The Detroit Lakes Tribune accepts community calendar items, for publication online and in our Wednesday and Sunday print editions, space permitting.
Submissions must be made at least a week in advance of the event date, in writing, to either dltribune@dlnewspapers.com or vgerdes@dlnewspapers.com.
Each submission must include the following: 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.
Thursday, January 28
Community Conversations-Education in a Pandemic: The Detroit Lakes Public Library, Becker County Museum and Historic Holmes Theatre are teaming up to host a series of four “Community Conversations” about climate change, gender equity and more current issues of the day. This first conversation, “Education in a Pandemic,” will feature elementary school teacher Mark Whiting, high school math teacher Karen Trout, high school band director Tim Siewert and M State’s Marcus Lacher. Register online at www.dlccc.org (under “upcoming shows and events”) to obtain the Zoom link for the online event, which starts at 7 p.m.
Defensive Driving Course: A 4-hour, in person defensive driving course will be held from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the ITOW (In Their Own Words) Veterans Museum, 805 W. Main, Perham. Cost is $20. To register please call Denise Lillis at 218-346-3336.
Saturday, January 30
Eagles Chili Cookoff: Detroit Lakes Eagles Auxiliary 2342 is having a member chili cook off, starting at 5 p.m. For just a $5 donation, anyone can taste all the different chilis and vote for the best one.
Wednesday, February 3
Women in Ag Virtual Conference: “Building Bridges, Cultivating Connections,” the sixth annual Women in Ag Network Conference, will be held virtually on Wednesday, Feb. 3, from 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Pre-registration is required to obtain the virtual link to the conference, as well as conference materials. To register visit z.umn.edu/WAGN2021ConferenceReg. Registration is $35, with a special rate of $15 for students. For more information, please visit z.umn.edu/WAGNConference21.
Thursday, February 4
Defensive Driving Course: A 4-hour, in person defensive driving course will be held from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Pizza Ranch, 106 Jefferson St. S., Wadena. Cost is $20. To register please call Denise Lillis at 218-346-3336.
Polar Fest 2021: Detroit Lakes’ annual celebration of all things winter, Polar Fest 2021, kicks off with the opening of the “MN Sn’Ice Snow & Ice Showcase” in the Detroit Lakes City Park as well as other ongoing activities including outdoor skating at Peoples Park, the Detroit Lakes Early Childhood Family Education Little Polar Bear Game, the “Wishing Tie” tree at the Historic Holmes Theatre, and the Polar Fest Photo Contest. The festival concludes on Monday, Feb. 15. Visit polarfestdl.com for all the details.
Friday, February 5
Give Kids a Smile: Dental Associates, located at 1136 Washington Ave. in Detroit Lakes, is offering free dental care for children in the lakes area between 8 a.m. and noon, as part of the Minnesota Dental Association’s Give Kids a Smile program. Participating patients can be no older than 18 years of age, and must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. For more information, or to make an appointment, call the Dental Associates office at 218-847-2624.
Great Polar Hunt Kickoff: The DL Chamber will be hosting a Great Polar Hunt game as a part of Polar Fest this year. Solve the puzzle by finding signs around Detroit Lakes for a chance to win prizes! You must register to be eligible for prizes. Cost is $10. To sign up, call the Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce at 218-847-9202 or send an email to dlchamber@visitdetroitlakes.com. More information is available at polarfestdl.com.
Noon Rotary Virtual Wine Tasting: The Detroit Lakes Noon Rotary Club is hosting a virtual wine tasting event as part of Polar Fest 2021. This 7 p.m. virtual wine tasting with sommelier Jean Taylor will help you choose the best wines for Valentine’s Day, and enjoy a fun evening of Zooming, laughing, and sharing with old friends and new. Cost is $75, and includes 4 bottles of wine, an invitation to the Zoom event, and recipe suggestions for food pairings with the wines. Once you sign up, you’ll receive an email with directions on picking up your wine and how to Zoom in. Register at https://bit.ly/2LzuwSY.
Saturday, February 6
Kiwanis’ Polar Fest Pancake Breakfast: The Detroit Lakes Kiwanis will be serving up pancakes and sausage, with a choice of coffee, juice or milk, from 8 a.m. to noon at the American Legion Club, 810 West Lake Drive. Tickets will be sold at the door. Visit polarfestdl.com for more information.
Poles ‘N Holes Ice Fishing Derby: The Detroit Lakes Breakfast Rotary Club will host its annual Poles ‘N Holes Ice Fishing Derby from 12 to 3 p.m., with both virtual and in-person options to choose from this year. On-ice ticket sales are limited to the first 250 registrations due to COVID-19 safety guidelines, but the fishing tournament itself is open to anyone in Minnesota who signs up for the Fish Donkey phone app and registers on the app for Poles ‘N Holes. Once you’re signed up, you can fish from anywhere in Minnesota and be eligible to win a variety of prizes. Visit polarfestdl.com for more information.
Minne-Soda Hotdish Drive-Through Dinner: Grace Lutheran Church will be serving up “Minne-Soda Hotdish,” drive -through style, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Cost is $10 per person/meal. Visit polarfestdl.com or icefishingdetroitlakes.org for more information.