Happenings around the lakes area, May 1-12 (2024)

The Detroit Lakes Tribune accepts community calendar items for publication online and, space permitting, in our Wednesday and Saturday print editions. Submissions must be made at least a week in advance of the event date, in writing, to either dltribune@dlnewspapers.com or vgerdes@dlnewspapers.com. Each submission must include the date, time and location of event, and where to go for more information (phone, email and/or website). Also include whether the event is free or paid admission, and how much it costs when applicable.

Writers Group: Writers and prospective writers seeking encouragement, feedback and collaboration are welcome to join the Detroit Lakes Public Library's Writers' Group, which meets at the library at 3 p.m. If you have any questions, send an email to detroit@larl.org or call 218-847-2168.

NCTA Three-Mile Hike: All are welcome to join the Laurentian Lakes Chapter of the North Country Trail Association for a three-mile hike starting at 9 a.m. Meet at the State Highway 34 trailhead, nine miles east of Detroit Lakes on the south side of the highway.

Community Blood Drive: The Osage-Ponsford Community Center at 24770 Co. Hwy. 48, Osage, will host a blood drive for Vitalant from 12:15-5:30 p.m. To make an appointment to give blood, please visit the website at donors.vitalant.org and use the blood drive code OSAGE.

National Day of Prayer: A National Day of Prayer service will take place at First Baptist Church in Detroit Lakes, starting at noon. There will be a proclamation from Detroit Lakes Mayor Matt Brenk, welcome and an opening prayer from First Baptist Pastor Steve Aldridge, followed by prayers for family, church, government, military, education, business and media. The service will end with a rendition of the song "God Bless America," and closing prayer from Pastor Aldridge. All are welcome.

Going Local Workshop: Are you disappointed with all the noise surrounding politics? Are you curious about how local government makes a difference? Maybe you care strongly about something but aren't sure what to do. If so, you are invited to the Going Local democracy workshop hosted by West Central Initiative and Lakes Area League of Women Voters from 6-8 p.m. in the conference center at M State in Detroit Lakes. Come hear how communities can come together for "people-centered" local politics, where politics is how we care for one another together. Registration is required. Sign up online at wcif.org/going-local to reserve your spot.

After Hours Book Club: The Detroit Lakes Public Library's After Hours Book Club will meet at Buck Mills Brewing, 824 Washington Ave., starting at 7 p.m. The group will discuss the novel, "The World Played Chess" by Robert Dugoni, which tells the story of Vincent, a young college student who befriends two Vietnam veterans while working a summer construction job back in 1979, and how the lessons he learned from them carried forward to the present day, as he prepares his son to attend college. All are welcome, even if you haven't read the book. If you have any questions, feel free to send an email to detroit@larl.org or call 218-847-2168.

M State Graduation: Minnesota State Community and Technical College in Detroit Lakes will be hosting its 2024 spring commencement ceremonies at 6 p.m. in the Lakeshirts Fieldhouse at Detroit Lakes High School. Open to the public. Come celebrate M State's 2024 spring graduates.

Becker County Republicans: The monthly meeting of the Becker County Republicans will be held at VFW Post 1676 in Detroit Lakes, starting at 7 p.m. Open to all who would like to show up and get involved with all things Republican for the upcoming 2024 elections.

UCB Customer Appreciation Event: United Community Banks in Perham, Frazee and Dent will host a customer appreciation event from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Customers can pick up a free red maple, crabapple or white pine tree to take home for planting. Open to the public.

Neil Diamond Tribute Concert: Minnesota favorites The Killer Vees will present "I Am, He Said: A Celebration of the Music of Neil Diamond," at 7:30 p.m. in Detroit Lakes' Historic Holmes Theatre (806 Summit Ave.). This concert will close out the theater's 2023-24 Tribute series. Tickets are $32 for adults and $16 for students. They may be purchased at the Holmes Box Office (open 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Friday as well as for two hours before the show), online at dlccc.org/holmes-theatre.html or by phone at 218-844-7469.

Live Music: Mike Morse at the Cormorant Pub and Boathouse, 7-10 p.m.

Life Line Screening: Come to Detroit Lakes' United Methodist Church between 9 a.m.-4 p.m. for an affordable, non-invasive and painless health screening by Life Line, the nation's leading provider of preventive health screenings. This event will offer a specially priced package of four screenings to identify cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions. Register by calling 1-866-964-1386 (toll free), text the word "circle" to 216-279-1607, or sign up online at https://llsa.social/HC.

Live Music: The Fat Cats at VFW Post 1676 in Detroit Lakes, 7-11 p.m.; Terry Mackner at The Roadhouse, near Lake Ida in rural Lake Park, 8 p.m.; Tripwire at Zorbaz in Detroit Lakes, 9 p.m.

Ballard 50th Anniversary Celebration: Come celebrate Mitch and Lois Ballard's 50th anniversary at VFW Post 1676 in Detroit Lakes from 5-11 p.m. and enjoy live music by The Fat Cats starting at 7 p.m.

Knights Pancake Breakfast: The Knights of Columbus will be sponsoring a pancake/French toast and sausage breakfast in the Holy Rosary Parish Center, 1043 Lake Ave., Detroit Lakes, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Open to the public.

Lakes Area Chorale with The Fat Cats: The Lakes Area Chorale will be joining forces with popular local band, The Fat Cats, to present their spring concert. "Listen to the Music," which features songs from the 1950s, '60s and '70s, will begin at 4 p.m. on the main stage of the Historic Holmes Theatre at 806 Summit Ave., Detroit Lakes. There is no cost to attend, and area singers who would like to join the Chorale for this performance are welcome to sign up by contacting chorale director Barb Schramm through their Facebook page or by sending an email to lakesareachorale@gmail.com.

Dollars for Scholars Ceremony: Detroit Lakes Public Schools will host its annual Dollars for Scholars Scholarship Ceremony at 6:30 p.m. in the Lakeshirts Fieldhouse at Detroit Lakes High School (1301 Rossman Ave.). Besides the awarding of scholarships to graduating DLHS seniors, the ceremony will also include the presentation of the inaugural Laker Ripple Award to Class of 1940 DLHS alumni Eloise Irvine.

Community Blood Drive: First Lutheran Church in Detroit Lakes will host a community blood drive for Vitalant from 8 a.m.-12:45 p.m. in the church fellowship hall at 912 Lake Ave. To make an appointment to donate blood, please contact Denise at 218-847-5656 or sign up online at donors.vitalant.org.

Not Your Mother's Embroidery Class: Join artist Tricia Coulson in the Holmes Art Cellar (806 Summit Ave., Detroit Lakes, basem*nt level) at 5:30 p.m. and learn to construct your own recycled fiber vessel, using a variety of different embroidery stitches that you can freestyle to decorate the work. This course is beginner friendly and can teach you skills to recycle textiles in your life, but is intended for ages 16 and up. Cost is $50 per person, with all materials included. Class size is limited, so pre-registration is required. Sign up online at dlccc.org/artcellar.html to reserve your spot.

Hot Wing Eating Contest: Quality Bait and Tackle in Detroit Lakes (524 Washington Ave.) will host its inaugural "It Sounded Like a Good Idea at the Time" Hot Wing Eating Contest at 6:30 p.m. Contestants will have three minutes to eat as many wings aas they can. In case of a tie, an immediate run-off will occur, in which the contestants will consume as many wings as they can in 30 seconds. Contestants must wait a full minute after the competition ends to douse the heat with liquids. Entry is free; prizes will be awarded.

Barbara Mack Author Talk: Minnesota author Barbara Mack will be at the Detroit Lakes Public Library at 7 p.m. for a discussion of her book, "The Hand I've Been Dealt: A Life Lived with Epilepsy." Through her whimsical stories of family life and heartbreaking years’ worth of medical challenges, Barbara's story educates and inspires others to better cope with the hand they’ve been dealt. She hopes her story will help to shine a light on epilepsy awareness and an understanding of living with a diagnosis for oneself or a family member. Admission is free thanks in part to funding from the Minnesota Legacy Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Brown Bag Lunch-Tim Eggebraaten: This month's Brown Bag Lunch at the Becker County Museum in Detroit Lakes will feature local author, musician and motivational speaker Tim Eggebraaten, who will be sharing some of the stories that went into the creation of his first book, "Find Your Beat." He will be signing copies of his book after the presentation, which starts at noon. There is no cost to attend, but if you would like to reserve a lunch box please contact the museum at 218-847-2938 by 10:45 a.m. on the day of the presentation (you can also pack your own lunch to enjoy during the event).

Community Remembrance Service: Hospice of the Red River Valley will host a community remembrance service from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Detroit Lakes Public Library, 1000 Washington Ave. During this event, participants will have an opportunity to honor and remember their loved ones by creating a personalized, etched glass candle to take home as a lasting tribute. This event is open to all community members, regardless of age, and participation is free. Interested individuals are asked to register for the event online at bit.ly/griefclassregistration, or by calling 701-356-1533.

Coffee Bar and Conversation: Come to the local Rural Minnesota CEP (Concentrated Employment Program) office at 803 Roosevelt Ave., Detroit Lakes, at 8 a.m. for some "coffee and conversation" about CEP's employee training program and discover what it is, who is eligible and how it can benefit your organization.

Candace Simar Library Visit: Candace Simar, a multi-award-winning Minnesota author and poet from Pequot Lakes, will be at the Detroit Lakes Public Library at 2 p.m. to discuss her latest novel, "Sister Lumberjack," which is set in the forests of northern Minnesota. Join us to hear about her writing style and experience writing historical novels. In addition to Sister Lumberjack, Simar’s books include Follow Whiskey Creek, Abercrombie Trail, Shelterbelts and many more. Admission is free thanks in part to funding from the Minnesota Legacy Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Metal Stamping Jewelry 101: Metal stamping is fun and easy. Learn the basic supplies needed and how to stamp and personalize a piece of jewelry for yourself, family or friends in this 5:30 p.m. class at the Holmes Art Cellar (806 Summit Ave., Detroit Lakes, basem*nt level). You will leave with two pieces complete with chain and beads. Led by artist Joann McFarlin, this class is intended for artists age 14 and up. Cost is $65 per person, with all materials included, though additional pieces will be available for purchase during the class, for $5 each. Class size is limited, so pre-registration is required. Sign up online at dlccc.org/artcellar.html to reserve your spot.

Holmes Artist Collective: The Holmes Artist Collective meets from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the Holmes Art Cellar (806 Summit Ave., Detroit Lakes, basem*nt level). The Artist Collective is a group for makers, crafters, artists and art supporters to come meet, network, ask questions, and help each other grow community in the Detroit Lakes area. There is no fee to attend, but please pre-register by noon on Tuesday, May 7 if planning to attend. Sign up via email at visualarts@dlccc.org.

Community Naloxone Training: The Detroit Lakes Public Library will host a community training session on how to recognize and prevent an opioid overdose, see a demonstration on how to use naloxone (NARCAN), and get your own naloxone kit to take home. This training by Becker County Public Health and Steve Rummler Hope Network is free and open to the public, but for those unable to attend in person, there is a Microsoft Teams virtual training link available. Contact odp@rummlerhope.org for more informaiton.

VFW Cosmic Bingo: Detroit Lakes VFW Post 1676 will host an evening of Cosmic Bingo starting at 7 p.m. Grab your fluorescent daubers and head on over to the VFW for a fun evening as they "put the lights down low and let it glow." Cost is $1 per bingo card; 11 games in all. There will also be electronic racing, meat raffles and door prize giveaways throughout the evening.

Roots and Boots Concert: Country music legends Sammy Kershaw, Collin Raye and Aaron Tippin are bringing their "Roots and Boots" tour back to Mahnomen's Shooting Star Casino for an 8 p.m. show. Tickets are available online at starcasino.com.

Live Music: October Road at Holiday Inn Beach Bar, Detroit Lakes, 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

Hobby Series-Paper Flowers: Come to the Detroit Lakes Public Library at 3 p.m. for a one-hour session with paper flower artist Eliza Gores, who will teach you how to turn your old books into beautiful art, with step-by-step instruction. Admission is free, but class size is limited so pre-registration is required. Sign up online at larl.org/events.

Detroit Lakes High School Renaissance Festival: The first-ever Detroit Lakes High School Renaissance Festival will take place from 12-6 p.m. at Kent Mollberg Field, featuring live musical performances, theatrical shows, food, games and vendors showcasing their handmade wares. This is a family-friendly event; attendees are welcome to come in costume, but it is not required for admission. Cost is $5 per person, payable at the gate.

NCTA Hike, Meeting and Dinner: The Laurentian Lakes Chapter of the North Country Trail Association will host a four-mile hike through Frazee and the new Wannigan Park area, starting at 2 p.m. in the Ffrazee Lions Park, 32911 State Hwy. 87. The annual meeting and dinner will fol.low the hike inside the Frazee Event Center. Please RSVP by April 29 if planning to attend the dinner; send an email to llc@northcountrytrail.org or call for more details at 218-841-2857.

Northern Lights Dance Academy Show: Two performances of the Northern Lights Dance Academy's spring show, "Dancer State of Mind," will be presented on the stage of the Historic Holmes Theatre, 806 Summit Ave., Detroit Lakes, at 2 and 7 p.m. This show will feature dancers in grades 7-12 as well as competition team dancers. Tickets are $14 for adults and $7 for students, and may be purchased online at dlccc.org/holmes-theatre.html, by phone at 218-844-7469, or in person at the Holmes Box Office, open 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday as well as for two hours prior to each show.

Live Music: Six to Midnight at Zorbaz in Detroit Lakes, 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

VFW Auxiliary Pancake Breakfast: Come support the local VFW Auxiliary and their veterans programs by attending their monthly breakfast fundraiser at VFW Post 1676, 500 Washington Ave., Detroit Lakes. Menu is pancakes, sausage and eggs or biscuits and sausage gravy, with a choice of juice or coffee, all for a donation of $7. Breakfast will be served from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Lions Eyes for Mexico Geranium Fundraiser: The Detroit Lakes Lions Club has geraniums for sale as a fundraiser for their Eyes for Mexico mission. Geraniums and planters are $30 each, and will be available for sale at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Detroit Lakes (1400 Corbett Road) on May 7, 8 and 9 from 12-5 p.m. For more information contact Armand Radke at 218-234-6556.

Library History Exhibit: The Detroit Lakes Public Library will be hosting "Testify — Slavery to Today: The Diane and Alan Page Collection" through May 3, during its regular public hours. This impactful traveling exhibit contains images of physical artifacts belonging to former Minnesota Supreme Court Justice and NFL Hall of Famer Alan Page, which were painstakingly photographed and memorialized to illustrate the struggles experienced through slavery, segregation and discrimination. Free and open to the public; call 218-847-2168 for more information.

Grief Support Group: Hospice of the River Valley is offering weekly support group sessions in both Detroit Lakes and Perham, every Wednesday from April 3-May 8. These sessions are for anyone coping with a significant loss through death. Each week will begin with a brief educational session, followed by sharing and listening of stories within the group. All grief support classes offered by Hospice of the Red River Valley are free and open to the public. Registration is required for all classes. For more detailed information about classes, visit bit.ly/griefclassschedule. For questions or to register, call 701-356-1533 or email grief@hrrv.org.

Holmes Art Cellar Open Studio: Come join members of the Holmes Artist Collective at the Art Cellar every Thursday from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Work on a project, start something new, or just come to spend some time with area artists. Various art events will also be scheduled during this time throughout the year; suggestions for activities or other ideas to include are welcome. Free and open to all; no need to pre-register. This open studio is also held concurrently with monthly meetings of the Holmes Artist Collective, which are held on the second Thursday of every month.

Wood Carving Open Studio: Wood carvers of all skill levels are welcome to join the local carving group at the Holmes Art Cellar in Detroit Lakes every Tuesday from 1-3 p.m. Bring wood carvings to show and/or take part in a free woodworking session. Pattern books and other resources available for checkout. No cost to participate.

Sleeping Bags Needed: The Holy Rosary Knights of Columbus in Detroit Lakes are collecting sleeping bags for distribution to those in need. Anyone who has a new or used, functional sleeping bag (i.e., the zipper works) can drop them off at the Becker County Food Pantry, 613 Terry St., Detroit Lakes, anytime between 8 a.m.-3 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For more information contact Brad Carlson at 218-234-4448.

Grace Cafe: Grace Lutheran Church in Detroit Lakes will be serving lunch every Wednesday from 12-1 p.m. The lunch is open to all in the Detroit Lakes area; admission is a free-will donation. Guests are welcome to stay after the meal to play games or cards.

Grace Food Pantry: Grace Lutheran Church in Detroit Lakes will be operating a food pantry during its regular office hours, 9 a.m.- noon Monday through Friday. Anyone in need can come in and pick up some food. Donations will also be accepted.

Celebrate Recovery: The Celebrate Recovery group meets every Tuesday, 6:30-8 p.m. at Christian Fellowship Church, 28048 Meadow Drive, Detroit Lakes, to take the next steps on the "Road to Recovery: Eight Principles Based on the Beatitudes, Twelve Steps and their Biblical Comparison." Many struggle with alcoholism, divorce, sexual abuse, codependency, domestic violence, drug addiction, food and gambling addictions. Celebrate Recovery is a tried and proven format to help you walk through life's struggles. Men and women meet in a large group format, then break off into smaller discussion groups; men with men, women with women. Come as you are. No cost. We are here to help. Unfortunately, no childcare is available at this time. For more information, check out the website at celebraterecovery.com or call us at 218-234-2496.

Caring Cup Grief Support: The Caring Cup, a gathering of community members who are dealing with the loss of a loved one, will meet at the David-Donehower Funeral Home in Detroit Lakes on the second Wednesday of every month; the Furey Funeral Home in Frazee on every third Wednesday, and West-Kjos Funeral Home in Detroit Lakes on every fourth Wednesday. All meetings take place from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., and offer a relaxed time to face the challenges of life after loss, together. For more information, call Mary Swenson at 218-847-4147.

TOPS Meeting: The local chapter of Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) meets weekly on Thursday mornings at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 1400 Corbett Road, Detroit Lakes. Weigh-in begins at 8:15 a.m., meeting at 9 a.m. Contact Toni Christen at 646-954-4371 for more information. All are welcome. Come visit and see who we are and what we are all about.

Trivia Nights: Lakeside Tavern in Detroit Lakes hosts a Trivia Night every Monday from 7 to 9 p.m. Event takes place in Lakeside Tavern's upstairs space, so seating is limited. Open to the public.

GED/Adult Diploma Instruction: If finishing high school is still on your “to-do” list, it is never too late!! Lakes Area Adult Education is open and ready to help you meet your goals. Orientation sessions for GED or Adult Diploma classes take place twice a month, so get in touch and get started now! Call 218-844-5760 or email slandsem@detlakes.k12.mn.us. Additional Adult Education offerings and associated flyers can always be found at dlschools.net/departments/community-education.

Free ESL Instruction: Free English as a Second Language instruction is offered for adults in the Detroit Lakes Area, every Monday through Thursday (holidays excepted) at Lakes Area Adult Education. The schedule is flexible and individualized. Call 218-844-5760 or email slandsem@detlakes.k12.mn.us for more information. Additional Adult Education offerings and associated flyers can always be found at dlschools.net/departments/community-education.

Minnesota Driver's License Exam Preparation: Detroit Lakes Adult Basic Education offers virtual classes that are designed to help unlicensed adult drivers become familiar with vocabulary, signs and rules of the road so they can successfully pass the written portion of the Minnesota Driver’s License Exam. Call 218-844-5760 or email slandsem@detlakes.k12.mn.us for more information. Additional Adult Education offerings and associated flyers can always be found at dlschools.net/departments/community-education.

DL Cloggers: The DL Cloggers meet to dance and socialize every Tuesday (excluding holidays) at 1 p.m. in the basem*nt of Detroit Lakes VFW Post 1676. No prior dance experience necessary. For more information, call Ruby at 218-847-7741.

HR Connect: The Detroit Lakes Chamber is hosting an opportunity for human resources professionals, business owners and managers to connect, every first Thursday of the month at 8:15 a.m. at the Chamber office at 700 Summit Ave. Discuss human resource topics, share best practices and review data to help attract, retain and grow the workforce for the lakes region. Event is free for Chamber members, $10 for non-members.

Library Storytime: The Detroit Lakes Public Library offers weekly Preschool Storytime sessions every Thursday, and Family Storytime every Saturday, both at 10:30 a.m. Preschoolers and their caregivers/families are invited to join library staff for stories, flannel boards, finger plays, songs and more. This early literacy experience explores a different theme each week and is a way to encourage young children to enjoy reading. Call 218-847-2168 for more information.

Baby Bounce: Songs, stories, and action poems for infants, toddlers and their caregivers are offered every Monday at the Detroit Lakes Public Library at 10:30 a.m. Program runs about a half hour including playtime and chatting with other caregivers. For ages 0-18 months. Call 218-847-2168 for more information.

Alcoholics Anonymous: Detroit Lakes' Alano Club meets at 827 Summit Ave. on the following days and times: Sundays at 1 p.m., 12x12 open meeting; Tuesdays at 7 p.m., Big Book open meeting; Wednesdays at noon, Grapevine open meeting; Wednesdays at 6 p.m., women's open meeting; Thursdays at 7 p.m., Intro to AA open meeting; Saturdays at 7 a.m., men's open meeting; Saturdays at 9 a.m., Women's Big Book closed meeting; Saturdays at 8 p.m., open topic meeting. There are no dues or fees for meetings. For more information, call 218-844-9970 or the District 3 AA Helpline at 877-833-2327.

Holy Rosary Al-Anon Meeting: There will be an Al-Anon meeting every Thursday, starting at noon, inside Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 1043 Lake Ave., Detroit Lakes. There is also an Al-Anon meeting at 7 p.m. every Tuesday at the Alano Club at 827 Summit Ave. in Detroit Lakes.

Overeaters Anonymous: A 12-step program for those who struggle in their relationship with food, Overeaters Anonymous continues to meet at noon every Tuesday at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Detroit Lakes. There is no charge to attend. Contact Debbie C. at 218-234-3071. Another group also meets on Sunday nights at 6 p.m. via Zoom. This is a change of venue as of Oct. 9. Please call Sharon R. at 1-701-388-7585 or Hailee S. at 1-701-212-7904 for information if you plan to join the Zoom meeting. There is no charge to participate.

Compiled by Vicki Gerdes for the Detroit Lakes Tribune.