Calendar of Events

SnowTime to READ challenge

The Park Rapids Area Library's winter reading program for adults is a fun challenge right in time for the best days to read! Each reader who finishes 10 books by February 28 earns their choice of a sturdy mug or insulated beverage tumbler. Books and other prizes along the way make this reading challenge easy to complete! Unlike the summer program, this one is just for those folks over 18. Log your books online with our Beanstack app or use our classic paper reading log. Grand prize this year is a book tote packed with prizes!

Open Mic Night

An Open Mic Night is planned from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, February 16 at the Armory Arts & Events Center, 203 Park Ave. So. Admission is free. Call 218-237-3722 to sign up for a time slot. Revel Brewing and Wine Not? will serve at a cash beer and wine bar. Organizers plan to continue Open Mic Nights on the third Thursday of the month through May.

Frank Weber, author and forensic psychologist

The Headwaters Center for Lifelong Learning spring series opens February 28 with author and forensic psychologist Frank Weber speaking about some of the newest forensic tools used by law enforcement. It's rumored he might even administer a lie detector test to an audience member. HCLL programs are from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the Armory Arts & Events Center, 203 Park Ave. So. The sessions are free and handicapped accessible. Refreshments and treats provided.

Hotdish Mystery Mayhem with author Jeanne Cooney

The Park Rapids Area Library will wrap up February’s Hotdish Mystery Mayhem activities at noon Thursday, March 2 with a hotdish sampler, fun games and a special visit from always entertaining Jeanne Cooney, author of the Hot Dish Heaven series. Space is limited, please RSVP by calling 218-732-4966.

Heartland Concert: The Patsy Cline Project

Lisa Brokop's warm, rich voice and accompanying band will be paying homage to one of country music's greatest ladies, Patsy Cline, when she performs for the Heartland Concert Association concert March 7. Sit back, relax and enjoy many of Patsy's classic hits like "Crazy," "Sweet Dreams" and "Walkin’ After Midnight." Brokop is Canadian born but lives in Nashville. All concerts are held in the Park Rapids Area High School Auditorium at 7 p.m. Membership in the Heartland Concert Association also includes concerts in Wadena's Concert Series. Single concert tickets are available for each concert, but it is a better value to be a member! Please visit www.heartlandconcertassociation.org for more information.

Andy Wells, CEO, Wells Technology

On March 7, Andy Wells, CEO of Wells Technology, will be guest speaker for the Headwaters Center for Lifelong Learning. He will talk about a job-training program his company has developed that becomes a bridge for helping unemployed people in Red Lake become part of a productive workforce in their community. HCLL programs are from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the Armory Arts & Events Center, 203 Park Ave. So. The sessions are free and handicapped accessible. Refreshments and treats provided.

Finding Your Female Ancestors

Join Mary Schwartz at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 7 at the Park Rapids Area Library to learn about researching your family tree. She will lead you through where to start your search, how to organize your family history research and introduce you to Ancestry.com and Family Search websites. Mary has tips and tricks for finding the answers on your family’s female lineage. Participation is limited. Please register ahead by calling 218-732-4966.

2nd Saturday STEM with Mary Schwartz

Celebrate Pi Day a couple days early and in style by weaving in the round from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 11 at the Park Rapids Area Library. Weave a circle that can be used as a coaster or a table top decoration. All materials will be supplied and all ages are welcome! For participants ages 8 and younger, please have an accompanying adult or older sibling to help.

High School Choir Concert

After returning to school from winter break, the Park Rapids Area High School Choir has begun working on music for their upcoming concert Monday, March 13 in the Park Rapids High School Auditorium. This concert is free and open to the public. Program selections will include works by 17th century composer Hans Leo Hassler, as well as two Minnesota based composers: Abbie Betenis and Jake Runestad. The choir looks forward to sharing their music with the community!

Polly Scotland, traveling in Nepal

On March 14, Polly Scotland returns to Headwaters Center for Lifelong Learning. She will recall a 14-day trek through the Annapurna Loop of Nepal and how it helped her gain an appreciation of the Nepalese culture and traditions. HCLL programs are from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the Armory Arts & Events Center, 203 Park Ave. So. The sessions are free and handicapped accessible. Refreshments and treats provided.

Poetry, short stories wanted

Submit poetry and short stories to The Talking Stick, an annual Minnesota anthology. Deadline is March 15. We have a new Creative Twist this year - a fourth genre with special words to use in submissions. See guidelines on our website: www.jackpinewriters.com.

2nd Street Stage button design contest

The Park Rapids Downtown Business Association (PRDBA) is sponsoring a 2nd Street Stage button design contest with a $250 cash prize to the winner. Those who purchase and wear the $20 buttons for this season’s 10 2nd Street Stage events will be helping to sponsor this fun summer event and will receive $2 off beverages purchased at the beer garden all summer long. Buttons will be available for purchase at the beer garden on opening night June 15. Please draw your design within a 4-inch circle. Designs must include "2023," "2nd St Stage" and "Park Rapids, MN." They may be full color or black and white with color accents. Please remember this is a fun, summer, live music event. Designs may be submitted on paper to the Park Rapids Downtown Business Association, P.O. Box 142, Park Rapids, MN 56470 or digitally as a pdf or jpg e-mailed to luann47@gmail.com. Submissions must be received by noon Wednesday, March 15.

Open Mic Night

An Open Mic Night is planned from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 16 at the Armory Arts & Events Center, 203 Park Ave. So. Come to appreciate the talents of the community or take the stage. Admission is free. Call 218-237-3722 or email wolson@parkrapidsarmory.org to sign up for a time slot. Revel Brewing and Wine Not? will serve at a cash beer and wine bar.

Craft Supply Swap

The Park Rapids Area Library is having a free Craft Supply Swap! We will be collecting donated craft supplies at the library March 13-15. Bring in yarn, paint, brushes, fabric, floral, buttons, knitting needles, crochet hooks, markers, ink, stamps, scrapbooking supplies, jewelry supplies, sewing notions. If you can create with it and it's in usable condition, it will be welcome. If you donate items, you will receive an early bird ticket to a morning session "ticketed event" Thursday, March 16. The afternoon session is open to everyone.

Audition workshop

An audition workshop Sunday, March 19 is a new Northern Light Opera Company offering this year that will share tips on how to prepare for a successful audition. Time will be 2 to 4 p.m. in Studio 1 at the Armory Arts and Events Center. More information will be posted on Facebook and website: www.northernlightopera.org.

Reflections of Northern Minnesota with Photographer Lowell Wolff

On display inside the library now! Come listen to Lowell Wolff from 5 to 6 p.m. Monday, March 20 at the Park Rapids Area Library. He will talk about his inspiration, his craft and his love of the boreal forest biome of northern Minnesota. This is a great opportunity for photographers of all skill levels to talk to the artist. Lowell was raised on the prairies of south-central North Dakota and attended Concordia College in Moorhead, majoring in music. "While the north shore of Lake Superior has many beautiful spots, so does Park Rapids. Nearly half of the images in the collection are based in the Park Rapids, Dorset and Nevis areas. It seems only fitting that 19 of these images “come home” to the beautiful place we live in." For a fuller appreciation of his talk, make sure to visit the library to see these beautiful works in person.

Debbie Center, photographer

Photographer, musician and self-proclaimed Northern Lights addict, Debbie Center will give the program for the Headwaters Center for Lifelong Learning March 21. She will share her photography and paintings and offer tips on photographing the Aurora yourself. HCLL programs are from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the Armory Arts & Events Center, 203 Park Ave. So. The sessions are free and handicapped accessible. Refreshments and treats provided.

Corey Medina & Brothers Concert

Corey Medina and Brothers will bring a night of great music and great times to the Park Rapids Armory & Events Center Thursday, March 23. This local Blues-Rock band has performed many times in the area, and in 2022 released their sophomore studio album SOAK. For those of you who love to come together over live music, this will be the event for you. Tickets can be purchased in advance through the Armory website at parkrapidsarmory.org for $15, or can be purchased at the door for $20.

Northern Light Opera Company auditions

Auditions for the Northern Light Opera Company’s summer production of Little Shop of Horrors will be held the weekend of March 24 and 25 at the Armory Arts & Events Center. Auditions Friday, March 24 will be from 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, March 25 from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. NLOC is fortunate to have directors who understand the level of each individual's skills and know how to encourage and develop these skills to create a production beyond expectations. Every year, audiences express delight and surprise at the quality of the performances. So plan to audition. Learn a new skill, make new friends and create a quality event for our community. Watch for specific audition times on Facebook and NLOC’s website: www.northernlightopera.org.

Forever Simon & Garfunkel

The Heartland Concert Association will bring Forever Simon & Garfunkel to delight an audience of all ages at 7 p.m. Monday, March 27 at the Park rapids Area High School auditorium. Starring award-winning singer-songwriters Sean Altman (founder of Rockapella) and Jack Skuller (Songwriters Hall of Fame Buddy Holly Prize), Forever Simon & Garfunkel celebrates the best-selling duo in rock 'n roll history. With humor, soaring energy, charm and laser-precise harmony, Altman and Skuller lead the audience on a journey through Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel's teenage roots, their early success as a groovy folk act, their global dominance as hit-makers and the best of Paul Simon’s solo career.

Andy Stocker, surviving grief

Speaker for the Headwaters Center for Lifelong Learning program March28 will be Randy Stocker, author of Hugs Help. Stocker lost three family members in a car crash and will present an intimate perspective on surviving grief, while providing practical and proven words, actions and gestures for supporters of people experiencing grief. HCLL programs are from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the Armory Arts & Events Center, 203 Park Ave. So. The sessions are free and handicapped accessible. Refreshments and treats provided.

Kevin Kling Kitchigami Library Tour

Humorist, playwright and author, Kevin Kling is hailed as a Minnesota state treasure. His writing weaves his sense of humor and unique perspective together with the life challenges he has surmounted. Kitchigami Regional Library is sponsoring Minnesota Stories with Kevin Kling, a tour, coming to Park Rapids at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 30 at the Park Rapids Armory Arts and Events Center. Best known for his commentaries on National Public Radio's "All Things Considered" and occasional appearances on Minnesota Public Television's "Almanac," Kevin Kling has performed his inspiring stories and plays in libraries, school gymnasiums, The Kennedy Center, Off-Broadway, regional theaters and storytelling festivals around the US. Spend time with Kevin at this free event as he shares new stories and reads from his books, "The Dog Says How," "Holiday Inn," "Big Little Brother" and "Big Little Mother."

Brita Sailer, what, why and how of recycling

Brita Sailer joins the Headwaters Center for Lifelong Learning April 4 with an upbeat, practical approach to the why, what and how of recycling, with a specific look at Hubbard County. HCLL programs are from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the Armory Arts & Events Center, 203 Park Ave. So. The sessions are free and handicapped accessible. Refreshments and treats provided.

Magic of the Snowy Owl

On April 11, Headwaters Center for Lifelong Learning diverts from its in-person programming to show a PBS documentary on "Magic of the Snowy Owl," with footage of the unique creatures as they breed and attempt to raise their young in the harsh Arctic environment. HCLL programs are from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the Armory Arts & Events Center, 203 Park Ave. So. The sessions are free and handicapped accessible. Refreshments and treats provided.

Terri Smith Author Talk, "CODE 4: True stories from a 37-year police veteran"

Terri Smith has been an organized crime investigator, a narcotics supervisor, a SWAT team member and a homicide investigator. In 1986 Smith was promoted to Special Agent in Charge of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension's Bemidji Regional Office. He supervised all of the agency's work in northern Minnesota, including approximately 450 death investigations. He's an accomplished public speaker and enjoys sharing stories about his days "on the job." Hear him talk at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 13 at the Park Rapids Area Library.

Bluebirds in our Backyard program with Ron Jensen

Ron Jensen, Hubbard County Coordinator for the Bluebird Recovery Program, will be at the Park Rapids Area Library at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 15 to discuss ways to attract and increase bluebird numbers in our area. He will share his knowledge of the special requirements including the best bluebird house designs, how to pick a site for a new house for optimal results, plus cover issues like predators and disease. Be ready to welcome bluebirds into your backyard this spring and summer!

Jerry Mevissen, restoring an old schoolhouse

The Headwaters Center for Lifelong Learning series will end April 18 with local author Jerry Mevissen describing a community-wide effort in Sebeka to restore a century-old schoolhouse to new life. The audience will see a Lakeland TV production shown on Common Ground that will chronicle the restoration, supplemented by Jerry's own involvement in the project. HCLL programs are from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the Armory Arts & Events Center, 203 Park Ave. So. The sessions are free and handicapped accessible. Refreshments and treats provided.

Open Mic Night

An Open Mic Night is planned from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, April 20 at the Armory Arts & Events Center, 203 Park Ave. So. Come to appreciate the talents of the community or take the stage. Admission is free. Call 218-237-3722 or email wolson@parkrapidsarmory.org to sign up for a time slot. Revel Brewing and Wine Not? will serve at a cash beer and wine bar.

Park Rapids Classic Chorale Concerts

The Park Rapids Classic Chorale will present "Life," a concert of life-themed music, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 28 and at 1 p.m. Sunday, April 30 at Riverside United Methodist Church in Park Rapids. The 30-voice chorale, under the direction of Dr. Melanie Hanson, will lead listeners on a journey centering us to our daily beat. The audience will enjoy traditional texts as well as music from famous Minnesota composers, Renee Clausen, "All That Hath Life & Breath Praise Ye the Lord!" as well as "Dawn" composed by Crookston, native Dr. Eric William Barnum, grandson of one of the members of the chorale. The program will be rounded out by the bluegrass toe tapper "I'll Be On My Way" by Shawn Kirchner, pianist/organist/composer-in-residence at the La Verne Church of the Brethren in La Verne, CA. The concert is open to the public with a freewill offering taken at intermission. As always everyone is invited to join the chorale in the social hall for refreshments following the concert. Remember to like us on Facebook @PRClassicChorale.

Park Rapids Area Community Band Spring Concert

The Park Rapids Area Community Band is preparing for a Spring Concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 30 at the Park Rapids High School Auditorium. The concert will highlight various genres of music. "Integrity Fanfare and March" by Julie Giroux is slated to be the opening piece. The native of Massachusetts has become one of the most influential American composers for wind ensembles and symphonic bands. "Integrity Fanfare and March" was originally composed for The United States Air Force Band of Washington, D.C. "Puszta," by Belgian composer Jan Van der Roost, is a collection of four Romani dances. It displays sounds of darkness and light with an eastern European flare.

Other pieces on the program will include "Chorale Prelude on God of Our Fathers" by Claude T. Smith, "The Girl I Left Behind Me" by Leroy Anderson, and "On the Mall" by Edwin Franko Goldman. "On the Mall" will enlist the audience’s singing and whistling skills as it was perhaps Goldman's most requested march. This concert will be no exception in that it will conclude with Sousa's "Stars and Stripes Forever," the national march of the United States.

Liberators & the Holocaust

Arn Kind will present Liberators and The Holocaust at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 9 at the Park Rapids Armory and Events Center. Kind will relate the tragic story of how the Holocaust was perpetrated by the Nazi Party and how a nation of cultured people with a proud heritage were persuaded to allow and even carry out the worst genocide in the history of the world. Most importantly, he will share first-person accounts of American soldiers, including Minnesotans who came across and liberated these camps. For many, this experience changed their lives forever. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Copper Street Brass

Copper Street Brass will close the Heartland Concert Association season when they perform at 7 p.m. Friday, May 12 at the Park Rapids Area High School auditorium. Copper Street Brass is a Minneapolis-based sextet composed of two trumpets, trombone, tuba, French horn and percussion with several members doubling on keyboard, percussion, guitars and electric instruments. Copper Street Brass presents a variety of music in bold innovative ways with a friendly and charming stage presence. "That '70s Show" cleverly features music from the 1770s, 1870s and 1970s from classical and opera, jazz and folk, to rock and disco. Single concert tickets are available for each concert.

Spring Plant Swap

From 3 to 6 p.m. Monday, May 15 bring your seeds, starts, divisions and plants for a fun twist on Trunk or Treat. We will meet in the Park Rapids Area Library parking lot and share with other gardening enthusiasts. This is a no-cost event.

Open Mic Night

An Open Mic Night is planned from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, May 18 at the Armory Arts & Events Center, 203 Park Ave. So. Come to appreciate the talents of the community or take the stage. Admission is free. Call 218-237-3722 or email wolson@parkrapidsarmory.org to sign up for a time slot. Revel Brewing and Wine Not? will serve at a cash beer and wine bar.

Sculpture Trail opening and tour

The City of Park Rapids and Park Rapids Arts and Culture Commission invite the public to the opening and tour of the Park Rapids Sculpture Trail at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 20. The event will start at Red Bridge Park, located at 175-199 Beach Road (east of US Hwy. 71/Park Avenue North, about a block north of the stoplights at the junction of Hwy. 71 and state Hwy. 34). Weather permitting, the tour will end in Downtown Park Rapids. New sculptures installed in May will remain in place for a year. The artists whose works are selected are invited to provide information on their works as part of the tour.