(Released May 20, 2011)

Non-native Norway spruce trees will be removed from McCarthy Beach State Park in late spring to early summer, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

The trees have matured to the point that they are sending seeds out beyond the original plantation, spreading the non-native species further into the park.

“Removing the plantation will allow us, over time, to restore a healthy native plant community,” said DNR Resource Specialist Tavis Westbrook. “Timber harvest can be an effective tool to preserve and restore native plant communities.”

Submitted by: Jenny Eastvold (Reprinted from The Side Laker)

Would you like to learn more about McCarthy Beach State Park? How are your hunting skills? The park scavenger hunt is back by popular demand! Meet at the Picnic shelter at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 21st to pick up a list of questions. Bring your completed list back by 4 p.m. and receive a nature poster or small prize. Fun for all ages!

On Friday, August 27th, join local resident Emily Borra for a night of music in the park. Emily is a music major specializing in the French horn. Several of her friends will be joining her with a variety of instruments. Enjoy selections from classical, bluegrass, and other musical styles. The program will begin at 7 p.m. at the picnic shelter.

Submitted by: Joanne IIkka (Reprinted from The Side Laker)

There were prizes galore for the winners of the 30th Anniversary of the Side Lake Parade. A heartfelt thank you goes out to the many contributions of cash, gift certificates and merchandise from businessesfrom Side Lake, Hibbing and Chisholm. Remember to support these businesses as they have given so much to make our parade a success.

Thank you also to the several families and individuals who approached us on how they could help promote the parade. Their donations in the form of flags, cash, gift certificates and memorials showed a real pride in being part of the Side Lake Community.

Submitted by: Cindy Holm (Reprinted from The Side Laker)

In 1911 pioneers of the Bear River Valley joined together to demonstrate what the public-spirited settlers in the small but active community could grow and create. Each year since then, the Bear River Fair has attracted community members and visitors alike to take a look at the creativity and crops that abound throughout the area.

(Reprinted from The Side Laker)

Open Prizes

• Grand Prize: Casey Family
• 1st Prize: The Vukich Float
• 2nd Prize: Quilts of Valor Team
• 3rd Prize: Side Lake Half Fast Marching Band

Youth Prizes

• 1st Prize: Lucy Radovich Family & Friends
• 2nd Prize: Camp Schneider
• 3rd Prize: "Smalley" Pirates
• 4th Prize: Olson Pontoon

Patriotic Adult: Casey Family

Patriotic Youth: Side Lake Rec Center

(Reprinted from The Side Laker)

The Side Lake 4th of July parade will be held on Sunday, noon, with lineup beginning at 11:00 AM west of Ciao.

We are honoring all military veterans, but will still have the "spoof" floats that we are noted for since 1982.

This year we are honoring Veda Ponikar, Civilian Aide to Secretary of the Army for the state of Minnesota, for all of her efforts for so many years working with the veteran organizations. Also, we want all veterans to march in our

parade. For those veterans that need help, please call Kitty at 254-5177 to reserve a chair on a flat bed trailer. If you have a son or daughter serving, please join our march.

The categories this year will be divided into two - patriotic (adult and youth) and

"spoof" (adult and youth). The grand prize for the "spoof" will again be the $500 cash, followed by first, second and third prize with decreasing prizes / cash. The prizes will be announced and passed out at the Pavilion at the Rec Center immediately after the parade.

The Hibbing High School Marching Band will be marching for us again and we are so pleased. Immediately after the parade, all are invited to the Rec Center Pavillion for a short program. The Hibbing band will perform and French Township will be giving out free pop and hot dogs.

So many volunteers to thank and so many businesses and individuals have contributed to this parade, I am truly overwhelmed. What a wonderful community we live in. For more information please call me at 254-7239. Mona Abel

Submitted by: Jenny Eastvold (Reprinted from The Side Laker)

The park will be hosting a day-long fishing clinic provided by the MinnAqua program on Thursday, July 22nd from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Clinic topics will include learning about fishing regulations, how to identify fish, and fish habitat. Participants will learn knot tying and casting, plus have an opportunity to practice fishing from the park's pier. The clinic is designed for all ages. No fishing license is required for Minnesota residents. Fishing rods will be available for use. Call 218-254-7979 before July 20th to register.

Submitted by: Judy Shea (Reprinted from The Side Laker)

The annual Side Lake Recreation Program is now if full swing. The program runs until August 6th this year. The 4 to 8 year olds program is on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 - 1:00 and is $20.00 per child. (bring a bag lunch) The 9 to 15 year olds program is on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:00 - 2:00 and is $30.00 per child. (bring a bag lunch). The program is held at the Side Lake Recreation Center. Games, sports, crafts and all kinds of fun all summer long! They will also have a fun day or two at McCarthy Beach. Everyone is welcome, and don't forget to bring a friend or two! Daily walk-in rates are still only $3.00 per day. Once again this summer the kids will conduct a couple of car washes and put on a pancake feed to enable them to earn enough money for a fun trip this summer. They will also be building a float for the annual 4th of July parade. Any help or ideas with building the float are welcome and appreciated. Please call Judy @ 254-5887 if you have any questions.

Submitted by: Judy Shea (Reprinted from The Side Laker)

The Side Lake Rec program is run by a board of directors. The directors hire the leaders for the summer and oversee the program. The current directors have been on the board for a number of years and are looking for some new members to take over. As our children have gone through the program and we move into different activities with them, we need new parents to take over. Our summer program was almost cancelled this year, because of this. After conducting a special meeting, a few of us agreed to stay on one more year in hopes that we will have some new parents jump on board. This is such a good program for our community - it would be a shame to see it gone because of lack of volunteers. It is not a huge job, but it definitely a very rewarding one! Please give Judy a call @254-5887 if you would be interested in taking a position.

Submitted by: Judy Shea (Reprinted from The Side Laker)

The Side Lake Recreation Center summer youth program will be holding a few car washes this summer during their program. They are earning money for a fun trip this summer. Because of our MN weather, we really never know when they will be held. When you see the signs up - please stop and support our youth. The do a great job and are eager too! In the past few years, they have been on trips to the Wolf center in Ely, Wild Mountain in Taylor Falls and to Valley Fair. All of our community support is VERY much appreciated! If you are unable to attend any of our fundraisers, but would like to make a donation, or a memorial in some ones' name, you can make it payable to: The Side Lake Recreation Program and mail it to P.O. Box 165 Side Lake, MN 55781.

THANK YOU!!!!

—The Rec Center Board