Welcome to Northern Minnesota's
​Edge of the Wilderness Area

~ August 2026 Calendar ~
Naturalist programs Tuesdays and Saturdays at 11 a.m. through Sept. 3 at Edge of the Wilderness Discovery Center just north of Marcell on State Highway 38.
1     Sketches of Minnesota, Edge of the Wilderness comes to the Edge Center. Free catered community dinner, discussion, improv comedy performance. Must register online by July 26.
5    “The Club I Never Wanted to Join” breast cancer support group meets 3:30 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in the chapel, south entrance, Grand Rapids. More info with Lynn (218) 832-3612, lynn_ettl@msn.
6    Jesse Lake Lutheran hosts a Grief Support Group at 10 a.m. on Thursday mornings.  For more information, call Marion at (320) 293-5741.
6     Practical Water Wisdom online programs over the lunch hour with Itasca Waters.  Topic: "Volunteer Conservation: What you can and can't do to your lakeshore"  with Austin Steere, projects director of Itasca County Soil and Water Conservation District. Register at itascawaters.org.
7    The Edge Center Gallery, Bigfork hosts an Award Reception for artists showing in the Annual Juried Exhibit, 5-7 p.m. with awards at 6:15 p.m.  Arrive before 6 p.m. to vote on the People’s Choice Award. The Juried Exhibit runs from August 6 - 29. Edge Gallery is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday-Saturday. More information, call (218) 743-6670
7     Northome Farmers Market, each Friday, 3-6 p.m. at the Fairgrounds.
7-9  Koochiching County Fair at Northome fairgrounds on Highway 71. See p. 16.
8    Smokey Bear’s Birthday at the Discovery Center north of Marcell on Highway 38, 11 a.m.
8-9  42nd annual Threshing Show by North Central MN Farm and Antique Association in Blackberry, Aug. 8-9, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Adults, $10, 18 and under free with a paid adult.
10  Women of the Woods meet at 10 a.m. at Sand Lake Community Center. Call Pat Sievertson at (218) 659-2157.
10  ISD 317 School Board meets at Deer River HS, 6 p.m. Public forum 5:45 p.m.
10  ISD 318 School Board meeting, Administrative Board Room, 650 SW 7th St, Grand Rapids 6:30 p.m., open forum 6 p.m. Livestream at watchictv.org.
10   Effie City Council meets at Effie Community Center, 6 p.m. .
11  Stop & Stitch meets at the Marcell Family Center the 2nd Tuesday of every month, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. More info, call Debbie at (218) 360-1503.
11  Bigfork City Council meets at City Hall, 5:30 p.m.
15   Deadline for All Call for Art for the 250th Anniversary of the Nation, Edge Center exhibit during October. No entry fee. For more information, see the Gallery page at edgecenterarts.org.
15   Backwoods Bash at Blackduck Wayside Rest, 8:30 a.m-midnight.  5k, food, adult and youth activities, parade, live music. Golf tourneys on Aug. 14 and 16. More info at www.backwoodsbash.net
16  Edge Center benefit concert presented by John Perkins, A Grand Ole (Bigfork) Opry, 2 p.m. Tickets:  $10 adults, children free. 
17  Blackduck ISD 32 School Board meets, 6 p.m. in the Media Center.
18   Jessie Lake & Suomi Lutheran free community meal, 45834 Co. Rd. 4 in Talmoon, 4-6 p.m.  Baked potato bar and sundaes. Takeout available.
19  ISD 363 South Koochiching-Rainy River School Board meeting, 7 p.m., Northome School
19-23 Itasca County Fair, Grand Rapids.  Registration information and premium book online at www.itascacountyfair.org 
20   Edge of the Wilderness Book Club meets 3rd Thursday of every month (except Dec) at the Marcell Family Center at 10 a.m.  New members welcome.
20  Annual Ardenhurst Township potluck picnic at Ardenhurst Community Park, 5 p.m.
24  ISD 318 School Board meeting, Administrative Board Room, 650 SW 7th St, Grand Rapids 6:30 p.m., open forum 6 p.m. Livestream at watchictv.org.
24  Women of the Woods meet 10 a.m. at Sand Lake Community Center. Call Pat Sievertson (218) 659-2157.
25  Bigfork Valley Hospital board meets in public meeting, 9 a.m.
25   Northwoods Quilters meet 4th Tuesday of the months April - October at Marcell Town Hall,  9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Show ‘n Tell and quilting techniques.
27   Community Music Jam at Marcell Family Center, 5-8 p.m. Everyone welcome.
29-30  White Oak Antique Tractor Show one mile north of Deer River. Pancake breakfast 7-11 a.m., parade 1 p.m., quilts, demonstrations, flea market, tractor raffle drawing Sunday, 3 p.m.
SEPT
1  First day of school, Bigfork, Deer River, Blackduck.
7  Labor Day. North Itasca Electric offices CLOSED.
8  First day of school, Northome School.