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So as you could probably have guessed, some of the events at the Celebration of the Lakes have been cancelled or rescheduled.  Actually, after looking at the new schedule (page 9), it looks like all that was cancelled or rescheduled are the radar run (rescheduled for February 25), the vintage snowmobile show (cancelled), Lions ice fishing contest (cancelled), and ice skating.  

Other than those few events, the Celebration of the Lakes is a full go this weekend.  To say there are still tons of things to take in this weekend, is an absolute understatement.  The Celebration officially kicks off Friday night with Puzzles, Pie and Soup at First United Methodist.  The Celebration of the Arts opening ceremony kicks off at Gustaf’s Galleries-- Artists work here - your chance to meet the artists.  

Fishermen, you are invited to Frankie’s Live Bait and Marine for a free fishing seminar featuring national professional fishermen.  The seminars begin at 5 and are free to all.

Saturday, the day kicks off with a 5K run/walk that begins at 8:30. The race will begin at the Center City Fire Hall and you are encouraged to register at midwestevents.com.  

At 10 a.m., there is a kids’ ice fishing camp held at Frankie’s.  Kids will learn the basics about ice fishing and then head out to the lake to try their new poles out.  Make sure they dress for the weather.  I have been to these before, trust me kids love the event.  

The fat-tire bike event where you are invited to come and ride the new craze has been moved to Ojiketa Regional Park and will begin at 10 a.m. as well.  You are asked to bring your bike helmet.  

Ojiketa will be the host of a lot of the Celebration events this year including an art warm-up.  It is a wonderful art expo and market featuring demonstrations and collaborations from local artists.  the event runs until 4 p.m.  

The medallion hunt will be held at Ojiketa and will begin posting clues at 11 a.m.  Be the lucky finder and go home with $100 in your pocket.

Ojiketa will also host the golf tournament. It is a 9 hole course that is super fun. The golf tournament begins at 1 p.m.

Everyone is invited to the awards presentation held at Ojiketa.  Presentations for Community Ambassador and a few other awards will begin at 3 p.m.

At 3 p.m. back in Lindstrom, you are invited to come paint a picture at Cottage Gifts. For a few dollars to cover the cost of materials, you will get a lesson on how to paint and go home with your own masterpiece.

 Saturday there is a great spaghetti dinner that is held annually the CL Lutheran Church in Center City. The meal begins at 4:30 and runs until 7 p.m.  

Back at Ojiketa, there is something really fun for the whole family. Snowshoeing by candlelight around the park.  Along with snowshoeing, there is a scavenger hunt and hot chocolate.  The snowshoeing begins at 5.

Finally to wrap up a full day of fun outside, come inside and warm up at the Lindstrom Community Center.  Chmielewski Fun Time Band will be playing and you are invited to come out for polka, beer, brats and pretzels.  The dance is always very well attended and the food there is amazing.

Sunday the Pros hit the ice for the NAIFC fishing tournament.  There is a pancake breakfast held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lindstrom that runs from 8-noon.
If you missed the artists on Saturday, they will be back at the Gustaf Anderson House Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

You are invited to Taylors Falls for a repurposed art make and take in the old depot (community center) that runs from noon to 4 p.m.

At 2 p.m. the weigh-in for the pros takes place at Frankie’s Live Bat and Marine. The public is invited to come see how and where the pros catch fish on our lakes.
There is bingo at Trinity at 2 p.m. and the celebration wraps up with song writers in the round, held at Al’s Saloon in Center City beginning at 6 p.m.

So, as you can see, while there are some things cancelled, there’s still plenty of things to take in this weekend and have some real fun.  I hope to see you out there!

I had the opportunity to be a judge in the Scripps spelling bee Monday night. There were 39 students from 5th grade to 8th grade participating.  Believe it or not, we used every word given to us to crown the champion speller. It was Zoe Lunzer who spelled au fait correctly. I have never even heard of the word and Zoe got it right away. Nice job Zoe!

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