SUMMER FUN

Bemidji Jaycees revving up to host 81st Annual Water Carnival July 2-6

Sarah Suchoski — Sun, 29 Jun 2025 15:35:24 GMT

BEMIDJI — Back for its 81st year, the Bemidji Jaycees' Annual Water Carnival returns for another five days of jam-packed summertime fun on Wednesday, July 2.

Continuing through Sunday, July 6, the Water Carnival will see the return of a whole slew of traditional events like the Grand Parade, Color Run, the Red, White and Boom Fireworks show and much more.

Though some events have had to change locations due to storm damage in the downtown Bemidji, none of the events have been outright canceled, according to a June 27 release from the Jaycees.

Medallion Hunt

The first clue for the Medallion Hunt is set to be revealed on Monday, June 30, with more clues released each day on Lakeland News, Paul Bunyan Broadcasting, RP Broadcasting and on the Bemidji Jaycees website and Facebook page until the Medallion is found.

Interested participants can purchase their Medallion Hunt Buttons at the Tourist Information Center and myBemidji through June 30, with Water Carnival Buttons then available at the same locations through July 6.

The $3 Medallion button is required to win the $500 grand prize in the hunt. The $3 Carnival button will be available for purchase from July 2-6.

Merriam’s Midway

From carnival rides and games to a variety of different food vendors, Merriam’s Midway is set to open at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2, in the Sanford Center parking lot with rides running until 11 p.m. The midway will be open from 1 to 11 p.m. each day through Saturday.

On Sunday, July 6, Merriam's Midway will have an earlier close at 7 p.m.

Armband specials will cost $25 from 6 to 11 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2. On Thursday, July 3, through Saturday, July 5, armbands will cost $20 from 1 to 5 p.m. and $25 from 6 to 11 p.m. On Sunday, July 6, armbands will cost $20 from 1 to 7 p.m.

Food vendors will be open from 6 to 10 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2, and will then open daily from 1 to 10 p.m. on July 3-6 in the Sanford Center parking lot.

Vendors will include Texas Best BBQ, Hawg Heaven, and Dirty Dough.

Bingo

The Bemidji Chorale will host Bingo from 6 to 10 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2, at the Sanford Center parking lot. Bingo will continue daily from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. from Thursday, July 3, through Sunday, July 6.

Veterans Picnic

This year, the veterans picnic returns to honor the veterans in the community.

The picnic will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, July 4, at the Bemidji Eagles Club. VFW Post 1260 will hold a flag ceremony at 1:30 p.m. with musical entertainment provided by Mike Naylor.

A free-will donation will be accepted with proceeds going to the Bemidji Veterans Home.

Also at the Eagles Club, Elvis tribute artist Sean Wallin will perform from 3 to 5 p.m.

Kid events

The Kiddie Parade will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 5, with registration starting at 10 a.m. The parade will start at the Rotary Pavilion and will travel around the Tourist Information Center and down to the south end of Paul Bunyan Park.

For those interested in participating in the parade, pre-registration is available on the Jaycees website. Attendees can also download the form and bring it with them on the day of the event.

Attendees also have the opportunity to visit the Carnoch Farmstead Petting Zoo and participate in a bike giveaway at the Rotary Pavilion.

Double Your Fun Color Run

The Double Your Fun Color Run is also set for Saturday, July 5, with the Bemidji Junior Jaycees organizing the event.

The fun run starts at 10 a.m. at the Paul Bunyan Park parking lot and goes along the south shore of Lake Bemidji, loops back at the Nymore Boat Access and ends at the starting point.

Interested participants can register online at bemidjijaycees.com as there will be no on-site registration. Online registration will close at 8 a.m. on July 5.

There will be several color stations along the way to blast attendees with tons of colorful fun. Check-in for the event starts at 9:30 a.m. in the Rotary Pavilion at Paul Bunyan Park.

Movie night

The Jaycees are partnering with the city of Bemidji Parks and Recreation Department to host a family movie matinee featuring the movie "Matilda" at the Chief Theater 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 5.

The movie is free to watch.

Loft Event Center

From 7 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, July 3, Corey Medina & Brothers will perform for attendees 18 or older. Admission cost is $10 per person.

On Friday, July 4, Prairie Smoke will perform from 6 to 10 p.m. for those 18 and older. Admission cost is $10 per person.

On Saturday, July 5, Indecent Proposal is slated to perform from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. for attendees 18 or older. Admission cost is $10 per person.

Cornhole tournament

A Beer-N-Bags cornhole tournament will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 5, at the Garden Grill & Pub. The cost to participate is $20 per novice team, $30 per social team and $40 per competitive team.

Each team is guaranteed three matches and cash prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers at each level.

To register, contact Travis at (218) 759-8810 or email bcsupplies2035@gmail.com.

Grand Parade

The Grand Parade will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, July 6.

According to an updated release from the Jaycees, the traditional parade route has sustained significant damage from the storm, leading organizers to change the route.

"The City of Bemidji worked with us on a solution for a new route," the release said. "They have graciously offered to remove the debris in the Beltrami County Administration Building parking lot, as well as along a new parade route, to ensure we could still have a Grand Parade."

The new route starts at the intersection of Eighth Street and Beltrami Avenue, travels south on Beltrami Avenue, turns west on Fourth Street for one block, and then heads north along Minnesota Avenue to end on Eighth Street.

Red, White and Boom fireworks display

The Red, White and Boom fireworks display will be held at dusk, usually around 9:45 to 10:15 p.m., on Wednesday, July 2, on Lake Bemidji. Fireworks typically start launching around 10:10 p.m.

According to a release from the Jaycees, the fireworks are typically held on July 4, but the date change was needed this year due to unforeseen circumstances with the previous fireworks vendor.

"We were able to find a new vendor, Premier Pyrotechnics, to provide the fireworks show but with the need to change the date," the release explained. "We feel it is more important to continue our traditions of celebration and move the date of the fireworks for this year, instead of canceling them."

For the best view of the show, the Jaycees recommend the south end of Lake Bemidji. Cameron Park is not a good viewing location as there are too many trees in the way according to the Jaycees website, but they can be seen well from Diamond Point Park, Library Park, Paul Bunyan Park and South Shore Park.

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Front Row Seat: 10 things you didn't know about North Shore landmarks

Jay Gabler — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 10:28:00 GMT

DULUTH — While Desert Southwest tourists get their kicks on Route 66, Northland travelers have been taking it down Minnesota Highway 61 for nearly a century. Before that, the North Shore route had names including Minnesota Highway 1 and the Lake Superior International Highway.

Arnold R. Alanen is the author of a new history of the North Shore, from Duluth to Grand Portage — and everything along the way. "The Scenic Route: Building Minnesota's North Shore" is available now from the University of Minnesota Press, and Alanen is making three Northland appearances to present the book.

From his home in Madison, Wisconsin, Alanen spoke with me about some of the revelations that may surprise even North Shore know-it-alls.

Chester Congdon did much more for North Shore than build Glensheen

Duluth's historic mansion is a highlight of the city's lake shore, but Chester Congdon, who built Glensheen for his family, thought even bigger. "He was one of the original sponsors," said Alanen, "of the so-called Lake Superior International Highway."

A 1910 diagram appearing in the book depicts architects' plan for a landscaped boulevard providing separate lanes for cars, carriages, horseback riders and pedestrians. Congdon favored that plan and donated much of the land that became today's Congdon Boulevard — which is attractive, if not quite as elaborately landscaped as once imagined.

New Scenic Cafe used to have 'American Graffiti' vibe

If you were a teenager in 1950s Duluth and you wanted to take advantage of your night out with the family car, where would you go? You might well cruise up the shore to Johnson's Drive-In, which offered the classic complement of mid-century hot-rod attractions: burgers, carhops, jukebox. "It was a famous and most favored teenage hangout," said Alanen.

A succession of ownership changes starting in 1972 saw the business move away from a teenage clientele in favor of North Shore tourists. The biggest changes, though, have come in the 21st century as chef/owner Scott Graden has turned the restaurant now known as the New Scenic Cafe into one of the region's top foodie destinations.

Tom's Logging Camp remnant of roadside America

While the former Johnson's Drive-In has been dramatically transformed, Tom's Logging Camp remains an example of the kind of splashy tourist attraction that used to be more common along Highway 61. Owners Lauren and Steve Weckman don't just teach visitors about the region's logging heyday, but aim to maintain the retro feel the attraction has had for decades.

Some of the changes elsewhere along the North Shore are due to developments in technology. Gone are the days of coin-operated telescope viewers. Other changes are due to bygone practices that few, least of all the local fauna, would want to revive.

"The North Shore had at least two places where they would have bears chained to a post," noted Alanen, "and daring but, maybe, foolhardy tourists would then buy some marshmallows and bring them along and feed the bruins."

Russ Kendall's used to do a lot more than sell fish

Russ Kendall's Smoke House dates back over a century, and is still famed for tasty fish. Back in its early decades, though, the business offered a range of boat charters as well as boasting a tavern and dance hall. In the 1950s, you could even go to Kendall's to watch live "grapplers," competitors akin to pro wrestlers.

The grapplers would go at it in a tiny bar. "It must have really been tight and hot, even for the North Shore, to have those sweaty guys fighting in there," mused Alanen.

Pierre the Voyageur spoke

Pierre the Voyageur is the 20-foot stalwart who stands alongside Highway 61 in Two Harbors. Also known as "Pierre the Pantsless Voyageur" due to having a much heavier clothing layer up top than down below, the statue was built in 1960 to promote the Voyageur Motel and was moved to its current home in 2011.

The voyageur is now immobile, but that wasn't always the case. Originally, Pierre's head moved — and he even spoke. "The big man talked via speaker and a worker hidden in a booth," the Lake County News-Chronicle reported in 2010. Pierre's gaze became fixed in about 1980, when the motor that rotated his head wore out.

Like Elton John, though, the voyageur is still standing. "When (a) storm of March 2017 came in and blew off its paddle and one arm, they made repairs," said Alanen. "Pierre is there still to greet motorists when they travel along the expressway."

Two Harbors Lighthouse oldest still functioning in Minnesota

Having never been to the Two Harbors shoreline at night, I didn't even realize the Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast remains a working light station. "They don't need a lightkeeper anymore because everything is so automated," explained Alanen.

The light station has been active since 1892 — almost two decades before Split Rock Lighthouse became operational. It was electrified in 1921 and automated in 1981. Since 2001, the Lake County Historical Society has operated the light as a "private aid to navigation," according to the society's website.

Silver Creek cliff used to be deadman's curve

The Silver Creek Cliff Tunnel was completed in 1994 to promise safe passage along what was once a seriously sketchy stretch of highway.

In the 1920s, some 60,000 tons of rock were dynamited to create a cliffside stretch of Minnesota Highway 1, which sported on its Lake Superior side a 125-foot drop that was so sheer, it was said you could toss a cigarette butt right into the water from your passing car.

"Now," said Alanen, "people go by and they don't even realize what a challenge it used to be to drive there, especially on snowy nights or when it was very dark and foggy." Incidents on the road included a fatal crash in 1957, when a car broke through the guardrail and landed in the lake.

Now, the Gitchi-Gami State Trail allows hikers to follow the former highway right of way — at a much slower speed.

Silver Bay has taconite baptismal font

There is no more hardcore way for a Northland Catholic baby to enter the community of believers than to be baptized at a font made of taconite. At St. Mary's Catholic Church in Silver Bay, 5 tons of Babbitt ore were turned into a church altar and baptismal font in 1958. "That is really quite a fascinating feature," said Alanen.

Space-age Tofte roof approved by undergrad

Maureen Olson was a University of Minnesota Duluth math major in the early 1960s when her dad and uncle decided to build a motel office in the Googie style that was then trendy. Contractors Kenneth (Maureen's father) and Dale Olson had previously built the hyperbolic paraboloid roof for Zoar Lutheran Church, and decided to put their skills to the test by building another parabolic roof.

"They certainly had to work with the architect on the church, but built this one very much on their own," explained Alanen. Asked to review and approve the design, Maureen signed off — and obviously knew her stuff. The Tofte building is still standing to this day, home to Superior Massage Therapists.

"It's a tribute to her, too," said Alanen.

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Minnesota's historic Terrace Mill site set to reopen after five-year hiatus

Evan Pederson — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 20:57:41 GMT

TERRACE — Terrace Mill, the nationally recognized historic flour mill and attraction, will reopen its doors to the public on June 21 and 22 with a slew of activities and events.

The mill, located in Glenwood, Minnesota, officially closed in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and reorganizing efforts, according to a news release announcing the reopening. However, after building back up its board of directors and obtaining more volunteer help, Terrace Mill and the surrounding area will once again function as a historic site and gathering place.

"I just love old stuff," said Julie Lloyd, president of the board of directors for the Terrace Mill Foundation. "I love knowing about what's happened before I've been here. I love the arts, and Terrace Mill is kind of a blend of both preserving history and how things used to be done, and just providing a place for people to learn new skills and explore their artistic side."

Lloyd mentioned that although the Mill Foundation's previous mission was mainly centered around restoration and preservation of the structure and surrounding grounds, it has since added a goal of creating a welcoming environment and event space for people of all ages.

Before closing to the public five years ago, Terrace Mill hosted gatherings, artistic events and, notably, a children's theater program — productions of roughly 30 people performing fairy tale and children's literature stories such as "The Jungle Book," "Hansel & Gretel" and "The Rockin' Tale of Snow White." The Foundation hopes to restart the children's theater program in the summer of 2026.

This year, Terrace Mill will feature an art exhibit with works from Orlando Haugland, Gerald Solbreken and Jan Devick, all of whom have ties to the Terrace area. Art on display will include mixed media sculptures from Haugland's "Terrace" series, wood carvings by Solbreken and mixed media and paintings by Devick.

Terrace Mill will be dedicating a special memorial plaque for the late Robert Greenfield, a 30-year volunteer for the Terrace Mill Foundation, at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 21. Friends and family of Greenfield are encouraged to attend to celebrate his legacy with the project.

Greenfield grew up in the Terrace area and graduated from Glenwood High ��. He then moved to New York and worked as a teacher with gifted and talented students, but later moved back to the Terrace area where he opened a restaurant called the Terrace Store Company and volunteered with the Terrace Mill Foundation. He died Feb. 26, 2024.

Lloyd noted that Greenfield was especially passionate about the children's theater program, and he loved nothing more than seeing kids have fun and excel.

"After every show he'd come up to me, and he'd have tears in his eyes, and he'd say, 'Oh, I'm so proud that this is in Terrace. I would put this program up against anything I've seen in New York.' He was just fabulous," Lloyd said.

Terrace Mill is also in the midst of conducting three main paid summer events. A woodcarving class on June 14 offered participants ages 14 and older the chance to carve a wooden feather from cottonwood bark. It was led by the Prairie Woodcarvers Group from Alexandria.

Fred Keller of the "Skally Line" duo will lead a songwriting workshop Sunday, June 29. Geared toward all levels of songwriting, participants are encouraged to bring any in-progress poems or songs, a notebook and pen, and optionally, an instrument, to learn about storytelling through music and perfect any works in progress. It costs $30 to attend this event.

And on Saturday, Aug. 23, the Terrace Mill Foundation will be hosting a rosemaling class at Chippewa Falls Lutheran Church, just north of the mill in Terrace. Rosemaling is a style of traditional Norwegian folk painting, and participants will have the opportunity to paint a sandwich board. It costs $60 to attend this event.

Events during Terrace Mill's grand reopening June 21 and 22 are free to the public. Times and details are listed below:

Saturday, June 21

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Mill and grounds open
10 a.m. — Ordway Prairie tour led by Ralph Hanson; meet at the mill, tour is not on-site
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Face painting with local artist Sabrina Andersen
11 a.m. — Food served at the kitchen
2 p.m. — Robert Greenfield Memorial Plaque dedication, followed by cake and rhubarb tea
2:30 to 3:30 p.m. — Music by Stan & Friends

Sunday, June 22

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Mill and grounds open
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Sunburg Trolls classic cars available for viewing
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Face painting with local artist Sabrina Andersen
11 a.m. — Food served at the kitchen
11 a.m. — Yoga and sound bowls by the millstream with Barb Ostrander and Amber Dauner-Bartlett
1 p.m. — Sunburg Community Music performance

Terrace Mill will continue to be open to the public through Sept. 7 with regular hours from 3 to 7 p.m. Fridays, from noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, or by appointment. The address is 27165 Old Mill Pond Road, rural Glenwood, roughly 30 miles south of Alexandria.

Terrace Mill was built in 1903 by Jonas M. Danelz and purchased by Peter Takken in 1920. Takken added a diesel engine to the mill and built a house on the property, but ceased grist milling operations in 1949 when the building was temporarily converted into a woodworking shop for church furniture by a new owner. In 1967 the building was left vacant, and preservation efforts began in the mid-1970s.

The mill itself and four surrounding structures are registered with the National Register of Historic Places. The Terrace Mill Foundation, a collection of board members, volunteers and staff has been in charge of overseeing the preservation of the site since 1979.

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Parks and Rec to offer Nature Explorers half-day camp

Pioneer Staff Report — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 15:32:51 GMT

BEMIDJI — The city of Bemidji Parks and Recreation Department will host a Nature Explorers day camp from 8 a.m. to noon on June 23-28, at North Country Park, 1001 30th St. NW.

"Explore the wilderness during this nature-based camp for ages 6-9," a release said.

Participants will enjoy snacks, crafts and lots of fun activities. The cost is $65 per participant.

For more information and to register, visit www.ci.bemidji.mn.us. With questions, call (218) 333-1862.

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Minnesota Sings auditions include stops in St. Cloud, Bemidji for 12th annual statewide competition

West Central Tribune staff report — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 12:11:00 GMT

WILLMAR — The 12th annual Minnesota Sings statewide competition for amateur vocalists will conduct auditions in St. Cloud, Bloomington, Mankato and Bemidji beginning late in June.

There will be two divisions for the competition, which offers up to $20,000 in cash prizes, in addition to music recording equipment and a private recording session at Pachyderm Studios in Cannon Falls. Singers will be competing in two age brackets — those ages 13 to 20, and those 21 and older.

Reservations are required; there will be no walk-on auditions. Singers who previously competed in Minnesota Sings and who also finished in the top four are not required to attend an audition, but must email info@minnesotasings.com to complete their registration. Previous first-place winners are not eligible to compete.

Auditions will take place at noon on June 29 at Bridge of Harmony, St. Cloud; July 27 at Groth Music, Bloomington; Aug. 17 at Scheitel's Music, Mankato; and Sept. 21 at Headwaters Music and Arts, Bemidji.

Vocalists must bring a backing track loaded onto their phones; harmonies are allowed on the track. Each audition song must be under five minutes in duration, memorized and contain family-friendly lyrics. The audition fee is $10 per entry.

Each audition will be digitally recorded and will be judged by a panel. The entry fee to compete in the state competition on Oct. 11-12 at the Historic Paramount Theatre in Austin is $40.

To reserve an audition slot or to find more information, visit www.minnesotasings.com.

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Tickets on sale for 2025 First City River Duck Race fundraiser

Pioneer Staff Report — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 15:57:12 GMT

BEMIDJI — Tickets are on sale now at various locations in the Bemidji Area for Adult Day Services' 2025 First City River Duck Race, set for Saturday, Aug. 2.

The race takes place on the Mississippi River between lakes Irving and Bemidji. Winners of the race receive cash prizes.

Tickets cost $10 and proceeds go toward Adult Day Services and the programs they provide to community members, a release said.

Tickets are available at the Duck Race Luncheon from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 14,

at Adult Day Services, 620 Carr Lake Road SE.

Attendees can also purchase tickets at these corporate sponsor locations:

Bemidji Senior Center Iverson Corner Durg Deerwood Bank Minnesota Nice Cafe Poor Willies Bemidji Eagles Club Dick’s Northside First National Bank Bemidji Paul Bunyan Broadcasting

According to its website, Adult Day Services assists people experiencing isolation due to physical and psychosocial demands to maintain and/or increase independence and remain an active part of family and community.

For more information, visit www.adultdayservicesbemidji.com.

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Parks and Rec to hold Yoga at the Beach

Pioneer Staff Report — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 16:18:08 GMT

BEMIDJI — The city of Bemidji Parks and Recreation Department is set to hold Yoga at the Beach sessions from 5 to 5:45 p.m. on Tuesdays, June 10-24, at Diamond Point Park, Diamond Building Lakeside Patio, 1710 Birchmont Drive NE.

Join instructor Dionne for a series of three yoga classes. Each month, there will be a three-week session offered, a release said.

Participants should bring a yoga mat and a water bottle. The cost is $52 per three-week session or $22 for drop-in.

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Live music to fill lakes country nights during month of June

Staff reports — Thu, 29 May 2025 15:30:00 GMT

There are always big names making their way to some of the bigger cities around Minnesota and beyond, but if you're looking for that small-town charm, here are some events around the state you can check out while traveling around the land of 10,000 lakes during the month of June:
Ongoing

These summer concert series will take place at regular intervals throughout the season. Some listings may change, so watch local websites and social media for updates.

Standalone events

Makers Market

When: June 5

Where: Granite Falls, Minnesota

Cost: Free

Information: Live music will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month in June and July as part of the Maker’s Market along the Minnesota Riverwalk in downtown Granite Falls. For more information, visit the website at www.granitefallsarts.org/makersmarket and Facebook.

Rock the Lantern for a Cure

When: June 7

Where: Brainerd, Minnesota

Cost: Tickets available at the Green Lantern Bar and Grill, Gas Can Bar & Grill, Brainerd/Baxter Cub Foods or online at www.huff-entertainment.com.

Information: Rock the Lantern for a Cure is an outdoor concert that raises money for Lymphoma and Leukemia cancer research. The year we will have Night Moves – the Ultimate Bob Seger Tribute and Betty & the Noise rockin’ out for you. The concert is held at the Green Lantern 9 miles east of Brainerd, MN on HWY 18. Gates open at 4:30 p.m.

Porchfest in New London

When: June 7

Where: New London, Minnesota

Cost: Free

Information: The New London Porchfest will start at 11 a.m. June 7 in New London. There will be dozens of musicians performing along Main Street and Central Avenue. The free event was created in celebration of the late Bill Gossman, former mayor of New London, and is organized by the New London Arts Alliance.

Cuyuna Lakes Music in the Park

When: June 12

Where: Crosby, Minnesota

Cost: Free

Information: Get ready for a summer filled with sensational melodies and unforgettable moments! Join us as we present an enchanting series of musical performances in Crosby Memorial Park, 2 2nd St SW in Crosby.

Songwriters in the Round - Harmony & Soul

When: 7 p.m. June 12

Where: Chalberg Theatre, Central Lakes College, Brainerd, Minnesota

Cost: Adults $20 / Seniors $15 / Under 18 $10. CLC Students $5 (available at the Box Office only). ONLINE TICKETS: https://www.clcperformingarts.com/events.

Information: Davina Sowers from the renowned band Davina and the Vagabonds, known for energetic performances and Sowers' captivating stage presence. Rolling Stone Magazine describes Davina as creating "her own Americana mishmash," combining neo-soul and jazz influences reminiscent of Amy Winehouse and Aretha Franklin. This performance marks Davina’s first show back in Minnesota after an upcoming international tour, making it a special homecoming event for local fans.

Award-winning Minnesota singer-songwriter Samantha Grimes brings her distinct Americana sound, mixing folk, rock, blues, and country. Grimes is a two-time nominee for the Josie Music Awards' "Rising Star" category and winner of the International Singer-Songwriter Association’s Entertainer of the Year. She is also a multiple-time Best of the Valley award recipient, 2024 Midwest Country Music Association nominee for Maverick Artist of the Year, and will soon be inducted into the Midwest All-Music Hall of Fame.

Joining them is Americana and country music artist Luke Hendrickson, who has performed extensively throughout the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Hendrickson has received multiple nominations from the Midwest Country Music Organization, including "Album of the Year" and "Songwriter of the Year." Hendrickson was recently featured on Season 8 of the Lakeland PBS series "Backroads".

Pioneerland Band Festival

When: June 14

Where: Benson, Minnesota

Cost: Free

Information: High school bands will compete for cash prizes beginning that evening at 6:30 p.m. Litchfield was named the Grand Champion of the festival in 2024. The parade route in Benson will run along U.S. Highway 12 west through town before turning onto 14th Street, ending at the high school.

Litchfield Parade of Bands

When: June 17

Where: Litchfield, Minnesota

Cost: Free

Information: Nearly a dozen marching bands are expected to participate in the parade through town. Food trucks will be open all afternoon and the parade will start at 6 p.m. Visit the Litchfield Parade of Bands Facebook page for any updates.

Grand View Lodge Summer Concert Series

When: June 19

Where: Nisswa, Minnesota

Cost: Adults, $65; ages 11 and under, $42

Information: Chris Stapleton and Eric Church tributes starting at 6 p.m. at The Pines Driving Range, rain or shine.

Lakes Area Music Festival Summer Solstice

When: June 22

Where: East Gull Lake, Minnesota

Cost: $125 per person or $1,000 for a table of 8. Reserve seats at lakesareamusic.org.

Information: Lakes Area Music Festival fundraiser at 6 p.m. at Madden's on Gull Lake, featuring internationally acclaimed opera artists, including Tracey Engleman (Minnesota Opera), Abi Levis (Deutsche Oper Berlin), David Walton (Virginia Opera) and John Taylor Ward.

Lakes Jam Music Festival 2025

When: June 26

Where: Brainerd international Raceway, Brainerd, Minnesota

Cost: Visit https://www.birmn.com/lakes-jam for ticket information.

Information: Lakes Jam is a annual event that unites rock and country music fans from all walks of life and brings them together in the Brainerd Lakes area!

Located in lakes country on the grounds of Brainerd International Raceway, the area boasts beautiful scenery and allows Lakes Jam to offer optimal camping and weekend fun. Founded in 2012, Lakes Jam intends to deliver a line-up from an array of excellent live performing artists every year. Each year will be different, fresh and exciting!

The Ledge Amphitheater in Waite Park

Performers for June:

June 8 - Alison Krauss and Union Station

June 12 - ZZ Top and The Wall Flowers

June 13 - Chicago

June 15 - Barenaked Ladies, Guster and Fastball

June 19 - Justin Moore with Joe Nichols

Where: The Ledge Amphitheater, 1700 Parkway Drive, Waite Park, Minnesota

Cost: Visit https://www.theledgeamp.com for ticket information.

Information: The Ledge Amphitheater is a beautiful venue located between two quarries in Waite Park, Minnesota. The central Minnesota amphitheater holds up to 6,000 guests for outdoor entertainment.

Park Rapids Area Community Band

When: June 27

Where: Menahga, Minnesota

Cost: Free

Information: The concert will take place at 7 p.m. on the shore of Spirit Lake. Bring your own lawn chair. This concert is part of the Sounds of Spirit Lake summer series.

Music on the Mountain

When: June 27-28

Where: Detroit Mountain Recreation Area, Detroit Lakes

Who: Sagebrush and headliner the Fabulous Armadillos on Friday; John Morgan, Tigirlily Gold and headliner Chris Janson on Saturday.

Cost: $41 for Friday night's show, with free parking on site; Saturday general admission tickets are $90, and parking passes will be sold separately.

Information: Gates open at 5 p.m. on Friday, with opening act at 6 p.m. and headliner starting around 7:30 p.m. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, with music starting at 6:15 p.m. Tickets for Friday's concert can be purchased at project412mn.org, while tickets for Saturday's main event can be purchased at detroitmountain.com.

Vikingland Band Festival

When: June 29

Where: Alexandria, Minnesota

Cost: Free

Information: The 41st annual Vikingland Band Festival will march through the streets of Alexandria on June 29, with the main parade set to step off at 1:30 p.m. More than 15 marching groups are set to take part.

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Bemidji's 19th annual Ride for the Troops set for June 1

Pioneer Staff Report — Mon, 26 May 2025 22:14:51 GMT

BEMIDJI — The 19th annual Ride for the Troops event is set for Sunday, June 1, in Bemidji with events starting at 9 a.m. and continuing throughout the day.

This year's event also marks the return to the Longest Ride route, which will begin and end at the Bemidji Eagles Club.

Festivities kick off Saturday, May 31, with a car and bike show from noon to 5 p.m., followed by dinner and awards until 7 p.m. and wrapping up with a concert featuring Rick Adams at the Eagles Club.

Riders will then gather at 9 a.m. Sunday morning, June 1, for a pancake breakfast and pre-ride activities, with kickstands up at noon.

Riders will make their way from the Eagles Club to just south of Bagley before heading to Zerkel for lunch at the Knutson Zerkel Store.

From there, the ride will continue on to Mahnomen and Naytahwaush, making its way to the Rock Creek Store near Lake Itasca for a short stop around 2:45 p.m.

Riders will then head back to Bemidji, concluding at the Eagles Club around 4 p.m. with a meal and ride raffle to follow.

"Each year the ride provides the majority of funding for our area servicemen, women and families and funding support to the programs that our area veterans depend on and receive services from," a release said.

The cost is $25 per bike and $10 per additional passenger. For more information and to register visit rideforthetroops.com. In-person registration will also be available on the day of the event.

"We want to thank all the sponsors that have supported Ride for the Troops each year, as many have continued their support over the last 19 years," the release said. "We couldn't accomplish this outstanding achievement without the support of sponsors, volunteers and the great people of northern Minnesota who support the Ride of the Troops each year."

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Celebration set to mark 10 years of Chief Bemidji statue

Pioneer Staff Report — Fri, 23 May 2025 13:53:00 GMT

BEMIDJI — Shaynowishkung (he who rattles) was an unorthodox Ojibwe leader from the mid-19th century, known as a peacemaker among settlers and the roughly 50 Ojibwe who followed him. Over time, Shaynowishkung became a beloved figure to both groups that called the Bemidji area home.

Commonly known as "Chief Bemidji," he gained the title among settlers as they mistook the lake's name, Bemijigamaag, as his own.

To honor the charismatic leader, Bemidji erected the Shaynowishkung statue that stands at Library Park along Paul Bunyan Drive with Lake Bemidji as a backdrop, roughly a century and a half after he placed his stake in the region.

His statue has stood strong and tall for 10 years.

The Beltrami County Historical Society, in partnership with the Bemidji Statue Committee, will host a celebration to honor the statue's 10th anniversary at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 7, at Library Park.

"This special event honors a decade of reflection, remembrance and recognition of Shaynowishkung, an Ojibwe leader whose presence continues to shape our understanding of local history, diplomacy and cultural respect," a release said.

The ceremony will begin with a brief presentation at the statue, followed by a guided walk to Shaynowishkung’s historic home site near The Coffee District, east of the Mississippi River between Lake Bemidji and Lake Irving.

Participants will then return via the rail trail to the Beltrami County History Center.

Elaine Fleming, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe elder, activist and former Cass Lake mayor, will offer a public program about Shaynowishkung’s life, legacy and importance. Fleming is a founding member of the Bemidji Truth and Reconciliation group and has been an influential voice in place-name restoration, Indigenous language revitalization and community healing.

The history center welcomes all to the free event. Refreshments will be served at the history center following the program.

A limited number of wheelchairs will be available. Additionally, a shuttle bus ride from the history center to the program and back will be available for those at the center before the load time at 9:45 a.m. Those who need to reserve a wheelchair can send an email to depot@beltramihistory.org or call (218) 444-3376.

For more information on the event or other summertime history center events, visit beltramihistory.org.

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