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A huge thank you goes out to the organizers of this year’s Wannigan Days.  This amazing group worked tirelessly over the last year.  Wannigan Days is always a great time, but this year seemed to be better than years past.  There was a big time feel to a small town festival.  It was professionally done and the events meshed together seamlessly.  I did not make it to the big bands playing at the overlook on Saturday, but from all accounts, there was a ton of people that attended the shows.  It is so refreshing to see two towns work together for the greater good.  Thanks to any and all who planned, worked or donated their time to this year’s Wannigan Days.

This year is a big one for our family.  We have three birthdays to celebrate and also a 20 year wedding anniversary (I know I don’t look like I could be that old) and a few achievements by our children.  So,  we decided that since we are never heading back to Panama City Beach ever in our life, maybe we can save and splurge on a small summer vacation to a lake cabin somehwere.  Most people would go to Vegas or Hawaii for their 20 year anniversary, yet we decide to rent a cramped, hot, mouse or bat infested cabin with four people.  Nobody ever accused me of being smart.
So began the quest a week ago or so, trying to A: find a cabin that hasn’t been rented for the summer, B: find one that is not haunted, not filled with bats, and hopefully is on a lake, and C: one that we all can agree on.  Out of all the prerequisites I just listed, the last one is easily the most trying of the bunch. To get everybody on the same page is next to impossible.  

We had narrowed it down to 15 or so cabins all off Craigslist (gulp), and discarded the rest.  Every day that we did not reserve,  one more would fill up.  I have not felt so much pressure choosing something that is supposed to relieve pressure.  In the end, we will (yes, still undecided) throw a dart at the list and choose that one.  It promises to be an adventure, it always is.

Mark your calendars, in a week there’s a big one.  There are two local events that are worth taking in.  First, on Saturday June 27, Jetpack Midwest will host the Grand Opening at the new Lindstrom location.  See page 14 for all the details. I have known Mark for quite a while now, and I think he has started a great business that is here to stay.

Also next weekend, on Sunday, the sixth annual PraiseFest takes place at First United Methodist Church in Lindstrom.  

What is PraiseFest? It is a non-denominational music fest that features praise bands from churches in our area.  There will be wonderful music as well as games both for kids and adults.  There will be plenty of food during the event and a community barbeque at 4 p.m.  

Everybody and their brother is invited to this great event. You are asked to please bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on.  I have been told to stress to you that there will be no preaching whatsoever, just good music, good times with great people.  You can see a great ad for it on the back page of this edition of the Press.

Take time out this weekend to spend some time with, or at the very least, call your Dad.  Dads play an integral part in the make up of a child’s development whether they believe it or not.  Tell your dad how much he means to you. Take it from me, a time will come when you wished you did.

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