rapids Antique
Tractor and Engine Club will host Field Days Aug. 6 and 7 at the East 40 Grounds in
Park Rapids. Taste of Dorset, a Minnesota food extravaganza, is planned Aug. 7. The
Pine Point Traditional Powwow offers colorful viewing Aug. 13 and 14 and Nevis’
Northwoods Triathlon treats spectators to watch competitors swim, bike and run for
prizes Aug. 13.
A trio of events are planned the following weekend. The Park Rapids Summer Fest, a
two-day summer music festival, will be held Aug. 19 and 20 at the Fairgrounds in Park
Rapids. Head to the 45th Annual Lake Itasca Region Pioneer Farmers Show near the
north entrance of Itasca State Park Aug. 19-21. Wolf Lake welcomes you to their
Harvest Festival Aug. 19-21.
More culture is in store as the Northern Light Opera Company’s production of Hello,
Dolly continues through Aug. 6 at the Armory Arts & Events Center, the Noon Hour
Concert series continues Aug. 4, 11, 18 and 25 and the Art Fair at the Winery
(Forestedge) entertains Aug. 20 and 21. 2nd Street Stage, evenings of free live music, a
beer garden and and family activities in Downtown Park Rapids, continues Thursday
Aug. 4, 11 and 18. The Nemeth Art Center, 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.
There’s still time to take it all in. Finding a place to stay can be as easy as a couple of
clicks on the lodging pages on our website. If you want help or have questions, call our
friendly staff at 218-732-4111 to learn more.