Happenings around the Perham area, May 25-June 4

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.

De-stress in the Dirt: Come to the Perham Area Community Center at 6 p.m. for a fun evening of potting plants, courtesy of Jean's The Right Plant Place. For just $15, you can choose from a variety of small pots and plants, or you can upgrade to a larger pot or plant if you see something you like. This event is intended for all ages, but spots are limited, so reserve your spot by signing up via the event calendar on the PACC's Facebook page. Light snacks and refreshments will be offered.

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: Todd Sisson performs in downtown Perham as part of its Memorial Day Weekend celebration, which starts at noon with sidewalk sales.

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

Celebrating Cultures: The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center and Niijii Radio are pleased to present "Celebrating Cultures," a family-friendly community art and cultural exchange event at the New York Mills Sculpture Park and Barn just off Highway 10, from 4 to 7 p.m. This event is free to attend, will include both free and paid activities/products, and is open to all. There will be family-friendly community art activities, artists demonstrating or sharing cultural practices, live dance performances and more. Visit kulcher.org or call the Cultural Center at 218-385-3339 with any questions.

Trail Life USA Fundraiser: Please join us for a good meal anytime between 4:30-7:30 p.m. at Pizza Ranch in Perham. In return, Pizza Ranch will generously donate 10% of the evenings total proceeds to the Minnesota Troop 1977! Donated funds will go towards lesson materials, hard-earned badges and pins, outdoor excursion costs, and uniforms for any child/family who could use a hand with that expense. Want to know more about trail life? Check us out at traillifeusa.com . Can't make it but would still like to donate? Please call ot text Amanda at 218-280-6441.

Perham Sportsman's Club Spring Cleanup: The shooting range at the Perham Sportsman's Club will have its annual spring cleanup starting at 4 p.m. All members and prospective members are welcome to come help with various maintenance and cleanup tasks. Questions? Call Nick at 218-371-7751 or e-mail director@perhamsportsmanclub.com.

Cruise Night at The Cactus: Inviting all classic vehicles and enthusiasts to The Cactus, first Thursday of each summer month! Food and drink specials in the parking lot, browse collector vehicles, chat with fellow auto admirers and have a great time! No cost to participate, no prizes or winners, just for fun!

Expand the Pawprint: Goose Group, Inc., will be donating 100% of the day's proceeds from its coffee shop sales at The Nest, beer sales at Disgruntled Brewing, and popcorn sales at Goose Gang to help expand the Humane Society of Otter Tail County's animal shelter. Perham-area residents are invited to shop local and help support HSOTC.

The Pink Hulk: The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center (24 North Main Ave.) will host a performance of the internationally acclaimed, award-winning solo show, “The Pink Hulk: One Woman’s Journey to Find the Superhero Within,” written and performed by three-time cancer survivor and patient advocate Valerie David, starting at 6 p.m. This performance is approximately one hour, with no intermission, plus a 30-minute post-show talkback/Q and A. The show is recommended for all ages 12 and above. A freewill donation will be collected to support Valerie’s work and the Cultural Center’s artist residency program. Please RSVP to help with set-up planning by calling 218-385-3339 or emailing cheryl@kulcher.org. There will also be donations accepted for the East Otter Tail County Relay for Life, scheduled for July 14 in Perham. For more information, call the Cultural Center at 218-385-3339 or visit the website at kulcher.org .

Safety Saturday in Ottertail: The Ottertail City Fire Department will host an open house at the fire hall (93 Lake Ave.) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be kitchen fire demonstrations at 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m.; a fire hose barrel challenge from 1 to 2 p.m., and food from the Ottertail Business Association, for a free will donation, along with informational booths and a place to sign up for SMART911.

Live Music: Matthew Dauner performs on the deck (weather permitting) at Perham's Big Pine Lodge from 7 to 10 p.m. Open to the public.

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 pets are allowed. Western Pleasure will lead off the event, with Games to start a half hour after Pleasure.

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 (on Pelican Lake). 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 .

Perham Rotary Blood Drive: The Perham Rotary Club will host a two-day community blood drive at Calvary Lutheran Church, Wednesday, May 31 from 2-6 p.m. and Thursday, June 1 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

ASIST Suicide Intervention Workshop: Productive Alternatives of Perham and the Minnesota Department of Health will be offering a free, two-day training workshop in ASIST suicide intervention skills, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on both Thursday and Friday, June 8-9 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Perham. The training is free, but participants must attend the full 16 hours of workshop sessions and be on time both mornings. Workshop is limited to 30 participants; contact Beth Rader at 218-998-2525 or bethnelson@productivemn.org to sign up.

Richville Community Breakfasts: The Richville Community Center will be hosting Sunday morning breakfast from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every third Sunday of the month this summer, starting on June 18. Serving pancakes, French toast or eggs and toast with sausage, orange juice and coffee. Price is $7.50 per plate.

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.