Excuse the pun, but it seems like everyone in Aitkin is “on board” for a unique community project.

By its Aug. 5-6, 2017, “Riverboat Days” celebration, the Aitkin Chamber of Commerce plans to have renovated the former Grand Rapids Showboat for arts, education and entertainment.

The showboat will be located at the Aitkin County Fairgrounds not far from the Mississippi River and used to host year-round family entertainment.

“We continue to hear more and more from visitors that they want to have more of an experience when they come to town,” said Amanda MacDonald, Aitkin Area Chamber of Commerce executive director. “Our plans are to have family-oriented live shows and performances there and decorate it for holidays. We also see it as a gathering place and an opportunity to start special events like our 5K run there.” 

For 60 years, the showboat served as a center of entertainment along the shores of the Mississippi River in Grand Rapids. But when the nonprofit operating the showboat dissolved, the Aitkin Chamber of Commerce moved to acquire the 16-by-45-foot boat. 

“We’ve been a Mississippi Riverboat town with no riverboat on it,” said MacDonald.

Along with the boat, the chamber acquired 1,000 seats, a warehouse full of costumes, sound equipment, lighting, and a parade float.

Read the full article.

Hike!

The command to start a dog sled team in the grueling 373-mile John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon will be shouted by some of the world’s finest mushers beginning at 11 a.m., Sunday, Jan. 29.

That’s when America’s longest sled dog race in the lower 48 states begins at Alger Grade gravel pit on Lake County Highway 2 about eight miles north of Two Harbors.

“Four of the top mushers in the world are competing,” said Jason Rice, John Beargrease director of media and public relations. “Two of them are from here, Ryan Anderson of Ray and Nathan Schroeder of Warba, and two are from Alaska. The Alaskans are here for the very first time and have some hot teams, so there’s an intense rivalry brewing."  

An estimated 3,000 to 5,000 spectators will be at the starting line to watch the race begin, said Rice. More than 600 volunteers help conduct the race. Media from across the state and nation will be covering the event, said Rice. 

Events leading up to the big race begin this weekend.

A Cub Run for youth ages 4-11 starts at 11 a.m. Saturday at Lake County Fairgrounds in Two Harbors. Also on Saturday, a Cutest Puppy Contest begins with an 11:30 a.m. registration at Fitgers in Duluth. Voting is from noon to 2 p.m. with awards at 2 p.m. And a Grand Opening Photo Exhibit of John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon imagery is 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 22, at Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth.   

IRRRB is this year helping sponsor the marathon, in which more than 50 mushers will compete in races of different distances.

Area mushers are competing from communities such as Cook, Deer River, Ely, Finland, Hovland, Grand Marais, Silver Bay, Tofte, Togo, Two Harbors, Ray, and Warba. 

Trail conditions are currently reported to be very good, said Rice. 

“The further north you get, the better they get,” said Rice. “And the cooperation we get from all the communities along the North Shore and from the DNR is fantastic.” 

Visit the John Beargrease website. 

Do you know of an entrepreneur who has followed their dreams, taken risks and found success?

Nominations are open until Feb.15, 2017, for the 25th annual Joel Labovitz Entrepreneurial Success Awards.

Hosted by the University of Minnesota Duluth Center for Economic Development, the awards are presented annually to celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship in the region. 

Nominees must be located in northeastern Minnesota or Douglas County, Wisconsin and be United States residents.

Award categories are: Micro-Entrepreneur, Emerging Entrepreneur, Established Entrepreneur, Mature Entrepreneur, and Environmentally Engaged Entrepreneur.

Awards will be made Wednesday, April 26, 2017, at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center Lake Superior Ballroom.

View nomination forms and additional information.

The Burnt Onion Kitchen & Brews, located in the new Giants Ridge chalet in Biwabik, is featuring a winter music series. Highlighting a range of musical styles, the series kicked off in December and runs on select Saturday nights from 5 to 8 p.m. through March. 

Here are the next three groups that are set to perform:

Jan. 21 - 4 Blue Teardrops (pictured) - The oldies are back! Tunes from 50s and 60s in classic style. 

Jan. 28 - Joe Flipovich - Everything from classic rock, blues, southern rock, old country, and pop acoustic songs.

Feb. 4 - Bill Maxwell - Singer-songwriter material from artists such as Dylan, Young, Cash, Petty, Holly, Haggard, Earle, Prine and Townes.

View the complete winter music series schedule.

The restaurant has a full service bar and is open daily at 11 a.m., serving lunch and dinner. Last seating is at 9 p.m. Call 218-865-8061 for more information.