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Well it is finally here.  Karl Oskar Days has officially begun.  The ambassadors are chosen, the hunt for the snuff box is underway, and the weather looks beautiful. Tonight (Thursday) there is a cribbage tournament at Trinity Lutheran Church.

Friday, the arts and crafts and food show begins in the park.  Last year, there were some great vendors and some really good food.  The event closes at 9 p.m. each night.  As I mentioned last week, I encourage you to come to the west plaza in Lindstrom to see the unveiling of Ian Dudley’s new masterpiece.  It will complete the trilogy of statues on that end.  I have been watching Ian diligently working in the plaza all week.  It should be a great time, he always creates such beautiful statues.  Immediately following the dedication, there is a free movie in the park.  They have not told me what the movie is, but I am certain it’s family friendly.  Upon the completion of the movie, the fireworks show will begin.  Beach Park is a great place to take in the fireworks, so please get there early. I am told there is still time to register for the golf tournament and for the Loppet which both begin early Saturday morning.  Please call the Chamber at 651 257 1177 for more info.  

The car show makes a triumphant return to Karl Oskar Days.  The annual 3 on 3 basketball tournament is also taking place in the Trinity Lutheran Church parking lot. At 11 a.m., there is a dedication for the newly branded Immigrant Trail.  The ceremony will be at the veterans Memorial Park which is the trail head for downtown.

For all of you who have asked me over the years “what’s in that house in Ki Chi Saga Park?”, this is your chance.  The Karl Oskar House tours are Saturday from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.  It’s your chance to see what people travel all the way from Sweden to see.
Saturday is of course parade day.  This year’s parade begins at 6 p.m.  and begins at Broadway, then meanders down Newell and Pleasant to Sylvan and back to Broadway.  Make sure to set your blankets and chairs out to get a good spot and wave at Carla (grand marshal.)

Saturday night is the popular street dance.  This year, the Tim Sigler Band will take the stage.  The dance begins at 8 p.m. in the Lindstrom Liquor Store parking lot. Sunday, something new and very intriguing, a human foosball tournament at Beach Park.  The tournament begins at 1 p.m. and looks like a super fun event.  Finally, Karl Oskar Days concludes with a Kiddie Parade that runs down Newell Avenue to Beach Park.  Alot to take in, but as I have learned over the years, it is doable, you just have to pace yourself.

There is a huge milestone right here in little old Lindstrom.  Glennette and Tim Sperry are celebrating an anniversary.  No, it is not their 25th year of marriage.. they are celebrating the 90th birthday of their business Skinners Fashion and Floral.  For the last 90 years, residents of Chisago Lakes and many out-of-towners have been shopping at Skinners.  Maybe they have purchased a beautiful dress, or maybe (like me) they have rented a tuxedo for a wedding. The Sperrys have been a fixture in Lindstrom for years and  and have transformed a successful business into a thriving one.  Quite an accomplishment given the shaky economy the last several years.  Since I have lived here, Skinners has always been a fixture .  I would like to formally congratulate Glennette and Tim on their anniversary.

This week we have quite a few obituaries in the Press. I happen to know four of them.  Not a good week.  Over the last couple of months our community has lost multiple residents to suicide.  Some were young adults, some were older in age.  It breaks my heart to see or hear about someone suffering so badly internally that they think their only option is suicide.  I have been there.  I have been that low.  I have risen from it.  There is hope. 

If you or someone you know is in a very low spot in life and could possibly be thinking about taking their life - step in.  Say something to them.  Get them help.  Sure they may despise you the rest of your life, but wouldn't you rather have them hate you and be alive than to not interact with them at all?  If you are the one who has been having these low spots and maybe even thought about taking your life, please - I beg you - do not do it.  There is hope.  There is greener grass.  I know it doesn't seem like it, but I promise you there is.  Have faith, seek help, and your life will improve.  We have a wonderful tile ad on our website that is a non-profit foundation that deals only with depression help.  I encourage you to take a look at it.  And if you can't find someone to talk to, my office number is 651 257 5115, I will gladly talk with you.

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