My family's move to the Brainerd lakes area was not decided by anything as logical as growing up here, having family nearby or new career path. We ended up living here thanks to a local fast food restaurant that provided our 2-year-old daughter a place to stretch her legs after being in the car for 10 hours. We had been searching for a place to live in all of the central lakes area: Alexandria, Little Falls, Detroit Lakes and a funky hunting cabin in Ottertail. We made a pit stop in Brainerd on our way home to Bayfield, Wis. We were at Burger King, my husband and I, exhausted from all our unsuccessful efforts that day, looked at each other and said: "You know, I've always liked Brainerd!" We proceeded to cross the street and purchase a local paper. As fate would have it, we made one call from a pay phone for rental of a little cabin off of a golf course on Madden's Resort. The rest is history. My husband's job in the Coast Guard has pulled us away from Minnesota numerous times but we have continued to call Brainerd our home.
Last year I was honored to receive a job as director of health and wellness at beautiful Takedown Gym, where they put fitness, health and lifestyle as their number one priority not only in their top of the line facility and equipment but overall ethics and personal goal to have a positive impact on the lives within the community. This year's homecoming gives me the opportunity to incorporate the job I love into a unique event to begin a week-long celebration of my adopted community.
Takedown Gym is kickstarting our community-wide homecoming week by hosting the first Amazing Race in the lakes area at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 1. All who dare to participate are invited to create teams of 4-6 people of all different ages-students and adults alike. Participants will be uncovering clues, going through crazy obstacles and completing silly shenanigans. Utilizing the pool, track, field, hill, bleachers, basketball courts and much more, each team will be conquering tasks as quickly as possible to reach the finish line first. The cost for the event is only $10 per team member and all proceeds will be given to the Alzheimer's Association. For more information and to sign up, visit Brainerd Community Ed at www.isd181.org or call 218-454-6924.
The fun festivities of homecoming week will continue with the Powder Puff Tournament after the Amazing Race, coronation at Brainerd High School on Monday, varsity sports home games throughout the week, the BAY Youth Rally on Wednesday and the distinguished hall of fame inductee banquet and the alumni gatherings on Friday. Saturday, Oct. 8, will begin bright and early with the Warrior Homecoming run, followed by the parade. The CLC baseball team will provide a free mini-clinic while BYAA plays football. Kick-off for the big game where the Warriors will "Cage the Cardinals" from Alexandria will be at 2 p.m. More details about all these events can be found at www.isd181.org .
