Happenings around the Perham area, April 6-16

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.

Spring Floral Workshop: Perham's Lakeside Event Center (next to the golf course) will host an "Elevate Exploratories" spring floral workshop from 5 to 7 p.m. Participants will design a customized floral centerpiece to bring home with them; class registration fee of $40 per person includes all materials needed for the centerpiece. Sign up at the website, elevateotc.org .

Karaoke Night: The Salty Pickle Bar and Grill will host its first Karaoke Night starting at 8 p.m., featuring MB Karaoke and DJ Services. It is open to the public.

Beats and Brews Bingo: Perham's Disgruntled Brewing will celebrate National Beer Day with an evening of music bingo and brews, starting at 6 p.m. Free to play, with a chance to win some great Grumpy Gear.

Spring Fly Tying Workshop: Front 20 Outfitters of Perham will host a spring fly tying workshop from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Fly Shop, 138 W. Main St., Perham. Free and open to the public; bring your own fly-tying tools, or use those provided by the store.

Perham Easter Egg Hunt: An Easter egg hunt for both kids and adults will be held at the Arvig softball fields in Perham, starting at noon with a visit from the Easter Bunny! Parents will be invited to hunt for eggs starting at 12:15 p.m., with the kids' Easter egg hunt to follow at 1 p.m. Categories will include kids ages 0-2, 3-6, 7-9, and 10-and-up. There will be over 9.000 eggs hidden, and 150-plus prizes given away. Families are asked to bring their own baskets for egg hunting.

Arts and Crafts Fair: The Hoppin' Out of Hibernation Arts and Crafts Fair takes place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Bertha-Hewitt School 2000 Gym, with more than 40 vendors, food and entertainment. Admission is a freewill offering.

NYM Easter Bunny Visit/Egg Hunt: The New York Mills Easter Bunny visit and egg hunt will take place at the Memorial Park Village Green Gazebo from 12 to 2 p.m. Refreshments will be provided, and make sure to take a photo with the Easter Bunny before you leave!

BookEnds Online: The Wadena County Historical Society's Bookends Online Edition welcomes poet Sharon Chmielarz from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Chmielarz was selected as the South Dakota Poet of Merit for 2021. Her poems’ subjects include women, history, family, and the prairie. Simply go to wadenacountyhistory.org to join the live webinar! You can ask questions of the author, share your insights with fellow attendees...all from the comfort of your home! This BookEnds event, like all BookEnds events, will also be available for archived viewing at wadenacountryhistory.org after the live webinar.

Vila Von Ruden 90th Birthday Open House: An open house to celebrate Vila Von Ruden's 90th birthday will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Perham. Stop by and say hi to Vi!

Live Music: Michael Pink performs live at Big Pine Lodge in Perham, starting at 7 p.m. Open to the public.

Nosy Neighbor-Holistic Healing: Come to Holistic Maternal and Michele's Cutting Edge in Dent (38422 State Highway 108) at 3 p.m. for an exclusive look at these two businesses, which will be open to the public for tours, demonstrations, and questions about their offerings. Give yourself the gift of learning about these authentic forms of bodywork and healing.

Home Buying Essentials: Join United Community Bank, Elevate OTC, and New Horizons Realty from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in UCB's Perham branch office (301 W. Main St.) for a discussion that includes topics ranging from how to build your credit score, real estate market conditions, and the home buying process.

Income Taxes and Retirement: Come to the first floor break-out room (enter Door 1) at Perham High School for a free informational session on preparing for retirement, and how that might impact your income taxes, starting at 5:30 p.m. This session will be led by Nathan Woodard of Thrivent Financial. To register, call 218-334-3181 and select Option 3, or sign up online via elevateotc.org .

Coffee Talk: Come to the Perham Area Community Center at 10 a.m. for a one-hour discussion of "Volunteering in Your Community," while enjoying a great cup of coffee from Gathering Grounds. This event is free of charge and is open to the community.

Economic Update: Nathan Woodard of Thrivent Financial will present an informational workshop on financial strategies and decision making, starting at 5:30 p.m. in the Frazee-Vergas High School Media Center (enter Door 1). To register, call 218-334-3181 and select Option 3, or sign up online via elevateotc.org .

Art for Lunch: Come to the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center at noon for a lunchtime class on creating needle felt flowers, led by Cultural Center Artistic Director Cheryl Bannes. Admission is $5, which covers the cost of supplies. Bring your own lunch and enjoy a beverage, courtesy of the Cultural Center.

Chamber Choice Awards: The Perham Area Chamber of Commerce will present its 2023 Chamber Choice Awards at a banquet hosted by The Cactus Event Center in Perham (43521 Fort Thunder Road). Social hour starts at 5:30 p.m., with dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the awards presentation at 7:15 p.m. Tickets are $30 per person, or you can reserve a table for eight people; to sign up, contact the Chamber at 218-346-7710 or chamber@perhamcc.com . Those who wish to attend the awards presentation, but not the dinner, may do so at no cost.

Square Dancing: The Park Rapids Friendly Squares will host a dance from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Century School, 501 Helten Ave., Park Rapids. The caller will be Charley Huhtala. Potluck lunch after the dance. Spectators are welcome. For more information contact Karen at 218-252-3853.

Good Morning Bedlam Concert: Local favorites Good Morning Bedlam will return to the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center for a 7:30 p.m. concert. Based out of Minneapolis, Good Morning Bedlam is made up of Isaak Elker, Victoria Elker, Dawson Redenius, and Kat Seeger. GMB shows are known for their wild energy and stunning harmonies. The band has played at festivals alongside artists such as Shakey Graves, Sam Bush, Jason Isbell, The Infamous Stringdusters, Trampled By Turtles, and others. Adult tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door (members receive a $2 discount); student admission is $5. Tickets can be purchased online at kulcher.org or by phone at 218-385-3339. Doors open at 7 p.m.

Elevate Exploratory-Stained Glass 101: Come to the Gathering Grounds in Perham (134 1st Ave. South) for a 2.5-hour class on stained glass art, starting at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. or 4 p.m. Create your very own aloe succulent suncatcher, using either pre-cut glass pieces or your own design. Learn how to apply copper foil to the glass pieces and solder them together into a finished piece that you can take home with you by the end of class. All supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring your own work gloves if you like so you know they will fit. Cost is $40 per person. Potential hazards include sharp glass, use of lead/tin solder (lead poisoning), skin irritants, and burns from hot soldering irons. Protection equipment is provided, but it is up to the student whether they want to use it. Sign up online via elevateotc.org .

Minnesota Deer Hunters Association EOT Chapter Banquet: The 32nd annual banquet of the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association-East Otter Tail Chapter will take place at The Salty Pickle Bar and Grill from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $50, and include admission to both live and silent auctions, games, food and more. To reserve your seats, purchase tickets at The Salty Pickle, Gene's Sport Shop, or from any MDHA board member. For more information, send an email to eastottertail@mndeerhunters.com .

Polka Dance Party: Come to the Vergas Event Center from 1 to 4 p.m. and enjoy live music from the Chmielewski Fun Time Band. Admission is $10 for adults (age 17 and above) and $5 for kids age 16 and under. Free popcorn from Ditterich Mercantile and a cash bar served by Spanky's Stone Hearth. Sponsored by the Vergas Art Club, with funding from the Vergas Community Club.

"Heavy Metal" Exhibit: A new exhibit at the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center Gallery, "Heavy Metal," will be on display through this Saturday, April 8. The exhibit features sculptors, blacksmiths, and knife makers. Metal artists included in the exhibit are Tim Cassidy, Paul Albright, Timothy Pierce, Barry Tumberg, Jerry Hobbs, Jessica Woods, Wayne Becker and Jamie Virnala. Gallery hours are 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday; it is closed on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays. The gallery is free and open to the public, but private tours can also be arranged by emailing info@kulcher.org or calling 218-385-3339.

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.

The Gathering Fish Decoy Show: The Gathering is the world's largest decoy show, held annually in Perham, and featuring the John Jensen National Fish Decoy Competitions. Carvers come from all across the United States to compete and sell their beautiful works of art. Over 100 vendors will be on site, Saturday, April 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, April 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Whether you are looking for a decoy to use or to hang on the shelf there is something for everyone. Vendors wll also be selling a wide array of sporting collectibles, antiques and much more. Admission is $10 for adults and free for kids age 17 and under.

Outdoor Gear Swap: Roots and Wings Forest School will host an Outdoor Gear Swap from 9 a.m. to noon in the New York Mills Schiool commons. Have outdoor gear/clothes you no longer need? Don’t want the hassle of trying to sell it? At the Outdoor Gear Swap we’ll sell it for you! Gear can be dropped off at the school commons on Friday, April 14 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. or Saturday, April 15 from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Adult and children's gear accepted. For more information, call 218-325-0234 or email Leona Cichy at leona@rwfsmn.org .

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.

AARP Volunteer Tax Program-Perham: The AARP Volunteer Tax Program will be preparing taxes for senior citizens, as well as those with low to moderate income, Wednesdays at the New Creation Church on Coney Street. The Perham site will not be taking appointments and will be walk in only. It will only be open on Wednesdays through the end of the tax season. When arriving at the tax site, bring a photo ID, Social Security card, last year’s tax return and any documents needed to prepare an accurate return. If you are interested in volunteering to answer the telephone, take appointments, assist taxpayers with completing documents, or preparing tax returns, please call the district coordinator, Elizabeth Eidal, at 406-781-5047.

AARP Volunteer Tax Program-Fergus Falls: The AARP Volunteer Tax Program will be open three days a week from Tuesday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., at the Salvation Army on Vernon Avenue in Fergus Falls. Tax preparation is by appointment only. You can make an appointment by calling 218-739-9692, ext. 3, during the regular hours listed above; the phone will not be answered outside those hours. Please do not call the Salvation Army because their personnel will not be able to assist with appointments nor to answer tax questions. When arriving at the tax site, bring a photo ID, Social Security card, last year’s tax return and any documents needed to prepare an accurate return. If you are interested in volunteering to answer the telephone, take appointments, assist taxpayers with completing documents, or preparing tax returns, please call the district coordinator, Elizabeth Eidal, at 406-781-5047.

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.