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This week, the city of North Branch and the North Branch American Legion Post 85 would love it if you and your family and friends would come to the 98th annual Midsummer Days celebration.   The celebration began on Wednesday and runs through Sunday.  Beginning today, the carnival opens up at 4pm in Central Park.  Back at the Legion, there is Bingo under the tent. These happen in two hour increments and run 10am, noon and 2 pm.  There is a $500 jackpot for 57 numbers covered.  Following Bingo, there is a meat raffle inside the bar at 5pm.  At 4:30pm, under the big tent, it’s time for gun bingo with some fabulous firearms as prizes. This is an adult only event.

Friday has Bingo again under the tent at the same times as mentioned.  At 6pm, under the big tent, there is an ultimate cash bingo with two $2,000 jack pots and a $500 winner as well. The ultimate bingo will begin seating at 4:30pm.

There are fireworks on Friday evening if Mother Nature cooperates. The show will be held at North Branch Middles School athletic grounds and will be moved to Saturday if rained-out or too windy.

Back at the tent, “Necessary Delivery” plays at 8:30pm with drinks available for purchase.

Saturday features the very popular Kiddie Olympics at Riverwalk Park just north of town.  Registration opens at 8:30am and events start at 9am sharp.  

North Branch Lions invite everyone to a free community lunch under the big tent. The meal runs from 11 am to 1pm.

At noon, the  Kiddie Parade starts at the North Branch city hall.  Bring your kids dressed in their favorite superhero costume, they can ride bikes or ride in a wagon...or whatever.  Registration is at 11:30am. Saturday caps off with the street dance under the big tent “Stimulus Package'' takes the stage at 8:30pm.

The celebration comes to an end Sunday with the Grand Parade which meanders along Main Street.  The parade begins at 2pm, bring your lawn chair!

Can you believe how much rain we’ve had (continue to get) over the past few weeks?  Lake home owners have to be ecstatic with the rising water. We began the spring three plus feet low on our lakes and navigating with boats was beginning to become a tad difficult.  As I write this, the forecast is calling for up to three more inches of rain in the next day or so.  

There are some very tired sump pumps right now.  I bought a cheap used generator years ago, for the sole purpose of plugging in our sump pump in the case of a power outage.  I would rather throw out spoiled food in the fridge than have a flooded basement.

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