Who says there’s nothing to do in Borderland?
Following a fun-filled summer that offered fairs, Fourth of July celebrations, expanded Pulling for Peace events and a concert — just to name a few of the offerings — the next weekends leading up to the start of the school year will be fast-paced and action-packed.
Starting today is the colorful Ranier Summer Festival — where else can you participate in a dog parade, view vintage Rainy Lake Boats, take a sail boat ride and tour a historic boat museum all in one day within a few yards of the heart of downtown Ranier?
Also today is the fun and fund raising Relay for Life, which starts at noon at Smokey Bear Park. Funds raised for the event are given back to the local fight against cancer. The event closes with a ceremony at 9:30 p.m. that day.
On Sunday is the 1 p.m. butterfly release in the garden area of the AmericInn and Lenard’s. At the heart of this emotional and beautiful event is the release of monarch butterflies, symbolizing the loss of loved ones, which benefits North Star Hospice.
The next weekend kicks off Aug. 18 with the ever popular North American Sturgeon Championships, which draws many boats and people to Nelson Park in Birchdale. The catch-and-release event not only rewards the angler catching the longest sturgeon, but also helps to maintain the Birchdale Community Building, which offers a venue for many activities throughout the year.
The next day, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Aug. 19, is the annual Rainy Lake Sportfishing Club’s Back to School Fishing Derby, when youngsters get a chance to have some fun with family and friends at the club’s Rod Smith Memorial Kids Fishing Pond off County Road 93.
Also that day is the Rainy River Riders Saddle Club show, starting at 10:30 a.m. at the arena on Highway 332. Riders will show off their skills and the public is invited to watch.
Of course that brings us to the next August weekend event — Minnesota’s premier smallmouth bass competition, the International Falls Bass Championship. There more than just fish involved at this Aug. 23-25 event.
Clearly, there’s plenty to do and something for everyone in the summer months in Borderland. Let’s have some more fun before the summer is over.
