PSA
5 / 4 / 26 A

BLOOD DRIVES:
Call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit RedCrossBlood.org to schedule a donation time or to find a drive near you.
Donate BY MAY 17th and you’ll receive a $20 Amazon Gift Card by email from the Red Cross partners at Amazon.

Wed.   5/6           10:00-4:00          Heartwood in Crosby
Thurs. 5/7           8:00-2:00            Heartwood in Crosby
Thurs. 5/7           9:00-3:00            Northland Arboretum in Baxter
Thurs. 5/7           12:00-6:00          Randall VFW
Fri.     5/8           9:00-3:00            Jenkins VFW
Fri.     5/8           10:00-4:00          Brainerd VFW
Thurs. 5/14         12:00-6:00          Crosslake Lutheran Church
Mon.   5/18         9:00-3:00            Washington Ed. Serv. Build. BHS KEY CLUB
Mon.   5/18         12:00-6:00          Vets Club in Onamia
Tues.  5/19         9:00-2:00            Maslowski Wellness Ctr. in Wadena
Tues.  5/19         12:00-6:00          Motley United Methodist Church
Wed.   5/20         8:00-2:00            Camp Ripley in Little Falls
Tues.  5/26         11:00-5:00          Madden’s on Gull Lake in Brainerd
Tues.  5/26         12:00-6:00          American Legion in Milaca
Wed.   5/27         9:00-3:00            Central Lakes College in Brainerd
Fri.     5/29         10:00-4:00          Faith Lutheran Church in Staples
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Lakes Area Food Shelf IN BAXTER is NOW OPEN!  The long-awaited second location of the Lakes Area Food Shelf & Resource Hub on Excelsior Road in Baxter will be open to the public every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00-2:00 and every Wednesday from 1:00-6:00.  Due to limited parking at the facility, SHOPPING APPOINTMENTS are REQUIRED at this location.  Make an appointment online at LakesAreaFoodShelf.org/Get-Food. MANY volunteers are also going to be needed at the new location now and in the future.  Visit that website for more information on volunteering as well.

The Crow Wing County Landfill has now moved to its Summer Hours of Operation! The landfill IS NOW OPEN Monday – Friday from 8:00-4:30 and Saturdays from 8:00-12:00.  The landfill, 7 miles east of Brainerd on Hwy 210, is your One-Stop Drop for all your recycling needs and the ReUse area.  You can properly dispose of Household Hazardous Wast, Mattresses, Electronics, Large Appliances, Oil/Filters/AnitFreeze, Paper/Plastics/Glass, Tires, and much more.  Visit CrowWing.gov/Landfill for more information.

4/27– 5/3
Area growers and makers who are interested in being a seasonal or drop-in vendor at this year’s Market Square in Pine River are asked to attend the Vendor & Volunteer Orientation Meet & Greet on Fri. May 1st at 5:30 at the market site next to The Depot in Pine River.  This is where you can meet other vendors, learn about the market, rates, and fill out paperwork and ask questions.  The MARKET will be open every Friday from May 22 through Sept. 25th from 1:30-5:30 on the SW corner of Barclay Ave. & Hwy 371.  Learn more at PRMarketSquare.WordPress.com or by visiting the market’s page on Facebook.

5/4 – 5/10
Join 5Rocks Distilling in Brainerd on Tues. May 5th for Cocktails for a Cause, when, from 6:00-8:00pm $5 from every cocktail or mocktail sold will be donated to an area non-profit!  This time, the money raised will be donated to the Northland Arboretum in Brainerd.  The Arb will also have free snacks, door prizes and a room full of people who care about building something better right here in our community!  They hope to see you there!

Wild & Free Wildlife Rehabilitation Program in Garrison will be holding its Annual HUGE Garage Sale at the Garrison VFW from Tues. May 5 through Sat. May 9th with all the proceeds benefitting care of the wild animals.  You’ll find so many items at great prices (no clothing or electronics), but please come shop and support Wild & Free.  The sale will be TUES. 3-7pm, WED-FRI from 8-7 and SAT. 8-2.  Visit WildAndFree.org and click on Events for details (or call 320-692-5417.

The Lakes Area United Way reminds you there will be another Mobile Food Pantry at the CLC Brainerd Campus on Thurs. May 7th from 10:00-11:00 or until the food is gone.  The distribution will be in the West Parking Lot and will be provided by Second Harvest Northland.  There is no cost and no proof of income required.

The Brainerd VFW will be the site of a Military Appreciation Event on Thurs. May 7th starting at 1:00.  The event will feature a Color Guard Salute, a free magic show, refreshments, prize drawings and more.  It will honor our local heroes and honor our fallen heroes – it is free to attend and open to the public.  (Tammy E.)

The Swan Valley Lutheran Church in Motley invites the public to its Rummage and Quilt Sale from Thurs. – Sat., May 7-9 at the church on State Highway 64 north of Motley.  Come and shop for some great treasures both inside and outside, plus the church ladies will be selling their beautiful quilts and baked goods.  Enjoy a cup of coffee while you’re there – it’ll be worth the drive!  The sale hours are Thurs. & Fri. 8:00-5:00 and on Saturday from 8:00-1:00.

The Pillager Lions Annual Fish Fry Fundraiser will be held on Fri. May 8th at The Pillager Community Center at the Fairgrounds.  Along with a meat raffle, too, the dinner will be served from 5:00-7:00, or until it’s gone.  The meal includes fish, baked potato, coleslaw, baked beans, dessert, and a beverage.  The cost is $12 for Adults and $10 for Seniors (65+), Veterans and Children under age 12.  (Option of a Brat, all ages, $12).  A silent auction will also be underway in support of the Huskies Fishing Team with the proceeds from the auction supporting the fishing team.  The proceeds from the Fish Fry will benefit the Pillager Lions for projects in the community.

Grassroots Concerts…. On Fri. May 8th at the Live Well Nightclub & Coffee Bar in the Journey Church in Nisswa starting at 7:00.  Taking their name from a mid-19th century cocktail from New Orleans, Corpse Reviver is a group of folk musicians from the Twin Cities.  Admission is just $15 at the door for adults.  $5 for children under 12 with listening attention.  Doors open at 6:30.  Learn more at GrassrootsConcerts.org.

Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Baxter is holding its Annual Rummage Sale on Fri. & Sat. May 8th & 9th and everyone is encouraged to come shop!  The Sale will be open from 8:00 to 5:00 on Friday and from 8:00 to 2:00 on Saturday. When you shop at this event, you’re making a huge difference in children and youth’s lives, supporting camp scholarships, mission trip assistance, and supplies for programming throughout the year. Unless marked, everything can be purchased for a free-will offering.

The National Association of Letter Carriers will hold its Annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive on Sat. May 9th!  They are asking that you leave you non-perishable food donations in or near your mailbox on this day and when your letter carrier arrives to deliver your mail, they will take those donations and deliver them to your area food shelf.  So please, before you head out to enjoy your Saturday in the BLA, think about your friends and neighbors – knowing that every can makes a difference.  AND the donations stay in your local community.  Help STAMP OUT HUNGER on Sat. May 9th.

The 3rd Annual Gathered Gals Garage Sale – a Camp Knutson Fundraising event – will be held on Sat. May 9th at The Gathering Event Center in Crosslake.  This is a one-day sale that will run from 8:00-4:00 with all the proceeds going to Camp Knutson.  Shop for donated clothing, baby/kids items, home décor, sporting goods, outdoor items and much more!  Donated items can be dropped off May 4-8 at The Gathering.  (Last year, they raised over $8K.)  Hope to see you there!

The 23rd Annual Cuyuna Agate & Mineral Show will be held on Sat. & Sun. May 9th & 10th at the Crow Wing County Fairgrounds in Brainerd.  More than 80 vendors featuring agates, handcrafted jewelry, fossils, kids activities, raffle drawings, rock cutting, rock art, minerals, crystals and more!  Hosted by the Cuyuna Rock & Mineral Club, this event will be held Saturday from 9:00-5:00 and Sunday from 10:00-4:00 and admission is just $2 (Mothers will get in for FREE on Mother’s Day Sunday!). Learn more online at CuyunaRockClub.org or on the event’s Facebook page.

5/11 – 5/17
The May 15th Deadline is fast-approaching to submit nominations for the Brainerd Public Schools Above and Beyond Award, which recognizes BPS employees who go above and beyond assigned job expectations and demonstrate a positive attitude that inspires others to help students succeed.  All employees, full- or part-time, are eligible for the award regardless of their job classification or other awards received.  Students, parents, staff members or community members can nominate an employee by completing the form online at ISD181.org (under Latest News) or completing the form by hand and mailing it in.  Again, the deadline to receive the forms is Fri. May 15th.  Winners will receive their award at the district-wide Back-to-School Celebration.

Lakes Area Unlimited Learning will feature speaker JoAnn Weaver at its event on Mon. May 11th starting at 1:30 at Heartwood Senior Living in Crosby.  Weaver, the current Supervisor on the Board of the Crow Wing County Soil and Water Conservation District and former Univ. of MN Extension Master Gardener, will lead a discussion on gardening and the many ways it can enrich every day life.  The program is free for members to attend and $10 for non-members.

Brainerd Lakes Chamber invites you to another Business After Hours on Tues. May 12th at Miller Castle in Nisswa, as the Boy Scouts of America’s Central MN Council hosts this evening’s networking event.  From 4:30-6:00, storm the castle on Paradise Drive in Nisswa to enjoy networking, delicious appetizers (mac n’ cheese, BBQ & Buffalo meatballs, and fruit cobblers) and refreshing beverages.  You may also win some prizes!  Free for all to attend!  But, please RSVP in advance if you plan on attending.  Visit BrainerdLakesChamber.com.

Cheers to Nisswa: A Nisswa Celebration will be held on Tues. May 12th at the Nisswa Community Center, hosted by the Nisswa Chamber of Commerce.  Join the Chamber for a festive night that will honor the incredible community.  Come enjoy a delicious meal from the Sunshine’s Summerhouse, connect, unwind and raise a glass to another great year in Nisswa.  The awards for Citizen of the Year and recipient of Heart of Nisswa Awards will be given and it will just be a great night to celebrate all things Nisswa.  Social hour will start at 5:00 with dinner at 6:00.  Get tickets through the link on the Cheers to Nisswa event page on Facebook.

TWO Free SKYWARN Weather Spotter Classes will be held on Wed. May 13th from 3:00-5:00 and again from 6:00-8:00, hosted by the National Weather Service in Duluth and the Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office.  The class will train and recruit volunteer weather spotters across our region who will learn storm spotting from the meteorologists who issue warnings here in our area.  The classes will be held in the lower level of the CWC Land Services Building behind the Historic Courthouse in Brainerd.  NO REGISTRATION is required, but if you have questions, contact Emergency Management at 218-829-4749.

Flying Solo – Creating a New Life as a Single Person session will be held at Crosslake Lutheran Church on Thurs. May 14th from 9:00-12:30 and anyone who is experiencing grief and looking for ways to create a new life after the loss of a relationship through death or divorce is encouraged to attend.  Topics include the review of the loss process, barriers to transitioning, to recovery and tools for building a life “flying solo” will be covered.  The session is FREE and open to the public.  Please sign up in advance by calling the church office at 218-692-3682.

The Center in Brainerd will host its Annual Plant Sale Thurs. – Sat. May 14-16th.  Stop by and shop for fruit and vegetable plants, herbs, floral basket, floral gardens, annuals, perennials and so much more!  While you’re there, you can also purchase The Center’s famous donuts, and enjoy a brat or burger, chips and beverages that will be for sale too.  The hours are Thurs. & Fri. from 7:00-5:30 and Saturday from 8:00-3:00. The Center is at 803 Kingwood Street in Brainerd. The sale will be outside under a tent – CASH OR CHECK ONLY.

Pillsbury Players Community Theater is hosting AUDITIONS for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s School of Rock-The Musical on Thurs. & Fri. May 14 & 15 at 7:00pm and Sat. May 16th at 2:00 at the CTC Center in Pillager, where they will need to cast numerous roles for adults and kids in 4th grade and up.  You’ll need to prepare a piece of an upbeat pop/rock song or be prepared to sing a given song.  All will read parts from the show.  If you need information, send an email to KatieRosePalmer@Gmail.com.  (Performances will be July 23-26)

The Babinski Foundation will host a Microchip Clinic on Fri. May 15th from 9:00-4:00 at their facility in Pequot Lakes.  If they are ever to go missing, increase the chances of getting your precious cat or dog home safely by getting them microchipped on this day for only $25!  No appointment needed, walk-ins are welcome!  No future fees or membership fees necessary, either!  The Babinski Foundation is at 2825 76th Street SW in Pequot Lakes.  (Microchip Clinics are held the 3rd Friday of each month)

The Veterans of Foreign Wars reminds you that Buddy Poppy Days are Fri. & Sat. May 15 & 16th when you can help support Veterans in need.  Make a donation, wear the red buddy poppy proudly knowing that 100% of your donation will help LOCAL veterans in need.  Poppys will be available at WalMart and Fleet Farm in Baxter and also at the SuperOne Foods stores in Baxter and Brainerd.

Experience the joy of Fishing at Lum Park as Brainerd Parks & Recreation invites you create memories at the FREE Kids Fishing Clinic on Sat. May 16th from 9:00-1:30.  Geared for anglers ages 4-12, experienced mentors will guide children through hands-on learning stations followed by shore and pier fishing.  Educational sessions, lunch, take home goodie bags, a fishing contest by age group and prizes.  Check-in between 9:00-9:30, parent or guardian must accompany child, bring a fishing pole.  Learn more at the event page on Facebook.

The Center in Brainerd will host a Fundraiser Puzzle Sale on Sat. May 16th (on the last day of their Plant Sale) from 9:00-1:00.  The sale of gently used puzzles will be in the Lobby of the Center… puzzles will be just $2.  Cash or Check ONLY.

Friends of Gregory Park invites you to Spring Into Action ’26! on Sat. May 16th from 10:00-12:00 at Gregory Park in Brainerd.  The group is asking the community to come and help clean-up and beautify the park for the season.  Trash bags and gloves will be provided.  Volunteers will pick up trash, gather branches, do some weeding and trim tree suckers.  Fun things will also be happening – that include chalk, bubbles, yard games, snacks and beverages!  Learn more at FriendsOfGregoryPark.org.

The Brainerd Lakes Women of Today will host their 2026 Spring Carnival at the Warrior Early Learning Center on Sat. May 16th from 10:00-12:00.  Bring your littles over for some fun games, crafts, treats, prizes and fun – all for just $5 per child!  Adults are free with a non-perishable food item donation.  Money raised will be donated to the ECFE Scholarship Fund.  More at BrainerdLakesWomenOfToday.com.

Discovery Woods’ Summer Send Off will be held on Sat. May 16th starting at 10:30.  This fun-filled event is open to the public and perfect for the whole family.  Enjoy delicious food, exciting games, a bounce house, dunk tank and so much more!  Come celebrate the start of summer with Discovery Woods on N. 7th Street in Brainerd!

The 2026 Nisswa Chocolate Walk for the Pohl Children’s Foundation will be held on Sat. May 16th from 11:00-3:00 in downtown Nisswa.   Passport tickets are $45 per person and can be purchased through the link on the Facebook event page.

Crafted Under the Pines Makers Market will be held in the parking lot of Jack Pine Brewery in Baxter on Sat. May 16th from 11:00-4:00.  This is not your average vendor fair.  Every maker here was hand-selected because they actually make their goods.  No resellers, not shortcuts – just local creators bringing their goods.  Expect a mix of art, handmade goods and thoughtfully crafted pieces that feel right-at-home up north.  Rollin’ Dough food truck will be on site with wood-fired pizzas, so grab a bite, and a pint, do some shopping and maybe leave with something you didn’t know you needed!

The Creation Care Team at Lutheran Church of the Cross in Nisswa will be hosting meteorologist Paul Douglas at 1:00 on Sat. May 16th in the LCC Celebration Center for a forum on Climate Change.  The talk will focus on weather changes that are already taking place in the Brainerd Lakes Area.  There is no charge to attend.  All are welcome.  LCC is located behind Schaefer’s Foods on Co. Rd. 13 in Nisswa.

Lakes Area BMX invites the public to its Open House (at 10415 Town Hall Street in Brainerd) on Sun. May 17th from 10:00-12:00.  Lakes Area BMX is open to all ages, and parents are welcome to attend with their riders.  Long sleeved shirt, long pants, Athletic, closed-toe shoes are required and Rental bikes and helmets are available FREE of charge.  Come give BMX a try using their ONE-DAY FREE MEMBERSHIP.

5/18 – 5/24
Riverside PTO encourages you to Dine at Dunmire’s on the Lake on Mon. May 18th to support the building of the new accessible playground for kids in the Brainerd Lakes Area.  Between the hours of 4:00-8:00 that day, Dunmire’s on the Lake will donate 50% of the proceeds from meals purchased by guests to the project.  While you are there, you will be able to see the newly remodeled restaurant and help build the new playground for the community to enjoy.  Learn more at Riverside.isd181.org.

Residents of Nisswa are invited to Straight Talk with the Mayor on Mon. May 18th at the Nisswa American Legion.  Hosted by Nisswa Mayor Jennifer Carnahan, you’re invited to come by from 4:30-6:30 and talk all things Nisswa.  What’s working, what’s not, what’s next?  This is being held as an informal, community conversation to hear directly from you.  Plus, it’s burger night at the Nisswa Legion!  So come have dinner while you’re there!

Join the Brainerd Lakes Chamber at BIR for a special Business After Hours on Tues. May 19th from 4:30-6:00.  Hockey Day Minnesota is coming to BIR in January 2027 and in preparation for that, BIR will give you a preview of its plans for the big event as you get a sneak peek, do some networking, enjoy treats and beverages and maybe even win some prizes! Please RSVP in advance if you plan on attending.  Visit BrainerdLakesChamber.com for more info and to register.

Jack Pine Brewery in Baxter will host another Pints for a Purpose on Wed. May 20th.  Stop by between 5:00-8:00 when $1 from every pint sold will be donated to WeAre Clinic… Advocates for Reproductive Health.

The Crow Wing County Land Services Department will conduct a Business Electronics Collection Event on Thurs. May 21st from 9:00-1:00 at the Crow Wing County Landfill Site.  This is an opportunity for businesses to dispose  of any old electronics including computer monitors, printers, CPUs, Scanners.  They will also collect circuit boards, wires, cables and precious metal scrap. For a list of items they will and will not take at this event, and to establish a charge account for your business, visit CrowWing.gov/landfill or call the Solid Waste Office at 218-824-1010.

The Annual Brainerd FFA Alumni Ag Education Picnic & Auction is happening on Thurs. May 21st starting at 5:30 at the Crow Wing County Fairgrounds in Brainerd.  For $15, enjoy a Pulled Pork sandwich, smoked chicken, sweet corn, cheesy potatoes, Culver’s Frozen Custard and water.  Meals can be taken home or eaten at the picnic.  Pick-up will be in the Curling Building from 5:30-6:30.  ONLY 450 meals will be available.  There will also be a LIVE Auction, SILENT Auction, Plant Sale, Bake Sale and Kids Games.  Tickets are available at Lakes Printing in Brainerd.  Get yours today!

Celebrate Recovery and Community with your friends and neighbors at Kickin’ It for Connection – a fun Kickball event on Sat. May 23rd at Memorial Park Fields on Mill Ave. in Brainerd.  Check-in starts at 12:00 and Games will start at 1:00.  They’ll also have vendors, a food truck, a bounce house, a Recovery & Faith Apparel Pop-Up Shop, and more!  It’s just $10/player for kickball and includes team apparel and a free hotdog!  Please sign up by May 22nd at 12:00! Call 218-203-9910 to register or do it through the link on the Lighthouse Beginnings Facebook page.

The Center in Brainerd and Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union will host a Lunch & Learn event on Fri. May 22nd at 12:00 on the topic of Fraud.  Scams and fraud are on the rise and representatives from our local financial institutions will share important facts and practical tips for spotting potential scamps and protecting yourself from becoming a victim.  Thanks to the Fraud Fighters Team from Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union, the event and lunch are FREE.  However, signing up in advance is required.  Reserve your spot by signing up at the front desk of The Center… 803 Kingwood St. in Brainerd.

CLC Performing Arts presents a special Memorial Day weekend presentation by The Fabulous Armadillos, “What’s Going On?  Songs from the Vietnam Era” on Fri. May 22nd at the Gichi-ziibi Center for the Arts in Brainerd.  This special performance will start at 7:00pm and tickets range from $38-$44.  Order them online at CLCPerformingArts.com or by calling 855-8199.

What if ONE STORY could turn into a moment your child never forgets?  On Sat. May 23rd, The Center in Brainerd welcomes local author David Vance Potts who will bring a magical, interactive story experience to life from 11:00-1:00.  For just the $15 purchase of the book “Who Put Butter on a Plate” at the door, your whole family will get into the event and the author will sign your book!  (Learn more about the book at www.Buttersprocket.com).  Your book is your family’s ticket to the experience!  For more information, contact The Center.

5/25 – 5/31
Honor, Remember, Celebrate during the Memorial Day Picnic hosted by the Brainerd Elks, Legion and VFW on Mon. May 25th.  From 11:00-1:00, all veterans and their families can enjoy a free picnic lunch that will be served at the Brainerd American Legion on Front Street in Brainerd.  A thank you to all who served in honor of our heroes – as we are grateful for our freedoms.  All are welcome.

The Brainerd Lakes Chamber encourages you to attend Business After Hours on Tues. May 26th from 4:30-6:00, this time, at Merrifield’s newest business, Lakes Area R&R.  Grab your putter and head out for some great networking, tasty appetizers, refreshing beverages – and you may even take home a prize!  Register in advance if you plan on attending:  BrainerdLakesChamber.com.

The Brainerd Elks Shoot, Sat. May 30th at Don Adamson Field from 9:00-1:00.  Brainerd Elks Lodge 615 will partner with Brainerd Warrior Soccer program to show off the skills of youth soccer from ages 5-15.  The U9 portion of the event will run from 10:00-12:00 and the 10-15 age group will compete from 12:00-2:00.  It’s designed to give youth athletes a fun, positive environment to build confidence, show off their skills and be part of a community event.  To register, visit Facebook and search The Elks Soccer Shoot Brainerd.

Join the Babinski Foundation in Pequot Lakes on Sat. May 30th for their February Community Dog Walk taking place from 9:00-12:30.  This is your chance to spend some quality time, outdoors with a shelter dog.  Get the shelter dogs -and yourself – out for some fresh air and exercise… everyone is welcome.  You don’t need to bring a thing!  Please sign up for a session (always the last Saturday of the month), at EventBrite.com or find the link through the event page on Facebook.

The Brainerd Lakes Area Women of Today is teaming up with the St. Mathias Bar & Grill in Fort Ripley for a Raffle Event in support of BPSF.  Stop by the St. Mathias Bar & Grill on Sun. May 31st between 3:00-7:00 for a Meat Raffle, Electronic Races and a Wine/Booze Pull.  The proceeds from the event and raffles will help build a sustainable scholarship through Brainerd Public Schools Foundation, which will benefit students for years to come. More at BrainerdLakesAreaWomenOfToday.com.