Happenings around the lakes area, April 27-May 8

The Detroit Lakes Tribune accepts community calendar items for publication online and, space permitting, in our Wednesday and Saturday print editions. Submissions must be made at least a week in advance of the event date, in writing, to either dltribune@dlnewspapers.com or vgerdes@dlnewspapers.com. Each submission must include the date, time and location of event, and where to go for more information (phone, email and/or website). Also include whether the event is free or paid admission, and how much it costs when applicable.

Free State Parks Day: Admission to all 75 Minnesota state parks and recreation areas is free, all day long — no vehicle permits needed! Enjoy the beauty of nearby parks like Maplewood, Glendalough and Itasca without having to purchase a vehicle permit for the day. State parks will also be offering free admission days on June 8 and Nov. 29, so mark those dates on your calendar for some additional exploration.

Family Day-Pollination Investigation: Come to the Becker County Museum in Detroit Lakes (714 Summit Ave.) at 10 a.m. for a special presentation on Minnesota's pollinators and the museum's own pollinator garden. Learn why pollinators are important, make a pollinator seed bomb and bee hotel, and be the first museum guests to view the new Smithsonian traveling poster exhibition, "Pollinator Investigation." Cost is $10 per person, including supplies for making one seed bomb and one bee hotel. Sign up online at beckercountyhistory.org/store.

Honor Flight Bowling Fundraiser: The Voyager Lanes bowling alley in Detroit Lakes (1137 West Lake Drive) will host a bowling tournament fundraiser for Honor Flights of Minnesota and North Dakota starting at 1 p.m., with signup at noon. Entry fee is $25 per person, with four people per lane. This event is being sponsored by Detroit Lakes VFW Post 1676, which will be hosting a silent auction all day in its Event Center (located in the basement of the VFW Club at 500 Washington Ave.). Prize ceremony and lunch will follow the tournament at the VFW's Event Center. Contact Mel Krosko at 218-850-0903 for more information.

St. Peter's Fish Fry Fundraiser: St. Peter's Lutheran Church of Audubon will host a fish fry from 4 to 7 p.m. The church is located at 194747 Co. Hwy. 6, near Pit 611 in rural Audubon. Proceeds will be shared with the Becker County Food Pantry.

Lake Eunice Wild Game Feed: The congregation of Lake Eunice Evangelical Free Church will host their annual Wild Game Feed starting at 5:30 p.m. Enjoy a wide variety of wild game options, and bring your own dish to share with the group. Admission is a free will offering. The dinner will also feature a live presentation by avid hunter and fisherman Sam Bauer. The church is located at 12986 Co. Hwy. 15, Detroit Lakes. Open to the public.

The Fabulous Armadillos: The Fabulous Armadillos will be doing their third and final show of the season at Detroit Lakes' Historic Holmes Theatre at 7:30 p.m. This "Acousti-Dillos" concert will feature acoustic-inspired hits through the decades, with musicians Paul Diethelm on guitar, Jay O'Donnell on drums, Mike Zeleny on bass guitar and Greg Armstrong on keyboards. Tickets are $32 for adults and $16 for students, and may be purchased in person at the Holmes Box Office (open 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Monday-Friday as well as for two hours prior to the show), online at dlccc.org/holmes-theatre.html or by phone at 218-844-7469.

Live Music: Eric Reitan at Al's Bar and Grill-Audubon Liquor Store, 8 p.m.; Brianna Helbling at The Roadhouse, near Lake Ida in rural Lake Park, 8 p.m.; Radio Nation at Shooting Star Casino's Mustang Lounge in Mahnmomen, 8 p.m.-12:30 a.m.; Romyn and Rick at Zorbaz in Detroit Lakes, 9 p.m.-1 a.m.; Rustic Band at Holiday Inn Beach Bar in Detroit Lakes, 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

Permit to Carry Class: The Cormorant Sportsman's Club will host a Minnesota Permit to Carry class from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., taught by Red Bull Firearms Training. This class will cover the basic fundamentals of marksmanship, including how to load/unload your firearm, malfunction clearing, weapon retention and more. Cost is $80 for new students, $70 for renewals; lunch is included in the registration fee. Handgun rentals will also be available for $20. Call 218-234-7145 to register.

Lakes Area Community Concert Band: The Historic Holmes Theatre will host a spring concert featuring the Lakes Area Community Concert Band from 4-5:30 p.m. There is no charge to attend this free concert by more than 50 of the area's best musicians, but free will donations will be gratefully accepted to support the band. Visit lakesareaband.com for more information.

Charlotte's Web: The Historic Holmes Theatre in Detroit Lakes will host two live matinee performances of the children's classic "Charlotte's Web" for area elementary school students and families, at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. This show will close out the theater's Discovery Series for the 2023-24 season. Contact Grace at grace@dlccc.org or 218-844-4221, ext. 104 for ticket information. Group pricing is available.

Tamarac Volunteer Orientation and Training: The staff at Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge will hold a volunteer orientation and training session at the Tamarac Discovery Center from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Lunch will be provided. This session is designed for both new and seasoned volunteers, and will include an Ojibwe cultural presentation. No cost to attend, but please Tamarac Park Ranger Janice Bengtson by phone at 218-844-1756, or by email at Janice_Bengtson@fws.gov to sign up.

"Testify" Virtual Conversation with Alan Page: Join people from across the state of Minnesota at 7 p.m. for an evening of conversation with Justice Alan Page and his daughter, Georgi Page-Smith to discuss the "TESTIFY: Americana from Slavery to Today Exhibit." For the past year, regional library systems across the state have been exhibiting a traveling exhibition of banners depicting items from the Diane and Alan Page "Testify" collection (it is currently on display at the Detroit Lakes Public Library). The response from the public has been overwhelming. Though attendance at this virtual program via Zoom is being offered free of charge, registration is required. Sign up online at bit.ly/TESTIFYconversation to reserve your spot.

Pitchers, Puzzles and Pizzas: Come to Al's Bar and Grill-Audubon Liquor Store (445 Main St., Audubon) at 7 p.m. to test your puzzle-making skills while feasting on some pizza and a pitcher of your favorite beverage.

Writers Group: Writers and prospective writers seeking encouragement, feedback and collaboration are welcome to join the Detroit Lakes Public Library's Writers' Group, which meets at the library at 3 p.m. If you have any questions, send an email to detroit@larl.org or call 218-847-2168.

Three Mile Hike: All are welcome to join the Laurentian Lakes Chapter of the North Country Trail Association for a three-mile hike starting at 9 a.m. Meet at the State Highway 34 trailhead, nine miles east of Detroit Lakes on the south side of the highway.

Community Blood Drive: The Osage-Ponsford Community Center at 24770 Co. Hwy. 48, Osage, will host a blood drive for Vitalant from 12:15-5:30 p.m. To make an appointment to give blood, please visit the website at donors.vitalant.org and use the blood drive code OSAGE.

National Day of Prayer: A National Day of Prayer service will take place at First Baptist Church in Detroit Lakes, starting at noon. There will be a proclamation from Detroit Lakes Mayor Matt Brenk, welcome and an opening prayer from First Baptist Pastor Steve Aldridge, followed by prayers for family, church, government, military, education, business and media. The service will end with a rendition of the song "God Bless America," and closing prayer from Pastor Aldridge. All are welcome.

Going Local Workshop: Are you disappointed with all the noise surrounding politics? Are you curious about how local government makes a difference? Maybe you care strongly about something but aren't sure what to do. If so, you are invited to the Going Local democracy workshop hosted by West Central Initiative and Lakes Area League of Women Voters from 6-8 p.m. in the conference center at M State in Detroit Lakes. Come hear how communities can come together for "people-centered" local politics, where politics is how we care for one another together. Registration is required. Sign up online at wcif.org/going-local to reserve your spot.

After Hours Book Club: The Detroit Lakes Public Library's After Hours Book Club will meet at Buck Mills Brewing, 824 Washington Ave., starting at 7 p.m. The group will discuss the novel, "The World Played Chess" by Robert Dugoni, which tells the story of Vincent, a young college student who befriends two Vietnam veterans while working a summer construction job back in 1979, and how the lessons he learned from them carried forward to the present day, as he prepares his son to attend college. All are welcome, even if you haven't read the book. If you have any questions, feel free to send an email to detroit@larl.org or call 218-847-2168.

M State Graduation: Minnesota State Community and Technical College in Detroit Lakes will be hosting its 2024 spring commencement ceremonies at 6 p.m. in the Lakeshirts Fieldhouse at Detroit Lakes High School. Open to the public. Come celebrate M State's 2024 spring graduates.

UCB Customer Appreciation Event: United Community Banks in Perham, Frazee and Dent will host a customer appreciation event from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Customers can pick up a free red maple, crabapple or white pine tree to take home for planting. Open to the public.

Neil Diamond Tribute Concert: Minnesota favorites The Killer Vees will present "I Am, He Said: A Celebration of the Music of Neil Diamond," at 7:30 p.m. in Detroit Lakes' Historic Holmes Theatre (806 Summit Ave.). This concert will close out the theater's 2023-24 Tribute series. Tickets are $32 for adults and $16 for students. They may be purchased at the Holmes Box Office (open 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Friday as well as for two hours before the show), online at dlccc.org/holmes-theatre.html or by phone at 218-844-7469.

Live Music: Mike Morse at the Cormorant Pub and Boathouse, 7-10 p.m.

Life Line Screening: Come to Detroit Lakes' United Methodist Church between 9 a.m.-4 p.m. for an affordable, non-invasive and painless health screening by Life Line, the nation's leading provider of preventive health screenings. This event will offer a specially priced package of four screenings to identify cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions. Register by calling 1-866-964-1386 (toll free), text the word "circle" to 216-279-1607, or sign up online at https://llsa.social/HC.

Live Music: The Fat Cats at VFW Post 1676 in Detroit Lakes, 7-11 p.m.; Terry Mackner at The Roadhouse, near Lake Ida in rural Lake Park, 8 p.m.; Tripwire at Zorbaz in Detroit Lakes, 9 p.m.

Ballard 50th Anniversary Celebration: Come celebrate Mitch and Lois Ballard's 50th anniversary at VFW Post 1676 in Detroit Lakes from 5-11 p.m. and enjoy live music by The Fat Cats starting at 7 p.m.

Knights Pancake Breakfast: The Knights of Columbus will be sponsoring a pancake/French toast and sausage breakfast in the Holy Rosary Parish Center, 1043 Lake Ave., Detroit Lakes, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Open to the public.

Lakes Area Chorale with The Fat Cats: The Lakes Area Chorale will be joining forces with popular local band, The Fat Cats, to present their spring concert. "Listen to the Music," which features songs from the 1950s, '60s and '70s, will begin at 4 p.m. on the main stage of the Historic Holmes Theatre at 806 Summit Ave., Detroit Lakes. There is no cost to attend, and area singers who would like to join the Chorale for this performance are welcome to sign up by contacting chorale director Barb Schramm through their Facebook page or by sending an email to lakesareachorale@gmail.com.

Dollars for Scholars Ceremony: Detroit Lakes Public Schools will host its annual Dollars for Scholars Scholarship Ceremony at 6:30 p.m. in the Lakeshirts Fieldhouse at Detroit Lakes High School (1301 Rossman Ave.). Besides the awarding of scholarships to graduating DLHS seniors, the ceremony will also include the presentation of the inaugural Laker Ripple Award to Class of 1940 DLHS alumni Eloise Irvine.

Community Blood Drive: First Lutheran Church in Detroit Lakes will host a community blood drive for Vitalant from 8 a.m.-12:45 p.m. in the church fellowship hall at 912 Lake Ave. To make an appointment to donate blood, please contact Denise at 218-847-5656 or sign up online at donors.vitalant.org.

Brown Bag Lunch-Tim Eggebraaten: This month's Brown Bag Lunch at the Becker County Museum in Detroit Lakes will feature local author, musician and motivational speaker Tim Eggebraaten, who will be sharing some of the stories that went into the creation of his first book, "Find Your Beat." He will be signing copies of his book after the presentation, which starts at noon. There is no cost to attend, but if you would like to reserve a lunch box please contact the museum at 218-847-2938 by 10:45 a.m. on the day of the presentation (you can also pack your own lunch to enjoy during the event).

Community Remembrance Service: Hospice of the Red River Valley will host a community remembrance service from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Detroit Lakes Public Library, 1000 Washington Ave. During this event, participants will have an opportunity to honor and remember their loved ones by creating a personalized, etched glass candle to take home as a lasting tribute. This event is open to all community members, regardless of age, and participation is free. Interested individuals are asked to register for the event online at bit.ly/griefclassregistration, or by calling 701-356-1533.

Red River Model Train Show: The Washington Square Mall will host the annual Red River Model Train Show on April 27-28. Model train collectors and operators from around the region will be showcasing their best trains from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and again from 12-4 p.m. on Sunday. Open to the public.

Dynamic Homes Open House: The spring open house for Dynamic Homes will take place on April 26-27 at 525 Roosevelt Ave., Detroit Lakes. Come tour the local Dynamic Homes Factory and model homes and chat with their expert staff from 3-7 p.m. on Friday, April 26 and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, April 27. Open to the public.

Women's Retreat at Camp Cormorant: A retreat for area women age 21 and up will take place at YMCA Camp Cormorant in rural Lake Park from April 26-28. Events include workshops led by Barb Owen-Boerger and Cheryl Cullen, and a "Painting and Wine" event led by Detroit Lakes artist Anna Lassonde. Both full-weekend and Saturday-only ticket options are available. Registration deadline is Monday, April 22; sign up online at ymcacassclay.org/events/womens-retreat-camp-cormorant. or contact retreat host Kelly Billings at 218-359-2340 for more information.

Library History Exhibit: The Detroit Lakes Public Library will be hosting "Testify — Slavery to Today: The Diane and Alan Page Collection" through May 3, during its regular public hours. This impactful traveling exhibit contains images of physical artifacts belonging to former Minnesota Supreme Court Justice and NFL Hall of Famer Alan Page, which were painstakingly photographed and memorialized to illustrate the struggles experienced through slavery, segregation and discrimination. Free and open to the public; call 218-847-2168 for more information.

Grief Support Group: Hospice of the River Valley is offering weekly support group sessions in both Detroit Lakes and Perham, every Wednesday from April 3-May 8. These sessions are for anyone coping with a significant loss through death. Each week will begin with a brief educational session, followed by sharing and listening of stories within the group. All grief support classes offered by Hospice of the Red River Valley are free and open to the public. Registration is required for all classes. For more detailed information about classes, visit bit.ly/griefclassschedule. For questions or to register, call 701-356-1533 or email grief@hrrv.org.

Holmes Art Cellar Open Studio: Come join members of the Holmes Artist Collective at the Art Cellar every Thursday from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Work on a project, start something new, or just come to spend some time with area artists. Various art events will also be scheduled during this time throughout the year; suggestions for activities or other ideas to include are welcome. Free and open to all; no need to pre-register. This open studio is also held concurrently with monthly meetings of the Holmes Artist Collective, which are held on the second Thursday of every month.

Wood Carving Open Studio: Wood carvers of all skill levels are welcome to join the local carving group at the Holmes Art Cellar in Detroit Lakes every Tuesday from 1-3 p.m. Bring wood carvings to show and/or take part in a free woodworking session. Pattern books and other resources available for checkout. No cost to participate.

Sleeping Bags Needed: The Holy Rosary Knights of Columbus in Detroit Lakes are collecting sleeping bags for distribution to those in need. Anyone who has a new or used, functional sleeping bag (i.e., the zipper works) can drop them off at the Becker County Food Pantry, 613 Terry St., Detroit Lakes, anytime between 8 a.m.-3 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For more information contact Brad Carlson at 218-234-4448.

Grace Cafe: Grace Lutheran Church in Detroit Lakes will be serving lunch every Wednesday from 12-1 p.m. The lunch is open to all in the Detroit Lakes area; admission is a free-will donation. Guests are welcome to stay after the meal to play games or cards.

Grace Food Pantry: Grace Lutheran Church in Detroit Lakes will be operating a food pantry during its regular office hours, 9 a.m.- noon Monday through Friday. Anyone in need can come in and pick up some food. Donations will also be accepted.

Celebrate Recovery: The Celebrate Recovery group meets every Tuesday, 6:30-8 p.m. at Christian Fellowship Church, 28048 Meadow Drive, Detroit Lakes, to take the next steps on the "Road to Recovery: Eight Principles Based on the Beatitudes, Twelve Steps and their Biblical Comparison." Many struggle with alcoholism, divorce, sexual abuse, codependency, domestic violence, drug addiction, food and gambling addictions. Celebrate Recovery is a tried and proven format to help you walk through life's struggles. Men and women meet in a large group format, then break off into smaller discussion groups; men with men, women with women. Come as you are. No cost. We are here to help. Unfortunately, no childcare is available at this time. For more information, check out the website at celebraterecovery.com or call us at 218-234-2496.

Caring Cup Grief Support: The Caring Cup, a gathering of community members who are dealing with the loss of a loved one, will meet at the David-Donehower Funeral Home in Detroit Lakes on the second Wednesday of every month; the Furey Funeral Home in Frazee on every third Wednesday, and West-Kjos Funeral Home in Detroit Lakes on every fourth Wednesday. All meetings take place from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., and offer a relaxed time to face the challenges of life after loss, together. For more information, call Mary Swenson at 218-847-4147.

TOPS Meeting: The local chapter of Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) meets weekly on Thursday mornings at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 1400 Corbett Road, Detroit Lakes. Weigh-in begins at 8:15 a.m., meeting at 9 a.m. Contact Toni Christen at 646-954-4371 for more information. All are welcome. Come visit and see who we are and what we are all about.

Trivia Nights: Lakeside Tavern in Detroit Lakes hosts a Trivia Night every Monday from 7 to 9 p.m. Event takes place in Lakeside Tavern's upstairs space, so seating is limited. Open to the public.

GED/Adult Diploma Instruction: If finishing high school is still on your “to-do” list, it is never too late!! Lakes Area Adult Education is open and ready to help you meet your goals. Orientation sessions for GED or Adult Diploma classes take place twice a month, so get in touch and get started now! Call 218-844-5760 or email slandsem@detlakes.k12.mn.us. Additional Adult Education offerings and associated flyers can always be found at dlschools.net/departments/community-education.

Free ESL Instruction: Free English as a Second Language instruction is offered for adults in the Detroit Lakes Area, every Monday through Thursday (holidays excepted) at Lakes Area Adult Education. The schedule is flexible and individualized. Call 218-844-5760 or email slandsem@detlakes.k12.mn.us for more information. Additional Adult Education offerings and associated flyers can always be found at dlschools.net/departments/community-education.

Minnesota Driver's License Exam Preparation: Detroit Lakes Adult Basic Education offers virtual classes that are designed to help unlicensed adult drivers become familiar with vocabulary, signs and rules of the road so they can successfully pass the written portion of the Minnesota Driver’s License Exam. Call 218-844-5760 or email slandsem@detlakes.k12.mn.us for more information. Additional Adult Education offerings and associated flyers can always be found at dlschools.net/departments/community-education.

DL Cloggers: The DL Cloggers meet to dance and socialize every Tuesday (excluding holidays) at 1 p.m. in the basement of Detroit Lakes VFW Post 1676. No prior dance experience necessary. For more information, call Ruby at 218-847-7741.

HR Connect: The Detroit Lakes Chamber is hosting an opportunity for human resources professionals, business owners and managers to connect, every first Thursday of the month at 8:15 a.m. at the Chamber office at 700 Summit Ave. Discuss human resource topics, share best practices and review data to help attract, retain and grow the workforce for the lakes region. Event is free for Chamber members, $10 for non-members.

Library Storytime: The Detroit Lakes Public Library offers weekly Preschool Storytime sessions every Thursday, and Family Storytime every Saturday, both at 10:30 a.m. Preschoolers and their caregivers/families are invited to join library staff for stories, flannel boards, finger plays, songs and more. This early literacy experience explores a different theme each week and is a way to encourage young children to enjoy reading. Call 218-847-2168 for more information.

Baby Bounce: Songs, stories, and action poems for infants, toddlers and their caregivers are offered every Monday at the Detroit Lakes Public Library at 10:30 a.m. Program runs about a half hour including playtime and chatting with other caregivers. For ages 0-18 months. Call 218-847-2168 for more information.

Alcoholics Anonymous: Detroit Lakes' Alano Club meets at 827 Summit Ave. on the following days and times: Sundays at 1 p.m., 12x12 open meeting; Tuesdays at 7 p.m., Big Book open meeting; Wednesdays at noon, Grapevine open meeting; Wednesdays at 6 p.m., women's open meeting; Thursdays at 7 p.m., Intro to AA open meeting; Saturdays at 7 a.m., men's open meeting; Saturdays at 9 a.m., Women's Big Book closed meeting; Saturdays at 8 p.m., open topic meeting. There are no dues or fees for meetings. For more information, call 218-844-9970 or the District 3 AA Helpline at 877-833-2327.

Holy Rosary Al-Anon Meeting: There will be an Al-Anon meeting every Thursday, starting at noon, inside Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 1043 Lake Ave., Detroit Lakes. There is also an Al-Anon meeting at 7 p.m. every Tuesday at the Alano Club at 827 Summit Ave. in Detroit Lakes.

Overeaters Anonymous: A 12-step program for those who struggle in their relationship with food, Overeaters Anonymous continues to meet at noon every Tuesday at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Detroit Lakes. There is no charge to attend. Contact Debbie C. at 218-234-3071. Another group also meets on Sunday nights at 6 p.m. via Zoom. This is a change of venue as of Oct. 9. Please call Sharon R. at 1-701-388-7585 or Hailee S. at 1-701-212-7904 for information if you plan to join the Zoom meeting. There is no charge to participate.

Compiled by Vicki Gerdes for the Detroit Lakes Tribune.