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Happy weekend, Bemidji! 

In today’s happening-today edition: A manufacturing leader turned painter, a fat bike rally, and gold and silver heating up + events worth checking out today & tomorrow.

Today’s sponsor (Money.com) built a free comparison tool that helped me cut my car insurance premiums in half. It took about 3 minutes, and honestly… I wish I’d done it sooner. If you haven’t shopped around in a while, you can easily check the best rates here.

📰 In the news

Harbor muse ignites creativity: Up North Arts spotlights manufacturing leader turned painter Paul Eidenschink, inspired by lakes and childhood memories after buying a Battle Lake cabin. Production support comes from First National Bank Bemidji — see what inspired his art.

New investment in heritage: Beltrami County Historical Society received $74,556 for collections care, while Clearwater County Historical Society received $25,000 to plan Gran Church preservation, following Minnesota Historical Society’s announcement of 38 statewide grants — learn what the funds support.

City resilience and 2026 outlook: Bemidji Mayor Jorge Prince’s State of the City reviewed the June 2025 windstorm, citing over $8 million in damage, no deaths, ongoing cleanup, and a proposal seeking full state reimbursement — learn what’s next for Bemidji.

Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why they’re back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.

Someone Googled you this week: Whether you’re dating again, selling something locally, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up. Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you (or someone you care about) to clean up all that up – learn more here.

Highlights this week:

• Connect with fiber artists over coffee
• Learn to sew a pillowcase
• Create together at Intercultural Creative Circle
• Over 62? See how to turn home equity into tax-free cash

🚗 Are you quietly overpaying for car insurance?

Together with our sponsor Money.com

Auto insurance premiums have been climbing across the country… and most folks won’t notice until it’s time to renew and they’re hit with a higher bill.

The frustrating part? Loyalty rarely gets rewarded. Insurers adjust prices constantly, and new customers often qualify for better rates than long-time policyholders.

I learned that the hard way. I had the same policy for half a decade. Autopay was on, I saw the charges come in every month and never thought twice about them. Turns out I was paying well above the national average ($175/mo) for a single car… for years.

This free comparison tool lets you check rates from multiple insurers in just a few minutes. It costs nothing to look, and it could save you hundreds this year.

🫶 We got your back

Public art stroll, anyone?: The Bemidji Sculpture Walk maps a year-round mix of outdoor sculptures and a few murals for an easy downtown wander. When cabin fever hits, grab a friend and a coffee, then amble for a low-effort mood boost hiding in plain sight.

Need a fiber fix?: Project bag feeling uninspired? Fiddlesticks Fiber Arts offers squishy skeins, tidy kits, and relaxed classes that spark momentum. You’ll find friendly makers, discover something pretty, and leave with that can’t-wait-to-cast-on energy, whether you’re a beginner or happily adding to an ever-growing stash.

Local pints, zero pretense: When the week starts doing the most, Bemidji Brewing is the easy answer. Fresh Northern Minnesota pours, rotating seasonals that keep things interesting, and a friendly room made for catching up. Sliding in with a neighbor, trying something new, and letting the evening un-hurry just makes sense.

An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.

📆 Around town today & tomorrow

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

☕ Encourage and Coffee @ Cantabria Coffee Company | Saturday (3/7) at 9:00 AM – Whether you have homeschooled since dial up or jumped in, come thaw out with coffee and encouragement in the back room at Cantabria. Buy your drink, enjoy complimentary baked goods, and swap wins, woes, and curriculum hacks. Because algebra and cabin fever pair with caffeine.

🚲 9th Annual Fat Bike Rally @ Lake Bemidji State Park | Saturday (3/7) at 10:00 AM – Think snow is just for shoveling? Lake Bemidji State Park’s annual fat bike rally is a timed ride for all levels, with 3.8-inch tires and helmets required. It’s free to race or spectate, but you’ll need a park permit, and donations back local bike teams.

🍓 Fresh Strawberries & Oranges @ Paul Bunyan Mall | Saturday (3/7) at 10:00 AM – Paul Bunyan Mall turns into a pop-up farm stand, with just-picked strawberries, citrus, Georgia pecans, and Michigan maple syrup. Pre-order for a deal, pay at pickup, then tell Paul and Babe you sourced local, adjacent. It beats winter tomatoes, and your pancakes will agree.

🃏 Pokémon Adventures (Pokémon TCG) @ Accidentally Cool Games | Saturday (3/7) at 10:00 AM – Swing by ACG for a weekly Pokémon TCG hangout where newcomers get taught, regulars battle, and Bemidji Domino’s fuels it with pizza. Six bucks gets you a booster pack and a slice or three, so watch the Saturday schedule, and relive recess with better snacks.

❤ Warm Your Heart With A Little Art @ Historic Carnegie Library | Saturday (3/7) at 11:00 AM – If you’ve been craving a hands-on win, make a custom copper bracelet with artist Heather Fadness, learning linework, stamping, and a touch of sparkle if you want stones. It’s relaxed, satisfying, and yes, you bring a 12 oz hammer. Your wrist will brag.

🎉 Closing Reception: Aanikoobijiganag – “Generations” @ Watermark Art Center | Saturday (3/7) at 2:00 PM – Whether you’ve been following Shaun Chosa for years or you’re just art-curious, this closing reception is your last look at Aanikoobijiganag, a three-generation Ojibwe group show where distinct styles share roots. It’s free, at Watermark, and pleasantly light on pretense, heavy on heart.

🎼 Symphony Showcase @ The Loft Event Center | Saturday (3/7) at 7:00 PM – After dinner at the Loft, the Bemidji Symphony Orchestra is breaking out the good stuff: solos, duets, trios, and those small ensembles that make you feel cultured without trying. Sip a little, snack a little, and toss support to our symphony fundraiser, no tux required.

Live music & entertainment:

• 3/7 Symphony Showcase @ The Loft Event Center – 7:00 PM
• 3/12 Open Mic Night @ Brigid’s Pub – 6:30 PM
• 3/13 Keith Secola and more @ Rail River Folk School – 6:00 PM
• 3/13 Ancestral Fire Music Tour @ RailRiverFolkSchool – 6:00 PM
• 3/14 Acoust Hicks & a Chick @ The Bobber Bar (Cass Lake) – 7:00 PM
• 3/22 Student Recital: John Kirk @ Bemidji State University School of Music – 3:00 PM
• 3/28 Irish Rhapsody @ Bemidji High School Auditorium – 7:00 PM

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🔥 Worth a peek

We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.

• Thinning hair? Don’t wait – here are 3 treatments that work
• This free tool helps connect you with the right financial advisor
• Got debt? You may be able to pay less than you owe
• You can own physical gold and silver in your retirement account
• Treat yourself: Save on self-care during the CVS Epic Beauty Sale

📻 Bemidji report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 45°F – Low: 34°F – Precip: 0%

Mostly sunny. High near 45, with temperatures falling to around 42 in the afternoon. West wind 6 to 12 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 34. Southwest wind 12 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 56°F – Low: 30°F – Precip: 4%

Partly sunny, with a high near 56. West southwest wind around 13 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30. West wind around 12 mph.

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Take a peek inside →