It is through these tireless efforts that many can enjoy the following events.

Nisswa-Stamman, June 12-13

The 10th annual Scandinavian folk music and dance festival will be Friday and Saturday, June 12 -13, at the Nisswa Pioneer Village. Scandinavian performers from Norway, Finland, Denmark and Sweden, as well as the United States, play at the festival on several stages.

Saturday's activities include a fiddler's parade and all-day folk music, dancing and dance workshops, ethnic foods, children's tent with activities and wandering musicians. This year we are honored to have the Swedish Ambassador Jonas Hafstrom at this event on Saturday.

This traditional Scandinavian folk music and dance festival begins at 7 p.m. Friday at the Lutheran Church of the Cross with a Gala Sampler concert featuring Audun Eken Trio, Cajsa, Bosse, Orjan &Tore: Esko, Tuomas & Sara, Sula and many more. . . The fun continues Friday with an Old Time Dance at the Nisswa American Legion Club at 9 p.m.

A walking parade from Nisswa Square to the Nisswa Pioneer Village with scrolling musicians begins Saturday's activities in style starting at 10 a.m. Music begins on all five stages at 10:15 and will be heard throughout the day.

A Smorgasbord will be served at the Nisswa Community Center from 4:30 to 7 p.m. with a dance to follow at the Nisswa American Legion Club.

For more information and to schedule workshop times, contact Program Director Paul Wilson at (218) 764-2994 or pwilson@brainerd.net. Also check out all the event details online at www.nisswastamman.org.

2009 Christmas Tour of Homes, Oct. 15-17

For 20 years the Christmas Tour of Homes in the Nisswa area has provided a day filled with spectacular colors of the season and non-stop fun with wonderful cuisine, warm hospitality and exceptional shopping among the unique stores and boutiques.

But, more importantly, this event has raised awareness and funds for the Lakes Area Food Shelf. In 2008, the Lakes Area Food Shelf provided 67,500 pounds of food which fed 2,250 people.

Tickets go on sale Friday, June 12, at the Nisswa Chamber of Commerce Office on Main Street in Nisswa. Ticket price is $53/person with checks and cash being excepted only.

The 2009 Christmas Tour of Homes will begin Thursday, Oct. 15, with additional tours on Friday, Oct. 16 and Saturday, Oct. 17.

10th annual Nisswa Open, June 25

Turtle races

The world famous Nisswa Turtle Races begin and run at 2 p.m. every Wednesday, June 10, through Aug. 18. Turtle racers will gather behind the chamber office to cheer their favorite turtle to victory. Turtles are provided with your $3 entry fee.

Freedom Day and Celebration, July 3

Nisswa Freedom Day Parade area events will run Friday, July 3, including Water Wars at 2 p.m.; Petting Zoo by local 4-Hers and llamas at 2 p.m.; music in the Square: Alpheus Ward Project from 2 to 4 p.m.; face painting in the square by local 4-H club from 3 to 6 p.m.; music in the gazebo, Greg Breen's jazz band sponsored by Northern National Bank from 4 to 6 p.m.; Kiddie Parade Nisswa Square sponsored by Utrinkets; and Freedom Day Parade at 7 p.m. on Main Street.

We need volunteers to help with the parade route and crowd control so if you can assist please contact the Nisswa Chamber of Commerce at (218) 963-2620 or jeri@nisswa.com

Consider being part of the fun, excitement, and growth in the Nisswa area by becoming a member of the Nisswa Chamber of Commerce.

It's a Great Day to Discover Nisswa. . .Stores are open and anticipation is in the air!