August 2016 – However you define “cool,” you’ll find it here
Only a couple of generations ago visitors headed to lake country to escape the summer heat, cool off on a boat ride or on a swim and maybe go fishing. A lot has changed but this is still a “cool” place to stay.
Instead of going fishing, you may want to take a kayak around the lake, try tubing down a river or go off line for a few days. Whatever the reason, it’s not too late to enjoy summer up north. And if you’re looking for things to do, the August calendar is filled with fun festivals and other events.
Legends and Logging Days starts with Water Wars on Main Street Thursday, Aug. 11 and continues Friday and Saturday, Aug. 12 & 13 at the Antique Engine & Tractor Club’s East 40 Grounds where there is ample, free parking. World Champion Lumberjacks and Lumberjills demonstrate wood chopping, sawing, ax throwing and more, reminiscent of the days when pioneers came to the north woods to make a living and stayed to build our towns. Enjoy family activities, including a historical homestead, logging demonstrations, a pre-1840 Rendezvous encampment, archery/tomahawk competition, interactive camps, Civil War cannon exhibit and a candy canon shot multiple times both days, dutch oven cooking samples and demonstrations from exhibitors. Early Friday morning master chainsaw artists begin their masterpieces. Right before your eyes the sawdust flies and huge logs begin to take shape into beautiful pieces of art. After some final touches are put on Saturday morning, the pieces are auctioned to the highest bidders in the afternoon. Live music starts at 5 p.m. Saturday with a concert featuring Sapphire. A $5 button gets you into the East 40 Grounds both days. Kids 12 and under enter free.
The Park Rapids Antique Tractor and Engine Club will host Field Days and old-fashioned fun Aug. 6 & 7 at the East 40 Grounds. The Northern Knights Car Club will host the 33rd annual Run to the Rapids Rod Run Friday and Saturday, Aug. 12 & 13 at the C’mon Inn and downtown Park Rapids. More than 100 classic cars are expected to drive in Friday evening. The public is especially invited to the Show-N-Shine Saturday morning on Main Street.
Itasca State Park’s 125th Anniversary events continue in August with special programs: Mysteries in History, Wildlife Wonders, She Had Nerve and a Big Gun – The Mary Gibbs Story, A Taste of Itasca, Tall Tales Told ‘Round the Campfire and ongoing hikes exploring the North Country Trail.
2nd Street Stage, an evening of free live music, a beer garden and family activities – rain or shine – on 2nd Street between Main Avenue and Highway 71 (at Armory Square if it rains) in downtown Park Rapids continues Thursday evenings through Aug. 25.
Other area communities are celebrating their culture and heritage in August. The Pine Point Traditional Powwow provides colorful viewing Aug. 13 &14 and Nevis’ Northwoods Triathlon invites spectators as competitors swim, bike and run for prizes Aug. 13. Head to the 41st Annual Lake Itasca Region Pioneer Farmers 40th Annual Show near the north entrance of Itasca State Park Aug. 19-21. And Wolf Lake welcomes you to their Harvest Festival Aug. 26 & 27.
If it’s culture you crave, the Northern Light Opera Company’s production of Annie Get Your Gun continues Aug.4-6, the Noon Hour Concert series continues Thursdays, Aug. 4, 11 & 25; Youth Music & Arts Showcase VIII and Chalkfest will take place Friday, Aug. 19; and the Art Fair at the Winery (Forestedge) entertains Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 20 & 21. 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 800-247-0054 to learn more.