Hello Bemidji! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Live raptors at the library, summer camp dragon keepers, and a fairy garden fundraiser + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
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01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
A major care upgrade: Bemidji’s Pours for a Purpose raised nearly $415,000 on June 12 to upgrade Sanford Bemidji’s Emergency Department with trauma rooms and improvements, which will be named the Stennes Emergency Department -- see the emergency upgrade.
Wild birds come alive: Live raptors will visit Bemidji Public Library on Monday, June 29, as The Nature Connection shares natural history, behaviors and conservation in a family-friendly program for kids and wildlife fans -- meet the live raptors.
Volunteer support needed: Fishing Has No Boundaries is seeking pontoon and boat owners to assist at the annual Lake Bemidji event. Registration is full, and volunteers get gear and food -- learn how to help.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.*
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03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Hit play, Bemidji: Need a screens-away reset? Circus Arcade has been keeping locals grinning for decades with pinball, air hockey, driving and rhythm games, plus ticket prizes that still scratch the one more try itch. Swing by this week and earn your own bragging rights.
Your midweek bloom boost: From just-because bouquets to weddings, events, and sympathy designs, Netzer's Floral is the local full-service shop that nails the vibe you’re going for, with fresh arrangements, plants, and gift-y extras that feel thoughtful not cheesy.
Let them get muddy: If you need a low-key way to burn kid energy this week, North Country Park Natural Playscape delivers with a natural playscape featuring a sand-and-water pump zone, butterfly houses, insect hotels and fort-building spots. It’s screen-free magic, built with help from Rotary and Parks & Rec.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🌳 The Story Tree Preschool Program @ Lake Bemidji State Park | Thursday (6/25) at 10:00 AM – If your tiny humans need fresh air, the park’s nature story time packs songs, a magic basket, Ojibwe words, and a craft. Adults must tag along, then let them own the playground, and you’ll need a Minnesota State Park permit, $7 day, $35 year.
🌭 Brat Picnic Fundraiser @ National Bank of Commerce | Thursday (6/25) at 11:00 AM – Nothing beats a brat picnic that turns your lunch break into a good deed. National Bank of Commerce is trading spreadsheets for spatulas to support United Way of Bemidji Area, and $10 gets you a brat, chips, dessert, and a beverage at both Bemidji branches.
🐉 Summer Camp Dragon Keepers @ Rail River Folk School | Thursday (6/25) at 2:00 PM – Got a kid who roars before coffee? This story-driven camp lets them hatch their own dragons, discover secret powers, and train the little beasts through daily adventures, while you enjoy a quiet cup like it is 2007, and the furniture stays un-singed.
🏛 Heritage Night June Meeting @ Calvary Lutheran Church | Thursday (6/25) at 6:00 PM – Bring the family and channel your inner Viking for culture, carbs, and crafts. We are talking Norwegian heart waffles, stories and songs, shield making, a walking wheel spinning demo, and finger loop braiding with bracelets. Nobody is bored, which is rare.
🧚 Fairy Garden Fundraiser @ Ellie Lake Thrift | Saturday (6/27) at 10:00 AM – Chip in for a new yurt, leave with a tiny forest. Apple Blossom Village is hosting a build-your-own fairy garden fundraiser, basically arts and crafts with bragging rights, community vibes, and whimsy that even the skeptics will tolerate.
🎣 Boatless Fishing Tournament @ Stony Point Resort (Cass Lake) | Saturday (6/27) at 10:00 AM – No boat, no problem; this shoreline tournament at Stony Point on Cass Lake crowns the biggest, smallest, ugliest, and most fish. Bring seasoned swagger or first-cast nerves, trade tall tales by the boat landing, soak in the sun, and chase those bragging rights.
🦅 Nature Connection: "Raptors" @ Bemidji Public Library | Monday (6/29) at 10:30 AM – If you’ve been wanting to meet the neighborhood’s real apex commuters, this birds of prey program brings owls, hawks, and turkey vultures up close, with smart, lively talk to match. Marvel at these feathered ambassadors, admire the talons, and practice your best owl stare.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — The Bemidji report Weather forecastToday — High: 68°F — Low: 49°F — Precip: 66%
Rain showers likely before 1pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 1pm and 2pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely between 2pm and 5pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy. High near 68, with temperatures falling to around 65 in the afternoon. North northwest wind 3 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 49. North northeast wind 1 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Tomorrow — High: 75°F — Low: 51°F — Precip: 8%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 75. East northeast wind 2 to 6 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 51. East southeast wind 1 to 6 mph. This house is wildThis 2,180 sq. ft. single-level home pairs wooded privacy with easy entertaining on 1.61 acres. Vaulted ceilings, trapezoid windows, and a floor-to-ceiling cultured stone gas fireplace anchor the great room, while the chef’s kitchen adds a serving peninsula and coffee bar. A spa-style primary suite, French-door family room, triple-car garage, and oversized storage shed complete the package.
Take a peek inside → |
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