Happenings around the Perham area, May 11-21

The 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.

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: Musician 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 .

Petals and Prosecco: Luxe Events in Perham will host a Mother's Day weekend "Petals and Prosecco" event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Each $45 ticket includes an opportunity to build your own take-home floral arrangement, courtesy of Kellie Smith Floral (all materials provided), while enjoying a prosecco-based cocktail and light appetizer. Sign up online at luxeeventsmn.com .

Memory Walk: Come to the Perham bike path (which will be lighted) at 7 p.m. and participate in a Memory Walk in honor of Connie Foltz and "all loving mothers past, current and present." There will be a free will offering to support the Connie Foltz Memorial Scholarship.

Foot Care Clinic: Perham Living (735 3rd St. SW) will offer a foot care clinic from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the salon. Each 15-minute appointment will include nail trimming and filing, as well as filing of calluses. Cost is $30 (pay when you arrive). A limited number of spots are available. Sign up online at elevateotc.org/events .

Elevate Exploratory-CrossFit 101: Come to CrossFit Teho in Perham at 3 p.m. for a special Elevate Exploratory event, "CrossFit 101," which is a beginner-friendly session that offers an introduction to the fundamental principles and techniques of CrossFit. Whether you're new to fitness or just starting your CrossFit journey, this class is designed to help you learn the basics and gain confidence in your abilities. Experienced trainers will guide you through a series of exercises and movements, explaining the purpose and benefits of each one. Start with basic weightlifting movements using bodyweight and light weights, and then finish with a cardio piece that can be modified to any skill level. By the end of the class, you'll have a better understanding of what CrossFit is all about and how it can help you achieve your fitness goals. Cost is $20. Register by email at crossfitteho@gmail.com or text/call 218-371-6889. Payment can be taken via phone, or you can Venmo @Becky-Larson-23.

Otter Berry Farm Mixer: Join Kris from Otter Berry Farm at Mills Liquor from 4:30 to 6 p.m. to learn all about growing strawberries and how the fall corn maze is created. Learn about the best berry varieties for Minnesota, how to help them survive the winter months, plus the secrets of how to get a cornfield looking like a maze each fall! Depending on the weather, a bare root strawberry plant will be available for each participant to take home and plant.

Cookbook Club: Join the New York Mills Public Library's new Cookbook Club at 5 p.m. for a gathering that brings together all those who love good food and interesting recipes. Participants are asked to choose a recipe from "The Well Plated Cookbook" to prepare and share with the group. Registration is necessary, as space is limited and there are only 10 spots available. Stop by the library or call 218-346-4892 for more information.

Coffee Talk-Genealogy: Come to the New York Mills Public Library for an informal 10:30 a.m. presentation on "Genealogy and More," and enjoy a cup of fresh-brewed coffee from Farmer's Daughter Rustic Bakery while you listen. Free and open to the public.

Wednesday Workshop: The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center will host a 10:30 a.m. "Wednesday Workshop" on making Glass Mosaic Suncatchers. The workshop will last about 2-3 hours, and will take place in the Center's main floor gallery space. Registration is required. Call 218-385-3339 for more information or to sign up. You can also contact Cheryl Bannes at cheryl@kulcher.org if you have questions or would like to teach a future workshop.

UCB Customer Appreciation Tree Giveaway: United Community Bank will be giving away free trees as part of its customer appreciation event, which runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at its Perham, Frazee and Dent locations. Choose from Red Maple, White Pine and Crabapple.

Free Lunch and Learn: Come to Schoeneberger Funeral Home in Perham at noon for a free lunchtime seminar on planning for your final wishes, and how it might shield your family from unnecessary emotional and financial burdens. Join us for a light meal and learn more about pre-arrangements, veteran benefits, cremation, burials, and more. Please RSVP at 218-346-5175 if planning to attend.

Nosy Neighbor-Walker Lake Fish Hatchery: Elevate OTC and Walker Lake Fish Hatchery in Richville will host a free tour of the hatchery starting at 4 p.m. Operated by the DNR, this seasonal hatchery is responsible for collecting Red River strain walleye eggs, making it one of only two spawn take sites in the state. During the tour, you’ll learn about the hatchery’s history, its critical role in fish management, and the fascinating process of raising and stocking fish. You’ll also get to see the fish up close and even have a chance to feed them! Don’t miss out on this chance to explore one of Minnesota’s hidden gems. Event is free, but RSVP is requested. Sign up online at elevateotc.org/events .

Sportsman's Bingo: The Perham chapter of Ducks Uniimited will host Sportsman's Bingo at Big Pine Lodge, starting at 5:30 p.m. First game starts at 6:30 p.m. DU membership is $20, 10-game bingo packs are available for $50 each. Tickets are available online at m ndu.org , or you can call Tony at 218-671-6338.

EOT Wranglers Open Fun Show: The East Otter Tail Wranglers 4-H Club will host an open, fun horse show starting at 9 a.m. at the EOT County Fairgrounds at 455 4th St. SE, Perham. A 2023 negative Coggins test is required for any horse brought to the show and no dogs are allowed. Western Pleasure will lead off the event, with Games to start a half hour after Pleasure.

Afternoon Tea: Come to Perham's Gathering Grounds at 11 a.m. for a full-service tea including finger sandwiches (vegetarian options available), scones, assorted sweet treats, a bottomless Prosecco cocktail or Italian soda and a table's choice of black, green or herbal teas. Cost is $32 for adults, or $26 for kids under age 12. Reservations required. Call 218-346-7969 or visit gatheringgroundsperham.com for more information.

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.