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One of the last celebrations of the summer is this weekend. It is now Shafer's turn to show the public what a neat destination it has become.

Shafer Days gets rolling tonight with the royalty coronation at the Creamery building at 7. Friday gets started with a treasure hunt that will fill your pockets with $100 if you have a Shafer Days button. A tractor show and a tractor parade are also on Friday. Get your friends together and sign up for the tug-o-war. If your kids like carnival rides you're in luck, you will find rides at the ball field on Redwing Avenue in downtown Shafer. The night caps off with a concert by Blurry at Crossroads.

Saturday you will find vendors showcasing many different goods and services. One of the crowd's favorites, a classic car show also takes place on Saturday. There are far too many events to list. Be sure to check this edition of the Press for a complete list.

Sunday has more of the same, but also has a great golf tournament at Countryside Golf Course. Teams are still needed and you can register by calling 257-6387 or 257-4726.

Let's keep our fingers crossed that Mother Nature is kind to us this weekend and holds off on what seems like every other day deluges. Please make plans to take in some or all of the great things happening in Shafer this weekend. They have worked harder than ever to make this year's Shafer Days the best yet.

There is a really neat cause I would like to bring to your attention. Some really great people have put together a Kids Outerwear Fair. I know it sounds like rides and face painting, but in reality, it is much, much more serious. These good folks, along with Trinity Lutheran Church in Lindstrom, are currently accepting coats, hats, mittens, scarves, snow pants, blankets, and money donations to be distributed at the end of October to needy families with no questions asked. The clothes items should be clean and in good condition, and trust me, they are and will be much appreciated. You can drop off your donations at Trinity from October 1 to 15. If you would like to donate your time, they would welcome an extra set of hands. Call Chris at 257-5681 or Bonnie at 257-6822. The distribution will be held at Trinity October 26 and 27. See the ad in our paper for times. Again, anything you can give will be most appreciated.

I had a family get together this past weekend that not many people are lucky enough to have. My children had the honor of spending the weekend with both of their great-grandmothers. I know I have said it before, but it truly amazes me how an eight-year-old and a six-year-old can worship a couple of ladies approaching 90 years old. Thinking about when I was very young, I remember being completely bored with the elderly. But these kids have been acting goofy-excited for a week prior to their great grandmothers arrival. Seeing how tickled both the young ones and the grandmas are with each other is one of the greatest joys I have ever experienced.

Starting this week, the Chisago County Press will be featuring articles about the upcoming school referendum. The articles will be your chance to familiarize yourself with various issues that would be addressed by referendum financing. This referendum addresses needs that are real. Covering other school districts for the paper has really made me realize what a progressive, fiscally responsible district we have in our area.

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