PSA
Week 12 / 8 / 25 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 between now and DEC. 18th and receive a $15 Amazon Gift Card by Email!!!!!!!

Wed.   12/10      8:00-2:00            Pierz Healy High School in Pierz
Fri.     12/12      10:00-4:00          Westgate Mall in Baxter
Fri.     12/12      11:00-5:00          St. Mathias Parks & Rec in Fort Ripley
Wed.   12/17      10:00-4:00          St. Joseph’s Church in Crosby
Mon.   12/22        12:00-6:00          Knights of Columbus in Brainerd
Mon.   12/29        12:00-6:00          Ideal Corners Community Ctr in Pequot Lks
Tues.   12/30         10:00-4:00           Washington Educ. Services Building in Brd.
Tues.  12/30        10:00-4:00          Crosslake Community School
Wed.   12/31        9:00-3:00            Jenkins VFW
Mon.   1/5           12:00-6:00          Lakewood Church in Baxter
Tues.  1/6           12:00-6:00          Lakewood Church in Baxter
Fri.     1/9           10:00-4:00          Brainerd VFW
Fri.     1/16         10:00-4:00          Lord of Life Lutheran in Baxter
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THE SALVATION ARMY is looking for Bell Ringers for their Red Kettle Campaign, which is NOW underway!  PLEASE sign up to ring bells this holiday season by visiting RegisterToRing.com.  If you prefer, you can call and talk to Savannah at the Salvation Army office in Brainerd and she will help you get registered over the phone.  218-829-1120.  There are locations to ring available in Brainerd, Baxter, Nisswa and Crosby.  And don’t forget, too… when you see the buckets and hear the bells, please remember to donate that loose change or those extra dollar bills.  Every dollar helps!

Brainerd Noon Sertoma presents Winter Wonderland at the Northland Arboretum in Brainerd!  Over 100,000 lights and 75 brilliant displays await at this 19th Annual event!  Now Open from 5:30-8:00pm every Thursday through Saturday, enjoy the lights from the warmth of your car as you drive through the amazing display of lights.  They will also be open EVERY NIGHT from Christmas Eve through New Years Eve.  Tickets are $20/vehicle at the gate or $15 in advance. Tickets are available at Cash Wise Liquor in Brainerd or Baxter, at the Northland Arboretum or online at SertomaWinterWonderland.com.  Find a full list of dates and times at that website, too!  (Entrance to the event is at the Arbs Visitor Center Entrance.)

12/8 – 12/14

Ruby’s Pantry will be up and running on Tues. Dec. 9th at the Northern Pacific Center in Brainerd from 4:30-6:00 (always the 2nd Tuesday of the Month).  For just $25 a share, you will receive well-over $100 worth of food, including fresh produce and meat, healthy foods and snacks, and a variety of other items like bread, cereal, refrigerated groceries, juice, milk and other items.  The items are always different and subject to change.  There is no income or residency requirement to participate, it’s for anyone looking to extend their monthly grocery budget.  Learn more at RubysPantry.org.

Stage North Theater Company presents A Nutcracker Christmas at the Franklin Arts Center in Brainerd, Wed. Dec. 10 through Sun. Dec. 14th and tickets are on sale now.  An original adaptation of a familiar, family holiday story, the tale begins at Christmas time with the Stahlbaum family gathers for Christmas, presents are handed out to the children, including the Nutcracker.  That evening, after all have gone to bed, the toys come to life and battle the Mouse King and his army of mice… Don’t miss this holiday classic, with a few twists!   Showtimes are 7pm on Dec. 10, 11, 12 and 13.  And 2:00 on the 13th & 14th.  Tickets are only $10 (+fee if purchased online).  Get them at the door or online at StageNorthTheater.com

Tri-County Community Action has served families for 60 years in Crow Wing, Morrison, and Todd County relying almost entirely on government grants - but that model is changing. Before asking the community for support, they need you to see what they do.  So, TCC Action Partnership will host a Holiday Facility Tour on Thurs. Dec. 11th from 9:00-1:00 at their facility at 2410 Oak Street in Brainerd and it’s open to the public.  Tour the facility, meet the Directors and Board Members so they can answer your questions about how Tri-County Community Action works for you.  Hear about each program offered:  Head Start, Community Services and Weatherization.  (The Little Falls facility at 501 Lemieur St. will also host an open house that same day from 3:00-5:00).  All are welcome!

Brainerd High School Choir will host its annual Madrigal Dinner on Thurs., Fri. and Sat. Dec. 11, 12 & 13 starting at 7:00 each night at Cragun’s Legacy Pavillion.  Be treated to an evening of wonderful food and entertainment while supporting the choir students as they work to raise money for an upcoming trip to Florida as a group.  Learn more about the event and get tickets through a link online at BrainerdMusic.org.

The Outreach Program of Brainerd Lakes and the Lakes Area Shooting Sports invite the public to a Community Fish Fry on Fri. Dec. 12th at the Nisswa Community Center.  The dinner will be served from 5:00-7:00 and free will donations will be accepted as donations for both organizations.  Enjoy the walleye dinner – there will also be hot dogs for those not wanting fish.  See the Community Fish Fry event page on Facebook for more information.

First Lutheran Church in Brainerd is inviting you to its annual Holiday Cookie Walk and Bake Sale on Sat. Dec. 13th from 9:00-1:00.  This is a chance to get all the treats you need for the holidays, including lefse, krumkake, rosettes and Christmas confectionaries.  Find jellies, crafts and other goodies, too!  Cash or Check only!  From 10:00-1:00 enjoy homemade soup, bread, a bar and beverage for just $8.  First Lutheran in on S. 8th Street in Brainerd.

The National Remembrance Ceremony will be held at 11:00am on Sat. Dec. 14th at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls – known as Wreaths for the Fallen.  After the ceremony, honor wreaths will be placed on the markers of fallen veterans.  Volunteers from Camp Ripley, the MN Patriot Guard, Civil Air Patrol, VFWs, American Legions and many other civic organizations, along with thousands of family members coming from all over Minnesota will perform the honor of placing the wreaths on gravesites.  Parking is limited so carpooling is strongly encouraged.  Please arrive by 10:00.  Coffee, hot cider and refreshments will be available for those in attendance.

Join the fun during the Safe Ride Carnival Crawl & Poker Run on Sat. Dec. 13th from 12:00-5:00 in downtown Brainerd!  Start at any of the participating bars, play carnival games – win the game and get a card!  Get at least 5 cards to build your poker hand and qualify for prizes.  Turn in your hand at the VFW by 5pm and get ready to win!  This event is Free to attend and only for those 21+.  All the proceeds will benefit Safe Ride – helping to keep our community roadways safe!  For a list of participating establishments and more information, visit the Brainerd Lakes Safe Ride page on Facebook!

Roundhouse Brewery in Nisswa will host a Pints (& plates) for a Purpose event on Sat. Dec. 13th from 1:00-5:00 in support of a new non-profit here in the Brainerd Lakes Area called Knit Together.  Knit Together works to provide care baskets for women who have recently lost a baby due to miscarriage.  By attending this event, $1 from every pint and plate sold between 1:00-5:00 will be donated to Knit Together in support of their mission.  To learn more, visit LoveIsKnitTogether.org.

The 14th Annual Santa’s Bobbin’ into Town in Pequot Lakes will be happening on Sat. Dec. 13th and you do NOT want to miss it!  First, enjoy extended shopping hours that day at participating businesses in and around Pequot Lakes!  Then the fun starts at 3:00 at the Cole Memorial Building with music and entertainment for the kids by “The Jolly Pops”.  From 4:00-6:00, Pequot Lakes Royalty will host activities in Trailside Park, like Horse & Wagon rides and a Bobber Hunt.  You’ll also enjoy carolers, a bon fire, hot cocoa and treats… and don’t forget your camera!  TONS of great photo ops for you and your family!  And don’t forget to bring your donations for the Mayor’s Fill The Truck Challenge (see below*). Then, the lineup includes:
4:15-5:30  Dinner with Santa & Mrs. Claus/Balloon Animals with Jingles the Elf at         The Pequot Lakes American Legion.
5:45   Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony at Trailside Park & Main Street
6:00   Light up the Night PARADE

6:20   FIREWORKS Show…

*As part of Santa’s Bobbin into Town, Pequot Mayor Tyler Gardner is hosting a “Fill The Truck” Mayor’s Challenge, NOW, just called the "Mayor's Challenge!"  Mayor Gardner is challenging area residents to help stock the shelves of the Lakes Area Food Shelf!  DUE to the cold temperatures in the forecast, they are now asking that donations be dropped off at the Chamber building instead.  YOu can also drop off your donations at Merritt Jewelers, Jilly Bean Boutique or The Swell Co. Boutique.  Donation suggestions include boxed meals, pasta, rice, beans, canned fruits/veggies, peanut butter, cereal and protein-rich canned meat (chicken/tuna).  Let’s wrap the community in kindness this holiday season!

Save the date for Pine River’s winter celebration, Parade of Lights!  This year’s theme is “A Charlie Brown Christmas” will be held on Sat. Dec. 13th starting at 5:00pm.  Enjoy a parade through town, treats at the Chamber, a bonfire under the stars and fireworks…. Facebook for more info.

CLC Performing Arts presents Rock & Roll Xmas Spectacular, their most requested show of the year – as it returns to rock your holidays – on Sat. Dec. 13th at the Gichi-ziibi Center for the Arts in Brainerd, starting at 8:00.  Get tickets by calling 855-8199 or online at CLCPerformingArts.com.

All Aboard for FREE Holiday Fun!  Kick off the season with this one-of-a-kind holiday celebration for the whole family at the CLC Staples Campus!  It’s The Polar Xpress Holiday Festival, on Sat. & Sun. Dec. 13 & 14 from 12:00-4:00 both days.  Enjoy the spectacular G-Scale Model Train displays, the Festival of Trees, miniature train rides, cookie decorating and ornament crafts, holiday vendors and more!  There is no  cost to attend and no tickets required.  All taking place at CLC Staples Campus.  Find more info on Facebook, search Polar Xpress – Holiday Festival.

Crow Wing County DFL will host a Holiday Party and Dinner on Sat. Dec. 13th at the Drummond Wine Company in Brainerd.  Celebrate the season starting at 5:00 with music, dancing and special guest speakers.  For more information, visit Facebook and search Crow Wing County DFL Holiday Party 2025.

The Gathering Event Center in Crosslake will provide a complimentary Community Holiday Meal for those in need who would like to be around others during the holidays.  The meal will be provided on Sun. Dec. 14th between 11:00-2:00 at The Gathering Event Center on Co. Rd. 3.  You can dine there with others or take your meal to go.  All ages are welcome.  Local businesses and individuals are working to put on this free meal.  If you are able to donate or help, please reach out on the event organizers on Facebook.

The Center in Brainerd will host Elf Bingo on Sun. Dec. 14th from 1:00 to 2:30.  The cost is $7 for 16 games and a light lunch will be provided when Bingo is over.  There will also be a meat raffle happening at the same time, so get ready to win big!  The gift shop will be open from 1:00-3:00.  Bring a friend who has never played bingo at The Center before and you’ll both be entered to win a free dozen donuts!!  Learn more on The Brainerd Center’s Facebook page.

The Northland Arboretum invites everyone to join them for a magical holiday event at the Arb as Santa & The Grinch make a special appearance on Sun. Dec. 14th from 2:00-5:00.  Enjoy a free holiday craft for the kids and candy from Santa.  Kids can write letters to Santa and the Grinch, and you can take your own photos – free-will donations are appreciated!  Hot chocolate and cookies will be available for purchase and the gift shop will be open.  Bring the whole family for this free and fun event.  No need to register!

Vacationland Figure Skating Club will present its annual Holiday Show at 5:00 on Sun. Dec. 14th at the Essentia Health Sports Center in Brainerd and it’s open and free for the public to attend!  …. VacationlandFigureSkatingClub.com.

12/15 – 12/21
St. Gabriel’s Hospital Advocates invites the public to Sip, Snack & Shop the Sparkle on Mon. Dec. 15th from 4:00-7:00 at the St. Gabriel’s Gift Shop in Little Falls where you’ll enjoy lovely mocktails, yummy food samples and some amazing deals!  Find great gifts for your family, hostess gifts and even yourself.  One-of-a-kind gifts you can’t find much of anymore!  Net proceeds will help purchase specialty equipment for various hospital departments, fund post-secondary scholarships for students pursuing careers in health fields and support the local food shelf.  Enter through the main hospital entrance…and happy shopping!

The public is invited to enjoy the Season of Light at the Forestview Planetarium for the final time this week. Explore the historical, cultural and astronomical roots of winter holiday traditions.  The show will include a winter night sky talk and Season of Light full-dome show.  Suitable for all age levels.  Tickets are only $5 per person.  Showtimes are at 6:00pm and 7:15pm on Mon. Dec. 15 and on Wed. Dec. 17.   Reserve your tickets in advance at FMSPlanetarium.com.

Essentia Health St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Brainerd invites you to their annual Tree of Life Memorial Service and Lighting at 4:00 on Tues. Dec. 16th in the River Room at St. Joeseph’s.  The event is held to remember the lives and legacies of loved ones through poems, scriptures, reading of names and the hanging of holiday ornaments.  While the event is free, donations are appreciated.  Proceeds will go to the grief-support services program at St. Joe’s.

Get ready to Jingle & Mingle at the Business After Hours Holiday Extravaganza on Tues. Dec. 16th in the Gull Lake Center at the Grand View Lodge in Nisswa.  The FINAL Business After Hours of the year will be held from 4:00-7:30 and 50+ local businesses and organizations will be there for an evening of networking and holiday cheer, either as an attendee or exhibitor!  The cost is $10 to attend and includes delicious appetizers, beverage samples, a cash bar, and tons of prize giveaways.  Ugly sweaters are encouraged!  Learn more at BrainerdLakesChamber.com.

The Annual Elks Hoop Shoot Free Throw Contest will be held on Sat. Dec. 20th at Forestview Middle School in Baxter, with registration starting at 12:00.  Kids ages 8 to 13 are invited to come and take a shot at getting their name in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame!  The contest will start at 1:00.  No experience is necessary, just show up ready to shoot some free throws, and who knows…it could be off to nationals!  Get more info at Elks.org/HoopShoot.

12/22 – 12/28

The Brainerd Area Epilepsy Advocates group will be hold its regular 4th Monday of the Month Meeting on Mon. Dec. 22nd from 5:00-7:00 at St. Joseph’s Medical Campus in Brainerd.  Those who attend will learn more about seizure recognition and gain knowledge, skills and confidence in applying seizure first aid.  If you or someone you know is affected by or living with Epilepsy, this gathering is for you.  Learn more online at EpilepsyAdvocates.org.

Need to get those last-minute letters to Santa?  Join the Greater Lakes Association of Realtors in Baxter on Tues. Dec. 23rd from 11:00-2:00 where kids can write their letters, sip hot cocoa, munch on cookies and even meet Santa at noon!  Bring your camera and capture the magic!  The event is FREE and everyone is welcome.  The GLAR office is just north of Menards behind Applebee’s in Baxter.

Donate a Pint, get a Pint… at the Pint for a Pint Blood Drive on Fri. Dec. 26th at Roundhouse Brewery in Nisswa.  The Vitalant Bloodmobile will be at Roundhouse from 1:00-5:00 that day and need 24 donors to sign up to donate blood.  They want to encourage first-time donors and those who haven’t donated in a while to come back to donate!  Many qualifications have changed, making more people eligible to donate, plus those who donate at this drive will receive a FREE DRINK TOKEN!  Register to donate online at Vitalant.org and enter the Brainerd or Nisswa zip code!

Motley United Methodist Church will host its monthly Community Breakfast on Sat. Dec. 27th 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.

12/29 – 12/31

The students of Brainerd High School encourage you to donate blood and are therefore, hosting a Student-Led American Red Cross Blood Drive on Tues. Dec. 30th at the Washington Education Center in Brainerd.  The drive will be held from 10:00-4:00 in the gymnasium of the center, which is on Oak Street in Brainerd.  To schedule your time to donate, visit RedCrossBlood.org and search for the specific drive on Dec. 30th.  The students of BHS remind you that your donation keeps hearts beating, so be a hero, and donate blood!