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Did you know, Chisago Lake favorites are now known in Nova Scotia? One of my staff invited a friend from Nova Scotia to visit for the afternoon. It started with golf at the Chisago Lakes Golf Course.

Myrna thought the course was great, the staff friendly, and the flowers on the course beautiful. From there they went back to Lindstrom and throughout the course of the evening she was served Winehaven wine, Sweet Swede candy, cheese from Eichtens and coffee from Northwoods before driving back to Oakdale.

Myrna was so impressed she was back the following week to stock up on cheese and bison, candy, wine, and coffee to take back to Nova Scotia. She had lunch at the Porterhouse which she enjoyed.

Now, how do we continue the trend during our upcoming highway construction? Send me your ideas for helping our small community to survive during construction. I will pass them on to local businesses, and hopefully we will find multiple ideas that keep our businesses afloat during this tough time.

The Chisago Lakes Sportsmen's Club would like to formally invite you and your family to its 55th annual picnic this Sunday. For 55 years, the great people that run the Sportsmen's Club have been providing great times for families at no cost. Trust me folks, this is a great time had by all, in a very relaxing atmosphere and the kids absolutely love it.

Why not save some money and entertain your family all at the same time? On top of all the great kid's games, there will be bingo, trap shooting contests, turtle races - sorry you must bring your own turtle, volleyball and much much more. The picnic begins at 11 a.m. and runs until 5:30 p.m. The Sportsmen's Club is located on the frontage road between Chisago City and Lindstrom, directly across from the library.

If you are thinking about running in the annual Ki Chi Saga Days 5K and 15K walk run, you can register now. The race, which isn't until August 21, has been around for years, is growing by leaps and bounds the last few.

If you would like to pre-register, you can pick up forms at local businesses including the Press. The race is put on by Family Pathways and is a guaranteed good time.

Speaking of Ki Chi Saga Days, in the Press and Search, you will find entry forms for some of the great events taking place at this year's celebration. Some of those would be: the Little Miss Ki Chi Saga Days, skateboard competition, crafters and vendors in the park, a classic car show, a flea market and a cribbage tournament.

Remember Harmony in the Park?  I spoke with a few people who recently asked me if the concerts were over. The answer is an emphatic no. In fact, some of their biggest concerts are yet to come. Next Wednesday, break out your concert t-shirts and your ripped jeans because Deuce is rocking Lions Park. (Don't let the word rocking scare you off, Deuce is a really good band that plays all types of rock and roll.)

The final two weeks of Harmony in the Park feature Sister Rooster, a country band, and the Moldy Figs. The Figs are a very popular Jazz band that always produces a good turnout.

Looking for some more family entertainment?  How does a community collaboration iron pour sound? What on earth is an iron pour? Artists get together with their molds and the public is also invited. They pour hot iron into the molds creating beautiful artwork. The public can build their own molds for a fee. If you would just like to watch the event, they would love that too. The iron pour is held at the Franconia Sculpture Garden and runs from 10a.m. until 6 p.m. this Saturday.

Remember to get out and vote Tuesday, August 10. There are quite a few races to vote on in this Primary. While we are not voting an individual into public office, we are narrowing down the individuals who we would maybe like to see holding office after November's election.

Just a quick note to our readers and advertisers. I know I have said this many times before, but I want to personally thank you all for reading and advertising in our papers. We have an unbelievable community that takes pride in togetherness, and that is reflected in our newspapers. In these tough economic times we need to lean on each other and support each other when we can. Our community will get through this storm and we will come back better and stronger than ever. Thank you.

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