Happenings around the Perham area, May 4-14

CThe Perham Focus accepts community calendar items for publication online and in our Thursday print edition, space permitting. Submissions must be made at least a week in advance of the event date, in writing, to either editor@perhamfocus.com or vgerdes@dlnewspapers.com .

Each submission must include the date, time and location of event, whether it is recurring or a one-time happening, 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.

National Day of Prayer: Come to NP Park in Perham from noon to 1 p.m. and engage in prayers, enjoy live music and feast on complimentary hot dogs. Sponsored by the Perham Ministerial Association. All are invited and encouraged to bring a friend!

Rachael Ianiro: Detroit Lakes singer-songwriter Rachael Ianiro performs live at The Salty Pickle Bar and Grill (formerly PlayTime Sports Bar) from 8-11 p.m. Come enjoy some Cinco de Mayo fun!

Sonora Winds Concert: The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center's Spring Concert Series wraps up with Sonora Winds live in concert! Join us in our intimate listening-room-style gallery space at 7:30 p.m. for live woodwind chamber music. The Sonora Winds trio is based in the Twin Cities. This concert will feature Latin American and American classical music, including the premiere of a newly written composition inspired by nature and the culture of Minnesota, "L’Etoile du Nord." Tickets are $10 for adults, free for students (thanks to grant support), and may be purchased via the Cultural Center's website, kulcher.org , or by calling 218-385-3339. Doors open at 7 p.m. Light refreshments will be available.

Print + Play Day: The Otter Cove Children's Museum and Kaddatz Galleries in Fergus Falls are collaborating to host National Printmaking Day. Swing by either site between 1-3 p.m. to enjoy free play and printmaking activities for kids and families. Activities will include tissue paper painting, urban print-making, as well as monoprint bookmarks and OTC Precious Plastics figures and sensory play bin activities. There will be popcorn and lemonade served along with prize drawings for the kids (need not be present to win).

Kentucky Derby Party: Perham's Big Pine Lodge will host a Kentucky Derby Party, starting at 4 p.m. Enjoy a mint julep or Cinco de Derby cocktail before the pre-race livestream gets underway at 6 p.m. The race itself is scheduled for 7 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for the best-dressed derby viewers (including the best hat).

Perham High School Prom:

Perham Area Job Fair: Perham area businesses are joining forces to host a job fair at the GrandStay Hotel and Suites, 231 Market Drive, Perham, from 2 to 6 p.m. This event will host lakes area employers of all types, seeking both permanent and seasonal employees! If you are an employer interested in participating in the job fair, please email Michaela at michaela@jljmanagement.com . Participation is free, and the event is open to the public.

Arn Kind History Presentation: Historian Arn Kind is back with another historical experience, “Liberators & The Holocaust," which will be presented by the Kitchigami Regional Library System at noon in the Wadena VFW, and again at 6 p.m. in the Pine River American Legion. Through first-person narratives you will experience what American soldiers, including Minnesotans, witnessed as they came upon and liberated the prisoners in the Nazi concentration camps in the waning days of World War II. This program is being presented free of charge, thanks to funding provided through the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008, which dedicated funding to preserve Minnesota’s arts and cultural heritage. For more information visit the website at krls.org .

Financial Workshop-529 Plans: Thrivent Financial's Nathan Woodard will offer a workshop on 529 plans from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Frazee High School Media Center (enter Door 1). 529 plans are designed to help prepare for future college costs by offering tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals when funds are used toward qualified higher education expenses. This informational workshop will be offered with no obligations or solicitations and is open to all. To register, call 218-334-3181, Option 3 or sign up online at elevateotc.org/events .

Coffee Talk-Acupuncture: Come to the Perham Area Community Center at 10 a.m. for a free "Coffee Talk" about Acupuncture with Perham Health's Rob Reed. He'll take us on a journey of acupuncture sharing the history and theory behind it, conditions that can be treated, and why it all works. He'll also make sure all of our prickling questions are answered. Plus, enjoy a cup of coffee from Perham's own Gathering Grounds. Free and open to the public.

Defensive Driving Class: A 4-hour refresher, in-person Defensive Driving Class will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Frazee High School Media Center (enter door 16). Cost is $20. To register please call Denise Lillis at 218-346-3336.

Elevate Exploratory-Self Defense 101: Come to the Perham Area Community Center at 6 p.m. for a Self Defense 101 seminar hosted by Elevate OTC. This two-hour course is a beginner-friendly introduction to basic self-defense, focusing initially on developing the proper mindset and followed by an introduction to basic techniques designed to take advantage of body mechanics, rather than strength, to maximize effectiveness. Regardless of your level of physical fitness and training, during this seminar, you will learn simple techniques that will increase your confidence in your ability to navigate a variety of situations that occur on a daily basis. Cost of this seminar is $25; class size is limited, so sign up today at elevateotc.org/events .

Art for Lunch: Come to the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center at 12 p.m. for a lunchtime art workshop on paper quilling with artist and Cultural Center Artistic Director Cheryl Bannes. Admission is $5, to cover the cost of materials. Bring your own lunch and enjoy a beverage on the Cultural Center.

Red River Valley Veterans Concert Band: Come and help the members of the Red River Valley Veterans Concert Band salute the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much for their country, with an 8:15 p.m. performance at the Perham Center for the Arts. The Red River Valley Veterans Concert Band is a volunteer ensemble that is composed of veterans or family members who share their talents to help foster patriotism through music, with free concerts throughout the area. All are welcome to celebrate an evening of music, allegiance and fellowship as we honor our military and it veterans. Refreshments will be provided and donations are appreciated.

Live Music-Darren Quam: Musiciain Darren Quam performs live at the Salty Pickle Bar and Grill in Perham from 8 to 11 p.m. Open to the public.

BookEnds Live: The Wadena County HIstorical Society's monthly BookEnds presentation for May will feature a live performance by actor and author Nicole Kronzer at the Wadena Depot, starting at 11:30 a.m. Formerly a professional actor, Nicole Kronzer is also a high school English teacher. She loves to knit and run (usually not at the same time). She lives with her family in Minneapolis. Kronzer's "The Roof Over Our Heads" is a young adult novel about a family who puts on an immersive, interactive play to save their historical home. BookEnds is a monthly literary event connecting readers and writers. Now in its sixth season, it is held each month on the second Saturday at 11:30 a.m. and hosted by the Wadena County Historical Society and Travelin’ Storyseller in collaboration with the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center. Recordings of past BookEnds events are available on the website at wadenacountyhistory.org/bookends .

Men's Softball: The Sons of Pitch's will host a 16-team softball tournament at Arvig Park in Perham on May 12-13. Come out and enjoy watching teams from all over the area compete at this two-day event.

Library Storytimes: The Perham Area Public Library hosts preschool storytime every Tuesday at 10:15 a.m. Toddler Storytime with Becky is held periodically on Monday evenings at 6 p.m. Visit perhamlibrary.org or call 218-346-4892 for more information.

Baby and Toddler Storytime: The Fergus Falls Public Library will host storytime for babies and toddlers on both Tuesday and Wednesday, April 11-12, from 9:30 to 10 a.m. Talk, sing, read, and play together in a format perfect for little ones! Help develop your child’s early literacy skills through songs, stories, nursery rhymes, and fun movement activities. Each session includes interactive playtime. Registration is not required.

Trivia Night: Thousand Lakes Brewing Co. in Parkers Prairie will host a Trivia Night every Thursday, with happy hour from 5 to 7 p.m. and trivia rounds starting at 6 p.m. Prizes will be awarded to the top two teams.

Homeschool Hangouts: All area home-schooled students are invited to the Otter Cove Children's Museum, 105 W. Lincoln Ave., Fergus Falls, from 9 a.m. to noon every Friday, for a "Homeschool Hangout" event. For more information call 218-998-5437 or email ottercoveff@gmail.com .

Sit-n-Stitch: A weekly gathering of fiber artists takes place from 5 to 7 p.m., every Thursday at the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center. Free and open to all who are interested in learning about fiber arts, or enhancing their knowledge. All ages and experience levels welcome.

Baby Bin: Come look through the baby bin at Crosspoint Alliance Church, 600 8th St. NE, Perham, on the first Tuesday of every month from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. All WIC participants receive one pack of diapers and wet wipes. Everyone may look through our children's clothing, sizes 0-10.

Quilting: The Calvary Cut-Ups quilting group meets from 9 a.m. to noon on Thursdays at Calvary Lutheran Church in Perham. Questions? Contact Brenda Halvorson at 320-493-0802.

Progressive Bingo: Every Tuesday, 6-7 p.m., Thumper Pond, Ottertail.

Tuesday Trivia Night: Billy's Corner Bar & Grill in Vergas will be offering Trivia Night every Tuesday at 7 p.m. Open to the public.

Perham Networking Opportunity: The Nest in Perham will host a one-hour free business networking opportunity on the first Wednesday of every month, starting at 8:15 a.m. Personal introductions, sharing of upcoming events and projects, and a focus presentation. Coffee will be provided by the focus topic presenter.

Mah Jongg at Calvary Lutheran: Men and women are welcome and play Mah Jongg at Perham's Calvary Lutheran Church on Thursdays at 12:30 p.m. in the library. No prior experience necessary, as experienced players will teach the game to newcomers.

Old Time Photographs: Stop by the History Museum of East Otter Tail County, at 230 First Ave. North in Perham, and take a trip down memory lane. The museum would like the public's help identifying old photos. Hours are 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, and 9 a.m.-12 p.m. on Saturdays. Call 218-346-7676 for more information.