Events & Entertainment

Elephants and cats and bears: Oh my!

The acts will bring smiles to the kids; the kids will bring smiles to their parents; and all can enjoy the smell of the popcorn, the tricks of the animals; aerial stunts; and the joy of the music at an old-fashioned circus in Borderland.
That’s how organizers see the 2008 Shrine Circus, which is coming to the Fort Frances Memorial Arena Wednesday and will be presenting a show for all ages.
Two shows will be available beginning at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Master of Ceremonies Paul Nevanen said he was running out of adjectives to describe the talent as one performance after another elicited roaring applause and whistles from a capacity-filled Backus Auditorium Friday evening at United Way’s annual “Hooked on Talent” local singing competition.
With smooth introductions and not one technical interruption, 24 acts entertained a crowd of at least 900. They contributed over $14,000 to local charities supported by United Way in Koochiching County.

Northern Exposure will hold a “Stepping Out to Cure Scleroderma” beauty day May 17.
From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the 1227 3rd Street salon on the backside of Top Ten Video, proceeds from haircuts, coloring, and retail sales for the event will go to support the Scleroderma Foundation Minnesota Chapter.
The event is being organized by Stephanie Mason of Northern Exposure, who lost her mother, Frances Rowe, to scleroderma last October. She is coordinating the events to be held prior to two major fundraising walks in June. Call 283-2549 to make an appointment.

Indus Community Education is hosting the eighth annual quilt show at the Indus School on May 19.
The show is scheduled to be held in the school library from 5-7 p.m.
All quilters in the area are encouraged to bring their handiwork and creativity to the Indus School for display. As in the past years, Indus staff are looking forward to having a great selection of quilts to display.
Quilts can be left at the school anytime prior to May 19. Please attach your name, as well as a brief description about the quilt. Many people have heirloom quilts that have been handed down for generations.

The first “Fun Fine Arts” evening, created to casually celebrate the writing, music and artwork of the local community, is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday in the Rainy River Community College commons.

Coordinated by instructor Doug Blumhardt, the evenings will be formatted with an open microphone to feature anyone interested in sharing their work. A variety of poetry, prose, music and art mediums are expected. Those established in their craft and those just beginning are encouraged to participate.

Muslim peacemaker to speak in International Falls

Sami Rasouli’s impassioned defense of peace arises not only from the war’s devastations, but also from his own inner conflict — the result of watching the two countries that he loves at war.
If a spokesperson for peace could be custom designed, it would be tough to create one who is more fluent on the culture and currency of the Iraq war, or one more believable, than Rasouli.

A rare combination

The Whispering Pines Quilt Guild will hold its third annual quilt show Friday and Saturday at the Family Life Center of the Evangelical Church in the Falls.
The show will feature the special butterfly quilt made by the guild for the North Star Hospice in conjunction with the butterfly release fund raising event. The creation will be offered for raffling and is a donation from the guild.

The 2008 Koochiching County United Way Campaign will kickoff with a vocal talent contest May 9.
The event is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. at Backus Auditorium. The competition will feature entertainment from Minnesota and Canada, along with guest star appearance from Brittany Lee Aultman, Nashville recording artist.
United Way has impacted the area by distributing over $700,000 since 2001, according to officials. The event is a fundraiser intended to help local charitable agencies.

The Icebox Radio Theater is expected to broadcast their next show, “U-20~08,” live on the Internet at 7 p.m. tonight.
Development of a new online radio station, tentatively named “Icebox Radio”’ was part of the IBRT’s arrangement with Rainy River Community College. The station will provide a permanent online broadcasting outlet featuring IBRT plays, events around RRCC, and a selection of audio drama from groups all over the world. The kid’s show tonight will be Icebox Radio’s first live event.

The Rainy Lake Sport Fishing Club Family Banquet is continuing off the success of last year’s changes to include children’s activities and both a traditional and silent auction. The event will be held at 5:30 p.m. April 26 at the Holiday Inn. The shaved beef and chicken banquet dinner begins at 6:30 p.m.
Club members are currently selling tickets and looking for event sponsors. They are also accepting donations for the auction.