PSA
3 / 23 / 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 March 31st and receive a $15 Amazon Gift Card (with mention) by email.

Wed.   3/25         12:00-6:00          Ideal Corners Community Center
Thurs. 3/26         8:00-2:00            Camp Ripley in Little Falls
Thurs. 3/26         8:00-2:00            Royalton High School
Thurs. 3/26         11:00-5:00          Isle High School
Fri.     3/27         10:00-4:00          GLAR in Baxter
Tues.  3/31         9:00-2:00            Maslowski Wellness & Research in Wadena
Thurs. 4/2           12:00-6:00          Hallett Center of Crosby
Wed.   4/8           8:00-2:00            Pierz Community High School
Wed.   4/8           9:00-3:00            Astera Health Campus in Wadena
Thurs. 4/9           9:00-3:00            Morrison County Govt. Ctr. in Little Falls
Fri.     4/10         10:00-4:00          Westgate Mall in Baxter
Fri.     4/10         10:00-4:00          Milaca Evangelical Free Church in Milaca
Fri.     4/10         11:00-5:00          St. Mathias Parks & Rec in Fort Ripley

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Lakes Area Habitat for Humanity invites you to Dancing with the Lakes Area Stars on Fri. Apr. 10th at the Gichi-ziibi Center for the Arts in Brainerd starting at 7:00!  Come and see some of your area pals as they perform months-worth of rehearsed dance numbers as they compete for your donations that will be used to build homes and change lives here in our community.  General admission tickets are still available for only $40, but they’re going fast.  Get them at the Habitat ReStore in east Brainerd or online at LakesAreaHabitat.org.  Support your favorite dancer and enjoy a fun night out, at Dancing with the Lakes Area Stars, Friday, April 10th in Brainerd!  (Hubbard Radio’s own Tess Taylor will be dancing once again this year… with her friend Brian Andrews from Lakes Area Restorative Justice Program!)

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.

March is Minnesota Food Share Month, the largest grassroots food- and fund- drive in the state, brings together organizations, businesses, faith communities and individuals to help stock and support the capacity of nearly 300 food shelves in the state.  2026 marks the 45th year of this campaign!  This month, residents are encouraged to support their local food shelves by making donations to their area food banks to help their friends and neighbors who are living with food insecurities.  There are a number of places to donate food or make monetary donations in the Brainerd Lakes area, which include, but are not limited to:  the Crosslake Food Shelf, Pine River Area Food Shelf, the Salvation Army Food Shelf in Brainerd, the Cuyuna Range Food Shelf in Crosby, The Pillager Family Center’s Food Shelf, the Aitkin Food Shelf at First Lutheran Church in Aitkin, the Lakes Area Food Shelf in Pequot Lakes, or any food shelf near you.

3/23 – 3/29
Crow Wing County is hosting an Online Public Land Sale Auction on NOW THROUGH 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 Brainerd Lakes Chamber invites you to another Business After Hours on Tues. Mar. 24th hosted by Lakeland PBS in Brainerd from 4:30-6:00.  Come by and tour Northern Minnesota’s premiere public broadcasting stations during this networking event.  Enjoy delicious appetizers (fruit, veggies, chips, dip and desserts), refreshing beverages, making connections and you may even win prizes!  If you plan on attending, please register in advance at BrainerdLakesChamber.com.

The Log Church in Crosslake will host a Community Seminar entitled Online and Telephone Scams – Don’t Fall Victim on Tues. Mar. 24th at the church from 6:00-7:00.  Officer Cody Haines of the Crosslake PD will share a presentation and give tips to avoid falling victim to online and phone scams often directed at seniors.  This is free to attend – bring a neighbor or friend!

The Brainerd Lakes Chamber, as part of its Blue Ox Success Series will host a workshop entitled AI Unpacked and Unfiltered on Wed. Mar. 25th at the Greater Lakes Association of Realtors Office on Pearl Drive in Baxter.  The event will take place from 11:00-1:00 and the cost for Chamber members is $50 ($35 for Small Business).  This lunch & learn style event will explore how AI is showing up in today’s workplaces and highlight popular tools and real-world use cases, safety and risk considerations.  Register online at BrainerdLakesChamber.com.

Join The Center in Brainerd for a special Lunch & Learn event on Fri. Mar. 27th with The Sons of Norway.  Discover Scandinavian heritage and culture while enjoying a light lunch.  The event is from 12:00-1:00 and costs $5.  All are welcome.

The Annual Brainerd VFW Vietnam Veterans Day recognition gathering will be held on Fri. Mar. 27th from 5:00-7:00pm.  There will be a free meal and beverage for Vietnam veterans and their significant others.  Daughters of the American Revolution will serve apple pie and ice cream too.  Chaplain Rios will give a prayer for those who did not return, and Taps will be played around 5:45.  Veterans are encouraged to bring memorabilia and share their experiences with those who have “been there and done that.”  More information is online at BrainerdVFW.org.

Grassroots Concerts will kick off its Spring Season on Fri. Mar. 27th with Davina Sowers at the Live Well Nightclub & Coffee Bar at the Journey Church in Nisswa, starting at 7:00.  You’ve probably heard of Davina and the Vagabonds…as they bring their soulful, bluesy, jazzy, juke-joint, high-energy music across Minnesota.  Davina will perform this rare intimate show, solo.  Blending jazz, blues, folk and smooth gospel music together.  Admission is just $15 at the door for adults.  $5 for children under 12 with listening attention.  Doors open at 6:30. Learn more online at GrassrootsConcerts.org.

CLC Performing Arts, once again, welcomes audience favorite, Monroe Crossing to the CLC Brainerd Campus’ Chalberg Theater on Fri. Mar. 27th at 7:00.  Tickets start at $15.  Get yours now online at CLCPerformingArts.com.

Lighthouse Beginnings will present the Spring Awakening Craft & Vendor Show on Sat. Mar. 28th at their facility in Baxter from 8:00-5:00 as they celebrate the start of spring with a fun, creative community market.  This will feature local crafters, makers, and small businesses.  Shop small and help your neighbors in need.  (Vendors keep their profits, but the $50 cost for their vendor space will support Lighthouse Beginnings).  Lighthouse Beginnings is at 8055 Industrial Park Rd.f

Join the Babinski Foundation in Pequot Lakes on Sat. Mar. 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.

LYC Choral Festival will be held on Sat. Mar. 28th at the Gichi-ziibi Center for the Arts in Brainerd where singers in grades 5 and up are invited to participate in a choir festival with the Legacy Youth Chorale.  Join the Concert Choir for the day, warmup and learn a piece of music with the choir, have lunch and sing in a concert on the Gichi ziibi stage!  Get more info and register online at LegacyChorale.org.
 

Motley United Methodist Church will host its Community Breakfast on Sat. Mar. 28th from 9:00-10:30.  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.

WonderTrek Children’s Museum and The Center in Brainerd are teaming up for Let’s Play! … a multi-generational Day of Play at The Center in Brainerd on Sat. Mar. 28th from 10:00-12:00.  Play, laugh, and make memories with hands-on activities for grandparents and kids to enjoy together.  This event is limited to the first 50 participants to register.  Visit WonderTrekMuseum.org to learn more or stop by The Center at 803 Kingwood Street in Brainerd.

Join the Northland Arboretum at Clayhill Farm & Forest on Sat. Mar. 28th for a hands-on outdoor experience all about the Art of Making Maple Syrup.  This guided tour, starting at 1:00, will take you out to the forest where you’ll learn to identify and tap maple trees, see how sap is collected and boiled down into syrup and taste test some with pancakes!  The cost is $15 for adults and $10 for kids… pre-registration is REQUIRED and space is limited.  Register online at NorthlandArb.org/Events.

Don’t miss the 4th Annual Pequot Lakes American Legion April Fool’s Meat Raffle on Sat. Mar. 28th from 6:00-9:00pm.  It may still be March, but they’re not foolin’… its their biggest April Fools Meat Raffle yet!  $25 Meat Packages… $50 Meat Packages… even $100 Meat Packages… and tickets are ALL JUST $1 !  More rounds, bigger prizes and a few harmless April Fools gags – will all proceeds benefitting the PL Fire District and Veterans!  (gambling zone 01103).  See you there!

3/30 – 4/5
The 2026 Legendary Women Hall of Fame Ceremony will be held on Mon. Mar. 30th at the Gichi-ziibi Center for the Arts in Brainerd starting at 5:00.  Five Brainerd High School graduates will be inducted into the Hall:  Dr. Tori Bahr, Judy Bialka, Theresa Thesing Goble, Cheryl Wentworth Mathison and Shayla Paradeis.  Social time will begin at 4:30 with the program at 5:00.  The event is free to attend and is open to the public.

The MN Dept. of Transportation invites the public to a Construction Kick-Off Meeting regarding the upcoming 2-Year Washington St. (Hwy 210) Improvement Project in Brainerd which will be held on Tues. Mar. 31st.  There will be two meeting times, both held at the Crow Wing County Land Services Building on Laurel St. in Brainerd.  Guests can stop by anytime between 12:00-2:00 or between 4:00-6:00.  Residents, businesses and commuters can attend either of the two duplicate, open-house-style sessions that will focus on the 2026 roadwork on Washington Street between Pine Shores Road and Kingwood Street in East Brainerd.

Join the Pequot Lakes Dairy Queen for their Annual DQ Donation Day on Tues. Mar. 31st.  On this day, the PL DQ will be busy helping the are Mounted Eagles by donating a portion of their proceeds to the non-profit organization.  A percentage of all food sales between 3:00-9:00pm will be donated to Mounted Eagles Therapeutic Horsemanship, empowering lives through therapeutic horsemanship and equine -related services.  They hope to see you there.

Lakes Area Heroes will host its Annual Lakes Area Heroes Banquet: Serving Those Who Serve on Fri. Apr. 24th at the Northern Pacific Center in Brainerd starting at 4:30.  This evening is dedicated to the men and women who serve our communities through fire, law enforcement, and EMS.  The evening includes a dinner, raffles, prize drawings and the opportunity to support our local first responders and their families.  Tickets are available online at LakesAreaHeroes.com/HeroesBanquet.  Please reserve them by April 1st.

Jack Pine Brewery in Baxter will host another Pints for a Purpose on Wed. Apr. 1st.  Stop by between 5:00-8:00pm when $1 from every pint sold will be donated to an area non-profit.  This time, Sexual Assault Services MN will receive the donations.

The Lakes Area United Way reminds you there will be another Mobile Food Pantry at the CLC Brainerd Campus on Thurs. Apr. 2nd 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 Nisswa Fire Department’s 2nd Annual East Breakfast will be held on Sat. Apr. 4th at the Nisswa A&W from 7:00-10:30.  ALL of the proceeds from the sales will benefit the NFD.  A&W and the Schaefer Family from Schaefer’s Foods in Nisswa will donate the food, that includes pancakes, breakfast sandwiches, THE Burritos, tater rounds, coffee, juices, sodas and more!  See you at Nisswa A&W on Sat. Apr. 4th.

The City of Brainerd Parks & Rec. Dept., along with the Brainerd Rotary Club, will host the Annual Brainerd Easter Egg Hunt on Sat. Apr. 4th at Gregory Park.  Starting at 9:30, get your photo taken with the Easter Bunny in the park’s Center Circle, then be ready for a brief gathering for the instructions at 9:55.  At 10:00, the Easter Egg Hunt will begin, so be ready!  Please bring a bag or basket to collect the colorful eggs – kids will be divided by age group.  This event is for kids ages 2 to 9 and is Free to attend.  Dress for the weather – the hunt usually takes about 15-20 minutes!  Get more information on the City of Brainerd Easter Egg Hunt Facebook page.

The City of Brainerd Parks & Rec. Dept. invites area dog owners to bring their 4-legged family members to the Annual Brainerd Easter Ball Hunt at Buster Park on E. River Road, Sat. Apr. 4th from 12:00-1:00.  All dogs must be on a leash during this hunt for tennis balls.  Meet at Buster Park, then search the trails around Boom Lake.  Bring you own bag to collect the balls (and bags to collect “anything your dog may drop”)– gifts will be given and prizes awarded.  The event is free to attend.

The Cuyuna Range Indoor Farmers Market will be up and running on Sat. Apr. 4th at the Taconite Canteen & Event Center in Ironton from 10:00-2:00 and everyone is encouraged to come shop!  This is a great time to get your goodies for the Easter baskets and grab a bite to eat!  Hope to see you there!

The Merrifield Lions will host their annual Easter Egg Hunt starting at 2:00 on Sat. Apr. 4th at Merrifield Lions Park on Co. Rd. 3 in Merrifield.  This is for kids of all ages. All are welcome.

4/6 – 4/12
The Friends of the Brainerd Public Library welcome author Ryan Vine to the next Brown Bag Author event on Mon. Apr. 6th at 12:00 at the Brainerd Public Library.  Ryan is the author of The Cave, named one of the Best Poetry Books of 2025 by the California Review of Books, among others.  He’s been invited to read at universities, bookstores and festivals across the world and will be here in Brainerd on April 6th.  This event is free to attend, Refreshments will be served, but feel free to bring your lunch.  No registration is required.

Join Central Lakes College Foundation for its Annual Hats Off for Student Success Fundraiser that celebrates the powerful stories of student success and the programs that make them possible.  The event also raises funds to ensure every CLC student has the tools, support and opportunities they need to build their future.  The event is Thurs. Apr. 9th from 5:00-8:00 at CLC Brainerd.  Tour the newly renovated campus, connect with fellow alumni and engage in in raffles, games and fun, meaningful moments.  Tickets are $40 and can be purchased online at TinyURL.com/HatsOff26 or through the link at the Hats Off for Student Success Facebook page.

The Pequot Lakes PTA presents its Annual Denim & Diamonds event at the Whitefish Lodge & Suites in Crosslake on Fri. Apr. 10th from 5:00-10:00pm.  Join the fun for this adults night out fundraiser that features a plated dinner, cash bar, raffles and silent auction.  This year’s entertainment will be Aces & 88’s Dueling Pianos.  All proceeds will go back into the Pequot Lakes Schools and community.  Early bird tickets are $45, but get tickets before Mar. 1 for a discount!.  Go to Facebook and search Pequot Lakes PTA Denim & Diamonds for a link to get tickets.

Grassroots Concerts…. On Fri. Apr. 10th at the Live Well Nightclub & Coffee Bar in the Journey Church in Nisswa starting at 7:00.  Singer Pieta Brown will perform. Hailed as a “self-styled poetess, folk goddess and country waif” by the BBC, she has toured with Ani DeFranco, John Prine and Mavis Staples and is also a songwriter, musician, producer, visual artist and performer.  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.
 

Lakes Area Habitat for Humanity invites you to Dancing with the Lakes Area Stars on Fri. Apr. 10th at the Gichi-ziibi Center for the Arts in Brainerd starting at  7:00!  Come and see some of your area pals as they perform months-worth of rehearsed dance numbers as they compete for your donations that will be used to build homes and change lives here in our community.  General admission tickets are still available for only $40, but they’re going fast.  Get them at the Habitat ReStore in east Brainerd or online at LakesAreaHabitat.org.  Support your favorite dancer and enjoy a fun night out, at Dancing with the Lakes Area Stars, Friday, April 10th in Brainerd!  (Hubbard Radio’s own Tess Taylor will be dancing once again this year… with her friend Brian Andrews from Lakes Area Restorative Justice Program!)

The 19th Annual Downtown Brainerd Mini Golf Spring Open will be held on Sat. Apr. 11th starting at 11:00.  Experience the pub crawl like no other.  Visit each location to play a creative golf hole, mark your score and turn in your card at the end for a chance to win cash and prizes.  No golf equipment necessary!  The end stop and final party starts at 6:00 at The Parlor in downtown Brainerd.  To participate, just pay the $10 Green Fee, with all proceeds going to Brainerd Restoration!  Enjoy $4 Surfsides and Mich Ultras all day!  Participating locations are:  VFW, Shep’s, Blue Oyster, O’Neary’s, SE’z, The Parlor, Passport, Slice on Oak, Pit Stop, 9th Street Social Club, Elks, Yesterday’s Gone, Last Turn Saloon, Brainerd Legion and Ya Sure Kombucha.  Learn more on the event’s page on Facebook.

4/13 – 4/19

Central Lakes College in Brainerd will be the site of a Health Fair on Wed. Apr. 15th as WeARE – Advocates for Reproductive Health and CLC host this event that is open to the public.  The fair will run from 11:00-1:00 and feature a number of vendors, demonstrations, games, giveaways, prizes and free food.  They will also provide free STI testing and answer questions anyone may have about their services.  For more info, visit Facebook and search Health Fair @ CLC. 

The Babinski Foundation will host a Microchip Clinic on Fri. Apr. 17th 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.  (Clinics are always held the 3rd Friday of each month)

Camp Confidence will host its annual Camp Clean Up 2026 Fri. & Sat. Apr. 17 & 18 at the Confidence Learning Center (Camp Confidence) with the help of JCI Minnesota.  They are looking for volunteers to assist with various tasks in preparation for the upcoming camp season to make it safe and memorable for the campers.  If you can help, please contact the camp at CampConfidence.com.

Pequot Lakes Community Ed will host its Annual Community Garage Sale on Sat. Apr. 18th at the Pequot Lakes High School.  The sale will run from 9:00-2:00 and there is no entry fee for buyers.  Please use Door 3 to enter.  To have a vendor booth at the sale, call 218-568-9200 or register at PequotLakes.ARUX.app.

The Brainerd Family YMCA invites the public to Healthy Kids Day on Sat. Apr. 18th from 11:00-2:00.  Get ready for a day full of energy, learning and family fun!  Healthy Kids Day at the Y is your chance to explore new ways to help your kids stay active, confident, and thriving this summer.  From hands-on activities to movement challenges, the Y is there to kickstart the season of healthy habits.  This is free to attend and open to the public!  The Brainerd Y is on Oak Street in Brainerd.

Dunmire’s Bar & Grill on Highway 210 is Calling All Parents!  Join them for Pints & Ponytails on Sat. Apr. 18th at 2:30.  Learn to style your daughter’s hair while enjoying great drinks at Dunmire’s.  This event is FREE and no RSVP in needed.  Just show up and have fun!

The 11th Annual Brainerd Sports Boosters Tapped & Corked Tasting Event will be held on Sat. Apr. 18th from 4:00-7:00 at the Essentia Health Sports Center in Brainerd – a 21+ event.  Enjoy sipping and sampling a number of brews, spirits, liquors and wines along with bits of fabulous foods from around the BLA.  Tickets are $60 in advance or $75 at the door.  There will also be tickets for non-alcohol sampling for $25.  Get ticketsnow at BrainerdSportsBoosters.org.

The Breezy Point Figure Skating Club invites the public to their show, United Skates of America, on Sat. Apr. 18th at 1:00 and at 6:00 at the Breezy Point Sports Center on County Road 11 in Breezy Point.  Watch as members of the club and members of the Breezy Point Skate School perform routines on the ice, but come early to shop their silent auction!  Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for kids ages 5-14 and free for those 4 and under.