Summer has finally arrived in the lakes area, and with it, a plethora of garage, yard and rummage sales.
If you're getting the urge to start cleaning out those closets, storage rooms and garages to host a sale of your own, why not do something to help keep a roof over the heads of local kittens, pups, cats and dogs in need of adoption while you're at it?
Richwood Winery is gearing up to host its first Community Yard Sale on Saturday, June 2, with a portion of the proceeds to benefit the Humane Society of the Lakes (HSL). The event will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
"Hosting an event to benefit the local Humane Society is something that Penny (Aguirre, owner of Richwood Winery) has always wanted to do," says winery coordinator Deb Krogsgaard, adding that she met with a group of HSL volunteers a few weeks back, "and from there it just took off."
For just $30, anyone can reserve a 10x10 yard sale space at the winery, with $20 of the fee going directly to benefit HSL, and the remainder going to cover expenses for the event.
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"Those who want to participate in the sale on Saturday will need to reserve their spots no later than Wednesday, May 30," says HSL's Alissa Mork, who is coordinating the inaugural event along with Krogsgaard.
"Or, if people can't be there for the yard sale, they can donate items to be sold during the event," Krogsgaard said, adding that all of the proceeds from sales of donated items will go directly to the Humane Society.
"Donations for the yard sale can be dropped off at the winery on Friday, June 1 between 1-6 p.m., or before the event on Saturday, starting at 8 a.m.," Mork said.
Krogsgaard noted that, due to a lack of storage space at the winery, donations for the sale will not be accepted prior to Friday.
"The event will be held rain or shine," Krogsgaard added, noting that participants should come prepared for the weather - i.e., bring a big umbrella, tarp or tent to shield their wares from the elements.
Mork said that HSL volunteers will also be on hand to help serve lunch - featuring barbecue sandwiches provided by Pam Skarie - from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with all proceeds (after expenses) also going to benefit the Humane Society.
After the sale has concluded, participants and visitors are welcome to stay, relax with a glass of your favorite wine, beer or other beverage of choice and enjoy some live music by the jazz duo Plan B - also known as Barry Reierson and Frank Weible - from 4 to 6 p.m.
HSL is having a busy year thus far
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Volunteer Alissa Mork says that the Humane Society of the Lakes has been busier than ever this spring, with 31 animals adopted out during the month of April alone.
"We're working closely with the White Earth Reservation to bring in strays from that area," Mork said, and anytime the HSL's Detroit Lakes shelter has a vacancy, they bring in additional animals from Turtle Mountain Rescue in Rolla, N.D.
"Right now we have 31 dogs and 28 cats onsite at our shelter," she said. "We generally have room for 25 cats and 25 dogs, but can take on more when litter mates can be housed together. We make use of every available space we have. During one three-day span this year, we took in 27 animals."
In addition to donations for ongoing shelter expenses like supplies and veterinarian care, HSL is always in need of volunteers, Mork added.
"Our next volunteer orientation is on Monday, June 4 from 6 to 7 p.m.," she said. "Anyone who wants to volunteer here this summer, we would love to have them come."
For more information, please visit the website at hsofthelakes.org, or check out the Humane Society of the Lakes page on Facebook for updates on upcoming events, such as the "Sisters & Whiskers" benefit at Seven Sisters Spirits on Saturday, June 9, as well as the annual Shelterfest benefit at the Hotel Shoreham in August.
Coming attractions at Richwood Winery
Richwood Winery, located just outside the village of Richwood on Becker County Highway 34, offers a variety of summer events, from Yoga at the Vineyard on Friday, June 1 to live music every Saturday afternoon in June, July and August.
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The winery's first big event of the season happens on Saturday, June 23. The annual Summer Solstice Festival runs from 2 to 8 p.m., with live music from Jim Burt of Backus, Minn., from 2-5 p.m., followed by Mahnomen's Eric Reitan from 5-8 p.m. Roughly a dozen arts, crafts and food vendors will be on hand throughout the celebration as well. Admission is $5 per person for all those age 21 and up, with a commemorative festival wine glass included as part of each admission. All those under age 21 will be admitted free of charge.
Other annual events this summer include the Toast to Tamarac, a benefit for the Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge set for Friday, Sept. 7, and the ever-popular Grape Stomp Festival on Saturday, Sept. 8. For more information, please visit the web page at www.richwoodwinery.com , or check out the winery's Facebook page for schedule updates.
