Rallying around the veterans with late-summer events
August in Minnesota usually means soaking up the last few drops of summer from the lakes. But it’s also time to squeeze in the last few seasonal opportunities to combine our love of the outdoors with our patriotism and gratitude for veterans.
This month, we are trading quiet cabin weekends for action. Inside this issue, you’ll find powerful ways to step up for the men and women who served. Find out about a long-running motorcycle rally based in Crosslake, and the biggest festival of the year for a Central Minnesota sanctuary dedicated to healing the invisible wounds of war.
Backing our veterans isn’t just a seasonal event; it’s baked into our business model, and that’s why a portion of every commission we earn goes directly to Homeless & Wounded Warriors – MN. But even if you’re not making a real estate move, read on to find out how you can show up, get loud, and give back this August.
Aug. 22 marks 22nd annual motorcycle ride
A distinct kind of thunder rolls through the Northwoods every late summer, and it’s not the weather. On Saturday, August 22, dozens of riders will fire up their engines for the 22nd annual motorcycle ride for Homeless & Wounded Warriors — MN.
The daylong adventure carves through the deep pines and visits some of the region’s iconic mainstays. Registration begins at 10 a.m. at the Crosslake American Legion, the longstanding home base of this event. Then it’s kickstands up at 11:30 and on the road. The convoy will make pit stops at the Damsite Supper Club in Pine River, Docksider in Longville, and bank miles to Knuckleheads Bar & Grill in Hill City. By 4 p.m., the exhaust notes will echo back into Crosslake as the crew returns to the Legion for a massive, well-earned post-ride meal.
You don’t need a motorcycle license to join the ranks. Cars and trucks are encouraged to fall in line with the procession. The buy-in is $30 per rider or driver, and just $10 for a motorcycle passenger or additional car passenger.
Last year, the rolling rally raised $8,700 to provide support for area veterans in need. Just remember the number 22 this August. It is, without a doubt, the loudest and proudest way to show your support for veterans.
Congrats to the winner of the ‘coolest’ cooler!
YHSGR & First National Bank sponsor the inaugural Rocks & Cows Country Music Festival in Pine River
Congratulations to Mark and Diane H. of Motley, Minnesota, the winners of our custom YHSGR and First National Bank custom cooler, along with a $100 gift card at the inaugural Rocks & Cows Country Music Festival.
We were proud to partner with First National Bank to help sponsor this fantastic community event and celebrate the people who make central Minnesota such a great place to live. It was a pleasure meeting other fellow vendors and community-focused people, and we’re grateful to everyone who stopped by to visit, enter the giveaway, and enjoy the festivities.
Thank you to everyone who helped make the first Rocks & Cows Country Music Festival a possibility. See you there next year!
Flock to the Eagle’s Healing Nest on Aug. 29
The 13th Annual Nest Fest takes over Sauk Centre on August 29, transforming a sprawling central Minnesota campus into a massive, all-day rally for veterans and the public. And this year, Eagle’s Healing Nest has added even more to the event roster.
This isn’t your average late-summer festival. It’s a living, breathing testament to the power of community action, packed with camaraderie, food, and a shared mission to support those who served. This year’s event features catered food from veteran-owned B3 Cooking in Alexandria, MN. Eagle’s Healing Nest merchandise, including hats, tees, and hoodies will also be available. Proceeds will help the Nest purchase new kitchen equipment that is required to be updated at its facility.
This annual festival offers the public a chance to step onto the grounds where veterans find a crucial lifeline and a place of peace as they transition back to civilian life. The day is packed with events, including a pancake feed from 6 to 10 a.m., a silent auction, tours, and vendors. The event is free and open to the public; however, direct donations may be made to the Nest.
Mark your calendar and stand with those who stood for us.
