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Where on earth has this summer gone? It literally seems like our kids just got off the bus from their last day of school. Now we have had a long, Fourth of July weekend and Karl Oskar Days is here. This summer could go down as the fastest summer ever.

Let's hope the hands of time will slow down this week, so you and I can enjoy everything Karl Oskar Days has to offer. I think we got the gully washers out of the way last weekend, so this weekend should be sunny and beautiful.

As you are reading this, a snuff box hunt clue has already been posted around town. Clues will be posted daily at Wally Carlson BP, The Antique Mall in Lindstrom, Lindstrom Foods, and of course here at the Press. Remember that if you find the snuff box it is worth $150. If you or your parents have a subscription to the County Press, and you are wearing a Karl Oskar Days button, the prize shoots up to $250. Please please remember that the snuff box can only be hidden on public land. Lets be considerate of private property.

Tonight (Thursday) is when the festivities begin. Ladies, grab your friends and head uptown for some great specials. Lindstrom will be holding a special Karl Oskar Days Ladies Nite Out for you and your girlfriends. Beginning at 4 p.m., make your way down the streets of Lindstrom in search of great deals, food and drinks and gift bags. Make sure you register for the grand prize giveaway. Stores will be offering specials all over town, so make sure you hit all the participating stores.

Also on Thursday night, you are invited to attend the Karl Oskar Days Queen Coronation at the High School PAC. This is always a great time and this year we have some really great talented girls. Parents, if you have young girls, take it from me, bring them to the coronation. They will have the time of their life. There is something magical that happens when the lights go down, I have taken my daughter for the last few years and she begins talking about it a month in advance. I think it's because they have seen these girls around the area, and they think maybe that will be them someday. The coronation begins at 7 p.m. and as always, the cost of admission is less with a Karl Oskar Days button.

Friday, is one of my favorite days. Beginning with the Taste of Tingryd, you can sample authentic Swedish cuisine all while listening to some beautiful music. The menu has been upgraded this year, so get there early. Tickets for the luncheon are only $5 with a Karl Oskar Days button. The dinner is held at the Lindstrom Community Center and begins at 11:30 a.m.

Friday is also the day for the annual Queens Tug-O-War which is held across the street from Lindstrom City Hall. Each queen candidate has picked a team of friends and they all must compete against each other trying to stay out of a huge mud pit. Immediately after the tug-o-war, the Kiddie Parade will be making its way down Akerson Street to Lions Park. Always a great time, the parade promises lots of different costumes with lots of different themes. You can register your children at 6:30 by the Fairview Cemetery. There will be a Karl Oskar Jr. King and Queen chosen from the parade, so come up with some great ideas.

Friday is where things are quite different than past Karl Oskar Days. This year, you will be able to watch the fireworks on Friday rather than Sunday evening. They will still be shot off from Beach Park, just on a different day. The fireworks will go off at dusk.

Saturday morning there is the annual Karl Oskar Days Golf tournament at the Chisago Lakes Golf Course. Beginning at 8 a.m., the ever popular Lindstrom Loppet starts. Your are encouraged to get there early to register for the Loppet.

Also on Saturday, there will be a digital scavenger hunt at the brand new Allemansratt Park. Bring your digital camera and try to find hidden clues throughout the park.

One thing worth mentioning is the Karl Oskar Days parade. The parade begins at 6 p.m. and the route has changed this year. The parade will start on Broadway and head north to Highway 8, west to Park and down Pleasant Ave. So don't be like me and have your lawn chairs set up on a desolate road and wonder where is everybody?

Sunday offers a pancake breakfast, the arts and craft fair continues, and an open trap shoot at the Chisago Lakes Sportsmen's Club.

If I have failed to mention any events, I apologize. We have a complete listing of events and times in this edition of the Press.

Karl Oskar Days is one of the biggest celebrations in Chisago County, I hope to see you there!

On a completely different note, I have an insect problem at my house. I have noticed that his year, there are probably 10 to 15 ant mounds all over my yard. I know what you are thinking, so what, ants don't hurt anyone. Wrong. These are biting ants, and the welt stays on your body for weeks and weeks. If you have any knowledge or suggestions on how to handle this biting problem, please let me know.

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