ÍáÍáÂþ»­

BEMIDJI — Here is a look at some upcoming events throughout August at Lake Bemidji State Park, 3401 State Park Road NE:

10 to 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 1: The Story Tree: Where Butterflies Grow. This enchanting nature story time is a magical experience specially crafted for children ages 3 to 5, though all ages are welcome. Little ones will be immersed in the wonders of the natural world through a blend of storytelling, crafts and other fun activities that will spark their imaginations and ignite a love for learning.

Afterward, have fun exploring the playground and nature play area. Adults must accompany children. Meet at the Amphitheater. If it is raining, the group will meet in the Visitor Center.

2 to 2:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 2: Fifteen Reasons Not To Be In A Play. Bemidji Community Children’s Theater and Starbridge Academy presents "15 Reasons Not To Be In A Play" at the Amphitheater. This production is about a group of students protesting being in a play and the many reasons, from having to hold someone’s hand to being stuck in a tree costume, why they should not have to be in a play.

2:30 to 4 p.m., Friday, Aug. 2: Nature Discovery Table: Tree Tales. Come on down to the park office and discover all kinds of cool nature objects. Each week there will be a different theme to engage the senses and explore the natural world up close. This time, attendees will learn about different kinds of trees and how to identify them. Stop by any time between 2:30 and 4 p.m. Meet at the front of the park office. If it is raining, the table will be in the Visitor Center.

9 to 10 p.m., Friday, Aug. 2: Moonlit Pond Prowl. Bring flashlights to the marina to explore what creatures lurk below the water at night, from snapping turtles and crayfish to leeches and frogs. Meet at the marina on the opposite side of the parking lot from the Visitor Center. Stop by any time between 9 and 10 p.m.

11 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Aug. 3: Nature’s LOONatics. Come along on a deep dive into Minnesota’s majestic state bird. Prepare to become a new expert on these incredible diving opera singers. Learn loon calls and play a "loontastic" game. Meet at the Amphitheater to learn all about these unique birds and then the group will go on a loon-spotting adventure to find some in action. Bring binoculars or some will be available to borrow.

2 to 2:30 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 3: Fifteen Reasons Not To Be In A Play. See previous description.

2:30 to 4 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 3: Archery in the Parks. This program is hands-on instruction on shooting a bow and arrow from certified instructors in a safe and supportive environment. Aim for a family adventure with kid-friendly equipment designed for beginners aged 8 and older. Children aged 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult. All equipment is provided. Personal archery equipment is not allowed.

Participants will be outside for the program so be prepared for standing in the sun. Bring along sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, insect repellant and water. The program will be canceled if it's raining. Meet in the west parking lot.

2 to 3 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 4: Summer Concert Series at the Amphitheater: Lou Samsa. Solo guitarist Lou Samsa combines a mixture of styles in his performance ranging from jazz, country, blues, rock, classical and more.

10 to 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 8: The Story Tree: Bat Loves the Night. See previous description.

2:30 to 4 p.m., Friday, Aug. 9: Nature Discovery Table: Fabulous FUNgi. See previous description.

1:30 to 2:30 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 10: Dutch Oven Delights. Join us on a savory expedition into the heart of Dutch oven cooking. In this immersive program, attendees are invited to explore the rich history and mouthwatering flavors of one of the oldest cooking methods known to humanity.

Led by seasoned chefs and outdoor enthusiasts, this program is more than just a cooking class, it's a celebration of tradition, craftsmanship and communal dining. Learn the art of seasoning and caring for a Dutch oven, discover essential techniques for controlling temperature and achieving perfect results every time and unlock a treasure trove of tasty recipes. Attendees will even get to try some tasty treats. Meet at the fire ring by the Dining Hall.

7 to 8 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 10: Summer Concert Series at the Amphitheater: Antonio Arce. Solo artist Antonio Arce plays Latin American and American Music from the 1970s.

2 to 3 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 11: Summer Concert Series: Bemidji Brass.

10 to 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 15: The Story Tree: Bee. See previous description.

2:30 to 4 p.m., Friday, Aug. 16: Nature Discovery Table: Bear Buddies. See previous description.

10 to 11 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 17: Beaver Friends. Dive into the fascinating world of beavers and discover the vital role they play in shaping our ecosystems at this fun nature cart. Through an interactive activity and hands-on exploration, young nature enthusiasts will learn all about the incredible abilities and behaviors of these important creatures.

Come see what these busy animals are all about and get to feel and smell some interesting things. Stop by any time between 10 and 11 a.m. Meet at the playground. If it rains, the group will meet in the Visitor Center.

2 to 3 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 17: Feathered Friends: Birdwatching for Beginners. This delightful nature program is designed for those eager to explore the avian wonders that surround us every day. Join our park naturalist as they introduce you to the basics of birdwatching, common bird identification and how to use binoculars. After the presentation, we will go for a walk to practice our skills and look for birds.

This program is appropriate for ages 6 and older. Dress for the weather because part of the program will be outside. Bring binoculars or there are some available to borrow. Meet in the Visitor Center.

7 to 8 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 17: Summer Concert Series at the Amphitheater: Bemidji Brass.

2 to 3 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 18: Summer Concert Series: Lance Benson. Lance Benson is a musician confident of his ability to capture audiences through the power of his written, sung and played words.

2:30 to 4 p.m., Friday, Aug. 23: Nature Discovery Table: Busy Bees and Beautiful Butterflies. See previous description.

10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Aug. 24: Bog Walk Scavenger Hunt. Kids, stop by the park office any time between 10 a.m. and noon to pick up a fun scavenger hunt to bring along to the bog boardwalk. After finishing the scavenger hunt, bring the list back to the park office to choose a prize. The gravel trail to the boardwalk is a total of two miles when you walk out and back. Wear comfortable shoes for walking a long distance.

2 to 3 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 24: Pond Critters. Discover the fascinating aquatic life living in Bass Creek and the marina. Get an up-close look at whirligig beetles, baby dragonflies, water boatmen and backswimmers. The group may even find crayfish, leeches or frogs. Stop by any time between 2 and 3 p.m. at the picnic tables by the marina which is on the opposite end of the main parking lot from where the Visitor Center is.

7 to 8 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 24: Summer Concert Series: Mike and Tom. Mike and Tom are a couple of guitar players with a combined experience of over 100 years.

2 to 3 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 25: Summer Concert Series: Natalie and Vivi.

10 to 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 29: The Story Tree: Turtle’s Race with Beaver. See previous description.

2:30 to 4 p.m., Friday, Aug. 30: Nature Discovery Table: Moss Magic. See previous description.

Those who need accommodations should contact Christa at christa.drake@state.mn.us or (218) 308-2328 two weeks before the event.