All the happenings in the lakes area, March 22-April 2

The Detroit Lakes Tribune accepts community calendar items for publication online and, space permitting, in our Wednesday e-paper and Saturday print edition. 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.

Seed Starting Basics: The Becker County Master Gardeners will be at the Detroit Lakes Public Library, 1000 Washington Ave., from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. for a Seed Starting Basics open house. Learn the basics of seed starting through hands-on workstations and additional resources. All are welcome.

Detroit Mountain Pond Skim: The team at Detroit Mountain Recreation Area is wrapping up its winter season with one of the most anticipated events of the year— the Pond Skim! Come on out and test your skills (and luck) in trying to generate enough momentum from skiing down to the man-made pond at the bottom of the hill to carry you across the pond to the other side. Or, you can just come and watch! Competition begins at 1 p.m.

Open Chess Play: Join the Becker County Chess Club for open chess play at the Becker County Museum, 714 Summit Ave., Detroit Lakes, from 1-4 p.m. All ages and skill levels welcome.

LWV Town Hall: The Detroit Lakes Area League of Women Voters will host a town hall at 10:30 a.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall. Local guest speakers will discuss the impact of recent federal actions on our community and organizations, and the public will also have an opportunity to tell their stories about how federal decisions are affecting their lives. U.S. Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach has been invited to attend.

Cormorant Lakes Sportsman's Club Spring Stag: The Cormorant Lakes Sportsman's Club will host its Spring Stag event starting with social hour at 5:30 p.m., and dinner to follow at 7 p.m. Tickets are $40, which includes a meal, two beverages and a chance to win some great prizes. Admission is restricted to those age 21 and up. For more information or to purchase a ticket, see any CLSC board member or call the clubhouse at 218-439-3614.

Live Music: The Cropdusters at Detroit Mountain Recreation Area, 3-6 p.m. (following the Pond Skim); 8th Hour at Detroit Lakes VFW Post 1676, 6-10 p.m.; Ella Rudd at Pit 611 in rural Audubon, 7-11 p.m.; Brianna Helbling at Al's Corner Bar and Grill/Audubon Liquor Store in Audubon, 7:30-11 p.m.; Mick Klein at The Roadhouse in Cormorant, 8-11 p.m.; Verge at Shooting Star Casino's Mustang Lounge in Mahnomen, 8 p.m.-12:30 a.m.; Kyle Colby at Zorbaz in Detroit Lakes, 9-11:30 p.m.

Essentia Health Community Blood Drive: Essentia Health St. Mary's in Detroit Lakes will be hosting a community blood drive for Vitalant from 9:15-2 p.m. Contact Alyssa at alyssa.knudsen@essentiahealth.org or visit the website at donors.vitalant.org to make an appointment to give blood.

Anime and Manga Club: Anime and manga fans are invited to geek out over their favorite shows and stories, starting at 4 p.m. at the Detroit Lakes Public Library. This month the club will be discussing the ritual of Hanami, which celebrates the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms, commonly known as "flower viewing," and the shows that delve into the pastime, including " Polar Bear's Cafe," "Komi Can't Communicate," "Sailor Moon" and "Cardcaptor Sakura." Open to all area teens (age 13 and up) who are interested in joining. No cost to attend.

Transition Resource Fair: Detroit Lakes Public Schools will be hosting a Transition Resource Fair in the conference center at Minnesota State Community and Technical College, 900 State Hwy. 34, Detroit Lakes, from 5-7 p.m. Youth and adults with disabilities, as well as their families and caregivers, are invited to come learn about post-secondary education, independent living, housing and recreational opportunities and resources available to them in Becker County. A total of 28 vendors will be featured at the event. Free and open to the public.

Community Blood Drives: Two community blood drives for Vitalant will be held in Detroit Lakes, from 7:45-11:15 a.m. at BTD Manufacturing, and from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at Snapyp Air Distribution. You can reserve an appointment to give blood by contacting Janell at 218-847-4446 for the BTD event, or Pam at 218-846-4035 for the Snappy event, or you can go online to donors.vitalant.org.

All Abilities Storytime: The Detroit Lakes Public Library will offer a neurodiversity-friendly and inclusive storytime session at 10:30 a.m. Storytime includes lively read-alouds, sing-alongs, and opportunities for creative expression, tailored to meet diverse needs, and is geared toward children of all abilities between ages 3-6, but anyone is welcome to join this fun, supportive environment where every child can thrive. Each session will feature stories on a specific theme – this month's theme is "Helping."

Library Club African Safari: The Detroit Lakes Library Club will be taking an African safari with presenter Dorothy Hoover at 2 p.m. She will take participants on a journey through Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar, where you can see a wild world of beautifully fierce and exotic animals. Refreshments will be served prior to the presentation, so feel free to come a little early. Open to the public.

Mixed Media Acrylic Collage Class: Join special guest artist Rebecca Boe at Yellowbright at the Cellar (below Beautiful Junque), 918 Washington Ave., Detroit Lakes, for a mixed media acrylic collage class from 6-9 p.m. Boe will share the details of how to create mixed media acrylic collage. Cost is $85 per person, with all supplies provided along with snacks and refreshments. Guests are welcome to bring any items (photos, trinkets, etc.) they’d like to possibly include in their collage, but ample supplies will also be offered on site. Paid reservation is required to attend. Sign up online via the Facebook event page, call event host Dawn Duncan at 970-830-6399 or pay by Venmo @yellowbrightinc.

Open Acoustic Jam: Bring your acoustic instruments to the Detroit Lakes Public Library for an unplugged jam session, starting at 5 p.m. All experience levels are welcome to this supportive and family-friendly event. Free and open to the public. Bring your acoustic instrument and come have some fun!

Mahnomen Community Blood Drive: Shooting Star Casino in Mahnomen will host a blood drive for Vitalant from 9:15 a.m.-12:45 p.m. in the Richwood Room. Sign up at the casino's human resources office or visit the website at donors.vitalant.org to make an appointment to give blood.

Quilting: The Lakes Area Quilt Guild will hold its regular monthly meeting on Thursday, March 27, 2025 in the meeting room of the Detroit Lakes Police Department (807 Summit Ave). The doors open at 6:30 p.m., with show-and-tell items displayed at 6:30 p.m. and the regular meeting at 7 p.m. Email LakesAreaQuilters@gmail.com for more information.

Charitable Pint Night-Jaycees: Come to Bucks Mill Brewing in downtown Detroit Lakes from 5-8 p.m. to show your support for the Detroit Lakes Jaycees. A portion of the proceeds from every pint sold by Bucks Mill during the event will go to support the Jaycees and their philanthropic endeavors in the community, including the staging of the annual Northwest Water Carnival. Open to the public.

Paints and Pints: Bucks Mill Brewing in downtown Detroit Lakes will host a guided painting event with the Traveling Art Pub at 6 p.m. Tap into your creativity and make a 16x20-inch canvas painting with the theme "Sunny Lake and Trees." Cost is $43.50 per person, including all art supplies and instruction, and pre-registration is required. Sign up online at thetravelingartpub.com to reserve your spot.

Square Dancing: The Wadena Whirlaways will hold a square dance at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Hawley from 7:30-10 p.m. Brad Neutz will be the caller, and this month's theme is "Hat Night." All are welcome.

Walmart Community Blood Drive: Walmart in Detroit Lakes will be hosting a community blood drive for Vitalant from 8:45-11:45 a.m. Contact Jenna at 701-371-9126 visit the website at donors.vitalant.org to make an appointment to give blood.

Essentia Medicare Webinar: Essentia Health will be hosting an EssentiaCare Medicare Basics webinar at 1 p.m. During this free session, Essentia Health patients can learn more about Medicare and their available insurance options. Please visit UCare.org/EssentiaCare (where you can register under the "Attend a meeting" link on the home page) or speak with an EssentiaCare Medicare specialist at 218-722-4783 for more information.

Killer Country: The Historic Holmes Theatre in Detroit Lakes will host the Killer Vees — Jeff, Tommy, Matt and Bennett Vee, who are the sons, nephew and grandson, respectively, of the legendary Bobby Vee — for "Killer Country," an evening featuring many of the timeless classics from the "golden age" of country music, starting at 7:30 p.m. From Waylon to Willie, Dolly to Loretta, Killer Country delivers a dynamic, musically flawless presentation of legendary country standards. Tickets are $36 for adults, $19 for students, and may be purchased by phone at 218-844-7469, online at dlccc.org/holmes-theatre or in person at the Holmes Box Office, 806 Summit Ave., Detroit Lakes (inside the Becker County Museum's gift shop on the first floor).

Diamond Rio Concert: American country music chart-toppers Diamond Rio will perform on the stage of Shooting Star Casino's event center in Mahnomen, starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are available online at starcasino.com or in the casino's box office; prices may vary according to seating location.

Live Music: Rachael Ianiro at the Sandbar II in Detroit Lakes, 6:30-9:30 p.m.; Jesse Anderson Band at the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center, 7:30-10 p.m.; Shirts and Skins at Shooting Star Casino's Mustang Lounge in Mahnomen, 8 p.m.-12:30 a.m.; Karaoke with DJ Tony Fallcon, Detroit Lakes Holiday Inn, 9 p.m.-2 a.m.

Spring Market Shops: Washington Square Mall in Detroit Lakes will host its annual Spring Market Shops from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., showcasing vendors' handmade arts and crafts, fresh market goodies, make-and-take activities and other unique shopping finds. Open to the public; no admission fee.

Holistic Healing and Wellness Fair: BodyLabUSA will host a Holistic Healing and Wellness Fair at the Detroit Lakes Holiday Inn from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Get ready to explore more than 30 amazing vendors including psychics, mediums, energy healers, crystals, essential oils, massage therapists, and much more! For your $5 admission fee, you’ll also gain access to four incredible speakers who will share their knowledge and expertise throughout the day. There will be free gift bags for the first 25 guests to enter, and attendees can also sign up for a group gallery medium reading for an additional $25. All are welcome.

Showcase Pelican Rapids: All businesses and organizations in the Pelican Rapids area are invited to showcase what they do at this Chamber of Commerce event at the Pelican Rapids High School. Please sign up at pelicanrapidschamber.com/events if you would like to reserve a free booth for this event. No admission fee; all are welcome to attend.

Artists on Main Workshop: Pelican Rapids has been selected for the 2025 Artists on Main Street Program, an initiative that supports small artist-led projects to activate downtown spaces. The program will kick off with this free 3 p.m. workshop at the Pelican Rapids Public Library; local artists, creatives, makers, and culture bearers from the Pelican Rapids area are invited to explore how art and creativity can strengthen their communities. Please register at springboardforthearts.org/events if planning to attend.

Taste of the Wild: Frazee's Harvest Church will host a "Taste of the Wild" event at Frazee Senior High School, starting at 3 p.m. There will be food and teaching sessions in the red gymnasium, with vendors, games and a silent auction in the green gym. Bring your best wild game dish for a chance to win a prize; categories are big game, small game, fish, jerky, kids, non-game and dessert. All who attend will also be eligible for the grand prize drawing. No admission fee.

Veterans Honor Flight Purse Bingo: American Legion Post 15 in Detroit Lakes will host an afternoon of purse bingo from 2-4 p.m. Doors open at 1 p.m. A total of 10 designer handbags will be available to win, along with drawings for cash prizes, gift baskets, quilts and more. Cost is $30 per person, and all tickets must be purchased in advance. Bingo packets will be available for purchase at the door for $10 each. All proceeds to benefit the Veterans Honor Flight of North Dakota and Minnesota. Sign up online at veteranshonorflightofndmn.org to reserve your spot; you must be at least 21 years of age to participate in the games.

Live Music: Jamie Holt at Al's Bar and Grill/Audubon Liquor Store in Audubon, 7-9 p.m.; Brianna Helbling and Dan Brekke at Lake Park Liquors, 7-11 p.m.; Michael Pink at The Roadhouse in Cormorant, 8-11 p.m.t; Shirts and Skins at Shooting Star Casino's Mustang Lounge in Mahnomen, 8 p.m.-12:30 a.m.; Karaoke with Kelly at the Detroit Lakes Holiday Inn, 9-11:30 p.m.

Lakes Area Chorale: The Lakes Area Chorale will present its spring concert, "100 Years of Broadway," at 4 p.m. in Detroit Lakes' Historic Holmes Theatre. Join almost 80 singers and instrumentalists as they perform their way through the history of the Broadway musical, from the days of the Tin Pan Alley all the way into the 21st century. Admission is a free will donation. All are welcome.

Genealogy Work Session: The "Detroit Lakes Public Library offers free access to a number of popular genealogy research tools, including Ancestry and FamilySearch. If you're interested in exploring these tools with a little assistance, then sign up for this 1 p.m. work session, which will allow you to access these tools with a library staff member on hand to answer questions as they come up. This two-hour program is being offered free of charge, but registration is required. Stop by the library at 1000 Washington Ave., call 218-847-2168 or go online to larl.org/events to reserve your spot. Be sure to bring along whatever family information you have as a starting point for your research.

Garden Talk-Seed Starting: Join Becker County Master Gardener DMae Ceryes at the Detroit Lakes Public Library for a 12 p.m. garden talk and learn all about the process of seed starting. She will discuss common things that go wrong when starting seeds, and what you can do to have more success now and in the future. Free and open to the public.

Becker County Chess Club: The monthly gathering of the Becker County Chess Club will take place from 4-8 p.m. at the Becker County Museum, 714 Summit Ave., Detroit Lakes. The first 90 minutes of the meeting will be focused on beginning/school age players, to help them establish and expand basic skills. Starting at 5:30 p.m., the focus will shift to intermediate/ advanced play, targeting specific skills with a mix of resources and hands-on practice. All are welcome to join.

Museum Coffee Chat: The Lake Park Historical Society will host a coffee chat at the museum in downtown Lake Park from 1-3 p.m. All are welcome to stop by for a free cup of coffee and treats.

Nosy Neighbor-Maple Lane Syrup: Join Perham's Engage group for a "Nosy Neighbor" tour of Maple Lane Syrup in Vergas and learn about the process of making fresh maple syrup straight from the tree. Meet at 29463 460th St., Vergas, at 1 p.m. Please dress accordingly for outdoor weather. There is no cost to attend, but space is limited, so an RSVP is required. Sign up at elevateotc.events/maple-syrup to reserve your spot. (This event was rescheduled from March 11.)

Writers Group: Writers and aspiring 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. All writing genres are welcome. If you have any questions, send an email to detroit@larl.org or call 218-847-2168.

Traveling Art Pub: Billy's Corner Bar and Grill in Vergas will host a 6 p.m. visit from the Traveling Art Pub. Attendees will create a 16x20-inch canvas painting of a "Watering Can" festooned with flowers. Open to all age 16 and up; pre-registration is required. Cost is $43.50 per person, which includes all art supplies and instruction. Sign up online at thetravelingartpub.com to reserve your spot.

Comedy Night: Al's Bar and Grill/Audubon Liquor Store in Audubon will host a comedy show starting at 7 p.m. Open to the public.

Lenten Fish Fry Dinners: The Knights of Columbus will be sponsoring a fish fry every Friday during the Lenten season, on March 28 and April 11 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Frazee, as well as April 4 at the Holy Rosary Church Parish Center in Detroit Lakes, from 5-7 p.m. The menu will include fish, potatoes, coleslaw, baked beans, bun and dessert as well as a beverage. All are welcome.

Tuesday Tunes: The Corner Collective Bistro in Frazee will be hosting weekly jam sessions with local musicians Damian Anderson and Kyler Hanson every Tuesday from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Whether you like to sing, play an instrument, or would like to learn, come hang out with these musicians as they rock the Corner Collective stage. The bistro is located in the upper level of the CornerStone Youth and Community Center at 192 W. Birch Ave., Frazee. All are welcome.

Cribbage Players Wanted: The Richville Community Center will host open cribbage play on Thursdays from 1-3 p.m. Both new and experienced players are welcome. Can play two-hand, three-hand and 4-hand. Cost is $2 per person; there will be prize money. The community center is located at 100 Grove St. SW in Richville. Call Carolyn at 218-758-2162 if interested in joining, or for more information.

Grace Cafe: Grace Lutheran Church in Detroit Lakes will be serving lunch every Wednesday from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The lunch is open to all in the Detroit Lakes area; admission is a free-will donation.

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.

Coffee Club: David-Donehower Funeral Home hosts a monthly Coffee Club in the community room at the Detroit Lakes Police Department (106 E. Holmes St.) on the third Tuesday of every month, starting at 10 a.m. Learn how intentional planning of your final wishes and setting funds aside today, will protect your loved ones in the future. Anna Schmitz from Edward Jones will also lead a relaxed, informal discussion on current events, the economy and investing. Plus, the coffee's on us! Free and open to the public.

GED/Adult Diploma Instruction: If one of your “life happens” moments resulted in not finishing high school, Lakes Area Adult Education is ready to help you complete that process with a GED or an Adult Diploma. Orientation sessions 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 for adults is offered 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.

Food Production Manager Certification: Detroit Lakes Adult Basic Education offers SERVSAFE classes twice a year for those needing state-certified food protection manager certification or re-certification; additional classes may be scheduled to fit your needs (for six or more participants). Call 218-844-5760 or email slandsem@detlakes.k12.mn.us for more information.

American Adventure Exhibit: The Becker County Museum in Detroit Lakes will be hosting the traveling exhibit, "American Adventure," through May 24, 2025. This 3,000-square-foot, interactive history exhibit will be located on the museum's basement level and consists of a realistic, "choose-your-adventure" maze where visitors can learn about one of America's earliest pioneer settlements, Jamestown, Virginia, and see if they have what it takes to survive under the conditions that the settlers experienced back in 1607. Cost is $20 for adults, $10 for kids (museum members receive a 50% discount). There are also group rates and pre-visit lesson plans available for student tours. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Contact the museum at 218-847-2938 or visit the exhibit's Facebook event page for more information.

Heart O'Lakes Harmony: The Heart O'Lakes Harmony men's barbershop-style a capella choral group is looking for new members. Anyone who enjoys singing is welcome to come join their weekly practices, every Monday at 7 p.m. in Faith Lutheran Church, 423 S. Broadway, Pelican Rapids (located across the street from the high school). For more information please contact Harlan Hoff at 701-306-8976.

TOPS Meeting: The local chapter of Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) meets weekly on Thursday mornings at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1401 Madison Ave., Detroit Lakes. Weigh-in begins at 8:20 a.m., meeting at 9 a.m. Contact Carol at 218-841-0226 or Coleen at 218-841-2877 for more information. All are welcome; first session is free.

Library Storytime: The Detroit Lakes Public Library offers weekly Preschool Storytime sessions every Thursday 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.

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.

Trivia Nights: Detroit Lakes' Lakeside Tavern hosts a Trivia Night every Monday from 7 to 9 p.m. in its upstairs space; and Bucks Mill Brewing hosts Trivia Mafia every Wednesday night from 7-9 p.m. Lakeside is located at 200 West Lake Drive, while Bucks Mill Brewing is located at 824 Washington Ave. in downtown Detroit Lakes.

Meat Raffle/Horse Races: The Detroit Lakes Holiday Inn will host meat raffles and electronic horse racing every Friday night starting at 5:30 p.m., through March 28.

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 is 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. The event is free for Chamber members, $10 for non-members.

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. The 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.