PSA
2 / 9 / 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.
THERE’S AN EMERGENCY NEED FOR Type O Blood!!!!!!
Donate between now and FEB. 28th and receive a $20 e-Gift Card to a merchant of your choice!!!!

Wed.   2/11         9:00-3:00            Pillager High School
Thurs. 2/12         9:30-2:30            U.S. Bank in Brainerd
Thurs. 2/12         11:00-4:00          Ruttger’s Bay Lake Resort in Deerwood
Fri.     2/13         10:00-4:00          Westgate Mall in Baxter
Mon.   2/16         9:00-2:00            CHI St. Gabriel’s in Little Falls
Thurs. 2/19         9:00-3:00            Northland Arboretum in Baxter
Fri.     2/20         10:00-4:00          Brainerd VFW
Fri.     2/20         10:00-4:00          Aitkin United Methodist Church
Fri.     2/20         11:00-5:00          Fellowship Bible Church of Pierz
Mon.   2/23         11:00-5:00          Pequot Lakes American Legion
Tues.  2/24         9:00-3:00            First Baptist Church in Long Prairie
Tues.  2/24         12:00-6:00          Log Church in Crosslake
Wed.   2/25         9:00-3:00            Lakewood Evangelical in Baxter
Wed.   2/25         10:00-3:00          Heartwood in Crosby
Thurs. 2/26         8:00-2:00            Heartwood in Crosby
Thurs. 2/26         11:00-5:00          Gull Lake Center in Nisswa
Fri.     2/27         8:30-2:30            Central Lakes College in Brainerd
Mon.   3/2           12:00-6:00          Church of Latter Day Saints Brainerd
Tues.  3/3           11:00-5:00          Church of Latter Day Saints Brainerd
Wed.   3/4           9:00-2:00            Central Lakes College Staples
Wed.   3/4           9:00-3:00            Jenkins VFW
Thurs. 3/5           9:00-3:00            McGregor Community Center
Fri.     3/6           9:00-3:00            Brainerd VFW

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AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides FREE Tax Preparation help to anyone, FREE of charge, with a focus on taxpayers who are over age 50 and have low to moderate income…and volunteers are available in the Brainerd Lakes Area!  The volunteers are trained and IRS-certified every year to make sure they know about and understand the latest changes and additions to the tax code.  Brainerd Tax-Aide is located in the Lakes Area Habitat for Humanity ReStore in east Brainerd and are available now through April 15th.  Stop by the ReStore to make an appointment.  They are available Monday through Friday from 9:30 to 5:30.   Tax-Aide is the largest free, volunteer-based tax program in the U.S.

2/9 – 2/15

The Brainerd Lakes Chamber encourages you to attend Business After Hours on Tues. Feb. 10th hosted by Lakes Tavern in Pequot Lakes.  The event will be held from 4:30-6:00 where you will enjoy delicious appetizers (spinach artichoke dip and chicken wings with multiple signature sauces), beverages (complimentary iced tea and lemonade plus a cash bar), networking and the chance to win prizes.  The event is free to attend, but RSVPs are appreciated.  Visit BrainerdLakesChamber.com to let them know you are coming!

The Central Lakes College Music Department presents Prisms, its annual chamber ensemble concert at 7:00pm on Tues. Feb. 10th in the Bob Dryden Theater on the Brainerd Campus.  This one-of-a-kind performance features woodwind, brass and percussion chamber ensembles led by Jordon Goebel, Kyle Brown and Jonathan Leflamme in a circular performance format where the audience surrounds the ensemble.  Admission is just $10.

Join Bridges of Hope for their new event, Hope on the Slopes – a mattress racing fundraiser at Mount Ski Gull on Thurs. Feb. 12th from 3:30-9:00!  Starting at 6pm, teams of 4 will race down the tubing hill on covered, queen-sized mattresses while enjoying bonfires, food and drinks, live music and raffles, too!  Funds raised during the event will support Bridges of Hope’s programs that serve our neighbors here in the BLA.  Register online at BridgesOfHopeMN.org/events.

CLC Performing Arts presents the, The Cottage, A Comedy Behind Closed Doors, on Feb. 12-14 at 7:00 and Feb. 14 & 15 at 2:00 at the Chalberg Theater on the CLC Brainerd Campus.  Get tickets online at CLCPerformingArts.com or by calling 855-8199.

Pine River-Backus Community Ed invites the public to Snowshoe Magic – an evening to gather and snowshoe or hike around Norway Lake.  On Fri. Feb. 13th, take in a glowing night of snowshoeing, cocoa and cookies from 5:30-6:30 for just $5.  And showshoes are available for rent for an additional $5, while they last.  Register in advance online at PRBSchools.org/Community-Ed.  Then meet in the Community Ed Building parking lot the night of the hike!

Lakeside Baptist Church in Backus will host its 3rd Annual Free Rummage Sale on Sat. Feb. 14th from 8:00-11:00.  Discover hidden treasures like clothes, décor, books and more – all for FREE.  Lakeside Baptist is at 12 Church Lane in Backus.  Learn more at LBCBackus.com.

The Deerwood Farmers Market will host a Valentine’s Market on Sat. Feb. 14th at the Deerwood Auditorium from 9:00-2:00.  Stop in and shop for your favorite farmers market items, like baked goods, canned items, soaps, lotions, meats, fudge, coffee, dog trats, pasta, freeze-dried candies, crafts, cupcakes, wooden crafts, bird feeders and much more!  They’ll also host a chili cook-off at 12:00!  (To enter, send an email to DeerwoodFarmersMarket@gmail.com).  Hope to see you there!

Greater Lakes Area Performing Arts (GLAPA) presents “The Tin Woodman of Oz” (by L. Frank Baum, adapted by Ben Gordon) at the Pequot Lakes High School Theater, Feb. 13, 14, 20 & 21 at 7:00pm and Feb. 15 & 22 at 2:00.  Get tickets by calling 218-568-9200 or visit GLAPA.org.

2/16 – 2/22

Help support Lighthouse Beginnings by dining out at Pizza Ranch in Baxter on Mon. Feb. 16th.  Come by for dinner that night between 5:00-9:00 when any donations made will be donated to Lighthouse Beginnings, helping our friends and neighbors who are working to rebuild after addiction, incarceration and homelessness and meeting their needs with compassion and respect.  Fill your plate, and fill a need!  They hope to see you there!

The WAVE Young Professionals Network’s February event is entitled:  Leveraging LinkedIn for Career Growth and will break down how employers actually use LinkedIn – what they look for, what makes you stand out and what not to stress about.  A panel of pros will even answer your questions.  This WAVE event will take place on Tues. Feb. 17th from 12:00-2:00 at Essentia Health Brainerd Lakes.  It is free for WAVE members and $25 for non members.  Registration is required.  Visit BrainerdLakesChamber.com to register.

Jack Pine Brewery in Baxter will host another Pints for a Purpose on Wed. Feb. 18th.  Stop by Jack Pine that day between 5:00-8:00pm when $1 from every pint sold will be donated to an area non-profit.  On this day, the dollars will be donated to the Elbow Foundation, helping fund scholarships for Central Lakes College students and supporting local initiatives.  They hope to see you there!

Sexual Assault Services MN in Brainerd will host “Celebrating Strength,” an appreciation event to Honor Survivors, Advocates and to Raise Awareness about sexual assault on Thurs. Feb. 19th at the SAS MN facility on NW 5th St. in Brainerd.  The event will be from 4:00-6:00 and will include fun, prize drawings and a heart-felt ceremony at 4:30.  It is free and open for the public to attend, with free pizza and treats for those in attendance.

CLC Performing Arts is proud to welcome the Internationally acclaimed South Indian dance troupe Ragamala Dance Company Aparna Ramaswamy and Ranee Ramaswamy, Artistic Co-Directors to the Chalberg Theater on the CLC Brainerd campus at 7:00 on Thurs. Feb. 19th.   Tickets start at $15…. CLCPerformingArts.com.

The Babinski Foundation will host a Microchip Clinic on Fri. Feb. 20th 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.  (These Microchip Clinics are always held the 3rd Friday of each month)

The Lindbergh Lions of Little Falls invite the public to their Annual Fish Fry on Fri. Feb. 20th at the Little Falls VFW starting at 4:00.  Not only can you enjoy delicious fish, but they’ll have mac & chees, cole slaw, baked beans and bread to go with your dinner!  The cost is just $14 for Adults… $13 for Seniors 65+… $9 for Kids ages 6-10 and kids 5 and under eat for free.  Carry-out is available.  Dinner will be served from 4:00-7:30.  All are welcome!

The Jenkins VFW Post 3839 will host the “Death from Above!” Pike Fishing Contest the weekend of Fri. – Sun. Feb. 20-22nd, in support of Folds of Honor, a non-profit whose mission it is to support veterans and their families. Enjoy fishing and raising money for a great cause and you could win a Garmin Livescope!  Registration Buttons are on sale now at the club for $20 – or get them at Ace Hardware in Breezy Point. Longest combined length of (2) Northern Pike, and this is open to all area lakes!  A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Folds of Honor Minnesota.  See official rules on the Jenkins VFW Facebook page or check with a bartender at the VFW or send an email to JenkinsVFW3839@Gmail.com.

The annual Fishing For Ducks ice fishing contest will take place in Garrison Bay on Mille Lacs Lake on Sat. Feb. 21st starting at 12:00.  Tickets to fish are $30 until Feb. 15th, after that, it’s $40.  Get tickets online at FishingForDucks.org.  This is a fundraiser for the Garrison Ducks Unlimited.

The Aitkin Chamber of Commerce invites the public to Winter Wonderama at Aitkin City Park on Sat. Feb. 21st from 3:00-6:00.  Come and enjoy games, ice skating, s’mores, hot chocolate, hot dogs and more!  Take part in LLCC Snowshoeing, build a snowperson… and take a stroll on the luminary trail.  This event is perfect for the whole family and free to attend.  Learn more on the Winter Wonderama Facebook page.

The 9th Annual I.C.E. Fest 2026 – Ice Carousel Extravaganza, is returning to Green Prairie Fish Lake in Little Falls Feb. 21 & 22nd hosted by the Zwilling Family and the Pay It Forward Foundation.  This free, family-friendly, two-day winter festival offers activities, entertainment and community fun, all while raising money to help children in need.  The event is known for its Giant Spinning Ice Carousels and includes free food and beverages in the warming tent, open skating, snowmobile rides, Finnish sledding, curling demos, face painting, a youth hockey jamboree, human foosball and bowling, a s’mores station, giant building blocks and Legos and more… plus Fireworks Saturday night at 6:00!  The event runs Saturday from 10:00-6:00 and Sunday from 10:00-4:00.  More at MNIceFest.org.

 2/23 – 3/1

Crow Wing County is hosting an Online Public Land Sale Auction starting Mon. Feb. 23rd at 9:00am and ending on Tues. Mar. 24th at 7:00pm.  Parcels will be offered for sale via the Public Surplus Auction website, PublicSurplus.com.  Properties are located throughout Crow Wing County.  Those who are interested will need to create an account at the PublicSurplus.com website and follow the registration requirements.  Properties offered for sale can be viewed online at CrowWing.gov/LandSales or by contacting the Land Services Department (824-1010).

The next Rosenmeier Forum entitled, “Minnesota’s Nuclear Energy Future,” will be held on Mon. Feb. 23rd in the Chalberg Theater at Central Lakes College in Brainerd. Hosted by the Gordon Rosenmeier Center for State and Local Government, the forum will take place from 6:30-8:30pm.  Presenters will include three industry leaders and experts who will explore future opportunities and challenges related to the use of nuclear power in Minnesota.  The forum is free to attend and is open to the public.

The Brainerd Lakes Chamber invites you to another Business After Hours on Tues. Feb. 24th from 4:30-6:00 hosted by Central Lakes College, at their Brainerd campus.  Join them for an evening of high-energy networking, mouthwatering appetizers (petite sandwiches, meatballs, fruit, charcuterie platter and cake pops), beverages and you may even win some prizes!  Registration is appreciated!  Visit BrainerdLakesChamber.com and register in advance.

Stage North Theater Company will present Forbidden Broadway on stage at the Franklin Arts Center in Brainerd Feb. 26-Mar. 1st and tickets are on sale now.  The show began as an off-Broadway revue parodying musical theater, particularly Broadway musicals.  Now it’s a cabaret revue sharply spoofing show tunes, characters and plots of contemporary and current musicals like Wicked, Les Mis, the Lion King, Annie, Rent and others… Showtimes are at 7:00 Thurs. Fri. & Sat. Feb. 26-Feb. 28.  There is also a 2:00 matinee on Sat. & Sun Feb. 28th & Mar. 1st.   All tickets are $10.  Get tickets now at StageNorthTheater.com.

Vacationland Figure Skating Club will present its 51st Annual Ice Show on Fri. & Sat. Feb. 27 & 28th at the Essentia Health Sports Center in Brainerd.  Learn more at VacationlandFigureSkatingClub.com.

Join the Babinski Foundation in Pequot Lakes on Sat. Feb. 28th 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 American Legion Riders invite you to join the fun at their Cornhole Bags Tournament on Sat., Feb. 28th. Registration starts at 10:00, and the bags fly at 11:00. You can also sign up ahead of time on the Scoreholio App for quick and easy entry. The Bar and Kitchen will both be open. The tournament takes place at the Brainerd American Legion, 708 Front Street in Brainerd. Come out, play a few rounds, knowing that ALL the funds raised will be used to help our area Veterans.

Join the fun at the Annual Gull Lake Frozen Fore weekend, Feb. 27-29!  The Frozen Fore Pub Crawl will be held on Sat. Feb. 28th from 10:00-6:00 – the one-day pub crawl style adventure with a little friendly competition at some of the best bars and restaurants around Gull Lake!  End the night at the Frozen Fore Tent Party at Ernies from 6:00-9:00, where you can rock out with music from Bombshell!

Motley United Methodist Church will host its monthly Community Breakfast on Sat. Feb. 28th from 9:00-10:30.  (Always the last Sat. of the month)  There is no charge for the meal – it’s just an opportunity for members of the community to come together and share a meal.  Free will donations are accepted for the Motely Area Food Shelf.  The church is on 3rd Ave. S. in Motley.

Get ready for some fun at the Purse & Bang Bang Bingo event on Sun. Mar. 1st at the Brainerd American Legion starting at 1:00.  This is a fundraiser event for the Brainerd Warrior Cheer Team!  General admission will be $10, with special reserved tables starting at $80 that include tickets, drinks, snacks and priority entry!  Bingo packets will be $30 at the door.  Win purses, things that go bang bang and raffles during the event.  General admission doors open at 11:30. Reserve you spot by visiting the Purse & Bang Bang Bingo event page on Facebook.

3/2 – 3/8

Friends of the Brainerd Public Library will welcome Forensic Psychologist & True Crime author Frank F. Weber to their Brown Bag Author event on Mon. Mar. 2nd at the Brainerd Public Library from 12:00-1:00.  He will be reading from his newest release, ”Heartbreak Hollow.”  At the event, Frank will be signing and selling his book and answering questions by 11:00 and again after the event.  Guests are encouraged to bring their lunch to enjoy during the event.  No registration is required.

Attention Brainerd Lakes Chamber Members:  The 2026 Eggs & Issues Town Hall Legislative Breakfast will be held on Fri. Mar. 6th at Madden’s on Gull Lake from 7:30-9:30 am.  The Brainerd Lakes Chamber, along with Crow Wing Power, present this event that will focus on business, jobs and the economy.  New this year, a “town hall” format with more Q&A and direct discussions with legislators.  ((Those who will be in attendance include Sen. Keri Heintzeman, Rep. Josh Heintzeman, Rep. Ben Davis and Rep. Krista Knudsen.))  Individual tickets for Chamber Members are $50.  Reserve tickets now at BrainerdLakesChamber.com.

Feeling stressed, unsettled or anxious?  Join The Center in Brainerd on Fri. Mar. 6th at 12:00 for a free, 1-hour session with Bryn Lowrie Yahn to learn ways to release stress and feel more calm.  She’ll use a combination of breathwork, meditation, gentle movement and Emotional Freedom Techniques-Tapping to reset your nervous system.  Space is limited.  Contact The Center for more information.

The 2026 Polar Plunge for Special Olympics MN will be held on Sat. Mar. 7th at Breezy Point Resort.  Registration starts at 11:00…The plunging starts at 12:00.  Register now at PlungeMN.org.

The Pine River Chamber of Commerce invites you to the 2nd Annual Pine River Soup Wars on Sat. Mar. 7th from 11:00-2:00 at The Warehouse in Pine River.  This is your chance to sample some of the best soups in town, prepared by talented local businesses and community members all competing for the ultimate title of “2026 Soup Wars Champion!”  Bring a canned item for the Pine River Food Shelf and be entered to win the Generous Hearts giveaway.  Tickets are just $10 for adults… $5 for kids 12 and under (ages 2 and under are free).  Venmo, cash and check accepted.  Proceeds will benefit the Pine River Chamber of Commerce.  Sign up to compete on the Soup Wars 2026 Facebook Page.