---

You would have to be living under a rock if you did not know the Celebration of the Lakes is this weekend.  The ice is plenty thick to hold the event, and the weather prediction is warmer than originally forecast. So with all that said... let's do this.  Tomorrow (Friday) night you are invited to Meredee's Bistro and The Northern.  Some of the pro ice fishermen and women will be at each establishment to discuss and answer any questions you might have.  You can enjoy a great meal, a drink or two and learn about ice fishing.  How can you go wrong?

Saturday begins  with the most popular event, the snowmobile radar runs.  Registration opens at 9:30 a.m. and the runs last until 4 p.m.  Wild River Snowmobile Club was kind enough to run the timed events this year, thank you to them.  Keeping with the snowmobile theme, there is a vintage snowmobile show on the celebration site.  You will see many of the old snowmobiles you and your dad grew up with.  I am hoping to see a Suzuki snowmobile, it was my first and best sled I owned. Old blue, so trusty, so rusty, but I digress.

Bring your kids to the kids ice fishing camp at the Center City Fire Hall at 10 a.m.  There they will learn fishing techniques, safety, and sportsmanship, all before they head out on the ice to catch some fish of their own.  Make sure they dress appropriately please.

 If you are like me, then you will definitely be up for running a 5K down the streets of Center City.  Ok, Ok, I will be there taking pictures, not running, but I will be there.  Registration begins at 9 a.m. and the race at 10 a.m.  There is a kids race at 11 a.m. following the big kids.  

 Food this year will be supplied by some great food trucks.  This will allow you to sample some great items from different vendors.  

 Make sure to bring your ice skates and your sleds. There is a family ice rink and a sledding hill for everyone.  

 If you have ever seen the kids’ ice racing, you know how fun it is.  These kids rip around the oval at speeds that border on uncomfortable, but they never crash.  Must be why they are “pros.”

 If you happen to be the first to find the missing Celebration of Lakes medallion, you will be the proud owner of a crisp $100 bill.  The hunt begins at 11 a.m. with clues posted on the lake.  I plan on finding it about 11:20 or so.

  Noon is the time for the annual Smoosh Race.  I know strapping four people to a couple of 2x4's doesn't sound all that enticing, but if you have ever seen the race, you know how hilarious it can be.

  One of the most popular events year after year is the Lions Ice Fishing Contest.  The contest begins at 1 p.m. and runs until 3 p.m.  The Lions will have holes drilled so you just pay per line.  They will be giving out great prizes.  You are required to bring bait and poles.  

  Golf in the winter?  Correct, there is a golf tournament held on the ice.  Teams of 4 are asked to please call Jill at 651-257-1483 to register.

  Feeling a little chilled after a day on the ice?  Head to a spaghetti dinner at Chisago Lake Lutheran Church at 4:30 p.m.  

  Eat too many carbs?  Burn them off at the Celebration of the Lakes Polka Dance at the Lindstrom City Hall. The dance will feature the uber popular Chmielewski Polka Band. These folks have put out something like 20 polka albums over the years.  They are such fun people.  Come on out, you will have a blast.

On Sunday, you are invited to come watch the pros fish on Chisago Lake.  They begin at 8 a.m. and are pretty easily spottable.  They will fish for five hours before weighing in at Frankie's Bait and Marine in Chisago City at 2 p.m.

Finally, the celebration wraps up with a family bingo held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lindstrom.

I know I got really wordy, but I really want you come out and have a great time.  The weather is supposed to cooperate, so why not come out and enjoy the Chisago Lakes area to its fullest?

---