Perham Summer Scene June 2017

Page 1

EAST OTTER TAIL LAKES AREA | June 2017

Summer Scene Turtle Fest Five whole days of family fun!

Perham’s Rib Cook-Off Summer’s most sizzling event

Great American Think-Off Special 25th anniversary events

FREE

Collectible Otter Tail Lake map inside


E xperience

ALL 1,048 LAKES IN OTTER TAIL COUNTY WITH A

001579785r1

Powered by

2017 1600 Fury Tiller

w/Mercury 25 hp 4/stroke + Shoreland’r trlr. Only $11,650

2017 1650 Rebel XS SS

w/Mercury 60 hp 4/stroke + Shoreland’r trlr. Only $19,999

Over 40 in stock!

2017 Misty Harbor 1883CF w/Mercury 40 hp 4/stroke Now at $19,995

www.hootssports.com STORE HOURS:

Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Saturday: 8:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Sunday: Closed

1000 E Main, Perham • (218) 346-3333 2 | SUMMER SCENE JUNE 2017

UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP


INSIDE 4

Turtle Fest: Five whole days of family fun!

9

Perham’s International Turtle Races

10

Perham’s rib cook-off: Summer’s most sizzling event

12 Collectible pullout map of Otter Tail Lake

The second in a series of special maps inside this year’s Summer Scene magazines. Map provided by the MN DNR and illustrated by Sara Leitheiser.

14

Events calendar

16 The 16th Annual Ronald McDonald House Ride

18 Great American Think-Off is June 10: Special 25th anniversary events the night before

20 Dining guide

4

Publisher Jason Miller jmiller@perhamfocus.com Magazine Editor Marie Johnson mtjohnson@perhamfocus.com

Contributors Jason Groth jgroth@perhamfocus.com Debbie Irmen Page Design Carol Hennen chennen@dlnewspapers.com

The East Otter Tail Lakes Area Summer Scene is a magazine that is published monthly from May through September. The magazine is for the reading enjoyment of visitors as well as seasonal and year-round residents. Two additional versions of the magazine are published in Detroit Lakes and Park Rapids.

PERHAM FOCUS

www.perhamfocus.com • 218-346-5900 222 2nd Ave. SE • P.O. Box 288 • Perham, MN 56573

001578929r1

JUNE 2017 SUMMER SCENE | 3


TURTLE FEST Kids always have a blast at the Turtle Fest Grand Parade. Perham Focus file photo

BY MARIE JOHNSON mtjohnson@perhamfocus.com

Five whole days of family fun!

P

erham’s iconic summer celebration, Turtle Fest, will return for its 33rd year this June 14-18.

This five-day, family-friendly festival is a highlight of the season for residents and visitors from all over the Lakes Area and beyond. Inspired by Perham’s International Turtle Races, a 38-year tradition in town, Turtle Fest features a wide variety of events and activities to suit all ages and tastes. From an arts fair to barrel racing, trolley rides to a grand parade – and, of course, turtle races! – Turtle Fest promises fun for everyone. 4 | SUMMER SCENE JUNE 2017

Following is a list of planned activities, by date and time. All events are in Perham. For the most up-to-date schedule, or any other additional information about Turtle Fest, visit www.perham.com.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14

8 a.m. - 1 p.m. - FARMERS MARKET, at NP Park on Main Street, downtown. Regional vendors will be offering fresh veggies, canned goods, handmade crafts and more. 10:30-11:30 a.m. - TURTLE RACES AND TROLLEY RIDES, at Turtle Park, next to the Perham Area Chamber of Commerce office on Main Street.


Turtle Races Perham’s International Turtle Races draw thousands of visitors from all over the world every summer. Held every Wednesday in June, July and August at Turtle Park, next to the Perham Area Chamber of Commerce office on Main Street, the races begin at 10:30 a.m., following 10 a.m. registration. A crowd gathers to watch the racers as they form a center circle and then release their turtles when the whistle blows. As kids bang their buckets on the ground to keep the turtles moving, the turtles make their way to an outer circle. The first turtle to reach the outside ring wins. Heat winners stick around to race again, until the top three winners have been determined. Winners receive a

Noon - $500 MEDALLION HUNT. A medallion will be hidden somewhere in Perham, and anyone can find it to claim the $500 prize. The hunt will continue indefinitely, until the medallion is found. One clue per day is released on Lakes Radio 99.5FM, and on the Perham Area Chamber of Commerce window at noon. 1-2 p.m. - FREE TEMPORARY TATTOOS FOR KIDS, at The Back Porch store on Main Street.

THURSDAY, JUNE 15

4:30-7 p.m. - PERHAM HEALTH’S 115TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION, on the Perham Health campus. Featuring food, music and inflatables for the kids.

5-7 p.m. - PIE AND ICE CREAM SOCIAL, at St. Henry’s Catholic Church. 5:30-8 p.m. - PARKING LOT PARTY, at the Papacito’s Burritos/Perham Mobil Gas Station on West Main Street. Taco bar, beer garden, WeFest prize giveaway. 7 p.m. - WALKING TOUR OF HISTORIC DOWNTOWN PERHAM, starting at NP Park on Main Street, downtown. The tour will be led by local history experts from the Otter Tail County Historical Society. 7-9 p.m. - “CORNER CONFESSIONS” BOOK SIGNING, at Ma’s Little Red Barn. Author Kiersten Hall will be on hand to sign copies of her novel, “Corner Confessions,” a book about the deepest, darkest secrets of 14 people, all of whom

prize and have their pictures taken. Each race takes only a few minutes, but a day’s races can last up to two hours depending on how many people have signed up. Racers of all ages are encouraged to participate, and volunteers are available to help for those who are unable (or too scared) to hold onto the turtles. Turtles are available for people to use, or you may bring your own. Turtles should be transported in a bucket or other container so they cannot escape their owners. No pets other than turtles are allowed in the park during the races. There is no cost to race, although a $1 donation per racer is appreciated to help cover the cost of caring for the turtles over the summer.

decide to confide in a complete stranger at a local coffee shop.

FRIDAY, JUNE 16

10 a.m.-2 p.m. - TROLLEY RIDES, mini-tours of Perham with pick-up and drop-off sites at the Perham Area Chamber of Commerce office and Ma’s Little Red Barn, on Main Street. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. - SAFETY ZONE, at the City Hall Parking Lot, led by Perham EMS. Safety vehicles will be set up on location for all ages to explore, there will be on-site demonstrations of ‘no-zone’ areas pertaining to semis, plus driving and rollover simulators and a crashed car display. Pedal carts, bean bag toss, a bounce house and ‘meet the crash JUNE 2017 SUMMER SCENE | 5


dummies’ will also be on site. Prize giveaways. 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. - TOTALLY TURTLES! Put on by Perham Area Community Education and held in the Perham City Council Chambers at City Hall, this event lets kids see, touch and learn about turtles. A Touch and Learn Open House will be held from 10-11:30 a.m., followed by an educational session on Minnesota Turtle Species from 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. - FARMERS MARKET, at NP Park on Main Street, downtown. Regional vendors will be offering fresh veggies, canned goods, handmade crafts and more. 10:30-11:30 a.m. - TURTLE RACES, at Turtle Park, next to the Perham Area Chamber of Commerce office on Main Street. 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. - INFLATABLES for the kids, at Mark’s Fleet Supply in southeast Perham. Hot dogs will be served. 2-5 p.m. - HORSE-DRAWN WAGON RIDES, picking up and dropping off at Ma’s Little Red Barn on Main Street. $5 per ride. 5:30-6:30 p.m. - MAGIC SHOW, by magician Nick Bretz at St. Henry’s School on 2nd Street SW. Fun for the whole family.

On Saturday, June 17, the Perham Center for the Arts will host an arts and crafts fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be live outdoor entertainment throughout the day, multiple vendors, face painting, pony rides and food on site. Pictured are shoppers at last year’s event checking out some handmade wine bottle bird feeders offered by a local artisan.

Open 7 days a week Memorial Day through Labor Day Spring and fall hours may vary.

001578170r1

ut to Come on o friendly the family O! ECREEK ZO G ID R B W O TR

Magician Nick Bretz will be returning to Turtle Fest again this year for a performance on Friday, June 16, at St. Henry’s School at 5:30 p.m. Perham Focus file photos

Watch for Camel rides starting this summer!

50622 CO. HWY 17 VERGAS, MN (Between Vergas & Hwy 59)

218-731-8711

www.trowbridgecreekzoo.com 6 | SUMMER SCENE JUNE 2017

001557698r1


Shop Nadine’s

805 W Main St #2 Perham, MN 56573

where our friendly staff will help accent the beauty in you!

(218) 346-6077 001579323r1

FACE PAINTING! Every Wednesday This Summer!

Local Catholic youth groups will be fund raising for their National Catholic Youth Convention (NCYC) Painting will start at $3.00 and up.

* Missy sizes * Plus sizes * Junior sizes * Petite sizes

Over 4,000 sq. ft. of wonderful fashions, shoes, & accessories!! Make your style uniquely you!

Nadines 145 Main St. Perham, MN 56573 Check out Nadine’s Fashion Minute on TV3 at 8:07, 12:07 and 4:07

25% OFF

one reg. priced item Expires 9-30-17. Excludes Brighton, Dansko & Lakeshirts)

001588557r1

001589308r1

RICHTER’S

Our goal is to help you find fresh and healthy food that tastes great!

Men’s Wear

Selection of fine clothing for every occasion. Sizes ranging from Small to 6X Tall! Stop in and see Steve… your local expert in men’s clothing.

Bringing the Best to Your Table

PLUS! TUXEDO RENTALS

MON-SAT 9AM-5:30PM SUN 10AM-2PM 137 West Main Perham, MN 346-5575

— BIG AND TALL —

www.acleanplategrocery.com Perham 805 W. Main St. Suite 1 Perham, MN 56573 (218) 346-3322 001578922r1

Menahga 13 Birch Ave. SE Menahga, MN 56464 (218) 564-1010

001578138r1

JUNE 2017 SUMMER SCENE | 7


Bulls N Barrels, featuring the professional Rice Bowl Riding Company, will offer an actionpacked show of bull riding, free style bull fighting, barrel racing and mutton bustin’. Submitted photo by High Point Photography

6:30 p.m. - GRAND PARADE. Set up lawn chairs or simply sit or stand along the streets in town for Perham’s biggest parade of the year. Parade organizer Tyler Krumwiede said he expects at least 100 floats in this year’s parade. Putting the focus on music this year, he’s rounded up several marching bands to take part, including some old favorites from Perham, Frazee, Vergas, New York Mills, Fergus Falls and Sauk Rapids-Rice, plus newcomers from Underwood and an award-winning, 100-member Minnesota marching band, the River City Rhythm and Bugle Corps. There will also be a bagpipe team. The parade route will begin at St. Paul’s Church (6th Avenue SW and 5th Street SW), travel up and around Perham Living and then head through town down several blocks of 2nd Street SW, turning west on 2nd Avenue SW and ending at 6th Street SW. Parade entries begin lining up at 5 p.m. 7:30 p.m. - MUSIC BY JACKED UP, at Brew Ales and Eats on Main Street. Live entertainment under the outdoor beer garden tent.

SATURDAY, JUNE 17

All day - ALL-CITY RUMMAGE SALE throughout Perham. Maps available at Coldwell Banker real estate agency, on West Main Street. 7-9 a.m. - PERHAM HEALTH 5K, 10K AND HALF MARATHON RACES. The Half Marathon starts at 7 a.m., while the 5k and 10k start at 9 a.m. All will be held at Arvig Park, on County Road 51 in north Perham. 7-11 a.m. - PANCAKE FEED by the Perham Fire Department, at the Perham 8 | SUMMER SCENE JUNE 2017

A clown carts around a crowd member during last year’s Turtle Fest parade. Perham Focus file photo

Fire Station on West Main Street. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. - MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL, at the Perham Center for the Arts on 5th Street NE. Live outdoor entertainment throughout the day, multiple arts and crafts vendors, face painting, pony rides, food all day. A magic comedy show will start at 1 p.m., followed by balloon twisting. A $10,000 raffle drawing will be held at 3 p.m. 10 a.m. - WOOD BAT TOURNAMENT, at Al Krueger Field in Tuffy’s Stadium. Five teams, along with Perham, will play a round-robin tournament over two days. The champion will be decided the second day of the tournament, on Sunday afternoon. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. - TROLLEY RIDES, mini-tours of Perham with pick-up and drop-off sites at Ma’s Little Red Barn, on Main Street, and the Perham Center for the Arts. 10 a.m.-Dark - “PROPS OVER PERHAM” FUN FLY, led by the Perham RC Flyers, just north of Perham at 460th Street and State Highway 10. Concessions will be available. Demonstrations by local remote-control aircraft enthusiasts. 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. - INFLATABLES for the kids, at Mark’s Fleet Supply in southeast Perham. Hot dogs will be served. Noon - RIDE FOR PROJECT NEW HOPE, a charitable motorcycle ride by the Perham Lions and Lil’ Evil Inkorpor8ted. Ride leaves from Lil’ Evil, on East Main Street, at noon. Registration starts at 9 a.m. 1 p.m. - BEAN BAG TOURNEY at the outdoor tent/beer garden at Brew Ales and Eats on Main Street.

4 p.m. - BATTLE OF THE BANDS at the outdoor tent/beer garden at Brew Ales and Eats on Main Street. 4-7 p.m. - HOG ROAST AND CONCERT at New Creation Church on West Coney Street. Hog roast from 4-6:30 p.m. ($8 for adults, $5 for kids 10 to 5, ages 4 and under free), concert by the Kempters, a vintage gospel band, at 7 p.m. Free will donations accepted. 5 p.m. - BULLS N BARRELS, featuring the Rice Bowl Riding Company, at the East Otter Tail County Fairgrounds. The Rice Bowl Riding Company, based in Princeton, Minn., is a full service, family operated professional entertainment company that provides high quality bull riding, free style bull fighting, barrel racing and mutton bustin’ – this is not a rodeo, but rather an actionpacked, top-ranked professional bull riding show, from start to finish. Sanctioned by the National Federation of Professional Bull Riders, the Rice Bowl Riding Company is one of the largest in the Midwest. 8 p.m. - 2MANCHU at the outdoor tent/beer garden at Brew Ales and Eats on Main Street.

SUNDAY, JUNE 18

8 a.m.-Noon - ROTARY BREAKFAST, at Lakes Cafe on Main Street. Pancakes and more, served by Perham Rotarians (who are also known to entertain guests with song while they dine). 10 a.m. - WOOD BAT TOURNAMENT, at Al Krueger Field in Tuffy’s Stadium. Five teams, along with Perham, play a round-robin tournament over two days; this is the second day. The champion will be announced in the afternoon.


Solve acid reux, for good. Tri-County Health Care is pleased to offer patients a permanent solution to chronic acid reflux. Tri-County is one of only nine hospitals in the state of Minnesota certified in the LINXŽ Reflux Management procedure.

For more information call:

218-631-7581

TCHC.org JUNE 2017 SUMMER SCENE | 9


Lick your chops Perham’s rib cook-off: Summer’s most sizzling event Get ready for a grilling showdown. Master cooks from around the region will converge in Perham on Saturday, June 24 to compete in the 5th annual Perham Lakes Area Rib and Chicken Cook-Off. Ribs, chicken and a variety of sides, including chips and beans, will be available for the public to sample starting at about 4 p.m. Cost will be $2 per item. Live music will start at 1 p.m. Held in the Arvig parking lot downtown, the cook-off has grown larger and more popular each year. This year’s event will feature more grilling teams than ever, coming from across a wider area, including Minneapolis.

Each team has the opportunity to face off in both a rib and chicken competition. Preliminary judges conduct a blind taste test for each entry and send the top six to the final round of judges. After another round of blind taste testing, the winners are confirmed. Winners receive cash prizes. People are encouraged to chat with the cooks throughout the day. Concessions will be available all day, with the rib and chicken serving line starting after all the judging is complete. The Arvig parking lot is located at the intersection of Second Street SW and Third Avenue SW in Perham.

The public is able to sample ribs and chicken, along with a variety of sides, made by cooks from around the region at the annual Rib Fest in Perham. Perham Focus file photos

001575819r1

10 | SUMMER SCENE JUNE 2017


001576752r1

JUNE 2017 SUMMER SCENE | 11


Otter Tail Lake


FAST FACTS Otter Tail Lake is the largest lake in Otter Tail County and the 10th-largest lake completely within the borders of Minnesota SIZE 13,725 acres DEPTH 120 feet at its deepest point COMMON FISH FOUND Known for fishing, Walleye and Northern Pike are two of the more prevalent fish


UPCOMING EVENTS in the Perham area THURSDAY, JUNE 8 Wardale Dog Park Grrrand Opening Perham: At the new Wardale Dog Park, at Arvig Park, from 4:30-7 p.m. Leash cutting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. People and dogs invited. The local Rotary Club will be serving hot dogs, chips and treats. Door prizes, booths, doggie bags, agility equipment and a selfie station will all be on site.

SATURDAY, JUNE 10 Ronald McDonald House Ride New York Mills: Ride leaves at noon from the New York Mills VFW, rain or shine. All motorcycles welcome. Registration from 9-11:30 a.m. Ride will end back at the VFW for food, door prizes, an auction and raffle, live outdoor entertainment and camping. 16th annual fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House in Fargo, N.D. Great American Think-Off New York Mills: See four finalists debate the question, “Has the 2016 election changed our perception of truth?” Two will say it has, two will say it hasn’t. Audiences will decide who presents the best argument to earn the title of America’s Greatest Thinker for 2017. 25th annual national event. For more information, call the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center at 218-3853339 or visit think-off.org. Tickets available online in advance and at the door the night of the debate.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14 SUNDAY, JUNE 18 Turtle Fest Perham: Events throughout town June 14-18. Turtle races, trolley rides, medallion hunt, contests, raffles, parking lot parties and beer gardens, magic shows, horse-drawn wagon rides, inflatables for kids, rodeo, fun fly, music and arts festival, grand parade and much more. See the related story in this Summer Scene magazine or visit www.perham.com for a complete schedule of events. Perham’s biggest festival of the summer. SATURDAY, JUNE 24 Rib Fest Perham: Annual Perham Lakes Area Rib and Chicken Cook-Off contest. The public is able to sample ribs and chicken, along with a variety of sides, made by cooks from around the region. Prizes awarded for the best ribs. Held rain or shine. For more information, contact Mike at 218-849-8466.

SATURDAY, JULY 8 SUNDAY, JULY 9 Phelps Mill Festival Underwood: At Phelps Mill County Park from 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday and 9:40 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday. The Phelps Mill Festival is held every year on the second weekend in July. The area’s largest arts and crafts event of the summer, it offers two full days of artisan vendors, food, entertainment and kids’ activities. Free parking and shuttle service to the festival. $5 for adults, kids 12 and under are free. Visit phelpsmillfestival.com for more information. *Event dates and times are subject to change

TUESDAY, JULY 4 Fourth of July Fireworks Perham: Annual Independence Day display at Krueger Field/East Otter Tail County Fairgrounds at dusk, following the traditional Fourth of July Perham Pirates vs. Dent Wildcats amateur baseball game. Game starts at 7:30 p.m.

SALES & SERVICE OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK WE ARE WHERE YOU NEED US WHEN YOU NEED US.

www.jkmarine.com

ls Rentaable! Avail MARINA ON LITTLE DETROIT

VERGAS

121 West Lake Drive Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 Located on Detroit Lakes City Beach 218-847-7291

1149 East Frazee Avenue Vergas, MN 56587 Just down from the Loon on the corner of 228 and County Rd. 4 218-342-2148

WALKER

6913 Hwy. 371 • Walker, MN 56484 Located on Hwy 200 East one mile west of the Casino 218-547-2800

CORMORANT

11774 West Lake Ida Lane • Lake Park, MN 56554 Located one mile west of the Road House near Cormorant Village 218-532-2628

DETROIT LAKES

24147 Wine Lake Road • Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 Located West of Detroit Lakes on Hwy. 10. Entrance across from Walmart 218-847-0324 • Fax 218-532-2628

001575816r1

14 | SUMMER SCENE JUNE 2017


New Location in New York Mills Find Your One Of A Kind Treasures

Have Second Hand Rose you been thrifting lately? Consignment Store & More

10% off one item when you mention this ad.

Open 9 AM to 5 PM Monday - Saturday Consignment Mondays and Saturdays No Appointment Necessary

Lexi: (218) 346-3700

NEW YORK MILLS

97 Miller St New York Mills, MN 56567 Jen: (218) 385-3700

001576760r1

PERHAM

120 2nd St SE Perham, MN 56573

We buy-sell-trade men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing, shoes and accessories. MEN’S

WOMEN’S

CHILDREN’S

Thrift Store Hours: Mon-Fri 10:00 - 5:30 Sat 9:00 - 1:00

CI SPORT

WOOD CHIC

Visit our Facebook page or like us on Instagram to see some of our latest arrivals! Call 218-346-6202 to set up your appointment! • 120 East Main, Downtown Perham 001578894r1

Donation Hours: Mon-Fri 9:30 - 2:00 or call for appointment All proceeds directly benefit our programs.

001578933r1

· Great Shopping · Affordable Prices · Clothing · Household · Home Decor · Donations Wanted · We Recycle

802 JENNY AVE • PERHAM • 346-2131

JUNE 2017 SUMMER SCENE | 15


This year’s ride will start at noon sharp on Saturday, June 10, with bikers leaving from the New York Mills VFW, located on Highway 10. Perham Focus file photo

GEAR UP

FOR THIS! BY PERHAM FOCUS STAFF

THE 16TH ANNUAL RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE RIDE

I

t’s the largest Ronald McDonald House motorcycle ride in the world, and it happens right here in Lakes Country.

Every summer in New York Mills, thousands of bikers gather to raise the roof – and raise funds for a good cause. That cause is the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Red River Valley, which provides a ‘home away from home’ for families with children receiving serious medical care in the Fargo-Moorhead area. More than 900 family members stay in their houses every year, coming from all over North and South Dakota, Minnesota and beyond. As such, the New York Mills ride tends to draw bikers from all over the Midwest, who see the event as not only a crucial fundraiser for families in need, but also as an opportunity to get together, get in a good ride and have a little fun. It’s a sea of leather, helmets and handkerchiefs at the New York Mills V.F.W. before and after the big event. The V.F.W. serves as the hub of the Ronald McDonald House Ride, and swarms with motorcyclists before and after. This year’s riders will take off from the V.F.W. at noon sharp on Saturday, June 10, rain or shine. 16 | SUMMER SCENE JUNE 2017

Crowds gather around the streets of New York Mills at noon to watch the long line of motorcyclists as they roar through town. The route takes riders north through New York Mills and continues northwest to Highway 56 before heading southwest to the city of Frazee. After a stop there, they head south to Dent, and then east to New York Mills, ending back at the V.F.W. In all, the ride is about 100 miles long. Celebrations start the night before, with live entertainment, auctions, raffles, door prizes and more at the V.F.W. More than 70 acres are available for riders to camp out on. The event ends on Saturday night, with more live entertainment at the V.F.W. The public is welcome to attend. As an additional source of proceeds, the ride also accepts pop tab donations for the Ronald McDonald House. On average, the ride generates annual donations of more than 1,000 gallons of pop tabs, or a whopping 5 million tabs. Last year, a record amount of money, $161,242, was raised through the ride’s pop tab collection efforts. In all, between the benefit rides and the pop tab collections, the event has raised more than $1.4 million in its 15-year history.


001576916r1

PADDLE BOARDS

WAKEBOARDS

LIFE JACKETS

SURF SHOP WOMENS APPAREL & SUITS E HUGM ENT T R O AS S

1010

$

Gif t $10 1 Certificate 0

Redeemable

SANDALS & WATER SHOES

ROD & REEL COMBOS

Not Redeem ab For Cash, Li le ce or Gift Card nses s. Must Present

on any purch

ase over $50

One Certifi cate Per Custome r Per Certificate at Time of Sale. Day.

930 WASHINGTON AVE.• DETROIT LAKES, MN • 218-847-2645 JUNE 2017 SUMMER SCENE | 17


This year’s Think-Off will be held Saturday, June 10, at 7 p.m. at the New York Mills High School auditorium. In honor of the event’s 25th anniversary, a special celebration with food, drinks and entertainment will be held the night before at the New York Mills Sculpture Park. Perham Focus file photo from 2014

Put your thinking cap on

BY PERHAM FOCUS STAFF

Great American Think-Off is June 10; special 25th anniversary events the night before “Has the 2016 election changed our perception of truth?” This is the juicy question that four debaters will bite into for the 25th annual Great American Think-Off. This nationally-known philosophy contest brings together deep thinkers from around the country to ponder timely topics. Every winter, hundreds of essays are submitted addressing the Think-Off question-of-the-year, and from those, four finalists are selected. The writers of those essays are invited to argue their stances on stage, in front of a live audience, during the June Think-Off debate in New York Mills. This year, two of the four debaters will attempt to persuade audience members that the election has changed how the American public sees truth, while the other two will proffer that it has not. Ultimately, the audience gets to decide who 18 | SUMMER SCENE JUNE 2017

has presented the best argument, and will choose who wins the title of America’s Greatest Thinker for 2017. The debate will take place Saturday, June 10, at 7 p.m. at the New York Mills High School auditorium. Everyone is welcome to attend. Special this year, in honor of the ThinkOff’s 25-year anniversary, will be a night of activities preceding the big event. Music, food, drinks and a traveling Finnish sauna will be on site at the New York Mills Sculpture Park from 6-9 p.m. on Friday, June 9. The event is free to attend, though there is a cost for BBQ, beverages and sauna reservations. Visit think-off. org to make reservations or learn more. The sculpture park is located right off of Highway 10 in New York Mills. The four finalists for this year’s ThinkOff are: Nancy Krier of Olympia, Wash., Pamela Lewis of Queens, NY, Kris Pauna

of Prior Lake, Minn., and David Shapiro of Seattle, Wash. Krier is the Washington State Attorney General’s Office Open Government Ombuds. She attended high school in Wadena, Minn., then went on to study at the University of North Dakota and the University of Washington School of Law. She has served as president of both Washington Women Lawyers and the Government Lawyers Bar Association. She is a member of the Washington State Bar Association and is admitted to the U.S. District Courts in Washington and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. She is married and has a son. She will argue that the election has not changed the public’s perception of the truth. Born and raised in Queens, NY, where she still lives today, Lewis is the only child of British-Guyanese immigrants who instilled and encouraged her love of


The Think-Off brings armchair philosophers to New York Mills every year to debate timely topics in front of a live audience. The audience gets to choose the winner of the debate. Perham Focus file photo from 2014

art, music, books, and flowers. Lewis is a graduate of New York University, where she earned a master of arts degree in French literature, and for 30 years she taught French at the middle and high school levels until her retirement in 2015. She writes regularly on religious art for The Episcopal New Yorker, Episcopal Journal and other faith-based publications. She will argue that the election has changed the public’s perception of the truth. Shapiro is a community college philosophy teacher who also regularly discusses philosophy with students in elementary and middle-school classrooms. He has entered the Great American Think-Off many times before and was previously a finalist in 2003. He will argue that the election has not changed the public’s perception of the truth. Pauna grew up in Minnesota and graduated from New York Mills High School in 1995. He attended Moorhead State University, where he majored in economics, and later went on to obtain his master’s degree from the University of Minnesota. He has worked with several large companies in the Twin Cities, holding positions in finance and marketing. He is married with four children and spends his free time golfing, debating politics or reading. He will argue that the election has changed the public’s perception of the truth. Finalists are chosen by volunteers who read the submitted essays with all the personal information of the writers redacted. The volunteers rank the essays, discuss them, and then choose the winning four. Only then is the personal information of the writers revealed. This year’s committee was surprised to learn that two of the four finalists are local high school graduates from New York Mills and Wadena. Tickets to the debate are $12 in advance, $15 at the door and $5 for students. For more information, call the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center at 218-385-3339 or visit think-off.org.

001575899r1

Visit the Winery in the Woods Celebrating 18 Years! Our award-winning wines are handcrafted from the fruits & berries of the north. Stop in for a sip, take home a bottle. Also available at area liquor stores and on our website ~ forestedgewinery.com

16TH ANNUAL ART FAIR AT THE WINERY Sat. & Sun., Aug. 19 & 20, 2017 Featuring 30+ Artists Art • Food • Music

FIND GREAT STYLES FROM BRANDS LIKE:

Roxy • Billabong • Elan Quiksilver • Hurley • Sanuk

and many more

14 miles North of Akeley on Hwy. 64 • 25 miles South of Bemidji

218-224-3535

001575919r1

Open May-Dec. Tues.-Sat. 10 am-5:30 pm Sun. Noon-5 pm

Washington Square Mall| 808 Washington Ave Suite 10 Detroit Lakes, MN 56501|(218) 847-0142 | gliks.com JUNE 2017 SUMMER SCENE | 19


CHECK OUT THESE GREAT RESTAURANTS FOR A VARIETY OF DELICIOUS OPTIONS

PERHAM PERHAM LAKESIDE TAP Located at Perham Lakeside Golf Course, you will enjoy wonderful food, great service, either inside or on outside patio overlooking the golf course. 20 Tap Lines and 12 different can beers to try out. Top off your day at the lake or your day on the course with a daily lunch and dinner specials. Remember our newly expanded Event Center is now open here at Lakeside with seating for up to 400 guests for any private or public function. 2727 450th St. Perham 218-346-6070. http://www.perhamlakeside.com/lakeside-tap

DISGRUNTLED BREWING Home to One Grumpy Head Brewer and Countless Great Beers. The Disgruntled Brewing formula is simple: Give our slightly-gruff, admittedly never-quitesatisfied head brewer the world’s best ingredients, then stand back and marvel as he produces one great beer after another. Ales. Lagers. Stouts. Wheat beers. Specialties. Seasonals. German. Belgian. Russian. This is craft brewing set in a beautiful part of the state—a destination well worth the trip—love at first taste. 735 2nd St NE Perham, MN 218-346-HOPS info@disgruntledbeer.com

DETROIT LAKES AREA HOLIDAY INN When you come into the recently remodeled Beach Bar & Grill, the first thing you will notice is the view. Overlooking Big Detroit, you will experience both sunrise and sunsets with our floor to ceiling windows. Seasonal lakeside patio seating is sure to impress. We are the Lakes Area only full service hotel! 1155 Hwy 10 East, Detroit Lakes, MN 218-847-2121 www.dlinn.com

COUNTRY KITCHEN - Whether its breakfast, lunch or dinner we have you covered. Try out our great desserts too! Open daily at 6:00 AM 705 Hwy 10 East, Detroit Lakes, MN 218-847-0472 CENEX COMMUNITY COOPS HOT STUFF PIZZA A&W If quality and convenience is what you’re looking for, then head on over to the Cenex Convenience Store located on Hwy. 34 East. Fresh made pizzas from Hot Stuff and famous A&W cheeseburgers are sure to satisfy your appetite. If you’re in a hurry, use the drive-thru located on the South side of the building. Don’t forget to pick-up your SUNNYBROOK bread & buns or Fresh Heartland Beef. 911 Hwy. 34 East, Detroit Lakes, MN 218-847-3190

M�S�C A�DP�N�S S�H�D�L� Grumpy is good S�P�I� T�I�L J�N� 3 � 7�1�P�

C�R�S H�L� J�N� 2� � 8�1� P�

BEAN BAG TOURNEYS EVERY TUESDAY STARTS JUNE 6TH

If we spot you out and about wearing Disgruntled Brewing Gear, we’ll give you coupons for FREE BEER!

TWIGHLIGHT JAMS DJ JUNE 17 � 8-11 PM

MUST BE

2�

001588935r1

TURTLE FEST WEEK JUNE 14-17

TO ENTER

218.346.HOPS

E�I� R�I�A� W�I�K�Y B�S�N�S� J�N� 2� � 7�1� P� J�L� 1 � 7�1�P� 735 2ND ST. NE, PERHAM, MN 20 | SUMMER SCENE JUNE 2017


MAIN STREET RESTAURANT If you want to experience one of Detroit Lakes’ ‘local hangouts’, you have to stop by Main Street Restaurant! they have been voted the “Best Breakfast in Town” and they are sure to deliver. Main Street Restaurant offers quality, homemade food and big portions at a reasonable price. Open Mon.-Fri. 7 a.m.-4:00 p.m. • Sat. 7 a.m.- 3:45 p.m. • Sun. 8 a.m.-1:45 p.m 900 Washington Ave., Detroit Lakes, MN 218-847-3344 BLEACHERS BAR & GRILL If sports, burgers and beer rank high on your score board, then come to Bleachers for a hat trick. Voted the best burgers in the Lakes Area, new to menu, taco grinders, philly sandwich, french fries, ALL the sports games you could ever hope to watch on their flat screen TV’s and a scenic deck overlooking Dead Shot Bay for relaxing outdoors. 1/2 price appetizers on Thursdays, Karaoke throughout the year. Don’t forget about 2-4-1 burgers every Sunday! 25807 Cty. Hwy. 22, Detroit Lakes, MN 218-844-6820 PIT 611 SPORTS BAR & GRILL You’ll come for great food and drinks at unbeatable price, but you’ll end up staying because of the fun and exciting atmosphere. There is a little something for everyone at the Pit 611 Sports Bar & Grill. Open at 11am. Kitchen Hours Mon-Thurs 11-9, Fri & Sat 11-10, Sun 11-9. Easy to find, hard to leave 15057 Cty. Hwy. 11, Audubon

218-439-6121 www.pit611.com

PARK RAPIDS

THE ROYAL The local favorite where you will enjoy possibly the BEST burger in northern Minnesota. Plus many appetizers and your favorite beverage. Open 7 days a week. Mon.-Sat. at 11 am, Sun. at noon. 120 S. Main, downtown Park Rapids. 218-732-9443. $ [w] NECCE’S RISTORANTE Authentic Italian cuisine! Enjoy house-made Italian specialties like sausage manicotti, lasagna classico, spaghetti & meatballs, veal marsala, filet gorgonzola, Caesar salad & delicious desserts. Now offering walleye sandwiches, 1/2 lb burgers and flatbread pizzas! Great Happy Hour specials! Open Daily 4:00pm (Call for spring/winter hours) 311 S.Main Street, Park Rapids. 218-237-4625. Reservations Accepted. We are proud to be No.#1 on TripAdvisor! Check us out! 311 S.Main Street, Park Rapids. 218-237-4625. $$ [w] F LAPASTA New menu items for all to enjoy. Breakfast starts at 8:30 AM with our famous Dorset Pockets & Potato pancakes plus lots of omelets and other goodies. Lunch offers a wide selection of fresh Angus burgers as well as Italian entrees including pizza. Dinner is amazing starting at 5:00 PM with a full Italian menu with our traditional Italian plus more exotic fusion dishes. Thru Memorial Day Open Thurs. - Sun. at 8:30 am Breakfast & Lunch, 5 pm Dinner, After Memorial Day Open Tues. - Sun 8:30 am Breakfast & Lunch and 7 DAYS A WEEK 5pm for Dinner. Downtown Dorset. 218-732-0275. www.dorset-lapasta.com. Breakfast & lunch $. Dinner $$ [W] F

THE GOOD LIFE CAFE Fresh, creative food and craft beer in a comfortable atmosphere! Breakfast, lunch and dinner menus offer a combination of traditional and adventurous dishes, including comfort foods, vegetarian and gluten-free. We prepare unique specials for each meal aligned with the seasons. We also have 10 MN craft beers on tap, cocktails, wine, wi-fi, outdoor seating and a kid’s menu. It’s time you got back to The Good Life! Memorial - Labor Day Weekends: Open 7-days a week for lunch and dinner, breakfast Thu-Sun. Seasonal hours and menus online. 220 Main Ave. S., Park Rapids. 218-237-4212 www.thegoodlifecafepr.com. Breakfast & Lunch $ Dinner $$ (W) F Y STEAK HOUSE Celebrating 72 years of fine dining in the Park Rapids area on Hwy. 71. Prime rib nightly, walleye, jumbo shrimp, BBQ ribs, seafood, choice steaks, chicken, combination meals, children’s menu, nightly specials and your favorite beverage from the bar. Now serving lunch. Open 7 days a week. Sun.-Thurs. 11 am - 9 pm, Fri. & Sat. 11 am - 10 pm. Reservations appreciated. • 1 mi. north on Hwy. 71, Park Rapids. 218-732-4565. $$ [w] F

Come See What’s on Tap! THURSDAY NIGHT WING SPECIAL POUND OF WINGS AND PITCHER OF BEER

GOLF COURSE

The Area’s Premier 27-Hole Golf Destination! With three unique 9-hole courses, a spacious driving range, two practice greens and a fully stocked golf shop, you are sure to find everything you need at Lakeside. 320 17th St. NW, Perham • 346-6070

Check out www.perhamlakeside.com PLUS! New Electric Golf Carts Are Here!

From 5:00 p.m. until gone

LUNCH SPECIALS & HAPPY HOUR Daily 3:00-6:00 p.m.

Open Sunday & Monday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-12 a.m. Kitchen open daily until 10 p.m.

KICK START YOUR WEEKEND RELAXING WITH FRIENDS ON OUR PATIO

FRIDAY NIGHT SPECIAL Prime Rib Dinner

EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT Meat Raffle 5:00 p.m

EXPANDED EVENT CENTER NOW OPEN

Book Your Weddings, Conferences, & Parties Today! 001578897r1

346-6070

JUNE 2017 SUMMER SCENE | 21


BLUEBERRY PINES RESTAURANT Blueberry Pines Restaurant offers the area’s best fresh seafood, fresh vegetables, fresh cut meats, hand-pattied burgers, pizza & appetizers. Fabulous brunch buffet Sundays from 10 am - 1 pm. An extensive wine list and the area’s best service staff. Enjoy the comfort of our log clubhouse and wonderful outdoor scenery. Summer: Open daily at 11 am. Call for offseason hours. Located south of Park Rapids on Hwy. 71. 218-564-4653 www.blueberrypinesgolf.com EMMAVILLE STORE Historic country store & cafe featuring daily breakfast and lunch specials. Dinner specials on Fridays. Sunday Breakfast Buffet and Taco Bar Tuesdays 5-7:30 pm. Also offering ice cream, cookies, bars & fabulous caramel rolls! Bar with pizzas and big screen TV. Open 7 days a week. Open until 9 pm on Saturdays. 12 miles N. of Park Rapids on Co. Rd. 4 (Lake George Rd) 218-732-8544

LEONA’S RESTAURANT Leona’s Restaurant offers homemade specialties to satisfy every appetite. Homemade pizza, freshly made burgers, broasted chicken, sandwiches, appetizers, desserts, soft serve ice cream and more! Bring the kids, there’s a menu just for them. AND… you can order online...your food will be ready when you arrive. Daily lunch and dinner specials. Full bar. Monday-Saturday open at 11 am. 203 Bunyan Trails Rd., downtown Nevis. 218-652-4021 leonas-restaurant.com LAKE GEORGE CAFE We do breakfast all day! Lunch menu, American food, lunch & dinner specials. Open Tues.-Fri. 7am - 7 pm, Sat. & Sun. 7 am - 3pm, closed Mon. Hwy. 71, Lake George (37550 Night Hawk Rd.) 218-699-3080 STOMPIN’ GROUNDS Full menu served daily. Sink your teeth into the ‘Stompin Burger,” our most popular burger! Chicken, fish, homemade soup & more. Don’t miss Wing Wednesdays! Full bar ~ 4 pm Happy Hour. Breakfast Sat. & Sun. 8 am - 11 am. Kitchen open Sat. - Thurs. 10 am - 8pm, Fri. & Sat. 10 am - 9 pm. Bar open Mon. - Sat. 10 am - 1 am, Sun. 10 am - Midnight. Hwy. 64, N. of Akeley 218-652-2964

ZONA ROSA Visit old Mexico in the heart of beautiful downtown Walker. Large selection of authentic Mexican and American favorites. Full bar, specializing in margaritas. Warm “south of the border” atmosphere and outdoor patio dining. Kids menu. Lunch, dinner, daily specials. Open 7 days a week. 101 5th St. N., Downtown Walker VACATIONAIRE & CLANCY’S ON ISLAND LAKE Casual dining in our dining room or on the deck overlooking beautiful Island Lake. Full menu, kids menu, broasted chicken eat-in or take-out. Reservations recommended. Kitchen open until 10 pm. 218-732-5270.

Fishing...Fun...Camping...Fun...ATVing...Fun The Adventure Starts At

THE LARGEST SPORTING GOODS STORE IN THE AREA!

Talk to our experts about area fishing....

They’ll let you know what’s Hot and what’s Not

GREAT PRICES, GREAT SELECTION “THE NEW FAMILY TRADITION”

Josh can help you set up your fishing gear and direct you to the equipment that’s right for you. (we know our stuff!) Live Fishing Report Every Wednesday on

CHECK’EM

OUT

• New Deals Every Week

Fish House • Guns • 3D Archery Range • RV Service & Parts Center – Sign up for our newsletter ~ Details at smokeyhills.com –

001575558r1

NORTH HWY. 71, PARK RAPIDS • 218-237-5099 WWW.SMOKEYHILLS.COM

22 | SUMMER SCENE JUNE 2017


m a i f l y r . u o y t ďŹ o t e Design your hom r est. e h t o d e And w

Pick YOUR colors, flooring & cabinets

ce 1975 n i s g usin o h ble homes. a d d and modular r e r u t o c a f f f u Providing a f man dealer o rized Victory Homes is an autho

42807 Co. Hwy. 9, Pelican Rapids, MN 56572

800-232-5270 www.victoryhomes.net 001578923r1

JUNE 2017 SUMMER SCENE | 23


Plan Your Dynamic Summer

SAVE UP TO

$2000

ON YOUR DREAM HOME Contact an authorized dealer near you

DynamicHomes.com 800-492-4833

525 Roosevelt Avenue • Detroit Lakes, MN 1-800-492-4833 001589506r1


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.