The 6th Annual Nest Fest at Eagle’s Healing takes place August 24th near Sauk Centre.  This annual event takes place from 10-5 and you’ll find:

• Music
• Veteran Talent Show at 2pm-3pm
• Veteran Made Crafts and Art for sale
• Food
• Vendors
• Silent Auction
• Service Dog Greeting and Demonstrations at 11-11:30 & 1-1:30

Additional Information can be found here on their website. 

A little background about Eagle’s Nest if you aren’t familiar with it:

Eagle’s Nest a non-profit organization committed to meeting the needs of our veterans, service members and their families who suffer from the invisible wounds of war.

The Story of Eagle’s Nest:

A promise to one and a need of many was what created the vision of “Eagle’s Healing Nest”. The “Eagle” represents the past, present and future military strength, independence, pride and honor. The “Nest” is full of meaning such as home, family, brotherhood, safety and security. The “Hands” cradling the nest represents the many that will wrap their support and give services to the veterans and military members to help reintegrate them back to their families and into their communities.

It is the vision and hope to never have those who served in our military to live in darkness but to bring them into the light to soar and fly free. To help restore the honor, dignity, pride and purpose each deserves.

Eagle’s Healing Nest:

310 US Hwy 71 North
Sauk Centre, MN 56378

The 21st annual Como Park Japanese Obon Festival, formerly known as the Japanese Lantern Lighting Festival, takes place this Sunday, August 18th from 3 – 9 pm. Some of the activities include Bonsai, martial arts, Ikebana, singing, dancing, drumming, delicious food, and more.

This is a family-friendly event and tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for kids 3 – 12 and those 65+ (ages 2 and under are free). Note that advanced tickets are only available for purchase until noon on Sunday; after that point, you’ll need to wait in line at the entrance to purchase your tickets.

To skip the parking hassles, hop on the free shuttle from the District Service Center (1930 Como Ave) or download a free Metro Transit pass.

What’s the Festival all about?
The Japanese Obon Festival at Como Park is reminiscent of Japan’s annual Obon holiday, an important cultural and family event. During this holiday it is said that ancestral spirits revisit their families for three days. Many people will return home to pay their respects at grave-sites, and often small paper lanterns are lit and floated down the river to guide ancestor’s spirits.

Where are the lanterns and do they fly in the air?  
The lanterns will be set in the Frog Pond in front of the Conservatory, and in the Japanese Garden pond a little after 8pm. These lanterns float in the water, not in the air.

Can I launch or buy a Lantern?
The Saint Paul-Nagasaki Sister City Committee will be selling Obon Lanterns at their booth location this year – visitors who purchase them are welcome to either take them home OR bring them to the Lily Pond for a Como Volunteer to launch into the Lily Pond any time during the festival.  If a lantern is launched by one of our volunteers, guests will not get them back. Only Como volunteers are permitted to launch lanterns.

What if it rains? 
The festival is held rain or shine!

Visit the website for more information.

On Saturday, September 21st, receive free admission for two people to a select museum as part of the Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day event. There are a number of Minnesota museums participating, including:

• Alexandria: Runestone Museum Foundation
• Bloomington: The Works Museum
• Detroit Lakes: Becker County Museum

• International Falls: Koochiching County Historical Museum/Bronko Nagurski Museum
• Mankato: Blue Earth County Historical Society
• Minneapolis: Minneapolis Institute of Art, The Museum of Russian Art

• Moorhead: Hjemkomst Center (HCSCC)
• St. Paul: Center for Hmong Studies, Hmong Cultural Center of Minnesota, Minnesota History Center, Twin City Model Railroad Museum
• St. Peter: Hillstrom Museum of Art

• Shevlin: Clearwater County Historical Society – The History Center
• Winona: Minnesota Marine Art Museum (MMAM)

Museum Day is a one-day event in which participating museums and cultural institutions across the country provide free entry to anyone presenting a Museum Day ticket. Participants are allowed to download one ticket per email address. The ticket provides free general admission on Saturday, September 21, 2019, for two people.

Celebrate summer with the first annual Summer Block Party at The Shops at West End in St. Louis Park. This FREE event is happening Saturday, 8/17 from 2 – 5 pm.

Activities include:

• Live music
• Food and drinks
• Free henna tattoos
• Free DIY T-shirt station (while supplies last)
• Free VW photo booth bus station
• Free acoustic performance by B-Team from 3:30 – 5 pm
• Family entertainment

Check out the Facebook event page for more information.

Who doesn’t love sweet corn?  One of my favorite summer foods and something I really look forward to.  Kernel Daze at Pahls Market happens to be the perfect event for those that love sweet corn.  Located in Apple Valley Kernel Daze, takes place tomorrow August 17th from 9-3.

No admission but you will find great deals on sweet corn so be prepared for a crowd.  The popular peak season delicious homegrown sweet corn for only $1/dozen!  They will also offer deals on watermelon and veggies.

Additional Information about Kernel Daze: 

We are hosting a vegetable PARTY, hope ya’ll turnip! The best produce sale you’ll find all summer long!

When: Saturday, August 17th 9am to 3pm
Where: Pahl’s Market, 6885 160th Street

Fresh, delicious, homegrown produce at prices so low you won’t believe your eyes!

Enjoy fun for all ages at the 2019 Heritage Days Celebration in Vadnais Heights! Most events take place this weekend (August 17th and 18th), but there are a few events happening tomorrow and Friday. All events take place at Community Park or Vadnais Heights Commons unless otherwise noted.

Events include a bean bag tournament, a Booya feed, children’s games and inflatables, a Grande Parade and Kiddie Parade, live bands, senior picnic, water ball tournament, and more.

Booya is a stew made from chicken, beef, vegetables and seasonings slow cooked in kettles.

Visit their website for a full schedule of events.