Fun Things to Do This Summer

from SummerScape 2024

On Water

BY DETROIT LAKES TRIBUNE, PERHAM FOCUS AND WADENA PIONEER JOURNAL STAFF

1. WE Fest: WE Fest returns for its 41st year at Soo Pass Ranch August 1-3. Headlining this year are Jelly Roll on Thursday, August 1; Parker McCollum on Friday, August 2; and Eric Church on Saturday, August 3. Wednesday, July 31, is the kick-off party with Corey Kent and Joe Stamm Band.

2. ENJOY A COUNTY FAIR

The rides, the games, the entertainment, the animals, the displays – and let’s not forget about the food! What’s not to love about a good county fair? Detroit Lakes, Perham and Wadena are each home to one, with the Becker County Fair held at the Detroit Lakes Fairgrounds (at the junction of Rossman Avenue and West Lake Drive), the East Otter Tail County Fair held at the fairgrounds in Perham (at the end of 4th Street SE.) and the Wadena County Fair at the fairgrounds in Wadena (400 Ash Ave. NW.). The Becker County Fair is Aug.7-10, the East Otter Tail County Fair is July 25-28 and the Wadena County Fair is June 20-23.

3. WHO IS GOING TO BE THE NEXT MISS WADENA?

Another year, another battle for the crown! Once again, a group of Wadena-Deer Creek High School juniors and seniors will battle it out for the title of Miss Wadena. This year’s pageant takes place on June 23 at 7 p.m. at the Wadena Memorial Auditorium. This year’s theme is “Be Someone’s Hero.”

4. LET THEM THINK ABOUT IT

Is freedom of speech worth the cost? That’s the question four of the country’s greatest armchair philosophers will tackle at the 31st Annual Great American Think-Off. The event will be hosted at the New York Mills Public School Auditorium on June 8 at 7 p.m. Four contestants will debate and defend their position in front of a live audience. The audience will cast their vote and the winner will be deemed “America’s Greatest Thinker of 2024.” The kick-off event is June 7 at the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center, where the public will have the opportunity to meet this year’s contestants from 6-8 p.m.

5. PIONEERS IN PERHAM

Food, fun and history: Perham’s Pioneer Fest is Aug. 17-18, held at Perham’s Pioneer Village. Stop by to admire vintage farming equipment, tractor pulls and more. There will be arts and crafts, along with vendors and plenty of demonstrations that are fun for the whole family.

6. WADENA JUNE JUBILEE RETURNS

Wadena’s June Jubilee is back for another exciting year on Friday, June 7, and Saturday, June 8 in downtown. This year’s jubilee will feature an Aldrich Avenue street dance on Friday night and an outdoor concert in BN Park on Saturday night. Along with a vendor show, youth fishing tournament, kiddie carnival, car show, bean bag tournament, food trucks, beer garden, kiddie parade, Saturday’s grand parade and so much more!

7. NORTHWEST WATER CARNIVAL IS BUCKETS OF FUN

The 88th Northwest Water Carnival will be jam-packed with summer fun during its 10-day run on July 12-21 in Detroit Lakes. More than 65 events are on the schedule, including a mixture of new and old — as well as a few events that are returning from hiatus. From water fights to chili cook-offs to demolition derbies, there’s something for everyone.

ROLL INTO ROLLAG FOR SOME OLD-FASHIONED FUN

Every year over Labor Day weekend, the tiny town of Rollag, 30 minutes west of Detroit Lakes, hosts a sprawling gathering of thousands of people, who convene in this out-of-the-way place for the annual Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion. The event is huge, and hugely fun, with hundreds of classic steam engine demonstrations and exhibits spread over 210 rolling acres, along with play areas for kids, train rides around the grounds, and plenty of food booths. Visit rollag.com for more info.

One Shell Of A Good Time

Perham’s Turtle Fest is turning 40 this year! Per ham is going to be packed with fun June 12-16, including everyone’s favorite event: turtle races. Other fun Turtle Fest events include a parade, street fair, parking lot party, medallion hunt and more. For more information on this year’s Turtle Fest, visit www.perham.com/turtlefest.

10. THAT LAST BIT OF HEAT

Just as the summer heat begins winding down, Minnesota Salsa Fest brings temperatures back up! Hosted at Burlington Northern Park in Wadena on Saturday, Sept. 21, attendees of all ages will enjoy a mix of original and traditional music from regional artists in a festival atmosphere intermixed with vendors selling their wares and produce. The event features a salsa contest where you can vote for your favorite salsa, classes, demonstrations, youth craft activities from Art Bar 39, food stands, and Drastic Measures Brewing beer garden.