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These temperatures are bordering on ridiculous.  I spent the first half of Monday trying to thaw water pipes here at the Press.  For some idiotic reason, whomever built this place decided that running water pipes along a non-insulated cinder block wall is a great idea.  It happens every year when it hits about 18 below zero.  I hope it’s over.

So with the low temps, that means Celebration of the Lakes must be here.  The fun kicks off Thursday with a popular downtown diva night in Lindstrom.  

Friday, bring the kids and head to Moberg Park, Chisago City, for dogsled rides.  There will be food trucks at the park too.  At 5:30 at Allemansratt Park in Lindstrom, there is a candlelight snowshoe event where you can venture through park trails lit by candles.  Last week I wrote about the chamber hosting a jigsaw puzzle contest Friday evening at 6pm.  You can still pick your puzzle up at the Chamber.  I believe the cost is $25, but I admit it sounds pretty fun.

Saturday at 10 am there is a medallion hunt where clues will be posted online on the chamber website.  A lot of the events will take place on North Center Lake across from Grumpy Minnow including a food stand.  If you have driven by the lake recently, you would have noticed the kids pro am track and the radar run track have been plowed.  They both kick off Saturday at 10 am and run until 4pm.  As always, you are encouraged to enter your snowmobile, UTV or even a motorcycle in the radar run. The cost for three runs is $20.  

Right next to the radar runs is kids pro-am racing and next to that is a vintage snowmobile show.  

From 1 pm until 3 pm, the Chisago Lakes Lions Club invites you to the annual ice fishing contest on North Center Lake. Look for signs.  

Then at 4 pm, the drawing for the snowmobile giveaway takes place. You can still buy a raffle ticket from the Chamber by calling 651-257-1177.  The day finishes with fireworks at Paradise Park, Chisago City, at 7pm.

Sunday, Chisago Lake Lutheran Church is hosting the “Grumpy Old Men” service outside the church.  You are encouraged to dress like your favorite character from the movie and enjoy a great sermon.

At noon grab your buddies and head to the annual dodgeball tournament on North Center Lake.  Last year the tournament filled up, so I would encourage you to call the chamber to register or get there early to register.

Let’s just hope the temps allow us to get out and actually do something.  Talk about stir crazy.  At least when it was warm out, we could go for long walks.  Lately I have been getting a nice jog in - from my truck into the house.


St. Bridget of Sweden  Catholic Church had to make a decision they had hoped they wouldn’t have to. They cancelled their popular fish fry due to...well you know.  What they are doing is asking residents who would normally attend the fish fry to support our local restaurants.  Whether you dine-in or get take out, there are some fantastic fish meals available for Lent at virtually every restaurant.

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