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This weekend’s Karl Oskar Days celebrates both Karl and wife Kristina, even though she’s not the festival’s namesake. Ex-mayor and this year’s Grand Marshal Keith Carlson was featured in a piece last week and Joan, his wife who is sharing Grand Marshal honors, got short shrifted in coverage. Joan Carlson is a terrific ambassador for the city. She didn’t hold elected office; but she was a constant positive force behind a number of civic initiatives and as Lindstrom’s First Lady understood the dedication and personal sacrifice sometimes required in being a community leader.  Well done Joan.

Just an FYI for boaters on the Center and Lindstrom lakes.  The channel is basically impassible lately.  Not sure if the wind did it or it was done by man, but the bogs are all in the middle now..bummer.

So it's finally here. Summer festival season is in full swing and the grand daddy of them all is upon us. Karl Oskar Days officially kicks off today and will run until Sunday night.  

 I will pick up on Thursday because most of you don't get the paper until then. There is a free photo gallery put on by the St. Croix Camera Club from 3-7 pm at the Chamber building.  Thursday evening is also Downtown Diva Night where women and girls will find great shopping specials, as well as games. Divas will then head to Winehaven to cap the evening off with BINGO games and wine.  Trinity Lutheran Church is holding their annual cribbage tournament Thursday as well,  beginning at 6:30 pm.

Friday kicks off with a craft beer sampling at the Lindstrom Liquor Store from 5-7 pm.  If you are an avid tennis player, there is a doubles tennis tournament at 6 pm at the Middle School.  

The community is invited to the Lindstrom Community Center at 6:30 pm for family bingo and food.  As always, Memorial and Beach Parks will host vendors of arts and crafts as well as food vendors for your enjoyment.  Beach Park will also have inflatables to climb around on for a cheap cost.  
 Beach Park is once again the site for the fireworks show and a beer garden for those of us who enjoy a drink.  The fireworks will shoot off at 10 pm.

 Saturday kicks off with a golf tournament at 7:30 am and the Lindstrom Lopppet begins at 8 am a the Lakes Free Church.  Over at St. Bridgets Catholic Church you will find an awesome farmers market and a classic car show.  Back at the middle school there is a singles tennis tournament as well as a all-new pickle ball tournament that starts at 9 am.  

If you ever wanted to learn more about Lindstrom you have to meet at the karl Oskar statues at the press at 10 am on Saturday for a great walking tour of downtown Lindstrom.

If you have been to Ki Chi Saga Park and wondered what is in the house on the hill, come on Saturday between 11 and 4 pm for a free tour of the Karl Oskar House.

Everybody's favorite parade will meander down the streets of Lindstrom beginning at 6 pm.  The big day ends with an awesome street dance in the muni parking lot featuring Ben Johnson starting at 8 pm.  

Sunday begins at 8 am with an awesome pancake breakfast at the Masonic Hall, across from Holiday and east a half block, that runs until noon.
 There is another chance to take in a walking tour beginning at 1 pm at the Karl Oskar nd Kristina Statue again on Sunday.  

Sunday will also host a cool new event at Ki Chi Saga Park. Beginning at 10 am, ages 8-16 are invited to the ballfield for a home run derby. There will be four different age divisions. I wish they had this when I was young.

Finally Karl Oskar Days wraps up with the ambassador coronation at the PAC  at the high school beginning at 5 pm.

See you there!

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