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🌍🎉 International Heritage Festival – A Celebration of Cultures 📅 Friday, April 25 | 5:30–7:30 PM 📍 Willmar Senior High School Auditorium & Commons You're invited to an unforgettable evening of food, music, art, and culture from around the world - all represented right here in the community! 🥐 Taste global flavors 🎶 Enjoy music, dancing & cultural performances 🖼️ Explore art and artifacts Come celebrate the rich diversity that makes Kandiyohi County! 🌎💃
🎉 A huge thank you to all the incredible sponsors, employers, and students who made this year's Student Job Fair & Career Expo a big success! 💼✨ From educational conversations to career-changing connections, the energy in the room was electric ⚡. KCED loves being part of an event that opens doors and creates opportunities for the future. 🚀 Special thanks to ✨ sponsors 🌟 Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, Southwest Initiative Foundation, Jennie-O (especially for vendor snacks and bags for goodies!), Ridgewater College, Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services, Inc., Willmar Public School District and Walt's Soft Cloth Car Wash for student gift certificates!
🎉 You're Invited to the Annual Life Connections Event! 🎉 🗓 Friday, April 25th | 📍 ⏰ 10 am - 2 pm 📍 Willmar Civic Center 2707 Arena Dr Willmar, MN 56201 Come enjoy a full day of vendors, entertainment, food, fun, and time to connect with friends and make unforgettable memories! 🌟 Featured Speaker: Cory Hepola Emmy award-winning documentarian & TV anchor 🎤 Schedule of Events: 🥞 8:00–9:30 AM – Pancakes by Chris Cakes 🏆 9:45 AM – Outstanding Senior Award Presentation 🎙 10:00–11:00 AM – Keynote with Cory Hepola 🎶 11:30 AM – The Kingery Family on the Main Stage 🎲 1:00 PM – Bingo Time! 🎵 2:00 PM – Larry Olson Polka Band Get full details: https://buff.ly/aVaHFRZ Bring your family and friends for a day filled with inspiration, celebration, and connection.
🌾🚜 Save the Date! Registration Now Open! 💡📅 Join us for the Partners in Ag Innovation Conference on June 17, 2025, at MinnWest Technology Campus, Willmar, MN (or attend virtually!). Explore "Ag and the Economy: Cultivating Growth in a Changing Landscape" with top industry experts, innovators, and producers. 🔥 Key Highlights: ✅ Keynote: Ag Economist Mike Pearson ✅ Regional Insights & Producer Success Stories ✅ Tech Showcase & Climate Resilience Strategies 🎟 Complimentary Registration – Includes ☕ breakfast & 🥪 lunch! 🔗 Register Now:
🌟 Join Powerful Community Conversation on Mental Health 🌟 Join others watching the film ANGST, a documentary that aims to break the stigma around mental health and spark honest conversations about anxiety in our youth and families. This inspiring film helps us understand that while some anxiety is normal, it’s important to recognize when it becomes too much—and that you are not alone. With personal stories, expert insights, and practical tips, ANGST encourages us to notice the signs, speak up, and reach out for help. 🙌 🎥 ANGST: A Community Conversation and Learning Experience 🗓️ Wednesday, April 23, 2025 🕡 6:30 – 8:30 PM 📍 NLS Performing Arts Center 101 4th Ave SW, New London 🎞️ Film runs approx. 50 minutes, followed by a panel discussion 👥 Open to anyone ages 10 and up ✅ Registration recommended but not required 📧 Questions? Contact Michelle Kiefer at michelle.kiefer@centracare.com Let’s come together to learn, support one another, and show our youth that anxiety is 100% treatable 💙
🔒 WORKPLACE SAFETY BY DESIGN 🔒 Presented by Vinna Human Resources, Blue Ethos Specialized Training , and the Kandiyohi County Sheriff's Office 🛡️ Learn de-escalation techniques, active threat survival training, and conflict resolution strategies to help keep your workplace safe and prepared. 📅 Tuesday, April 29 | 9:00 AM 📍 Kandiyohi County Health & Human Services, Willmar, MN (Free parking available on the west side) 💵 $100 for first registrant | $75 each additional from the same company ☕ Coffee, water & light snacks provided ✅ Register now: https://buff.ly/U9ZyJRh 📞 Questions? Call 320-295-7474 🔗 Scan the QR code on the flyer to learn more!
📣This week's business highlight is 🐎 Smilin' D Arena & Events 🙂, lying in the heart of Colfax Township, just outside Belgrade in Kandiyohi County. Smilin’ D Arena is a premier, state-of-the-art, climate-controlled facility that brings Western tradition to life🤠. Whether you're a rider, a fan, or just love a good community gathering, this arena offers a welcoming space for all. Originally built in the spring of 2024 by owners David and Jessica Reigstad as a place for their families to enjoy the sport and spirit of Western riding, Smilin’ D has quickly grown into a hub for community connection👩👩👧👦 and excitement🤩. From high-energy events like bull riding and pit bike races, to classic Western competitions like cattle 🐮 sorting and ranch sorting leagues, there’s always something happening in the arena. It’s also home to community favorites like the Wild Henke Showdown Kids Fun Day, Ranch Rodeos & musical concerts! With an ever growing schedule & platform to accommodate an ever-expanding request list, booking your company's professional team-building events as well as hosting your weddings/receptions 💒 at the arena are on the horizon! Mark your calendars for Thursday, April 24th for the final night of the Greatest Showman Colt Starting Competition🏆 which will end in the auctioning off of all 5 horses🐴! 🎉Smilin' D Arena & Events is more than just a venue – it’s a celebration of community, tradition, and shared passion. You can find them @Smilin' D Arena & Events on Facebook, at smilindarena.com, by calling 320-295-6472 and at 131 255th Ave. NE, Belgrade
