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What a weekend we just had! The Chisago County Fair and the Chisago Lakes Triathlon both took place over the weekend.  Of course it was the hottest weekend of the year, it always is.  Nonetheless, both events went off without a hitch, okay maybe some small hitches, but they were manageable.  If you were one of the people who unfotunately got stuck in the triathlon traffic, I apologize, this was a one year thing,  next year Old Towne Road will be complete and racers will not have to cross Highway 8.  Saturday, the Kid’s Triathlon got over just before the deluge of rain that fell, and fell, and fell...

Thank you so much to all who volunteered with the triathlon and the County Fair. It is only with your help that these events can take place and without you they would not exist.

As Summer rolls on, so do the local celebrations. This weekend is Center City Days.  Before you dismiss this as a small insignificant celebration, I would like to point out that Center City Days is new and improved.  It is bigger and better than ever before.

Center City Days officially begins Friday with a huge rummage sale at Chisago Lake Lutheran church.  There is a cribbage tournament at noon and Bingo at the fire hall at 6 p.m.  The annual Center City picnic takes place in the park at 6 p.m. as well.  Friday night after the events is the big street dance.   This year Maiden Dixie will play and cover is only $5.  Call your friends and head up to Center City.  
Saturday there are bouncy houses for the kids and the popular Grandpa’s Triathlon.  The triathlon consists of running, biking and paddling. The race begins in the church’s lower parking lot at 9 a.m.  

The church will also be the site of the community pig roast.  The feed begins at 4 p.m. and will have all the fixins.  The Harrison Street Band takes the stage at 2 p.m. and the day wraps up with an outdoor family movie at dusk held at Cotton Candy Ice Cream Shop.

Sunday there is a pancake breakfast at the fire hall that runs from 8 a.m. until noon.  There is a car show on Sunday as well as a walking tour of Center City. The tour will begin at noon at the historical marker in between the Swedish Village Mall and Swenson’s Lake House restaurant.  There is an ice cream social at 1 at the church and the very popular boat parade which will meet at Loren’s Park at 3 p.m.  The whole weekend is finalized with a performance by Matthew Fox at Al’s Center Saloon.  Lots of fun to be had by all. I hope to see you there.

Being the father of technologically advanced teenagers, I am always looking for ways to connect with them to find some “common” ground.  Many times they will be raving about this app or that app and I will download and play it with them. Well recently I did download the PokemonGo app to play along with them.  Maybe I am getting really old, but this app is one of the dumbest things I have ever seen.  People by the thousands are walking everywhere (yes they have walked in front of our car staring at their phones).  All to hopefully capture a cartoon looking rat that really isn’t there.  I deleted the app yesterday, I have decided to be that dad, at least until this fad has passed, probably in a week or two.

Here is your Blue Zone Tip of the week:  Make a pitcher of lemon infused water, have some nuts as an appatizer and invite your neighbors over to share it.

Remember, the Blue Zone community Rally is September 14 at the High School PAC, please plan on being there.

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