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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 JAN. 31st and receive a Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt!l!!!!!!!

Tues.  1/27         12:00-6:00          American Legion in Milaca
Thurs. 1/29         8:00-2:00            Camp Ripley in Little Falls
Tues.  2/3           12:00-6:00          Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wadena
Wed.   2/4           9:00-3:00            American Legion in Nisswa
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

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1/19 – 1/25

WAVE Young Professionals Network will hold their January event, Public Speaking, in the Lake Itasca Room at the Grand View Lodge’s Gull Lake Center on Wed. Jan. 21st from 8:30-10:30am.  Attendees will be introduced to the Paul Bunyan Toastmasters and a Professional Certified Coach will discuss what public speaking really is! The event is free for WAVE members or $25 for guests.  For details or to register, visit BrainerdLakesChamber.com and click on Events.

Jack Pine Brewery in Baxter will host another Pints for a Purpose on Wed. Jan. 21st from 4:00-7:00.  Stop in during that time and for every pint, pour, or seltzer sold, $1 will be donated to an area non-profit.  This time, Lutheran Social Service will benefit from your generosity.  With January being Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and LSS of MN leading the effort to support youth and young adults with the Safe Harbor program, funds raised will support LSS Safe Harbor serving youth in Central MN.  Their crew will be on hand to answer questions.  They hope to see you there.

Friends of the Brainerd Public Library invite the public to their Annual Meeting at the library on Wed. Jan. 21st from 5:00-7:00.  Enjoy a light meal and learn more about the work they do on behalf of the library, meet the Board of Directors and the new librarian, April Ristau.  Attendees will be entered to win tickets to some upcoming events like Words by the Water and Wine and Words.  No registration is required.  Email questions to FriendsBrainerdLibrary@Gmail.com.

The Pequot Lakes American Legion will sponsor a Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser on Wed. Jan. 21st from 5:30-7:30 – or until the food is gone.  Proceeds from the free-will dinner will support the Lakes Area Food Shelf in Pequot Lakes.  The dinner includes spaghetti, salad and garlic toast.  All are welcome!

The Nisswa Lions Club invites everyone to join them for the 2026 Diaper Drive, a community night focused on supporting local families while enjoying great food, drinks and company on Thurs. Jan. 22nd from 4:30-7:00 at Ye Old Pickle Factory in Nisswa.  They ask that you donate infant or adult diapers during this drive, then enjoy pizza along with beer and wine tasting during the event.  Door prizes will be given away during the event, too.  All donations will stay local.  Can’t attend?  Diapers can also be dropped off during business hours at the Nisswa Chamber of Commerce.

The 32nd Annual Antique Snowmobile Rendezvous will return to Pequot Lakes Thurs. – Sat. Jan. 22-24th.  The event features trail rides, antique snowmobile show, swap meet and demonstrations.  Start Thursday at 6pm with a Shop Night at Dave Guenther’s for a Minnesota Pot Luck.  Friday, join the Noon Trailride from Trailside Park in Pequot Lakes to Nisswa and beyond, plus a social at the Pequot Lakes American Legion.  Then Saturday, The Show & Swap Meet will be in Trailside Park from 10:00-4:00 with demos at 1:00 and a trail ride to Pine River.  End the night back at the Pequot Legion for social hour and program at 6:00.  The event is presented by The Pequot Lakes Brush Pilots Snowmobile Club.

The Center in Brainerd will host a Lunch & Learn with WonderTrek Children’s Museum on Fri. Jan. 23rd from 12:00-1:00.  Stop by, enjoy a light lunch and an informative presentation from WonderTrek, a non-profit children’s museum that serves several counties in greater MN with a mission to spark curiosity, joy and learning through play!  Tickets for the L&L are $5 and include lunch.  To register, call the front desk at 829-9345.

Join the Minnesota Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers 2025 North Country Icebreaker, presented by Irish Setter Boots, Jan. 23-24 at Breezy Point Resort on Pelican Lake in Breezy Point.  The weekend includes ice fishing and spearfishing, wild game cooking demos, winter camping seminars, hands-on outdoor skills and a Saturday night dinner.  This is a family-friendly event with activities for all ages in support of public lands and waters.  Kids 12 and Under are FREE.  Tickets include full access to Friday’s Welcome Party, Saturday’s seminars and demos, Entry into the evening banquet and then chance to win exclusive prizes.  Get more information and register online at BackcountryHunters.org/events or find them on Facebook by searching Minnesota Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers.

The 51st Annual Lumberjack Jaunt WAS TO be held on Sat. Jan. 24th, hosted by the Brainerd Nordic Ski Team.  HAS NOW BEEN MOVED TO SUN. FEB. 1 due to the cold temperatures!!!!!   This family-oriented ski race will take place at the Northland Arboretum and this year, participants are encouraged to share memories of 51 years of the Jaunt by wearing Lumberjack or vintage ski apparel – if you have it!  Skate and classic techniques races at distances of 6 km and 16km will be offered.  Lunch will be provided after the race, which is included in entry. Reduced registration for skiers under 18.  Registration starts at 10:00.  Classic races start at 12:00. Get signed up online now at BrainerdNordicSkiClub.com.

The Deep Portage Learning Center’s Annual Winter Rendezvous in Hackensack will be happening on Sat. Jan. 24th and everyone is invited to come and enjoy a day of outdoor winter fun.  Spend the day in friendly competition trying activities like axe throwing, snow snakes, spear throwing and more.  Not too athletically-inclined?  Have no fear – you even get points for eating some hot-off-th-griddle johnny cakes!  The cost is $15 for Adults…$10 for youth 15 and under…. $50 for a family and Kiddos 4 and under play for free.  Registration starts at 9:00, and games begin at 10:00.  Learn more at Deep-Portage.com/Winter-Redezvous.

1/26 – 2/1

In partnership with the Minnesota Dept. of Transportation, the Brainerd Lakes Chamber and BLAEDC invite local businesses – especially those in the construction zone – to participate in a Mitigation Planning Session regarding the Washington Street/Hwy 210 Reconstruction Project in Brainerd.  There will be TWO sessions from which to choose –
        The Morning Session will be held on Tues. Jan. 27th from 7:30-9:30am.
        The Afternoon Session will be held on Wed. Jan. 28th from 3:00-5:00pm
BOTH held at the Brainerd Lakes Chamber Offices along Washington Street.
Registration is required online at BrainerdLakesChamber.com

The Brainerd Lakes Chamber encourages you to attend Business After Hours on Tues. Jan. 27th at 5Rocks Distilling for the Brainerd Chamber’s exciting announcement of the inaugural Brainerd Lakes Area ATHENA-Women of Influence Awards.  The event will be held from 4:30-6:00 where you will enjoy delicious appetizers, beverages, 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!

Lakes Area Justice Table will present Cultivating Compassionate Communities, Compassionate Communication Training with Ann Harrington on Thurs. Jan. 29th at the Crow Wing County Land Services Building in Brainerd.  The training will run from 10:00-2:30 and there is NO COST to attend.  Each participant will enjoy a free lunch and will receive a 3-ring binder with all the workshop handouts.  The first 50 will get a free book, “The Compassion Book” by Thom Bond.  Registration due by Jan. 26.  Visit Facebook and search Cultivating Compassionate Communities to sign up.

Stop by for dinner at the Pequot Lakes Dairy Queen on Thurs. Jan. 29th between 3:00-8:00 and support the Breezy Point Figure Skating Club.  Whether you dine in or drive thru, 20% of the proceeds during that time will be donated to the club!

Kick off the Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza with the Jig & Swig Kickoff Party on Fri. Jan. 30th at the Gull Lake Center at Grand View Lodge in Nisswa from 5:30-8:30.  This is a tasting-style event featuring local and regional beverage brands.  Stroll, sample and mingle while enjoying appetizers, acoustic music and exclusive swag. All proceeds go back into the BLA through local nonprofits and community programs.  Learn more and get tickets at IceFishing.org.

Join Jacob’s Voice and Lions International for a Waffle Fundraiser Breakfast on Sat. Jan. 31st at the Brainerd American Legion.  From 8:00-12:00, enjoy waffles, scrambled eggs, potatoes and sausage – all for a free-will donation to Jacob’s Voice, a local group working to end cyber bullying.  Hope to see you there.

Motley United Methodist Church will host its monthly Community Breakfast on Sat. Jan. 31st 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.

Wreaths For The Fallen will be hosting an event to recover all of the Honor Wreaths and Honorariums that were placed on the veteran’s markers at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls on Sat. Jan. 31st starting at 11:00.  Volunteers are needed to help recover the wreaths and are asked to be there prior to the start of the event for a safety briefing.  The endeavor is usually completed in less than one hour with assistance from the public.  Coffee and cookies will be available for those who volunteer to help.

The 36th Annual Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza will be taking place on Sat. Jan. 31st on Gull Lake’s Hole-In-The-Day Bay from 12:00-3:00 and you should be there!  It’s the world’s largest charitable ice fishing contest and a tradition like no other!  Prizes include cash, trucks, top-tier gear and amazing memories!  Get your tickets online at IceFishing.org, and don’t forget your fishing license!

CLC Performing Arts presents the Grammy-winning artists, Okee Dokee Brothers, on Sat., Jan. 31st at 3:00 at the Gichi-ziibi Center for the Arts in Brainerd – a show fun for the whole family! Get tickets at CLCPerformingArts.com or call 855-8199.

The 29th Annual Knights of Columbus Buffalo Raffle & Appreciation Feed in support of the American Cancer Society, will be held on Sat. Jan. 31st at the Pierz Ballroom in Pierz.  Tickets for the raffle are only $10 and there are over $13,000 worth of prizes, including the Grand Prize of $1,000 Cash!  There will also be a Gun Raffle where tickets are $20.  Drawing to be held Jan. 31 at 8:15, do not need to be present to win. The feed is from 4:00-8:00 for $10.  Music by Old Tyme Country Boys.

The 51st Annual Lumberjack Jaunt has been rescheduled to be held on Sun. Feb. 1st hosted by the Brainerd Nordic Ski Team.  This family-oriented ski race will take place at the Northland Arboretum and this year, participants are encouraged to share memories of 51 years of the Jaunt by wearing Lumberjack or vintage ski apparel – if you have it!  Skate and classic techniques races at distances of 6 km and 16km will be offered.  Lunch will be provided after the race, which is included in entry. Reduced registration for skiers under 18.  Registration starts at 10:00.  Classic races start at 12:00. Get signed up online now at BrainerdNordicSkiClub.com.

The Center in Brainerd invites everyone to Tailgate Bingo on Sun. Feb. 1st starting at 1:00.  Beat the winter blues and come play bingo.  The cost is $10 per card for 16 games – plus they’ll have a meat raffle going on between games!  Proceeds will benefit The Center and a free lunch will be offered after Bingo!  The event runs from 1:00-3:00.  Visit TheBrainerdCenter.com for more info!

2/2 – 2/8

Friends of the Brainerd Public Library will present author Jim Roelofs who will be speaking at the next Brown Bag Author event at the library on Mon. Feb. 2nd from 12:00-1:00.  Jim will highlight his current book, Buddy.  This is the inspiring true story of how grit, resilience, and ingenuity turned hardship into a life of achievement and quiet triumph.  Refreshments will be served including coffee, tea and snacks, but guests are encouraged to bring a lunch.  This event is free to attend and open to the public.

Crosslake Winterfest will be happening Fri. & Sat. Feb. 6 & 7 throughout Crosslake – do not miss out!  The Winterfest Family Fun Zone will be stationed in Crosslake Townsquare and will feature many indoor and outdoor family activities.  Participate in the Medallion Hunt, Loons & Lakes Trivia, The Winterfest Craft & Vendor Show, Radar Runs, Italian Olympics and of course Soup Fest!  Get all the details online at Crosslake.com or download the Crosslake App!  See you in Crosslake for Winterfest 2026!

The 20th Annual Back to Basics Sustainable Living Event, presented by Happy Dancing Turtle and Pine River-Backus Community Education, will be taking place on Sat. Feb. 7th at the Pine River-Backus School from 8:00-5:00.  Come and enjoy over 50 vendors, participate in workshops and enjoy a keynote speaker, plus much more!  This year’s keynote speaker is The Forager Chef, Alan Bergo!  The Vendor & Exhibitor fair is free to attend.  If you’d like to sign up for a workshop, you can register and pay online at HappyDancingTurtle.org/Back-To-Basics.  Lunch will be available for purchase as well!  (registration opens Jan. 5)

The Gathering Event Center in Crosslake will host a Craft & Vendor Fair on Sat. Feb. 7th in honor of Crosslake Winterfest from 10:00-3:00. Admission is free and you can shop for arts and crafts from over 20 local vendors!  They are also a soupfest participant, so stop in for a taste!

The City of Brainerd Parks & Recreation Dept. invites everyone to a Brainerd Skating Party on Sat. Feb. 7th at Memorial Park.  The party will take place from 1:00-4:00 where you can enjoy not only skating, but also games, music, coloring, cookies and hot cocoa!  This event is free and open to the public!  (some loaner skates will be available – and skate helpers will be there for the beginners!)  For more info, visit Facebook and search 2026 Brainerd Ice Skating Party.

2/9 – 2/15

The Brainerd Lakes Chamber’s Blue Ox Business Academy will host “Running for Office” Workshop to Equip Future Local Leaders on Mon. Feb. 9th at the Brainerd Lakes Chamber office on Washington Street in Brainerd.  The workshop will run from 11:00-1:00 and include a light lunch.  This event is held to encourage aspiring public servants, current office holders and community-minded professionals to attend as it is designed to demystify the campaign process and encourage pro-business leadership in local and state government.  Expert presenters will be on hand to speak, too. Registration is REQUIRED.  The registration fee is just $10.  Register online at BrainerdLakesChamber.com or contact Colleen Dols at 822-7107.

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, beverages, 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!

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.

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 auditorium  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

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 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 (Sunny Zwilling Memorial Ice Carousel Extravaganza) on Feb. 21 & 22nd in Little Falls hosted by the Zwilling Family and the Pay It Forward Foundation.  (More to come)  More at MNIceFest.org.