Happenings around the Perham area, May 18-28

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.

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.

Vergas Trail Plan Open House: The cities of Frazee and Vergas are in the midst of finalizing plans for several new trails in the area. An open house is set for 6-8 p.m. tonight at the Vergas Event Center, to review plans for connecting Frazee to Wannigan Park by trail; an update on the status of Wannigan Park planning and development; plans for connecting Vergas to the Heartland Trail at Frazee and the Heart of the Lakes Trail — and an opportunity for the public to provide input on all of the above. Presentations will take place at 6:15 and 7:15 p.m. For more information, please contact Patrick Hollister at patrick.hollister@claycountymn.gov or 218-329-1809.

Quilters: The England Prairie Pioneer Club will host a free performance of the Perpich Arts High School theatrical presentation "Quilters," from 2 to 4 p.m. at the England Prairie grounds, 14229 County Road 1, Verndale. The performance is being held outdoors, so bring your own lawn chairs and/or blankets for seating. "Quilters" tells the story of a pioneer woman, Sarah, and her seven daughters as they face life in the American frontier, in a musical format. Open to the public, though the subject matter is recommended for age 12 and older.

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 .

Pancake Supper: The England Prairie Pioneer Club will host a pancake supper fundraiser from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the England Prairie grounds, 14229 County Road 1, Verndale. The menu will include "Phyllis's famous pancakes" along wiht sausage links, eggs, hash browns, applesauce and a beverage. Cost is $10 per plate ($5 for kids under age 12). There will also be a bake sale held during the fundraiser. Both sit down and take out dining options available.

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.

Household Hazardous Waste Pickup: Wadena County Solid Waste will host a household hazardous waste pickup day in Menahga from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the Menahga Fire Hall, 115 2nd Ste NE; and in Sebeka from 12 to 2:30 p.m. on the northwest corner of West Minnesota Street and U.S. Highway 71 (the Rife Chevrolet building). Safe disposal at no charge for paint, stain and varnish; oil and oil filters; garden pesticides and herbicides; rechargeable and lithium batteries; household aerosol and cleaners; devices containing mercury, and safely contained sharps. No light bulbs, tires or electronics allowed. A full list of acceptable items is available on the Wadena County website .

Industrial Finishing Services Tour: Join Elevate OTC at Industrial Finishing Services, 710 1st St., Perham, for an exclusive "Nosey Neighbor" tour of this state-of-the-art facility from 3 to 4:30 p.m. This local expert in custom coatings and finishing services for motorcycles and heavy equipment takes raw materials and transforms them into high-quality, durable finishes that not only protect, but also enhance the appearance of products. The tour is free, but tour size is limited, so sign up by calling 218-346-3975 or via the website at elevateotc.org/events .

Frazee Trail Plan Open House: The cities of Frazee and Vergas are in the midst of finalizing plans for several new trails in the area. An open house is set for 6-8 p.m. tonight at the Frazee Event Center, to review plans for connecting Frazee to Wannigan Park by trail; an update on the status of Wannigan Park planning and development; plans for connecting Vergas to the Heartland Trail at Frazee and the Heart of the Lakes Trail — and an opportunity for the public to provide input on all of the above. Presentations will take place at 6:15 and 7:15 p.m.; a free, light supper will also be served, courtesy of the Frazee Community Development Corporation. For more information, please contact Patrick Hollister at patrick.hollister@claycountymn.gov or 218-329-1809.

Perham Walking Tour: The History Museum of East Otter Tail County in coordination with the Otter Tail County Historical Society is offering a tour of historic downtown Perham, starting at 6:30 p.m. Meet at NP Park. A walk through Perham’s downtown district reveals a treasure trove of historic buildings. Intricate brickwork, Commercial Italianate and Art Deco stylings, and odd symbols adorn many of these structures. During the tour you will discover who constructed these buildings, what they were used for and the stories behind them. For more information contact the Otter Tail County Historical Society at 218-736-6038, visit the website www.otchs.org or find them on Facebook .

Elevating Voices: The Elevating Voices Memory Loss Chorus will hold its first rehearsal at Crosspoint Alliance Church, 600 NE 8th St., Perham, from 2 to 4 p.m. Elevating Voices is a unique choral experience created for those with memory loss, volunteers, and/or care partners. Rehearsals will be two hours in length once a week for eight weeks, at the same time and location. Sign up by phone at 218-34-1974, email Mindi Larson at mindi.larson@perhamhealth.org , or online at elevateotc.org/elevating-voices . This program is a collaboration between Elevate OTC and Perham Center for the Arts.

Coffee Talk: A free "coffee talk" featuring Celeste Kostohryz, MPT, owner of The Holistic Maternal, will be held at the Perham Area Community Center from 10 to 11 a.m. Kostohryz will explore the idea of being grounded and connected to yourself in our busy, often electronics-filled world. You will get a chance to try some simple ways to slow down and stay connected to “you” even when the world around you gets crazy. And you will leave with some simple strategies to incorporate into your day. Plus, enjoy a cup of coffee from Gathering Grounds Perham! Open to the public.

Jacket Manufacturing Tour: Join Elevate OTC at Perham High School from 12:30 to 2 p.m. for a free "Nosey Neighbor" tour of Jacket Manufacturing, the high school's innovative, student-run business. During the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to see firsthand how Perham students manage the entire manufacturing process, from scheduling and ordering to production and quality control. You’ll also get an inside look at its state-of-the-art facility, which includes cutting-edge equipment and technology. Meet in the main entrance of Perham High School, Door No. 1. This tour is free, but an RSVP is requested via the Elevate OTC website, elevateotc.org/events .

CPR and First Aid Course: There will be a free CPR and First Aid Course for community members who are interested in learning the basics, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Perham EMS Training Center, 525 West Main Street, Perham. Email lakescountryedu@gmail.com to register.

Scholarship and Awards Night: Perham-Dent High School will hold its 2023 Scholarship and Awards Night for graduating seniors starting at 6:30 p.m. in The Hive.

Perham-Dent Graduation: The commencement ceremonies for Perham-Dent High School's Class of 2023 will get underway at 7 p.m. in The Hive. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Osage Sportsman's Club Range Grand Re-Opening: The Osage Sportsmans Club Range, located at 25315 County Road 48, Osage, will host a grand re-opening celebration from 1 to 4 p.m. Come see the new range and enjoy coffee and cake as we celebrate our new berms, the new pistol range, the updated trap range and our new archery area. Information about ongoing events, trap shooting and upcoming events, such as Lady’s Day, The Outdoor Show (previously the Gun & Knife Show), and Rifle Sight-In will be available. Raffle tickets will be sold for the drawing that will be held at the end of the Outdoor Show. No entry fee; families are welcome. For more information contact Tom Wettels, 218-252-1130, or Jim Hartig, 218-252-9430.

Live Music: The Cropdusters will perform at the Salty Pickle Bar and Grill's grand opening celebration starting at 6 p.m.; Two Piece Legacy will perform for "Sunday Fun Day" on the deck of Big Pine Lodge at 5 p.m. (weather permitting); Kyle Colby performs at Disgruntled Brewing, 3 p.m.

Memorial Day Breakfast and Program: VFW Post 4020 and its Auxiliary will host a Memorial Day breakfast and program at the In Their Own Words (ITOW) Museum, 805 West Main, Perham. A breakfast of pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee will be served by the VFW Auxiliary from 8 a.m. to noon, with admission as a free will donation. There will be a program at 10:15 a.m., and a silent auction benefiting area veterans will take place concurrently.

St. John's Rummage Sale: St. John's Lutheran Church of Vergas will host a rummage sale on Friday and Saturday, May 19-20.Hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, May 19, and 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturday, May 20. There will be Donuts by Kathy for sale as well as new items from the former Attic Shop. Open to all.

Fair Hills Pickleball Tournament and Clinics: The first-ever Fair Hills Pickleball Tournament will take place on Friday and Saturday, May 27-28 at Fair Hills Resort, 24270 County Highway 20, Detroit Lakes. There will also be breakout clinics hosted by professional pickleballers, Paul Murray and Paul Huch. Cost is $119 per player for Fair Hills guests, or $139 for visiting players, which includes entry into the tournament as well as the clinics. Weekend specials are available at Fair Hills Resort. Call 218-847-7638 or 800-323-2849 for more information, or send an email to info@fairhillsresort.com .

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.