August 2014, The best of summer lies at our doorstep

Whether you’re looking for woods, water and wildlife or an experience to remember when the north wind piles drifts at your door, it’s time to get away. Finding a place to stay can be as easy as a couple of clicks on the lodging pages on our website.

Most days are perfect for playing on the water or riding through the pines with cool nights for 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. 7 and continues Friday and Saturday, Aug. 8 & 9 at the Antique Engine & Tractor Club’s East 40 Grounds where there is ample, free parking. A new lumberjack show this year invites you to try a hand (actually both feet) at log rolling but will still remind us of the days when pioneers came to the north woods to make a living and stayed to build our towns. Become a legend during Ye Olde Tomahawk and Archery Challenge or learn more at an historic encampment. The popular masterpiece and quick carve chainsaw sculpting events will be back with an auction of these amazing creations starting at 2 p.m. Saturday. Saturday night’s shindig offers live music with Incredibly Real and the Wilson Bradley Band and a beer garden. $5 gets you into the East 40 Grounds both days. Kids 12 and under enter for free.

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. 21.

The Northern Knights Car Club will host the 31st annual Run to the Rapids Friday and Saturday, Aug. 8-9 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.

Other area communities are celebrating their culture and heritage in August. The Pine Point Traditional Powwow provides colorful viewing Aug. 9-10 and Nevis’ Northwoods Triathlon invites spectators as competitors swim, bike and run for prizes Aug. 9. Wolf Lake welcomes you to their Harvest Festival Aug. 15-17 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. 7 and 14; Youth Music & Arts Showcase VI will take place Thursday and Friday, Aug. 14 and 15; and the Art Fair at the Winery (Forestedge) entertains Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 16 and 17. 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. 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 the place 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.