10 Fun Things to Do This Summer

from Summerscape 2020

by Perham Focus

JUST FOR KIDS

GOING OUT

Ten Fun Things to Do This Summer ( THAT YOU CAN STILL DO DURING THE PANDEMIC! )

BY DETROIT LAKES TRIBUNE AND PERHAM FOCUS STAFF

FEAST IT UP AT A FOOD TRUCK

Feed your face in the Great Outdoors at Food Truck Fridays, happening every Friday at the Detroit Lakes City Park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. All the popular local food trucks park there for this outdoor, food court-style feast, serving up everything from pizza to popsicles. Organized by the Detroit Lakes Noon Rotary, Food Truck Fridays continues through September 4.

GO OLD-SCHOOL AT CRUISE DL NIGHTS

Drive your favorite classic cruiser to Detroit Lakes’ West Lake Drive for an evening on the beach from 4-8:30 p.m. the second Wednesday of every month in June, July, August and September. Don’t have a classic car? That’s okay, just come view the variety on display. More than 200 vehicles have been known to gather at the beach for these fun monthly events.

TEE ‘EM UP

Golf courses were one of the first things to reopen after COVID-19-related closures. There are over 10 golf courses within a short drive of the Detroit Lakes and Perham areas. Whether you’re looking for an easy evening game among friends, a competitive match, nine holes or 18, there’s something for everyone. Detroit Lakes is home to the Detroit Country Club, Lakeview Golf Course and Forest Hills Golf Course, to name a few. In Perham, there’s Perham Lakeside Golf Course.

VISIT THE ZOO

The family-friendly Trowbridge Creek Zoo, located northwest of Vergas on County Highway 17, boasts a zebra, camels and kangaroos as well as parrots, elk, deer, wolves, porcupines, alligators and many more local and exotic animals. A playground area for kids adds to the fun. The zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day of the week from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends as weather permits before and after that. For more information, visit the zoo’s Facebook page or go to www.trowbridgecreekzoo.com.

STROLL THROUGH A STREET FAIR

Every other Wednesday through August 19, shoppers can find food, art, music, history, sidewalk sales and more at the new biweekly Summit Avenue Street Market in Detroit Lakes. Local food trucks park in the lot north of the Historic Holmes Theatre from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and as they eat, visitors can stroll through a variety of vendor booths, listen to live music and watch art demonstrations.

GO HUNTING FOR FISH

Have you noticed some colorful and creative sunfish sculptures swimming in front of various businesses in Detroit Lakes? There are 18 of them that can be found around town — all that’s left of the 50 that were originally created in 2002. They were all designed by local artists for a city promotion at the time, called “Sunny in DL.” Each sculpture is unique. Find them all by grabbing a list from the Chamber of Commerce.

TAKE IN A TUESDAY CONCERT

Bring your lawn chair or a comfy blanket to sit on and nestle next to the Detroit Lakes City Park Bandshell for Tuesdays in the Park. These weekly outdoor concerts feature familyfriendly performances by some of the area’s best musicians, playing every Tuesday through August. All concerts are free, with free will donations accepted. The music starts at 7 p.m. under the Bandshell. This year, guests are asked to sit at least 6 feet apart, and face masks are encouraged.

SCREAM, SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM

Chase after The Ice Cream Truck as it cruises around the Detroit Lakes City Park and Beach area on hot summer days, and beat the heat with a frozen treat. The truck makes various stops around town every May through September. Visit The Ice Cream Truck Facebook page to find out where it’s headed next.

SHOP ‘THE FLEA’

Located five miles south of Detroit Lakes on Highway 59, the Shady Hollow Flea Market is open every weekend from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The market has more than 100 vendors, plenty of free parking, and food and beverages sold on site. Call 602-809-6661 or visit www. shadyhollowfleamarket.com for more information.

RACE TO FIND THE TURTLES

In lieu of Perham’s signature summer Turtle Races, which were canceled this year because of the pandemic, the community is instead offering a weekly Race to Find the Painted Turtles. Happening every Wednesday through August, this rewarding event offers prizes for those who find painted turtle rocks hidden around town at various businesses. Ten rocks are hidden every week; each one is worth $50 in Perham Bucks. Clues are posted at 10 a.m. at Perham’s Turtle Race Park and on the Perham Events Facebook page.