PSA
12 / 29 / 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.
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!!!!!!!

Wed.   12/31        9:00-3:00            Jenkins VFW
Mon.   1/5           11:00-5:00          First Lutheran Church in Aitkin
Mon.   1/5           12:00-6:00          Lakewood Church in Baxter
Tues.  1/6           9:00-2:00            First Lutheran Church in Aitkin
Tues.  1/6           12:00-6:00          Lakewood Church in Baxter
Tues.  1/6           1:00-7:00            St. Francis Ctr. in Little Falls
Wed.   1/7           10:00-4:00          Our Savior’s Lutheran in Pequot Lakes
Wed.   1/7           10:00-4:00          McGregor Community Ctr
Wed.   1/7           12:00-6:00         St. Francis Ctr. in Little Falls
Thurs. 1/8           8:30-2:30            St. Francis Ctr. in Little Falls
Thurs. 1/8           12:00-6:00          Motley United Methodist Church
Thurs. 1/9           9:00-2:00            Verndale High School
Fri.     1/9           10:00-4:00          Brainerd VFW
Fri.     1/9           10:00-4:00          Hallett Center of Crosby
Mon.   1/12         12:30-5:30          Vets Club in Onamia
Tues.  1/13         12:00-6:00          Faith Lutheran Church in Staples
Fri.     1/16         10:00-4:00          Lord of Life Lutheran in Baxter
Tues.  1/27         12:00-6:00          American Legion in Milaca
Thurs. 1/29         8:00-2:00            Camp Ripley in Little Falls
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12/29 – 1/4

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!  FINAL CHANCE TO TAKE IN THE LIGHTS WILL BE from 5:30-8:00 Wed. Dec 30 and YEARS EVE (Dec. 31)!  Enjoy the lights from the warmth of your car as you drive through the amazing display of lights.  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

WonderTrek Children’s Museum and Just For Kix-Brainerd will host a Noon Years Eve event on Wed. Dec. 31st from 10:00-1:00 at Just for Kix at their studio in Baxter.  Ring in the new year WonderTrek style with indoor, hands-on activities, and a high-energy countdown to NOON complete with a balloon drop!  Bring your family and friends, and get ready to play your way into 2026!

The 7th Annual Jake Haapajoki Memorial Cup Outdoor Hockey Tournament will be held throughout the day on Sat. Jan. 3rd to honor Jake’s memory and all those we’ve lost to suicide.  From first-timers finding their edges to lifelong rink rats, every level of skater can participate.  Three rinks are used… The Crew Arena, Forestview’s Dondelinger Rink and Lauren Thompson Rink.  To learn more about how to participate, visit Facebook and search The Jake Haapajoki Memorial Cup.

The Little Falls Chamber & Tourism invites you to experience the magic of Charles Lindbergh State Park after dark at their annual FREE Candlelight Hike/Snowshoe event on Sat. Jan. 3rd from 5:00-8:00pm.  Walk, wander and explore the historic park along a trial lit entirely by the beautiful, soft glow of hundreds of lanterns.  It is self-paced, family friendly, ideal for all ages and skill levels.  Arrive when you’d like and leave when you’d like.  MN State Park Permits are required.

 1/5 – 1/11

 The Friends of the Brainerd Public Library invite you to their next Brown Bag Author Series event on Mon. Jan. 5th when author Candace Simar will be speaking from 12:00-1:00 at the library.  Candace has written numerous novels and short stories, and her most recent book, Montana Matrimonial News will be the featured book discussed at this event.  Free to attend – bring a lunch or enjoy some light refreshments provided.  All are welcome.

Come and share stories about the history of Brainerd while enjoying some cocktails during the next Cocktails for a Cause on Tues. Jan. 6th at 5Rocks Distilling Co. in Brainerd.  Stop by between 6:00-8:00 and share your passion for Brainerd history, knowing that $5 from every cocktail or mocktail purchased will be donated to the Crow Wing County Historical Society!  Watch some rare 1971 Brainerd films, bring small items to share and enjoy light snacks for an additional donation.  See you there!

The Annual Ice Fest Pancake Breakfast supporting the Lakes Area Food Shelf will be held on Sat. Jan. 10th at the Pelican Lakes Conservation Club in Breezy Point.  Breakfast will be served from 7:30-11:00 and the cost is just $8!  The club is located on Thrane Drive just off of County Road 4 south of Breezy Point Resort.

Ice Fest 2026 will be taking place on Fri. Jan. 9th outside of Dockside Lounge at Breezy Point Resort and everyone is invited to attend.  Enjoy a Bags Tournament, Live music, a kids ice fishing tournament, Horse drawn hayrides, a medallion hunt, face painting, s’mores, ice golf, sledding and more!  The fun starts around 5:00pm, for more info, visit the Ice Fest 2026 event page on Facebook.

The Captain Robert Orr Chapter of the Daughters of American Revolution (DAR) invite prospective members to join us for a lineage workshop on Sat. Jan. 10th from 10:00 to 2:00 at the Brainerd Public Library, 416 S 5 th St in Brainerd.  If you believe you have a patriot ancestor who served or supported the American Revolution and would like to join a group of women who are active in Patriotism, Historic Preservation and Education, chapter members will help you begin the application process. For more information call 218-202-0040.

A Community Open House regarding the 2026 Spring Downtown Pequot Lakes Road Construction Project will take place on Sat. Jan. 10th from 2:00-4:00pm at the Pequot Lakes City Hall.  The major street and utility reconstruction project along Front and Main Streets will include replacing the city stoplights at Main Street and Patriot Avenue with a mini-roundabout and will bring upgrades to the downtown infrastructure.

The Corey Borg-Massanari Fight The Pike Fishing Tournament will be held on Sat. Jan. 10th, based out of the Green Lantern in Brainerd.  Fishing begins at 12:01am and you can fish or spear on ANY lake!  The Weigh In is at 6:00pm with a Fish Fry Dinner at 6:30.  There will also be a Cash Raffle with a First Prize of $1,250!   Tickets for Fishing and Dinner are $20… for just the dinner are $15.  Get your tickets at the Green Lantern Bar & Grill and if you can’t participate, but still want to help, please consider making a donation through the link on the Cory Borg-Massanari Fight The Pike Tournament Facebook event page.

1/12 – 1/18

Join Lakes Area Unlimited Learning on Mon. Jan. 12th as they present Author Frank F. Weber, who will discuss his new book, The Sun.  The program will begin at 1:30 at Heartwood Senior Living in Crosby.  The event is free for members and $10 for non-members.

The Brainerd Lakes Chamber encourages CHAMBER MEMBERS to attend Business After Hours – SPEED NETWORKING event on Tues. Jan. 13th  from 4:30-6:00 at Jack Pine Brewery in Baxter. While there, enjoy tasty appetizers, beverages (includes one free drink ticket) and structured speed networking.  The cost is $45.  Visit BrainerdLakesChamber.com to let them know you are coming!

Do you or someone you know someone who live with Epilepsy?  Do you care for someone who deals with Epilepsy?  Do you want to learn about it or learn how to spot a seizure and what to do if someone has a seizure where you work or play?  Then you are encouraged to attend The Epilepsy Education & Information Expose’ on Tues. Jan. 13th at the Dennis Drummond Wine Co. in Brainerd from 5:30-8:00.  This FREE event will feature speakers, including a Neurologist from Essentia Health, a paramedic, a pharmacist and others.  There will be refreshments, a cash bar, vendor resources and drawings for prizes.  2.5 CEU’s are available, too.  Registration is appreciated, but not required.  Doors will open at 4:30.  RSVP via email to Barb.EpilepsyAdvocate@gmail.com. Or visit EventBrite.com and search for the event.

It’s Back to Hack Days in Hackensack Jan. 16-18.  The weekend includes a medallion hunt, live music, trivia and more!  Take part in the Frostbite Ur Fanny Fun Run/Walk, The Family Ice Fishing Contest, the Snow Golf Challenge and/or the Penguin Plunge into Birch Lake.  Enjoy the Chili Feed, a Bake Sale, a Fish Fry and Fireworks, too!  Get all the details online by hitting up Facebook and searching Hackensack Visitors Center.

1/19 – 1/25

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.

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 will be held on Sat. Jan. 24th, 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!  Ski the Classic Distances of 8km and 16km or the Skate/Freestyle 8km or 16km… Registration will start at 9:00 with free kids racing at 11:00 and classic racing starting at 12:00.  Get signed up online now at LumberjackJaunt.ItsYourRace.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

 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!

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 through, 20% of the proceeds from that afternoon’s sales will be donated to the club!

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.

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 online at CLCPerformingArts.com or by calling 855-8199.

2/2 – 2/8

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.  More to come….

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).