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Center City Days have come and gone. And with the exception of a few disturbances from Mother Nature, a pretty good time was had by all. This week I have had a lot of people ask me why we didn't have more of a build-up for Center City Days. My answer is that when it comes to celebrations, we contact as many people as we possibly can and if we do not get all the info for a celebration, well that's about all we can do. We here at the Press love to promote any and all celebrations because we feel they are good for the towns hosting the celebration and it is good for the businesses to be able to showcase their goods and or services. But most of all, it's quite simply good for the people of the community.

Keeping on the local celebration scene, here comes the grand daddy of them all. It is Lindstrom's chance to shine in the summer celebration circuit. Starting next Wednesday, Lindstrom will be celebrating Karl Oskar Days. I will write more about Karl Oskar Days next week, but there are a few things that will start before next week's paper. Feel like some extra cash this year? How does $500 sound? That is what you will take home if you are the lucky finder of the Karl Oskar Days Snuff Box. Keep in mind that you must have a Karl Oskar Days button to win the cash prize. The clues are posted around Lindstrom at noon each day as of Wednesday, July 9.

Thursday, the ball really gets rolling. The snuff box hunt will post its second set of clues. Stores in Lindstrom will be featuring special Karl Oskar Days sales during the whole celebration. Be sure to check out some of the wonderful shopping Lindstrom has to offer. Thursday night starts with Karl Oskar Days Ladies Night Out. Ladies grab your friends and head uptown for some great shopping specials and some great times. Traditionally, this has been one of the best attended Ladies Night Out events, so be sure not to miss it.

Thursday night also is the annual Karl Oskar Days Queen Coronation. Held at the Performing Arts Center at the High School, the coronation begins at 7 p.m. We have quite a group of candidates this year as you can see on our color page 2 of this edition of the Press. The judges are definitely going to have a tough decision to make.

As always, it is advised that you purchase a 2008 Karl Oskar Days button. Not only are you helping sponsor the great event, but you are saving cold hard cash. The button will save you money in almost every event you take in. The buttons can be purchased all around town and cost $2.

Last week I mentioned the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall that is scheduled to come to our area. I failed to mention something that is quite important. The wall is coming to town in 2009. I am so sorry for some of the confusion I caused if any. The local Vets would like me to remind you that they are indeed currently looking for volunteers. If you would like to assist in any way, please call Ken Harmon at 651-213-0535 or John Broeker at 651-257-5510.

This spring I had the opportunity to coach my son's Bantam baseball team for LARA. I had a great bunch of kids on my team and we played against some really great kids on other teams. I would like to take this time to thank the people that make up LARA for all of their dedicated hard work. I have the easy job of coaching, the folks at LARA are the ones who make it all possible, and make it such a pleasurable experience for everyone. We are really lucky to have such a great youth sports program in our area. If you have never tried to coach, I strongly urge you to give it a try. The reward can not be put into words. Watching these kids grow together and have fun is quite amazing.

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