Happenings around the lakes area, March 27-April 7

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

Paints and Pints: Come to Bucks Mill Brewing in downtown Detroit Lakes at 6 p.m. for a night of "Paints and Pints" with artists from The Traveling Art Pub. "TAP" into your creativity with a night of guided painting and bring home your very own 16x20-inch acrylic-on-canvas painting of "Pink Poppies." Check-in starts at 5:45 p.m. Cost is $43.50; class is intended for those age 16 and up. Though there is no reserved seating, tickets should be purchased in advance (a $5 fee will be added to the cost if purchased at the door). Sign up online at thetravelingartpub.com.

Last Supper Drama: Trinity Lutheran Church in Detroit Lakes will be hosting a 6:30 p.m. presentation of the drama, "The Last Supper," which brings to life the story of the night before the betrayal and crucifixion of Jesus Christ, as illustrated in artist Leonardo da Vinci's painting of the same name. Come observe Maundy Thursday with the Trinity congregation and experience this one-night-only presentation, which depicts the events of that long-ago night through the perspectives of each of Jesus's 12 disciples. Free and open to the public. The church is located at 1401 Madison Ave.

Taylor Swift Night: Are you ready for it? The Holiday Inn Beach Bar in Detroit Lakes will host a party for all Taylor Swift fans, complete with T-Swift-themed cocktails and karaoke, best Taylor-themed outfit contest, friendship bracelet exchange and more, starting at 9 p.m. Open to the public.

Eagles Karaoke Contest: Eagles Aerie 2342 will host its final karaoke contest qualifier from 7-10 p.m. at the Eagles Club, 112 Holmes St. West, Detroit Lakes. Three singers will be selected to advance to the finals on April 5, with the winner earning tickets to see Brantley Gilbert at Scheels Arena in Fargo on April 26. Open to the public.

Live Music: Troubadour at Shooting Star Casino's Mustang Lounge in Mahnomen, 8 p.m.-12:30 a.m.

Summit Avenue Family Day: The Detroit Lakes Community and Cultural Center and Becker County Museum are joining forces to offer a full slate of activities from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Families (i.e., all family members living under the same roof) can gain full access to both facilities for the day, through one $50 Summit Avenue Family Day Pass, available for purchase at the front desk of either the center or the museum upon your arrival.

Princess Storytime: The Detroit Lakes Public Library will host a special "Princess Storytime" at 10:30 a.m. with Whitney McClain, a Concordia College alum and current staff member who is the reigning Miss Red Pine and a competitor for the title of Miss Minnesota 2024. McClain will visit the library to share her message encouraging young children to know that they are not alone and they will always be enough. She will also share her favorite picture books and lead a craft activity on feelings. Children age 3 and up are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite hero or princess. Free and open to the public. Call 218-847-2168 for more information.

Steel Pour Resin Workshop: Midwest Welding and Drive will be hosting a steel pour resin workshop at the Becker County Museum, 714 Summit Ave., Detroit Lakes, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Area residents age 12 and up are invited to come try their hand at pouring multi-colored resins into a steel frame to create their own one-of-a-kind art piece. All supplies provided as part of the class fee; sign up with a direct message to Midwest Welding via their Facebook page. Finished pieces will be available for pickup at the museum during regular hours, after a 24-hour curing period. The museum is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Live Music: Troubadour at Shooting Star Casino's Mustang Lounge in Mahnomen, 8 p.m.-12:30 a.m.; Mike Hokanson at Zorbaz in Detroit Lakes, 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

HAPPY EASTER!

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.

Everyday Hero Award Submissions Deadline: Today is the last day to submit nominations for the United Way of Becker County's 2024 Everyday Hero Awards, which honor area residents who work behind the scenes to make Becker County a better place to live. Submissions are open in the Adult Everyday Hero, Youth (Ages 6-18) Everyday Hero, and Bob and Michelle Harris Memorial Award categories. All nominees must live in Becker County. Completed forms may be mailed, faxed or emailed, but must be received by end of day April 1. The awards ceremony will take place April 25 at the Detroit Lakes Holiday Inn. Visit uwbcmn.org/living-united.html for more information, including downloadable submission forms.

Think-Off Essay Deadline: Today is the deadline for essay submissions to be considered for this year's Great American Think-Off, sponsored by the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center. Submissions must answer this year's essay question, "Is freedom of speech worth the cost?" Finalists will be announced May 1; they will be invited to participate in the Think-Off Debate, held Saturday, June 8, at the New York Mills Public School Auditorium. Essays of up to 750 words may be submitted by email at info@think-off.org, or by USPS mail to: Cultural Center, Attn: Think-Off, P.O. Box 246, New York Mills Mn 56567, but must be received by end of day April 1. Visit kulcher.org/think-off for details.

Lake Park Coffee Chat: Come to the Lake Park Historical Society Museum (2045 2nd St.) at 1 p.m. to enjoy some coffee and treats provided by Eksjo Lutheran Church. Free and open to the public.

Detroit Lakes Job Fair: The 25th Annual Detroit Lakes Job Fair will take place at Minnesota State Community and Technical College from 2-5:30 p.m. More than 50 area employers are expected to be on hand for the event, and there will also be free tax preparation available. Open to all area job seekers.

Writers Group: Writers and prospective writers seeking encouragement, feedback and collaboration are welcome to join the Detroit Lakes Public Library's Writers' Group, which meets at the library at 3 p.m. If you have any questions, send an email to detroit@larl.org or call 218-847-2168.

Red Cross Blood Drive: Grace Lutheran Church in Detroit Lakes will host a blood drive for the American Red Cross from 12-5:30 p.m. in the church fellowship hall at 213 Roosevelt Ave. To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Charitable Pint Night-Friends of Tamarac: Bucks Mill Brewing in downtown Detroit Lakes will be hosting a Charitable Pint Night for the Friends of Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge from 5-8 p.m. A portion of the proceeds from each pint sold will be donated to the Friends' outdoor education program at Tamarac.

After Hours Book Club: The Detroit Lakes Public Library's After Hours Book Club will meet at Buck Mills Brewing, 824 Washington Ave., starting at 7 p.m. The group will discuss "A Psalm for the Wild-Built," by Becky Chambers, which follows a tea monk and a robot as they try to answer the question "What do people need?" All are welcome, even if you haven't read the book. If you have any questions, feel free to send an email to detroit@larl.org or call 218-847-2168.

Chamber Economic Development Summit: The Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its 2024 Economic Development Summit from 9 a.m. to noon in the Midwest Bank Ballroom at the Histor Holmes Theatre (806 Summit Ave.). The event will feature presentations by local leaders, new businesses and local economic news as well as the Minnesota Chamber’s Director of Economic Development and Research, Sean O’Neil. Cost is $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Contact the Chamber at 218-847-9202 or sign up online at visitdetroitlakes.com to reserve your spot.

Detroit Lakes Craft Beer Tour: Kent Freeman Arena at 1306 Rossman Ave. will be hosting the annual Detroit Lakes Craft Beer Tour from 5-9 p.m. Enjoy unlimited 2-ounce samples of some of the finest craft beer, hard cider and malt beverage selections to be found in the lakes area. The first hour of the event is for VIP ticket holders only, followed by a three-hour, general admission tasting. Must be age 21 and have a valid ID to enter, and there are no pets or children allowed; no exceptions to any of the above. Advance tickets are available online at craftbeertours.com, which is also where you can find a detailed description of the event.

'In His Steps' Stage Production: Detroit Lakes' Historic Holmes Theatre will host an inspirational and challenging dramatic presentation of Charles Sheldon's best-selling novel, "In His Steps," as adapted by playwright Philip Grecian and directed by Barry Schoder, starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults or free for kids under age 18, and may be reserved at the Holmes Theatre website, dlccc.org/holmes-theatre.html, by calling 218-844-7469, or in person at the box office, which is open from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. every Tuesday through Friday as well as for two hours before the show. The Holmes Theatre is located at 806 Summit Ave.

'In His Steps' Stage Production: Detroit Lakes' Historic Holmes Theatre will host an inspirational and challenging dramatic presentation of Charles Sheldon's best-selling novel, "In His Steps," as adapted by playwright Philip Grecian and directed by Barry Schoder, starting at 10 a.m. Tickets are $20 for adults or free for kids under age 18, and may be reserved at the Holmes Theatre website, dlccc.org/holmes-theatre.html, by calling 218-844-7469, or in person at the box office, which is open from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. every Tuesday through Friday as well as for two hours before the show. The Holmes Theatre is located at 806 Summit Ave.

Free Morning Matinee: The Odyssey 7 Washington Square Theatres will host a free community screening of the family-friendly animated comedy, "The Croods: A New Age," at 10 a.m. Doors and concessions open at 9:30 a.m. All ages welcome.

Aeromodelers Swap and Show: The halls of Detroit Lakes' Washington Square Mall will be filled with remote-controlled planes, cars, boats and more, in a wide range of colors, models and sizes, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Open to the public.

'Find Your Beat' Book Launch: A book launch party for "Find Your Beat: Walk in the Rhythm of Life" by Detroit Lakes' own Tim Eggebraaten will take place from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. in the Midwest Bank Ballroom at the Historic Holmes Theatre, 806 Summit Ave.

Blackout Poetry: Come to the Detroit Lakes Public Library at 3 p.m. for a "Blackout Poetry" crafting event and learn a fun new hobby! Create a poem and then apply artistic media for a unique creation to take home. Step-by-step instructions and all supplies will be provided. The class is free of charge, but registration is required. Sign up online at larl.org/events or call 218-847-2168.

Live Music: The Decades at Zorbaz in Detroit Lakes, 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

Knights Pancake Breakfast: The Knights of Columbus will be sponsoring a pancake/French toast and sausage breakfast in the Holy Rosary Parish Center, 1043 Lake Ave., Detroit Lakes, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Open to the public.

Burrito Bar Fundraiser: Faith Christian School of Detroit Lakes will be hosting its 2nd Annual Burrito Bar fundraiser from 4-6 p.m. Admission is a free will offering. The church is located at 24688 County Road 6, just south of Detroit Lakes.

Jigsaw Puzzle Competition: The Lakes Trail Blazers Saddle Club will be hosting their 3rd Annual Jigsaw Puzzle Competition fundraiser in the lower level of VFW Post 1676, 500 Washington Ave., Detroit Lakes, starting at noon. Must pre-register by April 5 to secure your spot. Cost is $45 per team, which can be two or four people. Teams will all be asked to complete a 500-piece puzzle, with cash prizes to the top three fastest teams to finish in both size categories. To sign up please contact Sarah Hudson at 218-234-1022 or send an email to sa.lindenhudson@gmail.com.

Rollag Gospel Trio: The interdenominational Christian Fellowship Church of Detroit Lakes will be hosting a free concert by the Rollag Gospel Trio at 6 p.m. (rescheduled from March 24). These three men, who all live in the Rollag area and attend the same church there, have been spreading the gospel of Jesus through their music in this area for several years. Their blend of three-part harmony is easy to listen to, and the old hymns and country gospel will bring back memories of worship from years gone past. All are welcome to attend.

Grief Support Group: Hospice of the River Valley is offering weekly support group sessions in both Detroit Lakes and Perham, every Wednesday from April 3-May 8. These sessions are for anyone coping with a significant loss through death. Each week will begin with a brief educational session, followed by sharing and listening of stories within the group. All grief support classes offered by Hospice of the Red River Valley are free and open to the public. Registration is required for all classes. For more detailed information about classes, visit bit.ly/griefclassschedule. For questions or to register, call 701-356-1533 or email grief@hrrv.org.

Holmes Art Cellar Open Studio: Come join members of the Holmes Artist Collective at the Art Cellar every Thursday from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Work on a project, start something new, or just come to spend some time with area artists. Various art events will also be scheduled during this time throughout the year; suggestions for activities or other ideas to include are welcome.

Wood Carving Open Studio: Wood carvers of all skill levels are welcome to join the local carving group at the Holmes Art Cellar in Detroit Lakes every Tuesday from 1-3 p.m. Bring wood carvings to show and/or take part in a free woodworking session. Pattern books and other resources available for checkout. No cost to participate.

Grace Cafe: Grace Lutheran Church in Detroit Lakes will be serving lunch every Wednesday from 12-1 p.m. The lunch is open to all in the Detroit Lakes area; admission is a free-will donation. Guests are welcome to stay after the meal to play games or cards.

Grace Food Pantry: Grace Lutheran Church in Detroit Lakes will be operating a food pantry during its regular office hours, 9 a.m.- noon Monday through Friday. Anyone in need can come in and pick up some food. Donations will also be accepted.

Celebrate Recovery: The Celebrate Recovery group meets every Tuesday, 6:30-8 p.m. at Christian Fellowship Church, 28048 Meadow Drive, Detroit Lakes, to take the next steps on the "Road to Recovery: Eight Principles Based on the Beatitudes, Twelve Steps and their Biblical Comparison." Many struggle with alcoholism, divorce, sexual abuse, codependency, domestic violence, drug addiction, food and gambling addictions. Celebrate Recovery is a tried and proven format to help you walk through life's struggles. Men and women meet in a large group format, then break off into smaller discussion groups; men with men, women with women. Come as you are. No cost. We are here to help. Unfortunately, no childcare is available at this time. For more information, check out the website at celebraterecovery.com or call us at 218-234-2496.

Caring Cup Grief Support: The Caring Cup, a gathering of community members who are dealing with the loss of a loved one, will meet at the David-Donehower Funeral Home in Detroit Lakes on the second Wednesday of every month; the Furey Funeral Home in Frazee on every third Wednesday, and West-Kjos Funeral Home in Detroit Lakes on every fourth Wednesday. All meetings take place from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., and offer a relaxed time to face the challenges of life after loss, together. For more information, call Mary Swenson at 218-847-4147.

TOPS Meeting: The local chapter of Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) meets weekly on Thursday mornings at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 1400 Corbett Road, Detroit Lakes. Weigh-in begins at 8:15 a.m., meeting at 9 a.m. Contact Toni Christen at 646-954-4371 for more information. All are welcome. Come visit and see who we are and what we are all about.

Trivia Nights: Lakeside Tavern in Detroit Lakes hosts a Trivia Night every Monday from 7 to 9 p.m. Event takes place in Lakeside Tavern's upstairs space, so seating is limited. Open to the public.

GED/Adult Diploma Instruction: If finishing high school is still on your “to-do” list, it is never too late!! Lakes Area Adult Education is open and ready to help you meet your goals. Orientation sessions for GED or Adult Diploma classes take place twice a month, so get in touch and get started now! Call 218-844-5760 or email slandsem@detlakes.k12.mn.us . Additional Adult Education offerings and associated flyers can always be found at dlschools.net/departments/community-education.

Free ESL Instruction: Free English as a Second Language instruction is offered for adults in the Detroit Lakes Area, every Monday through Thursday (holidays excepted) at Lakes Area Adult Education. The schedule is flexible and individualized. Call 218-844-5760 or email slandsem@detlakes.k12.mn.us for more information. Additional Adult Education offerings and associated flyers can always be found at dlschools.net/departments/community-education.

Minnesota Driver's License Exam Preparation: Detroit Lakes Adult Basic Education offers virtual classes that are designed to help unlicensed adult drivers become familiar with vocabulary, signs and rules of the road so they can successfully pass the written portion of the Minnesota Driver’s License Exam. Call 218-844-5760 or email slandsem@detlakes.k12.mn.us for more information. Additional Adult Education offerings and associated flyers can always be found at dlschools.net/departments/community-education.

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 Preschool Storytime sessions every Thursday, and Family Storytime every Saturday, both at 10:30 a.m. Preschoolers and their caregivers/families 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. 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.

Holy Rosary Al-Anon Meeting: There will be an Al-Anon meeting every Thursday, starting at noon, inside Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 1043 Lake Ave., Detroit Lakes.

Overeaters Anonymous: A 12-step program for those who struggle in their relationship with food, Overeaters Anonymous continues to meet at noon every Tuesday at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Detroit Lakes. There is no charge to attend. Contact Debbie C. at 218-234-3071. Another group also meets on Sunday nights at 6 p.m. via Zoom. This is a change of venue as of Oct. 9. Please call Sharon R. at 1-701-388-7585 or Hailee S. at 1-701-212-7904 for information if you plan to join the Zoom meeting. There is no charge to participate.

Compiled by Vicki Gerdes for the Detroit Lakes Tribune.