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As you know by now, last week we had a problem getting the Press out in a timely manner. There were some technical issues with the printing press that came up right before it went to press. Everyone received their paper one day later than normal.

I would like to apologize to all our readers for this small mishap. It was an incident that you could not have foreseen or expected and it will hopefully not occur in the future. I know that there were a couple of garage sales that hinged upon the Press coming out on Wednesday, once again I apologize and if you would like to call us, I'm sure we can work something out.

This weekend is one of my favorite celebrations. The 52nd annual Almelund Threshing Show has always been a popular event, but has grown in popularity in the past few years. I think it's because deep down, we all liked to play with tractors when we were kids. At the Threshing Show, you can not only see every make and model of tractor, but you can touch, sit on (some of them) and even hug your favorite tractor (I have a picture of a grown man hugging a tractor last year).

The Threshing Show begins Friday and runs until Sunday evening. Cost is $10 per adult (which gets you in for all three days if you like), children 12 and under are free, and if you would like to camp on-site, the cost is only $5.

Besides some of the best food you will ever have, there will be tractor pulls, garden tractor pulls, a tractor raffle, a dance, a quilt raffle, a daily tractor parade, tractor clinics, and tractor talk, about anything related to tractors. The weather right now looks to be about 80 degrees and sunny, perfect for all ages. Come on out and enjoy some really great people with some wonderful old tractors. Watch you kid's eyes as they sit on their first tractor, then look around, you will see the same look on many adults' faces.

Speaking of celebrations, as you can see in this edition, Ki Chi Saga Days are just around the corner. If you are interested in entering any of the contests, like a pie baking contest, a skateboarding competition, or the 5K / 15K run walk, now is the time. In this week's Press, you will find entry forms for all competitions related to Ki Chi Saga Days.

The good folks that run the Chisago Lakes Sportsmen's Club would like to invite you to their 53rd annual Sportsmen's Picnic. It will be August 10 at 11 a.m. and will run until 5 p.m. There will be food, kids games all day long, trap shooting, turtle races, cash bingo and much more. The picnic is a wonderful family event and a great chance to meet some new faces. With gas prices so high, why not entertain your family at the Threshing Show and then relax at the Sportsmen's Picnic?

I know that I have written about this in the past, but it is something that is near and dear to my heart. I am speaking about the Vietnam Memorial Wall that will be coming to the Chisago Lakes Senior High School on September 10-13, 2009.

Yes it is just a little early, but the Vets that have worked so hard to bring this amazing monument to our area are still in need of many volunteers. Everything from volunteer security to handing out information to on-site counselors are needed.

This will probably be one of the most amazing events to take place in our area since they blew the old farm house up on Olinda Trail (I am kidding). This is your chance to say you took part in this once in a lifetime event. You can volunteer by calling John at 651-257-5510. Anything you can do will be very much appreciated.

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