Featured Events

July 2008

1st

Bob Dylan: Tangled Up In Ore (More Info.) Location: Ironworld, Chisholm Now through August 3, 2008 Through Dylan lyrics, newspaper articles, donated artifacts, personal interviews and complimentary programming, Tangled Up in Ore struggles to answer the questions: How does Bob Dylan feel about the Iron Range? How does the Iron Range feel about Bob Dylan? And, What is the relationship between this community and local artists today?

1st - 16th

Northern Lights Music Festival (More Info.) Location: Aurora Price: FREE unless otherwise noted An intense solo and chamber music performance program for pianists and string players. Click "more info" above for details on the multi-talented and award winning participants. Tuesday July 1 Opening Concert of Laureates, 7:00 PM Mesabi East High School Auditorium Wednesday July 2 Student Concert, 7:00 PM Mesabi East High School Auditorium Friday July 4 Festive Fourth Concert, 4:00 PM Mesabi East High School Auditorium Saturday July 5 Public Concerto Competition Time TBA Mesabi East High School Auditorium Faculty Concert, 7:00 PM Mesabi East High School Auditorium Sunday, July 6 Student concert: 4:00 PM Mesabi East High School Auditorium Tuesday, July 8 Student Concert, 7:00 PM Mesabi East High School Auditorium Wednesday, July 9 Faculty Concert, 7:00 PM Thursday, July 10 Student Concert, 7:00 PM Washington Auditorium, Ely MN Friday, July 11 Faculty/Student Concert , 7:00 PM featuring winners of the Concerto competition Mesabi East High School Auditorium Saturday July 12 Benjamin Britten's opera Noyes Flydde (Noah's Flood), 2:00 and 4:00 PM Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Aurora Admission Charge $5.00 Sunday, July 13 Benjamn Britten's opera Noyes Flydde (Noah's Flood), 3:00 p.m. Resurrection Church, 301 Adams Avenue, Eveleth Admission Charge $5.00 7:00 Washington Auditorium, Ely MN Northern Lights Chamber Players Tuesday, July 15 Closing Concert and Awarding of Certificates, 7:00 PM Mesabi East High School Auditorium

2nd	Mining Days - Part Of The Heritage Series (More Info.) Location: Soudan Underground Mine State Park Price: FREE Program begins at 6 PM at the visitor center. Iron ore has played a huge role in Minnesota's economic development. Learn about the Vermilion Iron Range mining history from the open pits to underground. One of the six-part heritage series.

3rd	2nd Annual Riverfest Location: Iron Ore Bar parking lot, Tower Contact: 218-780-4645 Price: $10 Outdoor concert featuring two bands: Hairball and Sofa King Chubby Sofa King Chubby plays from 5 - 8 PM Hairball plays from 8 PM - 12 AM

3rd - 4th

Tower-Soudan 4th Of July Celebration Location: Tower One of the oldest and finest celebrations in the area. American Legion Pancake Breakfast feed Legion Hall on Main Street 6:30-10:30 AM FLAG RAISING 10:30 AM - west of Legion Hall on Main Street TOWER- SOUDAN 4TH OF JULY PARADE starts at 11 AM AFTER THE PARADE Free Hot Dogs for children, Legion hall - under the East Tent. Adults by donation. Honored Citizens reception for Marshall Helmberger and Jodi Summit following the parade at the Tower Civic Center. Cake & Coffee served; Sloppy Joes available FOOD, FOOD, FOOD..... and MORE D' ERICKS - Beer Garden w/ Roast Beef Sandwiches and Hot Dogs LEGION POST 245- Beer Garden w/ BBQ Beef and South Americans. LIVE music with Art Lehtonen. TOWER FIRE DEPARTMENT - Beer Garden on Main Street by the Timberjay building. LIONS CLUB - Polish, Hot Dogs At their booth in front of the Tower News GOOD OL' DAYS Live music and Beer Garden- Burgers, Cotton Candy, Walking Tacos, Beer Tent outdoors, Live music 8:30 PM-12:30 AM featuring the magnificent band "Virgil Caine" JULY 4TH CHILDREN'S RACES & SAWDUST SCRAMBLE SCHEDULE 1:30 PM - Sawdust Scramble at the Tower-Soudan School Childrens Races at the school field following the Sawdust Scramble Something for everyone - babies through adults TOWER-SOUDAN LIONS BINGO Tower Civic Center 3-5 PM proceeds to Lions local programs COMMUNITY PICNIC AT BREITUNG RECREATION AREA Free community picnic, games, and fun for all ages at the Breitung Recreation Area 6 PM Patriotic Concert directed by Rolf Anderson - bring you lawn chair!! 4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS AT DUSK FROM NORTH HILL IN TOWER

4th

Vermilion Run/Walk/Fun Run Location: Tower Register Online: Mary Shedd, 753-6110 (leave message) The Vermilion 10K Run begins and ends at the Tower School and continues along the shores of Lake Vermilion. New biking/hiking trails are used for much of the run. Starting time is 8 AM. There is also a 3K walk from the school to Hoodoo Point and back, and a 1 mile fun run for children 12 and under. 3 mile Walk 8:01 AM 1 Mile Kids Fun Run 8:05 AM Registrations accepted race day starting at 7:30 AM. T-shirt sizes may be limited for same day registrations.

5th

29th Annual Lake Vermilion Flotilla Location: Bayview Lodge Begins at 1 PM. Boats wishing to be judged for their decorations should register at Bay View by noon. J.R.Anderson will be the MC once again (his 14th year). As always there will be loads of food and beverages plus games with prizes for the adults and kids. There will be live music later that night (9pm) in the bar. Rain date is Sunday, July 6.

5th	Riverfest Crafts Fair Location: Tower Depot/Civic Center Price: FREE 9 AM - 6 PM Crafts - Vendors - Kid's Activities Music schedule: 9 - 11 AM Button Box & Polka Music Noon - 3 PM Pat Surface and the Boundary Waters Boys with Donna Surface (performance artist with sign) 3 - 6 PM Ron E. Cash

5th - 30th

Live Entertainment Saturdays (More Info.) Location: Fortune Bay Resort Casino Price: Free 9:30 PM - 1:30 AM North Star Hall July 5 - Paul Mayasich & The Benderheads July 12 - Sweet Freedom July 19 - Virgil Caine July 26 - Lamont Cranston August 2 - Ross William Perry August 9 - Reverend Raven & The Chainsmokin Altar Boys August 16 - Cocktail Stevie Review August 23 - The Incredible Ides August 30 - Bottom Line

9th	Railroad - Part Of The Heritage Series (More Info.) Location: Soudan Underground Mine State Park Price: FREE Program begins at 6 PM at the visitor center. Ken Buehler, Director of the Lake Superior Railroad Museum, will discuss the history of the railroad and its importance to the development of the iron range. One of the six-part heritage series.

12th	8th Annual Cook Aviation Day Location: Raymond Hll Cook Municipal Airport Contact: 218-666-9931 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM Breakfast and lunch served by the Cook Lion's Club Prizes for oldest pilot, youngest pilot, oldest airplane, furthest distance R.C. Airplanes Friday night Free plane rides for kids aged 8-17, sponsored by the Young Eagles

12th	MinnAqua Bear Head Lake History Faire (More Info.) Location: Bear Head Lake State Park Price: FREE 10 AM - 3 PM Explore Minnesota's fishing heritage with hands-on activities and presentations about early anglers including the voyageurs. Program presented in partnership with MinnAqua.

16th

Current Initiatives: Native American Conservation Efforts, Mining Efforts, And Science Experiemtns, Oh My! - Part Of The Heritage Series (More Info.) Location: Soudan Underground Mine State Park Price: FREE Program begins at 6 PM at the visitor center. Learn what is happening today on the iron range from the Bois Forte Band's preservation of ancient campsites on Lake Vermilion to new mining initiatives to science experiments. Speakers include Rose Berens, Executive Director of the Bois Forte Heritage Museum, a representative of MNDNR Land and Minerals, and Bill Miller, Universite of Minnesota Lab Director. Last of the six-part heritage series.

19th

Batty About Bats (More Info.) Location: Soudan Underground Mine State Park Price: FREE Program begins at 7:30 PM Bats are often misunderstood and disliked. They are actually very interesting animals with many adaptations and abilities. Join us at Soudan Underground Mine State Park as we search for these "creatures of the night" and learn about their special characteristics. The evening will include games, songs, activities, and a visit to one of the old mine shafts to see the bats as they begin their search for food. Meet at the Park's back entry (signs are posted). The program is held outside, so it may be adjusted due to poor weather conditions. Dress appropriately. Flashlights are optional.

19th	Heritage Days Celebration (More Info.) Location: Soudan Underground Mine State Park Price: FREE 10 AM - 4 PM Celebrate the various heritages of the iron range with surface mining tours, blacksmithing and rock knapping demonstrations, and traditional food and music.

24th - 27th	53nd Annual Hoyt Lakes Water Carnival Location: Hoyt Lakes Price: $5, 12 and under free - all events, all weekend Events include: Dock Dogs - nationwide dock jumping contest Prior Lake Water Ski Show Live Music and entertainment for adults and for kids 5K road race and kid's half mile fun run Parade, carnival-style games, food, tournaments, much more.

25th - 27th	28th Annual Blueberry Arts Festival (More Info.) Location: Whiteside Park, Ely Contact: 218-365-6123 Price: Free 300 exhibitors in Whiteside Park. Original art, handcrafts, ethnic foods, children's events and stage shows. HOURS: Friday, July 25, Noon to 7 pm. Saturday, July 26, 10 am. to 6 pm. Sunday, July 27, 10 am. to 4 pm.

25th - 27th	Tower-Soudan Depot Days (More Info.) Location: Historic Depot, Tower New event this year. Celebrating the first shipment of iron ore from the Soudan Mine. Friday 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm Saturday and Sunday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Arts and crafts vendors, entertainment, food vendors, more! Watch for more details.

August 2008

1st

Batty About Bats (More Info.) Location: Soudan Underground Mine State Park Price: FREE Program begins at 7:30 PM Bats are often misunderstood and disliked. They are actually very interesting animals with many adaptations and abilities. Join us at Soudan Underground Mine State Park as we search for these "creatures of the night" and learn about their special characteristics. The evening will include games, songs, activities, and a visit to one of the old mine shafts to see the bats as they begin their search for food. Meet at the Park's back entry (signs are posted). The program is held outside, so it may be adjusted due to poor weather conditions. Dress appropriately. Flashlights are optional.

2nd - 3rd

3rd Annual Watercross Location: Longbranch, Winton Contact: mattila@frontiernet.net Race Registration Friday, August 2, 6:30 PM-10 PM at the Longbranchn in Winton, Minnesota, just 2 miles northeast of Ely. Drag Races start at 10 AM daily. Oval Races start at 12 PM daily. With sleds reaching up to 80 mph on open water, watercross racing is one of the most extreme sports out there today. Come out and meet our drivers and see the sleds up close and personal. For more info please contact Kurt or Kristi Mattila, 218-365-6749

6th - 10th	123nd St. Louis County Fair Location: Ironworld Discovery Center, Chisholm Price: $5 13 & over, $3 6-12, under 5 free The "Five Best Days of Summer" Traditional fair exhibits, midway rides, entertainment. Bullriding and draft horse pull.

9th	MinnAqua Fishing History Fun (More Info.) Location: Bear Head Lake State Park Price: FREE 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM From willow sticks to the Ugly Stick, learn about the history of fishing on Bear Head Lake. Try fishing with a variety of rigs and make your own pop-can fishing rig to take home. Program presented in partnership with MinnAqua.

14th

Batty About Bats (More Info.) Location: Soudan Underground Mine State Park Price: FREE Program begins at 7:30 PM Bats are often misunderstood and disliked. They are actually very interesting animals with many adaptations and abilities. Join us at Soudan Underground Mine State Park as we search for these "creatures of the night" and learn about their special characteristics. The evening will include games, songs, activities, and a visit to one of the old mine shafts to see the bats as they begin their search for food. Meet at the Park's back entry (signs are posted). The program is held outside, so it may be adjusted due to poor weather conditions. Dress appropriately. Flashlights are optional.

17th	12th Annual Bluesberry Jam (More Info.) Location: Fortune Bay Resort Casino Price: General Public, $40 - Wild Edge members, $35 Please note this year's change of date. Outdoor concert featuring Alice Cooper and Warrant. Gates open at 5 PM No coolers, rain or shine, must be 18. Tickets on sale July 3.

21st - 23rd	8th Annual Boundary Waters Blues Festival (More Info.) Location: Longbranch on Fall Lake 3-days of blues music in one of the most beautiful settings in the country. This intimate music festival hosts high quality, world famous, blues music acts, while remaining an intimate and relaxed event for everyone.

22nd - 24th	69th Annual Embarrass Regional Fair (More Info.) Location: Embarrass Contact: 218-984-2155 A family event held since 1935. Includes: Horse Show, Mud Run, Demolition Derby, Dog Show, Parade, Antique Car and Truck Show, Craft and Food Booths, Flying Finn 10K, Softball, Horse Shoe Tournament, Flea Market, Dance, Children's Activities.

31st

18th Annual Antique And Classic Boat Show Location: Lake Vermilion Contact: boats@lakevermilionresorts.com Price: Free The public is invited to come and see the beautifully restored or replicated boats on display. Boat captains will be available to provide some history on their boats and answer questions. Everyone will have the opportunity to vote for his or her favorite, which will receive the "People's Choice" Award. Boat captains will also be voting for their selection as "Skipper's Choice". Votes will be tallied and awards presented before the end of the show. Boats date back as far as the 1920's.

31st	Championship Boxing - Rumble On The Range (More Info.) Location: Fortune Bay Resort Casino Price: $30 Ringside, $20 General Admission Outdoors at Fortune Bay Zach Walters vs. Mike Wood plus 5 more bouts Gates open at 2 PM

September 2008

6th

History Of The Lumber Industry (More Info.) Location: Bear Head Lake State Park Price: FREE Pre-registration required. Program begins at 10 AM Learn about the lumbering industry that operated in northern St. Louis County. This informative session will include a canoe trip to visit some of the remnants of the bygone lumbering days. Bring your own canoe or call ahead to the park to reserve a rental canoe. This event is weather dependent.

12th - 14th	15th Annual Harvest Moon Festival Location: Ely Contact: fun@ely.org 125+ Art & Craft Exhibitors, Demonstrations, Food, Entertainment Friday, noon - 6 PM Saturday, 10 AM - 5 PM Sunday, 10 AM - 4 PM

13th	Small Game Opener

20th	Folkssport History Walk (More Info.) Location: Bear Head Lake State Park Price: $2 9 AM - 5 PM As a part of the Minnesota Volssport Program, hike the various trails and learn about the unique history of the area. Good for walkers of all ages. Meet at the group camp. Sponsored by Northstar Trail Travelers.

21st

Folkssport History Walk (More Info.) Location: Soudan Underground Mine State Park Price: $2 8 AM - 3 PM As a part of the Minnesota Folkssport Program, hike the various trails including approximately 1.5 miles of underground trails and learn about the unique history of the area. Good for walkers of all ages. Walkers must begin the underground portion of the event by 9:30 AM. Sponsored by Northstar Trail Travelers.

27th	Moose Opener, Northeast (subject to change)

27th	Waterfowl Opener (subject to change)

January 2009

27th	7th Annual Fun Run (More Info.) Location: Tower, Ely, Babbitt Contact: 218-365-6123 Open to all. Proceeds benefit snowmobile trails in and around the 3 communities. Registration is from 8 AM - 4 PM at the 3 Fun Run check-in points, Grand Ely Lodge in Ely, Good Ol' Days in Tower, and Tanks Bar in Babbitt. Prize drawings will be held at Fortune Bay Resort at 7:30 PM.

February 2009

2nd - 4th	Laskiainen Finnish Sliding Festival Location: Palo Contact: 218-638-2551 Celebration of the ethnic heritage of customs, crafts, music, sports, marketplace, foods and sliding. Held at Loon Lake Community Center, approximately 10 miles south of Aurora on Hwy 100 or 1.4 miles north of Hwy 4.

19th	Winter Blast, 2009 (More Info.) Location: Fortune Bay Resort, Lake Vermilion Contact: 218-254-3329 Annual event to benefit the United Way of Northeastern Minnesota. Includes all day snowmobiling, lunch, dinner, entertainment, prizes.

March 2009

3rd	Wolf Track Classic Sled Dog Race (More Info.) Location: Ely to Tower Watch for more details.

May 2009

9th	Walleye Opener (More Info.) Location: Lake Vermilion One of the biggest days of the year in Minnesota. Join in with other die-hard fisherman at 12:01 AM (or later for everyone else!) who have been eagerly awaiting another chance to catch the "big" one.

June 2009

12th - 14th	Cook Timber Days (More Info.) Location: Cook Price: Free Annual event held to recognize the impact of the timber industry on Cook and the surrounding area. Events include a lumberjack show, art & craft booths, classic car/motorcycle display, food & beverage vendors, live music, fireman's challenge, dances, fireworks, displays, children's games, races, and a parade on Sunday.

22nd - 23rd	33nd Annual Land Of The Loon Festival Location: Olcott Park, Virginia Price: Free Saturday 10 AM - 6 PM Sunday 10 AM - 5 PM Largest ethnic festival in northern Minnesota with over 300 exhibitors and 25 ethnic food booths. Entertainment, parade.

00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000