It’s the age old question that confronts us every year - what to do about that dang fishing opener landing on Mother’s Day weekend.  For some the quesiton causes great angst each year.  For others, its just not an issue.  Tell us how your family handles it.  Any funny stories you can share?  Any amazing solutions that’s worked in your clan?  We’d love to hear!

Full title: “Fishing on the Pontoon with Mom Dad, Baby Brother Bennett and two cousins, Cameryn and Evan”

From Dad: “Note to viewers: Although fishing lines appear to be tangle-free, drawing of experience may not be completely accurate!”

Grand Marais Jazz Festival May 9-11, 2008

Hammond B-3 Player Tony Monaco and Avishai Cohen’s Triveni to Headline

Northern Minnesota festival promises expanded number of free county-wide performances, added cuisine, activities and event specials and top-flight performance scheduleThe newly formed Cook County Events & Visitors Bureau, in partnership with participating Cook County Minnesota Tourism Associations and Grand Portage Lodge and Casino, will host the 2008 Grand Marais Jazz Festival May 9-11.  The county-wide jazz festival will take place at venues across Cook County to include performances in Grand Portage, Lutsen-Tofte and downtown Grand Marais with additional performances at lodges and resorts along the historic Gunflint Trail. Top-flight performers include Hammond B-3 Organ Wizard Tony Monaco, Avishai Cohen’s Triveni from New York, Flutist Gina Todd & Guitarist Briand Morrison, The Erin Bode Group, Axis Mundi World Music Trio with Glen Helgeson, Sam Miltich & the Clearwater Hot Club, Chicago Jazz Vocal / Guitar Duo Typhanie Monique & Neal Alger, New Orleans Jazz Pianist Chris Gillis, Singer Diane Brostrom, Jazz Violinist Max Bichel, Vocalist Carah Thomas, The Willie August Project, Vocalist Lee Engele, Gypsy Swing Singer Rhonda Laurie, singer-songwriter Chastity Brown, Guitarist Gordon Thorne and others.The festival kicks off Friday evening, May 9, with free “A la Carte” jazz performances at lodges, resorts and restaurants on the North Shore and Gunflint Trail beginning at 4:00pm.  Various Grand Marais shops and art galleries will be open late on the evening of Friday, May 9 to welcome visitors with special coffee house offers, wine & cheese receptions, live music, open house tours and art studio exhibitions.  Saturday, May 10, Cook County will go live with ticketed concert performances throughout the day and late into the evening at Lutsen Mountains and in Grand Marais.  Grand Marais restaurants and shops will offer an array of special food menus, weekend discounts and prix fixe dinners for jazz festival attendees.  Sunday, May 11, jazz brunches and buffets with live music will be hosted by Bluefin Bay Resort, Chez Jude, Lutsen Resort and the Grand Portage Lodge and Casino. 

Buy Festival Passes and Single Tickets online at GrandMaraisJazzFest.com

Buy Tickets by phone at 1-(888)-922-5000.

Full performance schedule, ongoing event updates and news at:

 GrandMaraisJazzFest.com.  

The Cook County Events & Visitors Bureau is a voluntary participation organization dedicated to economic development and maintaining the vitality of The North Shore-Gunflint Trail by supporting events throughout the year. ccevb@boreal.org

Fly Fishing Workshop

Superior Vistas Bike Tour

Saturday, June 21, 2008. 8:00 am. 4th annual, multi-loop, event geared toward both novice & experienced riders, and families. Ride either 13, 19,34,52, or 68 miles on scenic, paved, low traffic roads. Gently rolling hills with views of Lake Superior & the surrounding forest and countryside. Fully supported with route map, support vehicles, food/beverage stops & music & food at the finish. Funds support community organizations. $15 by May; $20 by early June; 25 same day; family rate also. Thompson West End Park, 8th Ave & Bigelow, Washburn, Bayfield County. Call 800-284-9484. E-mail: ashchamb@centurytel.net Web: www.superiorvistas.org Subjects: Bicycling, OutdoorRec, Families [E-52419]

Maple Syrup Festival

Early Bird Bird Hike

Blue Trail Hike