---

Thanks to the great people of North Branch for putting on yet another successful Midsummer Days celebration last week. The weather (besides the rain at the street dance) was perfect. Judging from the amount of people on Saturday and Sunday, high temps didn't seem to deter anyone from getting out and enjoying the celebration.

Now that Midsummer Days have come and gone, summer must be in full swing. The reason I say that is Center City Days are this weekend. Center City has re-vamped their annual celebration and are really trying to bring people back year after year. Always a good time had by all, this year's celebration has a couple of new and exciting twists.

Friday kicks off with a kiddie parade at 5:30 p.m. that starts at the Chisago Lake Lutheran Church. After that head down the street to Water Tower Park to enjoy a community picnic. Friday wraps up with a rousing night of bingo at the Center City Fire Hall.

Saturday starts bright and early with a kiddie carnival. There will be many games for children of all ages. HV Melodies plays western music at noon behind the Porterhouse. One of my favorite events, the canoe races starts at 2 p.m. at the dock by Mainstreet Bank.

Here is where the new and interesting events take place.

At 5 p.m., the Donnie Smith Bike Tour comes to town. For those of you who don't watch all those build-a-chopper television shows on cable, Donnie Smith is one of the premier chopper builders in the world. This is your chance to see some of his creations and also to check out some of the local choppers you may have seen driving around.

Saturday night Jonah & The Whales take the stage at the annual Center City Days Street Dance. Jonah & The Whales are a very popular band who every time I have seen them, have put on a great show. They take the stage at 8 p.m. sharp.

On Sunday, be sure to get a "Taco in a Bag" served at Chisago Lake Lutheran Church by the CLLC Youth Group.

If you have read my column in the past, you know that I am a big fan of local government. I also either try to attend or tape as many meetings as I possibly can. I missed the last Chisago County Board meeting and also failed to tape it. The last time I requested a tape from you the readers, I had six people respond, so I am once again asking. If you have a tape of the June 9 meeting, please give me a call at 651-257-5115. Thanks for your help.

Harmony in the Park so far has been a huge success. All three weeks have featured different and unique acts. This week (June 27) features Bob & The Beachcombers. The Beachcombers have played at Harmony in the Park in the past and were a big hit. Bring your lawn chair and have some fun.

Now that school is out, your children are probably looking for something to keep them occupied. The good folks at Chisago Lakes Community Ed have just what you need. They are offering summer programs and camps intended to keep your children interested and busy this summer. If you read last week's Press, we listed just a few but very popular camps for youth. There is an outdoor camp, a lacrosse camp, basketball camp, soccer camp and t-ball camp.

My kids have participated in some of these camps and have had a blast. If this is something you think your child would be interested in, call the good folks at the Chisago Lakes Community Ed office. Their number is 651-213-2600.

There are only six weeks until the Relay For Life of Chisago County. It is not too late to get involved. If you would like to form a relay team, please contact Sue at 651-257-2033. If you are a business that would like to be a sponsor you can e-mail Jane at wachutka@citlink. net. The deadline to order t-shirts is June 11, so please call soon.

Matt Silver

---