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This week (if you can believe it) begins the summer festival season.  Beginning today through Sunday the North Branch American Legion is sponsoring Midsummer Days.  The celebration is filled with awesome events like a family carnival, a meat raffle, Bingo under the tent and much more.  Friday there will be live music by Two Shots Down which will also feature a food stand for attendees.  Thursday. some of the bingos will have jackpots of $500.  Saturday, your kids are invited to take part in the kiddie olympics. Kids ages pre-school through 12 years of age can compete in all kinds of fun events. The event is at Riverwalk Park this year which is north of town on Highway 61.  register at 8:30 and events start at 9am sharp.  There is a kiddie parade that starts at noon at the municipal building and registration is at 11:30.  The theme this year is red white and blue.  All entrants will receive a prize.  

Sherwin Linton is the act at the street dance Saturday night.  It is a 21 and up show only and begins at 8:30pm. under the tent.

Sunday is the MidSummer Parade which will make its way along Mainstreet stepping off at 2pm.  Glenn Pierce will be the Grand Marshal this year. (See story on page one)   So much to do - see you there!

Congratulations to the Chisago Lakes Girls Softball team.  They took third place at the State Tournament over the weekend.  Not only was this the school’s first state berth, they finished in the top three!  What an amazing accomplishment and I know Brenda Carlson and the other coaches are bursting at the seams with pride.  Nice job girls!
A huge congratulations goes out to Josh Skordahl. Josh represented Chisago Lakes and Minnesota in the 2022 Special Olympics.  Josh could have done multiple sports but decided to focus on gymnastics.  Judging by the volume of medals he came home with, I think he made the right decision.  Josh finished with an amazing four medals in Special Olympics.  Incredible.  If you know Josh, you know how focused and driven he is. I couldn’t be happier for Josh and his family!

The Baby Blanket is a ministry of St. Bridget of Sweden Catholic Church and is supported by local churches, organizations and townships. They assist people in need of children's clothing, maternity clothing, cribs and pack 'n plays, car seats and more.  A resource for parents it even has held classes to help raising families.

Friday (tomorrow) they will be hosting a concert that will celebrate 25 years of the Baby Blanket.  The event begins at 4:30pm and runs until 7pm.  The Teddy Bear Band will perform and kids can enjoy inflatables, and a free hot dog dinner.  The band begins at 5:30pm.  The event is free and will be held on the front lawn of St. Bridgets. The event is rain or shine, so it will head indoors if raining.  Congratulations and thank you to all those who make  The Baby Blanket happen!

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