---

If you are looking for a really fun and historic adventure this weekend, look no further than Almelund. That's where the 55th annual Threshing Show is being held.

What's a Threshing Show? It is literally a step back in time where you can re-visit farming in Minnesota. There are tractors, old and new as far as the eye can see. You will see tractors you have never seen before and some of the most beautifully re-done tractors in the world. There is a steam threshing attraction, along with a steam powered sawmill. Silage cutting the way it was done back in the day. They have a petting zoo for the kids as well as live buffalo. There is a massive flea market, glass blowing, a blacksmith shop, an old car and truck show as well as a ton of entertainment.

Friday night there is a tractor pull which seems to be everyone's favorite, followed by a dance with the Rockin Hollywoods.

Saturday, the day gets started with a pedal tractor pull for kids. We have a friend that won this a few years ago, and they made it all the way to nationals st the Corn Palace in South Dakota. Saturday will also feature a tractor pull for vintage tractors at 2 p.m. Saturday has another dance that night with Alan Godage & Sundown as the musical guests.

Make sure you bring your cameras folks, you will be blown away with how colorful and beautiful these tractors are. Every day at 1 p.m., there is a tractor parade that weaves its way through the threshing grounds and believe me, it is a sight to see. The show runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday, I hope to see you there.

The good folks that run the Chisago Lakes Sportmens Club would like to invite you and your family to their 56th annual picnic. You do not have to be a member of the Sportsmen's Club to attend the picnic. There are kids games all day long as well as a raffle for a girls' and a boys' bike. Every 20 minutes there is a drawing for kids prizes. There are turtle races, horseshoes, volleyball and everyone's favorite Bingo.

Door prizes will be drawn for $200, $100 and $50 cash. The picnic food is great, so bring your appetite. The best part of the deal?  Free admission. The Sportsmen's Club is located on the frontage road across from the Chisago Lakes Library.

Sadly, Chisago Lakes has lost a hero. Nick Spehar was killed in Afghanistan defending our country earlier this week. Nick was a Navy Seal and was aboard a helicopter that was struck down killing 30 US troops. Spehar graduated in 2005 and was very active in school activities including swimming.

If you have read my column in the past, you know how highly I think of any and all Veterans and just how much respect I have for them. Nick is no exception. To give your life defending our country is simply the bravest act I can imagine. My heart goes out to the Spehar family but so does my gratitude.

The Ki Chi Saga Committee wanted me to remind you that you can register now for a few events that take place in next week at Ki Chi Saga Days. You are invited to pre-register for the 5K run/walk, the Little Miss Ki Chi Saga, the antique car show as well as crafters and vendors for the arts and craft fair in the park. You can see most of these registration ads in this paper, but if not, please call Doris at Chisago City at 651-257-5464 or email to: [email protected].

Speaking of Ki Chi Saga Days, I have something that I guarantee you will love. If you remember last year, Jack Doepke and his cast of hundreds put on one of the best plays I have ever seen. "Chisago City - The City that Moved" was the name of the play and everyone who attended had an absolute blast.

This year the theme has changed. "The Ghost of Camp Ojiketa" makes its debut on August 20 and 21. Hailed as an oddball mystery, the play combines facts with corny fun and is filled with local actors you will know.

The play will be held in the air-conditioned Strom Hall on the grounds of Camp Ojiketa. Tickets are $5 and are being sold at Chisago Drug or at the door. Seating is limited to 200 per show, last year the show we attended was packed, so make sure to get your tickets soon.

Last week we ran an article about a local man who had died recently on the St. Croix River. At the end of the story, we explained that the man had been involved in a serious accident a few years back. A newspaper's responsibility is to keep the public informed.

We received quite a few calls and emails, telling us it was rude to take a "shot" at someone who is deceased. Let me first say, I understand people's frustration with re-living the tragic accident a few years ago. I also understand the frustration of the family and friends who choose to remember the recently deceased.

The County Press in no way, meant to disgrace the deceased. If we have offended any readers, I sincerely apologize.

---