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A huge thank you to the Chisago Lakes Lions Club for putting on another great Cadillac Dinner. This year they had a musical duo that was fantastic and really added to the experience. Jim Green and Tom Hallberg did a wonderful job emceeing the event. The food was very good, thanks to the Porter House for supplying it.

Remember last week when I told you to go out and get your ticket to the Cadillac Dinner? I said that you could potentially win $2,000 and you would have a great time. Well speaking as a person whose largest winnings on any level has been a $40 pull tab 12 years ago, I am proof that even the unluckiest of people can have good fortune at least once in their lives. We were the last name to be drawn which meant we won the grand prize. I had a few people come up to me afterwards and tell me I didn't look that excited. It was probably because I was positive I was dreaming and would soon wake up.

Folks, next year when I remind you to go out and get your Cadillac Dinner tickets because you could win a lot of money, listen to me. I am not just blowing smoke.

Oh, and if you are wondering what we plan on doing with our new fortune, let's just say Mrs. Silver already had it allocated before we pulled into our driveway. She did give me $50 to do whatever I wish. I am so lucky.

You have one week left to register for the second annual Carp Festival. The fishing tournament takes place on May 21 and begins at 7 a.m. Weigh in is held at Lions Park next to Lindstrom City Hall. I have spoke with a few carp fishermen over the last week or so, and they have either entered already or are planning to do so this week.

If you would just like to come for the festival, please do so. There will be food and beverages available along with some live music. Steve Levey has told me the band he has lined up is one of the best shows you will ever see. Their name is Ride, and Steve tells me the guitar player is one of the very best.

You can enter the contest online at www.chisagolakeschamber.com or email Steve at [email protected]. You can pick up entry forms at Gander Mountain in their archery and fishing departments. If you need additional info call Steve at 651-462-7900 or 651-257-2966, remember folks, he's from Iowa so have some patience.

Next week is EMS Week. It is a time when we salute the good folks who take care of our emergencies. Some of them are visible like the ambulance drivers and the paramedics. But there are others behind the scenes ensuring you get the proper care as fast as you possibly can. Next week you will notice a full page ad highlighting the Lakes Region EMS. If you happen to see any of those folks around the area, make a point to stop them and say thank you. We are lucky to have such a great service in Chisago County.

This Saturday, grab your kids and head to the Chisago Lakes High School. The FFA (Future Farmers of America) are putting on Farm City Days. Held in the parking lot next to the pool, Farm City Days provides a petting zoo, kids games, dairy princesses and tractors. It is every little kid's dream to climb on tractors and pet farm animals. The High School Greenhouse will also be open, so you can swing in and purchase some flowers or vegetable plants to finally get your garden planted. Farm City Days runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

One of our very good friends here at the Press stopped by last week. Sue Wilson, who many of you remember was our librarian for years and years, stopped to explain why she still has a Christmas wreath hanging from her door. It's not because Sue has a passion for Christmas, although she does, it is because a family of birds have decided to make a home in the wreath. So if you are tempted to sneak up and remove the wreath, please don't. Now should there be birds setting up camp in a Halloween pumpkin, that would be a different story.

The City of Shafer is holding its annual city wide garage sale this week. Beginning on Thursday and running through Saturday, you will find great deals all over town. If you do make it to Shafer, make sure you drive around a little bit, there will be sales all over the place.

Finally, the Chisago Lakes Wrestling program would like to invite the public to come enjoy some pancakes this Sunday. They are holding a pancake breakfast at Bayside Bar & Grille at the Dinnerbel. All proceeds will help fund the wrestling program. The breakfast runs from 9 a.m. until noon and there will be a Schwan's truck there selling food to also benefit the wrestling program.

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