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Last week I had the pleasure of spending an entire week with my family at a cabin on the Whitefish Chain in Crosslake, Minn. The weather was absolutely spectacular. Other than the 99 degree day that we broke down and got a hotel room for the night, the weather was in the mid 80’s with sun most every day. When I was a child we never took many vacations, but the ones we did I remembered vividly. So these summer vacations are as much for my children as me. Don’t get me wrong, I am more than happy to tag along.

Don’t look now but Karl Oskar Days is right around the corner. Every year the amount of activities and events seem to grow and grow and this year is no exception. Beginning Monday, July 4, the annual Snuff Box Treasure Hunt officially kicks off. At noon each day, clues will be posted around town that test your knowledge of the area and your skill at puzzle solving. Remember to purchase your 2005 Karl Oskar Days button to double you prize money if and when you find the Snuff Box.

Wednesday, at 4 p.m. there will be a Farmers Market held in the St. Bridget Church parking lot. Also there will be an Outdoor Community Barbeque at 4:30 p.m. at Lindstrom Foods parking lot. And in the evening, make plans to take in the Harmony in Lions Park concert starting at 7 p.m.

Thursday, along with the daily Snuff Box clues and wonderful various sales at local stores, is the annual Karl Oskar Days Queen Coronation and Program. This event will be held at the Performing Arts Center in the Chisago Lakes High School at 7 p.m.

There is much, much more happening on Friday through Sunday, and I will write more in next weeks column about more events for you and your family. Once again, please be sure to purchase your Karl Oskar Days buttons, along with your chance to win a drawing for $250, $150 or $50, you can also receive a discount at various stores in Lindstrom. Good luck!

Congratulations goes out to our bookkeeper Sue’s daughter. Sara Swenson was crowned Miss Mid-Summer Days last weekend. Along with that she was also crowned Miss Congeniality by her peers. Sara is a terrific person and will make a terrific spokesperson in representing North Branch’s annual celebration.

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