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While Mother Nature was not in a giving mood during the Chisago Lakes Winter Blast, it looks like she may finally be cooperative for North Branch’s annual Winter Fest.

The Winter Fest runs today through Sunday and has some fun events that you and your family will surely like.
The folks at County Market have hidden a Winter Fest medallion somewhere in North Branch on public property.  Be the lucky finder and go home with $300.  You must have a Winter Fest button to claim your prize.  

The clues will be posted daily at 10 am on the chamber website and also on their facebook page. You can buy a button at NB Liquors, County Market, Hair Design, 95 Printing and North Branch Community Education.

Tomorrow, Friday at Winter Fest, there is a great wine, beer and spirits-tasting party at the Chisago County Senior Center in the large gathering room.

Saturday there are ice sculptures in Central Park and a great (it’s huge) vintage snowmobile expo and ride out of JJ’s Bowl just north of town.  You can see just about every make and model of snowmobile from our youth. They even have a few Polaris Colts which I owned as a kid.

Saturday you are invited to a family puzzle event at the North Branch High School cafeteria.  Puzzle solving begins at 10 am and is geared for kids ages 5-12.  

Sunday the folks at the North Branch American Legion invite everyone to their annual Omelet Breakfast which features a build-your-own omelet. The meal runs from 8 am to noon.

There are still a few tickets available for the Chisago Lakes Rotary’s “Love Boat Crusino” night.  It is a casino night with a Love Boat theme - yes you are encouraged to dress up as your favorite character from the show.  The night is filled with awesome food, gambling with fake money, prizes, drinks and a super fun time.  The event is February 15 and is held at Frankie’s Marine’s new showroom.  You can purchase tickets at Frankie’s, Northwoods, Eichtens and the Chamber of Commerce.  I will see you there!

Speaking of winter fun - remember when we used to have radar runs on North Center Lake?  Well, great news, they’re back!  On Saturday, February 16 on North Center Lake the Wild River Snowmobile Club is hosting a radar run and vintage snowmobile show.  The track opens at 10 am with registration opening at 9:30 am.  You can see how fast your snowmobile, atv or dirtbike goes for $20 you will get three runs.  If you have any questions please call Perry at 612-336-7024.

Sunday, February 17 is Frankie’s huge ice fishing contest.  There is openings for 75 teams and plenty of fun for spectators.  Frankie’s will be giving out over $20,000 in cash and prizes. The tournament will be held on South Lindstrom and Chisago Lakes.  The tournament ends at noon and the public is invited to come back to Frankie’s to watch the weigh-in. Food and drinks will be available at Frankie’s as will some hot drinks I assume. 

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