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North Branch would like to invite you and your family to take a drive this weekend. The annual Fall Harvest Festival kicks off this week and runs until Sunday. Today (Thursday), you are invited to a Block Party from 4 - 6 p.m. on Pecan St. and 14th Avenue.

Saturday, the festival kicks into high gear with an Arts & Crafts Fair in Central Park. There will also be a classic car show and a "Change for Schools" walk, bike and run. There will be a drawing for the "Shop Local" program North Branch has been promoting. The lucky winner will get $100 courtesy of the North Branch Chamber of Commerce.

North Branch is also hosting a treasure hunt, where the lucky winner will take home a large Domino's pizza every month for a year. On top of that, the winner will receive a $250 gift certificate from County Market. The treasure is hidden on public land and clues are posted at 10 a.m. daily. You can also visit www.northbranchchamber.com to view the clues.

Sunday caps off the event with a pancake breakfast and everyone's favorite, a booya at St. Gregory's Church at 11:30 a.m.

This week is Homecoming for Chisago Lakes. The Gridiron Club is asking for your help.

Chisago Lakes Gridiron Club is hosting their first ever Homecoming Food Shelf Drive the night of the big game. Located in the plaza outside of the stadium, you are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item. Together, we can replenish the local food shelf and enjoy some tasty brats, all at the same time.

If you have yet to attend a football game this year, this is the one game you will want to attend. Coach Weiss has the team playing really well and a long winning streak is lurking around the corner.

If you are 55 years old or older, and have been thinking about moving into a community of peers, you should take a look at the Homestead Cooperative of Chisago Lakes. The Homestead offers comfortable, maintenance free, homes located in a community with small town charm.

Located at 29895 Sportsman Drive, in Chisago City, you will be part of a non-profit community that will limit you to actual costs. No one will profit from any charges you pay. The Homestead Cooperative of Chisago Lakes would love to show you how beautiful their community is by giving you a tour. Look for their insert in this edition of the Press.

The Chisago Lakes Wrestling Booster Club is planning something special this year. In just over a month, they are planning a first ever Wrestling Fundraiser Raffle. Big deal you say? Well how does the chance to win $10,000 sound?

The cost of the fundraiser is $100 per couple. While that sounds a little steep, consider what you get for $100. You will get a dinner for two, drinks, a dance with live entertainment, a chance to win one of 29 cash drawings, drawings for firearms, jewelery and of course, the grand prize of $10,000 dollars.

The best part of the deal is, there will only be 350 total tickets sold. That means your chances of winning $10,000 are one in 350. Not bad odds.

If you are interested, please purchase your tickets at Dr. Virga's office in downtown Lindstrom. There are even some companies that are using this event as their annual Christmas party with their employees having a chance to win $10,000. If you are interested, I would urge you to act fast, the tickets are selling quickly.

Thanks to all the great people of Almelund for putting on another successful Apple Fest. Unlike recent years, the weather was beautiful (not scorching hot) which kept the bee population to a minimum.

From what I could see, everyone was having a great time. The apples were wonderful, and the deserts were even better.

Thanks for a great time.

Today (Thursday) is your last chance to enjoy a Ladies Night Out until next year. Don't miss your chance to take in some of the frivolity and shopping that has made Ladies Night Out such a huge success this year.

There will be food and drinks, great shopping, drawings, entertainment and lots of fun for ladies of all ages. Make sure you vote for your favorite scare crow that local businesses have made.

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