November 2009 Events for Douglas and Pope Counties

• November 5 – 7, 2009 – 25th Annual Holiday Crafter’s Tour, come out and enjoy various different crafts for more information on this event check your local paper.
• November 10, 2009 – Elden’s Food Fair presents their Holiday Open House
• November 14, 2009 – Viking Plaza Mall presents its Vendor Bender, for more information on this event call Ann at 320.763.9209
• November 14, 2009 – Lakeside Ballroom of Glenwood presents Winter Dance Club, for more information contact Barbara Benson at (320) 763-6432 or by email at winterdance@lakesideballroom.org or visit the Lakeside Ballroom website.
• November 14, 2009 – Anne Bickle Heritage Holiday Tea, for more information call 320.634.3636 or visit the Glenwood Lake Area website.
• November 19-21, 2009 – Sixth Avenue Wine & Ale presents their 4th Annual Beaujolais Party, if you like French Cuisine , wine and live music call 320.759.2277 for more information on this fun event.
• November 27, 2009 – The Runestone Museum presents “Christmas in the Fort”, fun family event with carolers, Santa, Lighting of the X-Mas Tree and much more.  For more information on this event email bigole@rea-alp.com

October 2009 Events for Douglas and Pope Counties

• October 23 – 24, 2009 – Haunted Theater will be taking place at the AAAA Theater in Alexandria.  Tickets are $5.00 per person for more information on this event visit the Alexandria Area Arts Association.
• October 24 – 25, 2009 – Viking Plaza Mall Present “The Fall Craft Show”, for more information on these fun events call 320.763.9209 or visit the Viking Plaza website.
• October 24 – 25, 2009 – Erickson’s Petting Zoo presents their “Fall Family Fun Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch” this event is open to the public, $5.00 for the petting zoo and $7.00 for both petting zoo and both mazes.  For more information on this fun family event call 320.762.0184 or visit the Erickson Petting Zoo website.
• October 30, 2009 – Red Willow Arts Coalition and Douglas County Historical Society present their Halloween Hop, do not miss out on this great fundraiser that will benefit the new research and visitor center planned by Douglas County Historical Society.  To purchase your tickets go to Trumm Drug downtown Alexandria and Eden’s Food Fair and the Douglas County Historical Society.
• October 30 – 31, 2009 – Sixth Avenue Wine and Ale Presents Dan Mahar in Alexandria, for more information on this Jazz filled event call 320.759.2277.
• October 30, 2009 – Lakes Area Humane Society presents Hypnotic Halloween fund raising event.  Located in the Barn at the Holiday Inn, Alexandria, tickets are $10 each, and will be available at the Lakes Area Humane Society, Viking Savings, Belmark Insurance, and Lakes Area Insurance.
• October 31, 2009 – Osakis Women’s Association presents “Community Halloween Party” – kids pre k thru the 6^th grade come out an enjoy games, treats and much more …for more information on this event call Jan at 320.859.3056
• October 31, 2009 – Glenwood Community Halloween Party Come out and enjoy a FREE fun filled family event, for more information call 634-0020.

September 2009 Events for Douglas and Pope Counties

• September 4-6, 2009 – Glacial Ridge Trail Byway “Model T Tour” for more information on this event call 320.894.6663.
• September 5 – 6, 2009 – Erickson’s Petting Zoo “Fall Family Fun Corn Maze” this is a fun event for the entire family, located at the Erickson Petting Zoo in Osakis, Call 320.762.0184 or visit the official Erickson’s Petting Zoo website for more details. (other dates 9-12,9-13,9-19,9-20,9-26 and 9-27)
• September 5-6, 2009 – Viking Speedway Labor Day Doubleheader Races – come and check out the race on the ½ mile semi banked clay oval at the Viking Speedway at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Alexandria.  For more information on this even you can call the Track phone at 320.762.1559 or visit the Viking Speedway official website.
• September 11-13, 2009 – Minnesota Food & Wine Festival, come out for one of the largest and most exciting events of the year , enjoy arts, crafts, food, wine and live entertainment for the entire family.  Call 320.846.5443 or visit the Carlos Creek Winery website for more details on this event.
• September 12, 2009 – Osakis Chamber of Commerce “6^th Annual Quilts Along the Trail”, come out an view quilts of all styles.  Call 866.784.8941 or visit the Osakis Chamber of Commerce website for more details on this great event.
• September 12-13, 2009 – Warrior Boats Lake Minnewaska Fall Walleye Classic, for registration forms, fees, schedules, lodging and more visit the Fall Walleye Classic website.
• September 15, 2009 – Taste of Home Cooking Schools hosted by Taste of Homes Culinary Specialist Mary Janice Reisendorf and located at the Lake Geneva Christian Center in Alexandria, enjoy a fun filled evening for the entire family with great food and prizes.  Call 320.763.1215 or visit Echopress for more details on this event.
• September 17-20, 2009 – Fall Festival Downtown Alexandria “Fall in Love”, come out for entertainment, drawings, and sidewalk sales, for more information on this event visit the Downtown Alexandria Merchant Association website.
• September 19, 2009 – Alexandria 5 and 10 K, this run will benefit the Lakes Area Humane Society and is sanctioned by the US Track & Field Association.  Timing chips will be provided for this event for more information visit the Alexandria 5k/10k official website.  Come out and support our “Animals”
• September 19, 2009 – 21^st Annual Alexandria Fall Art and Craft Show located at the Runestone Community Center call 320.967.4691 for more details on this event.
• September 25, 2009 – Gemutlichkeit – Old Fashion German Meal at the Zion Lutheran Church located on Lake Street, for more information on this event you can call Heidi at 320.815.5670
• September 26, 2009 – Eple Tiden Festival, (meaning Apple Time) to bring in the autumn day celebration which will be held at the Starbuck Depot, for more information on this event you can visit the Starbuck Minnesota official website.
• September 29, 2009 -* United Way Chili Feed and Silent Auction, this event will be held at the Broadway Ballroom in Alexandria and will benefit the United Way of Douglas and Pope Counties, come out for this great event fop more details you can call 320.763.4840 or visit the United Way of Douglas and Pope Counties website.

August 2009 Events for Douglas County, Minnesota

• 8-5 to 9, 2009 – 28^th Annual Mid-Summerfest Celebration, events will take place in Brandon, for more details on this event contact the Brandon, Minnesota website.
• 8-5 to 9, 2009 – Pope County Fair, located in Glenwood.  For more information on this fun family event call 320.634.4855 or visit the Pope County Fair website.
• 8-6 to 8, 2009 – Crazy Days Downtown Alexandria, stroll up and down the street of Historic Downtown Alexandria and check out the bargains! For more information on this event visit the Alexandria Downtown Merchants Association website.
• 8-7 to 9, 2009 – Rose City Heritage Festival, for more information on this fun event for the entire family in MIltona call 218.943.5631
• 8-8-2009- Central Lakes Tour – come out for some fun along the Central Lakes Trail, for more information on this event such as start times and distances visit the Central Lakes Trail website.
• 8-8-2009 – Parkers Prairies Fall Festival for all community residents, located at the Parkers Prairie City Park.  Call 218.338.6054 or send an email.
• 8-8 to 9, 2009 – Starbuck Chinese Dragon Boat Races, for more information on this event contact the Starbuck Chamber at 320.239.4220 or visit the Starbuck Chamber of Commerce website.
• 8-8-2009 – Festival of the Lakes – Event will held at the Alexandria United Methodist Church for more information you can call Kathleen at 320.763.9400 or visit the Alexandria Festival of the Lakes website.
• 8-13 to 15, 2009 – Minnesota Crappie Masters State Championship – Tournament will take place on Lakes Le Homme Dieu Chain in Alexandria, for more information on times and schedules visit the Crappie Masters Tournament website.
• 8-15-2009 – 4^th Annual Tour de Prairie Lakes – for more information on this event call the Glenwood Chamber of Commerce at 320.634.3636 or visit the Glenwood Lakes Area Info website.
• 8-20 to 23, 2009 – Douglas County Fair, come out and have some fun, packed full of events, entertainment, food, rides…For more information on this event visit the Douglas County Fair website.
• 8-27-2009 – United Way of Douglas & Pope Counties present Stuff the Bus – come out and lend a helping hand, call 320.763.4840 for more details.
• 8-28-2009 – Minnesota Lakes Maritime presents their 3^rd Annual Boats, Blues and Barbecue Celebration and Fundraiser – Do not miss out on this great event for the entire family, call 320.759.1114 to reserve your tickets or visit the Minnesota Lakes Maritime Museum website for more details.
• 8-29 to 30, 2009 – Vikingland Builders Association presents their “Home Tour” –come out a see the latest premier builders and the latest new home models. Call 320.763.3301 or visit the Viking and Builders website.

July 2009 Events for Douglas County

• July 6 – 12, 2009 – 2009 Minnesota State Trap Shoot, this event will be held at Alexandria Shooting Park, for more information you can call 320.763.5315 or visit the Minnesota Trapshooting Association website.
• July 10 – 11, 2009 – Relay for Life of Douglas County, this event will honor cancer survivors and remember those who have lost the fight; this event will be located at Citizens Field at Jefferson High School.  For more information on this event call 320.763.6729 or visit the 2009 Relay for Life of Douglas County website.
• July 11, 2009 -Central Lakes Cruzers Car Club present the 18th Annual Roddin Round the Lake Car Show, this event will be held in downtown Osakis, for more information call 320.859.2887 or visit the Osakis Area Chamber of Commerce website.  
• July 11, 2009 – Minnesota Lakes Maritime Museum presents “Chain of Lakes” Classic Boat Show, the event will be held on the shores of Lake Darling at the Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center, call 320.759.1114 or visit the Minnesota Lakes Maritime Museum website.
• July 14, 2009 – Let’s go Fishing (Fishing Trip), this is a free event, bring your friends and your family, register online at the Alexandria Public Schools website or call 320.762.2149 for more information.
• July 16, 2009 – Summer Bazaar and Salad Luncheon, this event is a fund raiser sponsored by Women’s Fellowship and will be located at the First Congregational UCC Church of Alexandria, call Kathryn at 320.763.3394 for more details.
• July 22 – 26, 2009 – Waterama Celebration, come out and enjoy fun filled days of parades, water skiing, regatta, fireworks, dances, auto show and much more.  This event will be held in Glenwood. For more information visit the Glenwood Lakes Area website.

June 2009 Events for Douglas County and the surrounding areas.

• June 13, 2009 – Viking Speedway Race, located at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Alexandria, late models, super stocks and street stocks.  Call 320.762.1559 for more information on this event.
• June 15, 2009 – United Way of Douglas and Pope Counties presents the 9^th Annual Golf Classic, located at Geneva Golf Course.  Call 320.763.4840 or visit the United Way of Douglas and Pope Counties website for more details on this event.
• June 19, 2009 – 6^th Annual Relay for Life at Pope County Fairgrounds, for more information on this event call 320.634.3636 or visit the Glenwood Lakes Area website.
• June 20 and 21, 2009 – The Great Alexandria Bike Race, a 2 day bicycle race, even will be held at the Big Ole Park on Saturday and at Forada Super Club on Sunday.  Call 612.735.8389 or visit Endurance Promotions website for more details.  
• June 25-28, 2009 – 41^st Annual Osakis Festival, located at park Osagi in Osakis. If you enjoy water fights, food, kid’s events, street dance and a grand parade do not miss out on this family event.  Call 320.859.3777 or visit the Osakis Area Chamber of Commerce website for more information on this fun event.
• June 28, 2009 – Vikingland Band Festival, located on Broadway in Alexandria, over 2,000 bands and a fabulous parade.  For more information on this great event visit the Vikingland Band Festival official website.
• June 28, 2009 – Car Show and Swap Meet, located at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. 

May 2009 Events for Douglas County and the surrounding areas.

• May 9, 2009 – Douglas County Master Gardener present their Annual Plant Sale at the Viking Plaza Mall in Alexandria from 9 am until sell out
• May 9, 2009 – 1st Annual Titus 2 garage Sales at 7005 St Hwy 27 E in Alexandria starting at 8 am for more information call 320.491.1851
• May 9, 2009 – Fishing Opener
• May 9, 2009 – May 23 and 24 – May 30 – Viking Speedway Races at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Alexandria for more information call 320.762.1559 or 320.760.9614
• May 14, 2009 – Douglas County Historical Society presents “ONE DAY Spring Sale” for more information email bardo@rea-alp.com
• May 14, 2009 – Community Education presents Lake Carlos State Park Walking Tour – you can register online at www.Alexandria.k12.mn.us or you can call 320.762.2149
• May 20,2009 – St Mary’s School Trust Fund present their “2nd Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament” for more details on this great event call Troy Sladek at 320.763.5861
• May 22 – 25, 2009- Awake the Lakes Festival – Enjoy music, food, entertainment, friends, and many more activities, visit the Awake The Lakes website for more information on this great event!
• May 23-25, 2009 Erickson’s Petting Zoo presents their Summer Kick-Off event in Osakis for more information contact Dave Erickson at 320.762.0184 or 320.491.3578 or visit the Erickson Petting Zoo website.
• May 25, 2009 – Osakis Memorial Day Parade & Service starting at Park Osagi to Lakeside Cemetery.  For more information contact Al Kral at 320.859.2117
• May 25, 2009 - Alexandria Memorial Day Parade running from 9th Avenue to KinKead Cemetery

Minnesota ranks highly among Most Livable States

After a year-long random telephone survey of 355,000 Americans all over the U.S., the results of the 2008 Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index are out, and Minnesota has ranked fifth in the nation.  This means that residents of Minnesota who were polled were among the top ten percentile in America in terms of well-being.

Gallup-Healthways considered seven different factors when evaluating the well-being of the residents of our 50 states.  The factors used to determine the overall well-being of a state included, life evaluation, work quality, basic access, healthy behavior physical health and emotional health.  When you consider the

Here is how Minnesota scored in different categories of the well-being ranking: 

• Well-Being Index National Rank: 5/50
• Life Evaluation National Rank: 23/50
• Work Quality National Rank: 17/50
• Basic Access National Rank: 2/50
• Healthy Behavior National Rank: 19/50
• Physical Health National Rank: 1/50
• Emotional Health National Rank: 4/50

This is good news for Minnesota, especially now that our country is suffering from a slowing economy.    Placing so well in this ranking suggests that even though unemployment rates have risen about 3% since last year, Minnesota could be better situated to handle the current economic downturn.

Another factor that may help Minnesota’s economy is the median price of a home.  As of this week, the median price of a home in Minnesota is approximately $210,900 (list price), down 6.8% compared to last year.  This is an attractive median asking price for home buyers who have been waiting for home values to drop before buying a home.   The sooner the housing market stabilizes in Minnesota, the better prepared we will be to weather any pending economic storm.

Hopefully the fact that Minnesota ranked so well in terms of well-being compared to the rest of the country, will help stimulate those who have been thinking of thinking of buying a home.

Please click to see the results for all 50 states at AOL.com.

March 2009 Events for Douglas County, MN

March 13, 2009 Eagles live music – at the Eagles Lodge 526 N Nokomis St in Alexandria.

March 14, 2009 Big Irish Music Show at Alexandria Area Arts Association in Alexandria

March 14, 2009 All Community Breakfast at the United Methodist Church in Alexandria

March 16, 2009 Whist, cribbage tournament at Masonic Lodge in Alexandria

March 22, 2009 Osakis Area Heritage Center Winter Lecture Series at the Osakis Community Center at 2 pm

March 27 -28, 2009 Osakis Chamber of Commerce “Rose Days, Osakis”

March 27-29, 2009 Alexandria Area Arts Association – “The Trip to Bountiful”

March 29, 2009 St. Agnes School Carnival in Osakis opens

Township elections in Douglas County next Tuesday

According to an article that I have just read in the echopress.com entitled, “Get ready to cast your ballot – Township elections are Tuesday“, all Douglas County, Minnesota cities and townships will be holding their Township Elections next Tuesday, March 9.

Depending on where you live in Douglas County, you will be able to vote on a number of different issues and, in many townships, the annual town meeting will be help either right before or right after the elections.

One thing that I found interesting was that according to this article, only 21 of the 522 registered voters in Brandon’s Township actually made it to the polls to vote last year, that is less than 5% of all registered voters in Brandon Township.  I imagined that more people were concerned with the local political scene in their townships and how their votes could help shape the future of their communities.  Because voter turnout was so low, Brandon Township has suggested changing the date of their township election from March to the date of their general elections in November.  Voters in Brandon will have the last say whether their future elections will be help in March or November.

I would recommend that all registered voters make plans to get to their local polling station and vote on the issues affecting their communities.  By being more involved in the politics of our local communities we can help make sure that our voices are heard by those who represent us.  The future of our communities lies in the hands of their residents, let’s make our voices heard and help to decide the future of our cities and townships.

If you would like to see what issues your specific Township will be addressing in next week’s elections as well as operating hours for your local polling stations and schedule for your annual town meeting, please click to read this article in its entirety.

February 2009 Events in Douglas County

Winterama & Chili Cook Out–9th Annual Minnewaska Jaycees – on February 21, 2009 at the Glenwood Chamber of Commerce, call 320.634.3636 for more information on this fun filled event.

2nd Annual Carl Moyle Memorial Fund Snowmobile Run on February 21, 2009 at Forada Supper Club. For more information on this event call 320.815.8973.

Osakis Area Heritage Center featuring “Old-Fashioned Sunday Afternoon Musical” on February 22, 2009 at the Osakis Lutheran Church, contact Stella Bender for more information on this event at 320.859.5161

3rd Annual Music, Poetry & Bread Pudding Program on February 22, 2009 at Central Square in Glenwood. Contact The Glenwood Chamber for more information at 320.634.3636

Garden Center Annual Bowling Tournament, for you bowlers out there, on February 28 – March 1, 2009 at the Garden Center Bowling Alley, or call Chad Meyer for more information at 320.763.6565

5th Annual Minnewaska Ice Golf Tournament on Lake Minnewaska in Glenwood this February 28, 2009. Call 320.634.3636 for more information.

Good news for Minnesota farmers

While reading through echopress.com, I ran across an article entitled, “Minnesota ranks 7^th in ag production”. According to this article, even though the nation’s economy is struggling, Minnesota is still among the top ten agricultural leaders in the country and its farm income is growing as is the value of agricultural products. This is even more significant when we consider that Minnesota, along with eight other states, accounts for 50% of the total value of U.S. agricultural products. Minnesota ranked seventh among the top nine producing states. This news comes from the 2007 U.S. Census of Agriculture, which was released recently. The Census Bureau conducts its Agricultural Census every five years.

Minnesota’s farm production market value grew from $8.6 billion to $13.2 billion over the last five years. The amount of sales from crops and livestock are almost evenly split at 53% and 47% respectively. Hopefully this will be a continuing trend that helps Minnesota to weather the coming economic hardships our nation is facing.

The great thing about Minnesota’s agricultural sector is that it is in a good situation to weather any potential economic problems because regardless of the economic situation, people have to eat. Crops and livestock are always in demand, however, because of the fact that fuel and fertilizer expenses for these farmers has gone up a whopping 90%, it may not be the agricultural sector that sees more profits from this 54% increase in market value over the past five years. Now that the price of oil has dropped again, farmers should start seeing more profits.

If you are interested in seeing the recently released census results, please visit http://www.agcensus.usda.gov or call 1-800-727-9540.

Click if you would like to read this article in its entirety at echopress.com.