Chisago Lakes Chamber
Serving the Chisago Lakes Community
October 2020 Newsletter
Chamber News & Events!
- Chamber Board Meeting - Thursday, October 1st 3:30-5:00pm
- Chamber Luncheon - Thursday, October 8th 11:30am
- Friday Fika - Friday, October 9th 8:30am
- Newsletter Deadline: 25th of every month
- Newsflash Deadline: Every Monday
Note From the Chamber Board
Hello fellow Chamber members!
Happy Fall! I do not know about you, but I have certainly learned to find the joy in the simple things this year. Many of us have been spending more quality time with our families, taking our fur babies for an extra-long walks, throwing a line in the lake hoping for that big catch, spending time in a deer stand hoping to see some action and bring home a big trophy, taking a drive to see the beautiful fall colors… Can you get over the bright oranges, yellows, and reds? It is almost like they are straight out of a Bob Ross painting. That is what I really love about Minnesota and specifically the Chisago Lakes area! We get to observe all the beauty and wonder of all 4 seasons right out of our backdoor. Now, more than ever, I encourage you to take advantage of this Fall season exploring what our amazing community has to offer.
With the uncertainty of the flu season upon us, I hope you can use your free time to reflect on your thoughts and enjoy some quality time outdoors. It is the time of year, in our community, that the beauty of our lakes and trails should not go unnoticed. Some of my best thoughts and ideas come to me when being in tune with the outdoors and enjoying everything Mother Nature and the Chisago Lakes area has to offer.
We are all so fortunate to live in an area that really embraces nature and provides an exquisite backdrop for spending time outdoors. If you have not checked out the extension of the Swedish Immigrant Trail, the Fall Boat Tours of Taylor Falls, Franconia Sculpture Park, Pleasant Valley Apple Orchard or the trails of Ki Chi Saga, I highly recommend you do before we all get couped up inside. Grab a cup of soup or some lunch to go from one of the many delicious restaurants we are lucky to be able to support and make a day of it.
We are all in this together and I look forward to making the best of whatever comes next. As a close nit community, we can achieve anything together. Please reach out to us at the chamber and let us know what we can do to support you or your business. Although we do not network quite like we used to, we are here, and we are ready to send a helping hand in any way we can!
Also, please reach out to us at Empire Insurance Group, for a full insurance review to see if we can help your business or personal needs in any way. We would love an opportunity to save you money while also providing better coverage and exceptional service. We offer a full range of products from over 50 companies that include business insurance, life and health insurance, home, auto and farm insurance. Now more than ever, every penny counts, and we would like to see you achieve your financial goals and we would be honored to protect the things you love most!
I cannot wait to hear your stories of getting out in the community and making the most of the season.
Warmest Regards,
Nikki Vodicka
Chamber Luncheon
Chisago Lakes Chamber Zoom Luncheon
Topic: Chisago County HRA/EDA Grants
Speaker: Nancy Hoffman
It has been some challenging months for many businesses. Some have found new ways to serve their customers/clients, some have done well and for some it has been a struggle to keep their doors open. There is help available in the form of a grant and Nancy will be here to explain what it is and how your business can apply.
Join us on this Zoom Meeting with this link. Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 892 8287 4065 Passcode: SuPfX2
Thursday, Oct 8, 2020, 11:30 AM
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RSVPs are enabled for this event.
Fall Decorating Bundles
The chamber will be decorating the Chisago Lakes for Fall! Delivery date is Friday, October 9th with pick up on Friday, November 6th. If you want your business decorated with a hay bale, a mum, pumpkins, gourds and fall decor, please order by Monday, October 5th.
We are also offering a winter bundle that we'll put out on November 6th. Winter bundles will not be picked up but will be built to decorate throughout the season. All bundles must be prepaid before they will be delivered. The cost is $50 per bundle. Order Your Fall Bundle Here
Halloween on Main Street Scavenger Hunt
HALLOWEEN ON MAIN STREET SCAVENGER HUNT
Friday, October 23rd 4:00pm-6:00pm
This year, the Chamber is offering a different spin on the Trick or Treat on Main Street Event due to the circumstances of COVID-19. There will be a scavenger hunt throughout main street for families to complete. When they finish, they will bring it to the Chamber office where they can receive a bag of treats. Additional activities are still being finalized to help make this a fun night for all.
If your business would like to donate candy, prizes, marketing items or monetary donation for these treat bags please have your item(s) to the Chamber by Monday, October 19th so we have time to assemble 600 bags! All donating businesses will be recognized by being listed on the scavenger hunt sheet.
Ted Talks
The Lies Our Culture Tells Us About What Matters and a Better Way to Live
by David Brooks (Click Here)
TED Talks are “Ideas Worth Spreading.” Inspiration can come from all kinds of places and whether you’re looking for ideas about growth and profitability, leading in a multiple generational workplace, or looking to inspire those around you to work in the same direction, I’m confident that TED Talks are a wonderful tool. Every month we’ll share with you a favorite “Business Building” talk that we hope will inspire and fuel you. Enjoy!
Chisago County HRA/EDA
Chisago County Relief Grant
Small Business Relief Grant Online Application
Nonprofit Relief Grant Online Application
Chisago County HRA/EDA in partnership with our cities have over 2 million dollars in grant relief available for small businesses and non-profit organizations. Your business is encouraged to apply.
We need the required documents to complete the application review process – if you have any questions regarding the required documents please contact us. 651.674.5664. If you are unable to complete an online application please print the correct application and return to the HRA – EDA office. 38871 7th Avenue, North Branch, MN 55056 ChisagoCounty.org
Elevate Builders
Parade of Homes Fall 2020
Thursdays-Sundays, October 1st-4th
Models open 12:00pm-6:00pm
*The Lori 2 Model 4769 381st Trail, North Branch*The Miya 2 Model 6055 Fuller Circle, Wyoming
ElevateBuildersMN.com 651-245-4809 info@elevatebuildersmn.com
Gustaf's On Main Eatery
'Upper Level Boutique'
Saturday, October 3rd 11:00am-3:00pm
Join us in the upper level Gustaf's On Main Eatery for a "mini-mart" of high quality items to shop from. Products will include kitchen items, bags & purses, facial products, personal care, natural cleaning, nails, essential oils plus more. Experts in their product lines will be on hand to help you find the perfect item for you or someone you want to share with. Social distancing will be adhered to and masks requested. The eatery will be open in the lower level from 9:00am-4:00pm.
13045 Lake Blvd, Lindstrom 651-263-0737
Gustaf's Up North Gallery
> ART ON THE BLOCK <
Saturday, October 3rd 10:00am-5:00pm
This is an outdoor arts & crafts fair featuring live music, live art demonstrations, local artisans selling their crafts, and a gallery wide sale. We are looking for vendors, if interested please email gustafsjocelyn@gmail.com.
> ANNUAL FALL FRAMING SALE <
October 1st - October 31st
Get 25% OFF completed framing projects! Appointments are required, please sign up for an appointment on our website. Discount only applies to the materials used.
13025 Lake Blvd, Lindstrom 651-257-1821 GustafsUpNorthGallery.com
Pleasant Valley Orchard
Weekends at the Orchard!
What a great way to enjoy our beautiful Minnesota Fall Season.
17325 Pleasant Valley Road, Shafer
651-257-9159 PleasantValleyOrchard.com
- Food Trailer: What’s a trip to the orchard without apple cider donuts? You’ll find us making and serving apple cider donuts and brats to-go in our food trailer.
- Hayrides to the Pumpkin Patch: Take a hayride to the pumpkin patch and pick-your-own pumpkin on weekends through Halloween. Hayride tickets are $4 per person, under 3 free.
- Music at the Orchard: Look forward to Saturday and Sunday afternoons of live music at the orchard. Groups will feature classic, blue grass, old-time, gospel and country. 1:00pm-4:00pm October 3rd 'Joey Stephens' October 4th 'Tangled Web'
Wild Mountain
Saturday, October 3rd & Sunday, October 4th
Sell your used equipment, and buy new and used equipment. Ski Swap Details You’ll find great deals on used equipment, plus new equipment from Pinewski’s Ski & Board Shop. Proceeds support the fine work done by the Wild Mountain Ski Patrol
> 14 Days for Fall Savings <
Cold days are on the way, and there’s no better way to enjoy winter than with a season pass. You’ll get access to ski and ride throughout the winter while enjoying some much needed elbow room.
- We've got your back with our 100-Day Pledge. We promise we’ll deliver 100 days of skiing or riding or we’ll offer a credit on your 2020/21 season passes.
- We are also taking our dining experience to a new level. This year we are debuting Base Camp - a 2,400 sq. ft. heated tent inspired by European beer gardens.
- Best of all, we’ve unveiled new products like the Night Pass and X3 Card to ensure everyone can access the slopes.
37200 Wild Mtn Rd, Taylors Falls WildMountain.com 651-465-6365.
Picket Fence Gals
Picket Fence Gals Sale October 7th-11th
Wednesday 3:00-7:00pm
Thursday-Saturday 10:00am-5:00pm
Sunday 11:00am-4:00pm
We are fully open with new hours! We are excited to have our customers back! Please know that the health and safety of our customers is our #1 concern, therefore we have the following guidelines.
> One entrance-one exit
> Indoor and outdoor registers each day, weather permitting
> Must wear a mask in buildings, and masks are strongly suggested in the yard
> Social distancing
> Hand washing machine available at exit. Hand sanitizer at all checkouts
13075 Lake Blvd, Lindstrom PicketFenceGals.net
Franconia Sculpture Park
FRANCONIA SCULPTURE PARK
29836 St. Croix Trail, Shafer
651-257-6668 Franconia.org
Franconia Sculpture Park's grounds are now open from 8am to 8pm, daily. A chain has been installed at the parking lot entrance and it will be locked during our closed hours. Please make sure to plan your visit accordingly! Franconia Sculpture Park is committed to remaining open as an oasis for our visitors during this difficult time. In an effort to maintain social distancing guidelines we’re asking our patrons to wear masks and pre-register for all 2020 events. Thank you for your cooperation! Register Here
'Franconia Art & Farmers Market' - Sunday, October 4th 10:00am-2:00pm
Local farmers and artists will come together to provide a variety of fresh produce and handmade crafts to our nearly 150,000 annual visitors. Each event is a fun way for people to connect directly with the local farmers and artists in the St. Croix River Valley. If you're interested in learning more about our vendors or in becoming a vendor please visit Here
'Virtual Dinner & Discussion'' - Tuesday, October 6th 6:00pm-7:30pm
Franconia's longstanding "Dinner & Discussion" lecture series invites the community to engage with visiting artists in a fun and informal setting. Artists give a one-hour presentation, followed by dinner and a community dialogue about the work. Visiting Artist, Alberto Aguilar will be discussing his current work at Franconia Sculpture Park.
Franconia Sculpture Park’s Inaugural Octoberfest - Saturday, October 17th 3:00pm-10:00pm
Our inaugural Octoberfest is a unique opportunity for visitors to sample food and beverages from local restaurants and breweries, all within the unique setting of Franconia’s 43-acre outdoor museum. Attendees can visit different stations located throughout the park to taste local beers and sausages (francs), and even purchase handmade ceramics created by renowned St. Croix River Valley artists to drink from (steins). There will be a wide variety of family-friendly—and dog-friendly—art activities throughout the day! Free event, parking $5
Select food and beverages will be available for purchase directly from vendors at locations throughout the park. Full list of vendors to be announced shortly.
Schedule of events includes:
- Free hourly guided tours of Franconia Sculpture Park at 3pm, 4pm, and 5pm
- 3pm-5pm Family-friendly art-making activities, including: pumpkin carving; face painting; spooky spin art; and Halloween button-making
- 5pm-5:30pm Costume Contest (sign-ups start at 3pm day of event)
- 5:30pm-6:30pm Music performance by DyVersaCo, Minnesota’s most beloved polka band
- 6pm-9pm Blacklight Scavenger Hunt throughout park
- 6:30pm-8pm Outdoor Film Screening of Tim Burton’s Frankenweenie (2012)
- 8pm-9pm Music Performance by Minneapolis-based post-punk/darkwave band Wax Lead
- 9pm-10pm Bonfire, Ritual Burning, Hot Apple Cider and ‘Smores at Franconia Picnic Area
PLUS! DOGTOBERFEST, Sponsored by Ruff Start Rescue
- 3pm-5pm Dog Painting
- 4pm-5pm Dog Costume Contest with prizes (sign-ups start at 3pm day of event)
Kinny Team-Keller Williams Realty
Learning. Laughs. Lager.
Thursday, October 15th 7:00pm-8:30pm
Learn about the home buying process from everyday folks and industry professionals; sharing experiences, stories, "How To's" and "What Not To Do's".
Enjoy a casual atmosphere, ask questions, hear about the current real estate market, and check out the cool venue while enjoying some amazing beer and tasty treats! Facebook @KinnyTeam.
The Uncommon Loon 10825 Lake Blvd, Chisago City
Beyond the Yellow Ribbon
FRANKS'n'STEINS
Saturday, October 17th 4:00pm-10:00pm
Moberg Park, Chisago City
Free admission to this Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Fund Raiser.
- 4:00pm - Beer Garden & Food Opens (Tap beer provided by Uncommon Loon $4 each & Food from Deutschland Meats)
- 4:00pm-5:00pm - Social Hour
- 5:00pm-7:00pm - Band 1 Starts (Mean Gene and the Woodticks)
- 7:00pm-7:30pm - Break
- 7:30pm-9:30pm - Band #2 Starts (Devon Worley Band)
- 9:45pm - Last Call
- Online Silent Auction. View Items Here
- T-Shirts: $15 & Stein: $15 Cash Only
Taylors Fall Scenic Boat Tours
Enjoy the beauty of the fall colors on the St. Croix River while riding on an authentic paddlewheel boat. Enjoy a narration of the river on our daily excursion which is 80 minutes while our licensed boat pilot and tour guide point out the unique rock formations. Enjoy beer, wine, soda, and light snacks from our snack bar, or if looking for lunch you can advance purchase a JuneBerry Cafe meal. Click here to go to our website to check our schedule. Operating 7 days a week thru October 18th.
Lindstrom Farmer's Market
Lindstrom Farmer's Market
Wednesday 3:00pm-6:00pm & Saturday 8:00am to noon. Through October 24th.
Are you looking for fall decorations? Come to Lindstrom Farmer's Market and see what we provide for you. Pumpkins, squash, gourds, Indian corn and more. St. Bridget's Church Parking Lot, Lindstrom.
Taylors Falls Canoe & Kayak Rental
Enjoy the beauty of the fall colors from a canoe or kayak rental. Picnic while you paddle if you so choose or maybe a little fishing? Both great social distancing activities. Currently, open 7 days a week through October 11th. Book online and save!
Wildwood RV Park & Campground
Looking for S'more Fun around the campfire this fall season? Then check out Wildwood RV Park and Campground located just outside of Taylors Falls. Full Hookups, water & electric, and no hookup sites available. Camping thru October 18th, 2020. Click here for our real-time reservation system with photos of our sites.
Chisago City Ojiketa Haunted Drive
OJIKETA HAUNTED DRIVE
Thursday, October 22nd, Friday, October 23rd 7:00pm-9:00pm
Thursday, October 29th, Friday, October 30th 7:00pm-9:00pm
Ojiketa Wilderness Park 27500 Kirby Ave, Chisago City
Completely contactless drive-thru Halloween experience at Ojiketa Regional Park. With the COVID-19 pandemic and related health guidelines in place the parks department is not able to bring you Ojiketa haunt this year. That's why we will host a socially distant Halloween drive-thru event.
The experience, which is being created by Chisago City Parks Department and our frightfully amazing volunteers will help deliver the chills and thrills of a typical haunted house experience from the safety of your vehicle. All props will be stationary. Free Admission!
Chisago City Falloween Drive-In Movie
FALLOWEEN DRIVE-IN MOVIE - 'HOCUS POCUS'
Saturday, October 24th 7:30pm-9:30pm
Ojiketa Wilderness Park 27500 Kirby Ave, Chisago City
Chisago City Falloween Drive-In Movie presents Hocus Pocus!!! Because of Covid-19 restrictions we are not able to host Falloween this year at Ojiketa Regional Park. So instead the Parks Department will be hosting a Halloween themed Drive-In movie night! The movie will begin at 7:30pm. Parking begins at 6pm. In order to be let into the movie you will need to reserve a spot for your vehicle. The park only has space enough for 60 vehicles. To reserve your free spot please follow THIS LINK and sign up.
Please see guidelines below before attending our Drive-In Movie:
- You must watch the movie from inside your vehicle.
- Only one person per car can go to concessions at any given time. Do not send multiple people from a single car to concessions at the same time.
- Maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet.
- Wash hands often, if soap and water are not readily available then please use hand sanitizer.
- Anyone with symptoms consistent with Covid-19 should stay home.
- Everyone is strongly urged to wear a face covering when in public.
- YOU MUST SIGN UP IN ORDER TO BE ADMITTED INTO THE PARK!
Family Pathways
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Family Pathways honors this month by recommitting to breaking the intergenerational cycle of abuse and being a resource for all who need us. This year, Family Pathways will be featuring special content across its online platforms. There will be a live Q&A with Director of Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services Lori Quist on Facebook (date TBA.) We will be remembering the lives taken by domestic violence through our virtual Memory Wall throughout the month. We will hear from survivors, take a closer look at what Family Pathways' advocacy work means, and see what daily life is like at the Black Dog Hill Emergency Shelter. This and more can be found at FamilyPathways.org or by following Family Pathways on Facebook.
* Job Opening *
If you have a passion for thrifting and you’re looking for a fun and rewarding career, come join the Family! Family Pathways Thrift Stores has an immediate opening for a full-time Shift Lead at the Lindstrom Thrift Store. We’re looking for a reliable individual who can assist the store manager in day-to-day operations and help promote the mission of Family Pathways. Starting wages is $12.75 plus benefits. Click Here for a full job description and to apply online.
Bachman's Photography
2021 Digital Grad Special!
2 Outfits - 20 Digital Images - 20 4x6 Proofs
All for only $200.00! Go Wildcats!
( Additional outfits $100.00 each)
13000 Sylvan Ave, Lindstrom 651-257-9380
Chisago Age Well Coalition
Ongoing Free Program for Caregivers and Their Loved Ones
Offered by Lakes and Pines CAC
During Covid-19 many more people are caring for their elderly spouse or parents in their home who might otherwise take advantage of respite care services or congregate living facilities. These caregivers (and their family members) need a break and this program is designed to provide some help online. Please share this flyer with your employees, friends and neighbors. They need to call the 800 number to register and receive the link for the online events. Event Flyer
Heartland Express
The team at Heartland Express understands that during these uncertain times, finding safe and reliable transportation can sometimes be difficult. We strive to be a good community partner and want to make sure that everyone is able to utilize our services for their transportation needs.
As a result, we are happy to announce that we will not be charging for ANY rides for the remainder of 2020. Whether you're going to work, school, shopping, a medical appointment, or just to visit family and friends, Heartland Express will give you a free ride through December 31, 2020! Call 651-213-5790
ADVERTISING INVESTORS
Chamber Champion
Chamber Champion
12985 Lake Blvd
PO Box 838
Lindstrom, MN 55045
651-257-2040
Chamber Champion
Lindgren Tax & Accounting
11183 Lake Blvd Suite 102
Chisago City, MN 55013
651-257-2152