Happenings around the lakes area, Aug. 10-21

The Detroit Lakes Tribune accepts community calendar items for publication online and, space permitting, in our Wednesday and Sunday 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.

Community Blood Drive: Come to the dining hall at American Legion Post 15, 810 West Lake Drive, Detroit Lakes, and help save a life by donating blood between 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m. To schedule an appointment please contact Cara Frank at 218-841-9533, or go online to donors.vitalant.org and use the blood drive code, "DETROITLAKES."

William Kent Krueger Watch Party: The Detroit Lakes Public Library (1000 Washington Ave.) will host an in-person watch party for author William Kent Krueger's virtual presentation as part of the "One Book, One Minnesota" series, 7-8 p.m. Krueger's presentation will feature his book, "Iron Lake."

Live at the Lodge: David Ferreira (piano/vocals) and Russ Peterson (saxophone) will present an evening of live music in the Lodge on Lake Detroit's Fireside Lobby from 5 to 8 p.m.). Free admission; food and beverages available for purchase. More info at thelodgeonlakedetroit.com.

Looney Days Opening Night: Otter Coffee and Ice Cream in Vergas will host an evevning of live music from 5 to 7 p.m. to kick off the community's annual Looney Days celebration. Open to the public.

Black Tie Gala: The Boys and Girls Club of Detroit Lakes and Phaser Marketing will co-host a black tie gala fundraiser from 7 to 10 p.m. at Detroit Mountain Recreation Area. Cost is $50 per ticket, which includes admission to a live auction, live music by Tim Eggebraaten and more. Cost is $50 per ticket, with proceeds directly benefiting the Boys and Girls Club. Sign up for the Phaser Fundraiser Black Tie Gala at eventbrite.com .

Vergas Looney Days: The Friday schedule for Vergas Looney Days includes local rummage sales throughout the day; sidewalk chalk art, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Natalie's Serendipity; pickleball demonstrations, 10-11 a.m. at the pickleball courts; brats and beans lunch, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at United Methodist; Voices of the Past Cemetery Tour, 2-3 p.m. at City Cemetery; kids' fishing, 3:30-4:30 p.m.; food trucks, 4-9 p.m.; water ski show, 5 p.m.; Church of Cash live music, 6:30-9 p.m. All events take place at Loon Park unless otherwise specified.

Food Truck Fridays: Hosted by Detroit Lakes Noon Rotary, Food Truck Fridays will take place every Friday through Sept. 2 at Detroit Lakes City Park, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Food trucks on site may change; event will be held rain or shine.

Fireman's Dance: The Detroit Lakes Fire Department will host its annual Fireman's Dance at Hub 41, with Tripwire playing live on West Lake Drive from 8 p.m. to midnight; gates open at 7 p.m. Cost is a free will donation at the gate.

Melissa Etheridge Concert: Mahnomen's Shooting Star Casino will host an 8 p.m. concert by multiplatinum-selling artist Melissa Etheridge . Tickets can be purchased online at starcasino.com , or call 800-453-7827.

Vergas Looney Days: The Saturday schedule for Vergas Looney Days includes a 5K run/walk, 8 a.m.; Lions Breakfast at the Event Center (dine in or drive through), 8-11 a.m.; pickleball demonstrations at the pickleball courts; street fair, Main Street, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. winer dog races, 9 a.m., baseball field; family games, 9:30-11:30 a.m., baseball field; inflatable games, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m., baseball field; Vergas Fire and Rescue open house, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., fire hall; Trowbridge Petting Zoo, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Summers Construction; ice cream stroll, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Vergas Assisted Living; brats and beans lunch, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at United Methodist; beer garden, 12 p.m.-midnight, Railway Avenue; Road Rally, 12 p.m.; Little Miss and Mister Vergas Pageant, 12 p.m.; Loon Calling Contest, 1 p.m.; Puppy Plunge, 3:30 p.m.; Bean Bag tournament, 3 p.m. (registration starts 2 p.m.), Railway Avenue; water ski show, 4:30-5:30 p.m.; and street dance featuring music from Mall Rats, 8 p.m.-midnight, Railway Avenue. All events take place at Loon Park unless otherwise specified.

Fun Fungi and Mushroom Workshop: John Lamprecht, past president of the Minnesota Mycological Society (MMS), and Claudette Lamprecht, MMS treasurer, will guide Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge visitors on a mushroom identification journey. Class will be both inside and outdoors, so bring a snack/lunch, water, camera, notebook and bug spray. Field guides will be available. Registration and payment is being handled by the Friends of Tamarac through Eventbrite.com. Cost is $25.  

Community Picnic and Outdoor Movie: The City of Audubon will host a 150th anniversary community picnic and outdoor screening of the classic movie, "The Goonies," 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. at the Audubon City Park. Movie starts at approximately 8:30 p.m. Open to the public.

Shoreham Chapel Music and Worship: Tiffany Radke will be performing as part of worship services at Shoreham Chapel in rural Detroit Lakes, starting at 10:45 a.m. All are welcome.

Wildlife Movie: A free screening of the family-friendly, wildlife-themed movie, "North America: Born to Be Wild," will be held at 2 p.m. in the Visitor Center at Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge. Take a journey through North America and meet the incredible array of wildlife that lives in our backyard. Experience their struggle for survival through epic cinematography. All are welcome; movie lasts approximately 50 minutes.

Vergas Looney Days: The final day of Vergas Looney Days includes a classic car show on Main Street, 9 a.m.-noon; Yoga Among the Blooms, True Blue Flower Company, 9:30 a.m.; community church service, baseball field, 10 a.m.; Looney Days Grand Parade through Vergas, 2 p.m.; and water fights following the parade on Main Street. There will also be TIP Bingo at Billy's Bar following the parade, with a raffle drawing at 8 p.m.; and live music at Skal, 4-10 p.m., featuring Damien Anderson, Seth Moore, and Shelly and Dave.

Miss Northwest Pageant: A new Miss Northwest and Miss Northwest Outstanding Teen will be crowned at a scholarship pageant scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. on the stage of Detroit Lakes Middle School's George Simson Auditorium. Tickets will be available at the door; cost is $10 for adults, $5 for students and free for children age 5 and under. Title holders from other area pageants are invited to attend, wearing their crown and sash, with free admission. Detroit Lakes Middle School is located at 500 11th Ave. Doors will open at 1:30 p.m.

Ask a 'Techspert': Do you have a phone, tablet, laptop, iPad, Kindle or other device that you’re struggling to use? Visit the Detroit Lakes Public Library, 1000 Washington Ave., at 4 p.m. to learn more about your device, plus learn how to download eBooks and eAudiobooks free of charge.

Old-Time Variety Dance: LeRoy and Jerry will provide the music for an Old-Time Variety Dance taking place from 1-4 p.m. at the Frazee Event Center. All are welcome; admission is $5 per person.

Library Book Club: The Detroit Lakes Public Library's Book Club will meet at 3 p.m. to discuss "I Know an Old Lady" by Margaret Standafer, a coming of age story featuring a teenager, Billy Tupper, who has been sentenced to spend the summer working for Old Lady Baxter. All are welcome, even if you haven’t read the book. If you have any questions, email the library at detroit@larl.org.

Bowling Association: The Detroit Lakes Bowling Association will hold their annual meeting at 7 p.m. inside the American Legion Club at 810 West Lake Drive.Anyone interested in both adult and youth bowling is welcome to attend to find out the latest bowling news. If not already on a league, we will be able to put you in contact with someone who can help connect you with a league.

Tuesdays in the Park: The DeMasi Brothers will perform live as part of Detroit Lakes' Tuesdays in the Park summer concert series at 7 p.m. under the City Park Bandshell. Picnic hosted by Fuller Center for Housing starts at 5:30 p.m. Seating is limited, so bring your own blankets or chairs. Admission is a free will donation; all proceeds from the picnic benefit Fuller Center's local housing projects, while donations for the concert go to support the artists.

Women Take the Mountain: All area women age 14 and up are invited to come to Detroit Mountain Recreation Area from 5-9 p.m. for a relaxing evening of wine tasting, scenic lift rides, Yoga on the Summit and much more. All tickets $10; sign up online at detroitmountain.com .

Free Root Beer Floats: Come to Ameriprise Financial Services in Detroit Lakes for a free root beer float, starting at 11 a.m. and continuing while supplies last. All are welcome.

Trucks and Tunes: The Detroit Lakes Noon Rotary Club is sponsoring an evening of food, fun and live music at the Detroit Lakes City Park, starting at 5 p.m. A variety of food trucks will be gathered in the parking lot until 8 p.m., serving up a host of summer favorites, while over at the bandshell, the JT Kennelly Band will be performing. Admission is free, though the cost of food may vary from truck to truck.

Food Truck Fridays: Hosted by Detroit Lakes Noon Rotary, Food Truck Fridays will take place every Friday through Sept. 2 at Detroit Lakes City Park, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Food trucks on site may change; event will be held rain or shine.

Young Life Triathlon: The annual Young Life Triathlon takes place at Detroit Lakes' City Park, 6:30 a.m. (registration) to noon (awards presented). To register, or for more information, visit younglifetriathlon.com .

Howie Miller: Comedian Howie Miller performs live at Mahnomen's Shooting Star Casino at 6 p.m. Tickets available at starcasino.com .

Shoreham Chapel Music and Worship: Celise Swanson will be performing as part of worship services at Shoreham Chapel in rural Detroit Lakes, starting at 10:45 a.m. All are welcome.

Color Guard Fundraiser Breakfast: The Lake Region Veterans Color Guard will be hosting a breakfast fundraiser from 8 a.m. to noon at the American Legion Club, 810 West Lake Drive, Detroit Lakes. Suggested donation is $8 for a meal including scrambled eggs; pancakes or French toast; sausage or bacon; and coffee or orange juice. Plenty of tables, lots of space. All are welcome.

Trinity Lutheran Church Open House: Detroit Lakes' Trinity Lutheran Church will celebrate its 125th anniversary with an open house from 1-3 p.m. All are welcome to come enjoy tours of the church, refreshments and fellowship.

J.J.'s Hog Roast for Hospice: The 7th Annual J.J.’s Hog Roast for Hospice will be held Aug. 12-13 at 51943 County Hwy. 9, Pelican Rapids. Activities include a car and bike show, music and a hog roast meal, along with hole-in-one and cornhole tournaments. For a full schedule of events and to register for the car and bike show, visit  jjshogroast.com .

Rotary Peach Sale: The Detroit Lakes Breakfast Rotary is serving up its 23rd Annual Sunburst Fruit Peach Sale on Friday, Aug. 19, 12-8 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 20, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. in the Nereson's Automotive parking lot, while supplies last. All proceeds donated to support area community projects.

Ojibwe Forests Rally: Join the annual August American Rally Association Championship car race on Aug. 17-20. Headquartered at Soo Pass Ranch (home of WE Fest), Detroit Lakes, where you’ll be able to camp out, watch the races on live stream and pick up some mighty fine merchandise. Details and schedule at ojibweforestsrally.com .

Saturday Critter Tales: Every Saturday through Sept. 3, join resident volunteer Sandi Wicklund at Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge for some fascinating personal stories about wildlife encounters during her many seasons at refuges throughout the country. Learn about wildlife viewing etiquette and find out the best places to view wildlife at Tamararc. All ages welcome. Meet at 1 p.m. by the Tamarack tree in front of the visitor center for this 45 minute program.

Live Music at Richwood Winery: Matthew Dauner, Aug. 13, 4-6 p.m.

Salvation Army School Supplies: Free school supplies for Becker County families in need, available Monday through Friday, July 25-29, call 218-398-3463 or 320-372-2135 to get registered and for more information.

Wild Wednesdays: Every Wednesday through Aug. 31, Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge will be offering two sessions of "Wild Wednesdays," at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Explore the world of Nature with your child during this hour-long adventure for 3-7 year-olds. Listen to a story, go for a hike, make a craft. There's a differen t topic every week! Space is limited, so pre-registration required for these free programs. Sign up online at signup.com/go/EqAHxEw , or check Tamarac's Facebook page for the link.

Lakes Area Farmers Market: The Lakes Area Farmers Market will be open every Tuesday and Saturday this summer from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Detroit Lakes' Peoples Park. All are welcome.

Shady Hollow Flea Market: Detroit Lakes' Shady Hollow Flea Market will be open every Saturday and Sunday through Sept. 4, plus Monday, Sept. 5 (Labor Day), and Saturdays on Sept. 10, 17 and 24 as well. Visit shadyhollowfleamarket.com or call 602-809-6661 for more information.

Plant, Pest and Gardening Clinics: To help answer your questions and provide helpful ideas for your trees, shrubs, home gardens and lawns, the Becker County Extension Service hosts plant, pest and gardening clinics by the Becker County Master Gardeners every Monday (May through September) and Friday (June through August) from 9 a.m. to noon at the Extension office. Stop by the Clinics with your questions and problems. The Becker County Extension Office is located at 1120 8th St. SE Detroit Lakes; for more information, call 218-846-7328 (Ext. 7105).

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 storytime sessions every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Preschoolers and their caregivers 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; sometimes held outdoors during the summer months, weather permitting. 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.

Overeaters Anonymous: A 12-step program for those who struggle in their relationship with food. The OA Serenity Group meets Tuesdays at noon at Detroit Lakes' Holy Rosary Catholic Church (1043 Lake Ave.); use the south parking lot entrance. The Freedom From Bondage OA Group meets Sundays at 6 p.m. at the Community Alliance Church, 408 West Elm St., Detroit Lakes. Use the east door.

Lake Country Woodcarvers: At the Holmes Art Cellar every Tuesday from 1-4 p.m. Bring woodcarvings to show and/or take part in a free woodworking session. Pattern books and other resources available for checkout. No cost to participate. Call Dale Wavra at 701-371-5204 for more information.