Summer in the Mille Lacs area wouldn’t be complete without Family Fun Nights!

The Isle Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to bring back this growing summer tradition for another season of family-friendly fun, food, laughter, and community connection. Over the past two years, Family Fun Nights have become a highlight of the summer, bringing together neighbors, local businesses, community organizations, and visitors for evenings filled with smiles, laughter, and lasting memories.

What started as a simple idea—to create free opportunities for families to gather and enjoy time together—has grown into a beloved community tradition. From playground adventures and lawn games to delicious food, new friendships, and familiar faces, Family Fun Nights have showcased what makes our communities around Mille Lacs so special.

One of the best parts of Family Fun Nights is seeing people of all ages come together. Children make new friends on the playground, parents reconnect with neighbors, grandparents enjoy watching the fun unfold, and community organizations build relationships with the people they serve. It’s a reminder that some of the best summer memories don’t require expensive tickets or elaborate plans—just a place to gather, have fun, and enjoy time together.

This year’s Family Fun Nights will once again feature free food, games, activities, and opportunities to explore different locations throughout the area. Each week offers a unique experience hosted by local businesses and organizations that are passionate about strengthening our community.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Family Fun Nights are presented by the Isle Area Chamber of Commerce and made possible through the generosity of local businesses and community partners who believe in creating opportunities for families to connect and make memories together.

A special thank you to Teal’s Market for supporting Family Fun Nights throughout June.

2026 Family Fun Night Schedule

June 2 | Isle City Park (Pirate Park) | 5:00–7:00 PM

Hosted by DanieGeo Productions and Isle Bakery

Kick off the summer with a fun-filled evening at Pirate Park! Enjoy tacos from Momma’s Lip Smacking Burritos Food Truck, sponsored by Oberfeld Insurance, along with treats from Isle Bakery, games, activities, and plenty of opportunities to connect with friends and neighbors.

June 9 | Isle High School Pickleball Courts | 5:00–7:00 PM

Hosted by the Isle Area Pickleball Association

Whether you’re a seasoned player or have never picked up a paddle, this Family Fun Night is a great opportunity to learn about one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. Enjoy friendly competition, family activities, free food, and a fun evening outdoors.

June 16 | Wahkon Veterans Park | 5:00–7:00 PM

Hosted by Wahkon Wave and joined by Mille Lacs Health Systems

Join us in beautiful Wahkon for an evening of community connection, family activities, games, and free food sponsored by Century 21 Atwood – Isle. Gather with friends, meet new neighbors, and enjoy a summer evening near the lake.

June 23 | Fiddlestix | 5:00–7:00 PM

One of the most anticipated stops of the summer! Families can enjoy mini golf, slides, games, and plenty of fun for all ages. Thanks to Hans Woelfle for sponsoring the food for the evening and helping make this event free for the community.

June 30 | Isle City Park | 5:00–7:00 PM

Hosted by First National Bank of Milaca – Isle Branch and Mille Lacs Health Systems

Wrap up June with an evening of food, games, activities, and community fun at Isle City Park. It’s the perfect way to celebrate a month of making memories together.

A Summer Tradition Worth Celebrating

Family Fun Nights have become more than just a series of events—they’ve become a summer tradition. They represent what makes the Mille Lacs area special: neighbors helping neighbors, businesses investing in their community, and families spending quality time together.

Whether you’ve attended every Family Fun Night over the past two years or this will be your first, we invite you to join us. Bring the kids, invite the grandparents, gather your friends, and come experience the joy of community.

We look forward to seeing you Monday evenings in June from 5:00–7:00 PM as we continue this wonderful summer tradition together.

🍎 Honoring Excellence in Education: Celebrating Our Educators of the Year

Each year, the Isle Area Chamber of Commerce has the privilege of recognizing outstanding individuals who make a lasting difference in the lives of students and families through the Educator of the Year Award. This honor celebrates those who go above and beyond—educators who inspire, encourage, and lead with heart.

As we continue this meaningful tradition, we are proud to celebrate the incredible recipients from recent years:

Recent Honorees

• 2025 – Stacy Borchert
  Recognized for her dedication, passion, and the positive impact she brings to her students and school community each day.
• 2024 – Bri Novak (High School Science Teacher)
  Celebrated for making science engaging and inspiring, helping students explore, question, and grow in their learning.
• 2023 – Dominic Kruse
  Honored for his commitment to students and his ability to create a supportive and encouraging learning environment.
• 2022 – Dave Mueller
  Recognized for his leadership, dedication, and lasting contributions to education in the Isle area.

More Than a Title

Each of these educators represents the very best of our schools. Their influence goes far beyond the classroom—shaping confidence, character, and curiosity in the next generation.

They are mentors, role models, and everyday difference-makers.

A Community Effort

The Educator of the Year Award is especially meaningful because it comes from the community. Nominations are submitted by those who have been directly impacted—students, parents, colleagues, and community members—making each recognition deeply personal and well-earned.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate these outstanding individuals, we also look forward to continuing this tradition. Nominations for the 2026 Educator of the Year are open through May 26, 2026.

If an educator has made a difference in your life or your child’s life, we encourage you to take a moment to nominate them.

Thank You, Educators

To all of our past and present educators—thank you. Your dedication, patience, and passion help shape not only individual futures, but the future of our entire community.

The Isle Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 Spring Bling Gala was truly a night to remember—filled with laughter, connection, celebration, and a whole lot of hometown pride.

Held at McQuoid’s Inn, the evening brought together community members, business owners, and local leaders for a special time of networking, great food, and meaningful recognition. From the moment guests arrived, the room buzzed with energy as friends reconnected, new relationships formed, and the silent auction and Isle & Wahkon-themed bingo added a fun, local flair to the night.

Celebrating Outstanding Community Members

One of the highlights of the evening was honoring individuals who make a lasting impact in our community:

• 🏆 Presidential Award – Logan Slama
  At just nine years old, Logan inspired everyone in the room with his kindness, generosity, and heart for others. His recognition was a powerful reminder that leadership and impact have no age limit.
• 🏆 Citizen of the Year – City of Isle – Josh Hughley
  Josh was recognized for his dedication, service, and commitment to making Isle a better place for all.
• 🏆 Citizen of the Year – City of Wahkon – Karrie Roeschlein
  Karrie’s passion for community and continued efforts to uplift those around her made her a truly deserving honoree.

Each award told a story of service, heart, and the strength of small-town connection.

Community at Its Best

The Spring Bling Gala is more than an event—it’s a celebration of what makes the Isle area so special. The generosity shown through donated auction items, the support of local businesses, and the time given by volunteers all reflect the deep sense of community we are proud to be a part of.

Guests enjoyed a delicious meal by Dan’s Catering, lively entertainment, and the opportunity to support Chamber initiatives that continue to strengthen our local economy and community connections.

Presidential Award – Logan Slama
At just nine years old, Logan inspired everyone in the room with his kindness, generosity, and heart for others. His recognition was a powerful reminder that leadership and impact have no age limit.

Citizen of the Year – City of Isle – Josh Hughley
Josh was recognized for his dedication, service, and commitment to making Isle a better place for all.

Citizen of the Year – City of Wahkon – Karrie Roeschlein
Karrie’s passion for community and continued efforts to uplift those around her made her a truly deserving honoree.

Thank You

To everyone who attended, donated, volunteered, and supported this event—thank you. Your involvement is what makes events like this possible and meaningful.

Together, we are building something special here in the Isle and Wahkon area—and we can’t wait to see what the next year brings.

We hope you join us for the 2025 Soup Slurp!

Stop by participating businesses with a Soup Slurp Scorecard

Taste incredible soups from our local Soup Makers

Vote for your favorite before 2:00 PM at the Downtown Museum

Be entered to win $50 in Chamber Bucks just for completing your scorecard!

Winners will be announced by the end of the day.

Bring your family, bring your appetite, and enjoy the fun of Isle’s Olde Tyme Fall Fest!

This year’s soups and soup makers:

• Isle Muni – Creamy Chicken Noodle
• Isle Muni – Irish Stew
• White Capp Inn (Isle Muni) – Pea soup
• Karels Hardware – Reuben soup
• MLHS Community Pharmacy – Soup er Burger (GF)
• Snacks On Mille Lacs – Chicken Marsala
• Beckham’s Bar and Bistro (SOML) – Basil Noche Soup
• Lapis Loon Crystals – Cheddar Broccoli
• Lake Life Energy – Herbalife Chicken Soup
• Century 21 Atwood – Creamy Chieken Enchilada (GF)
• Impel Authority (C2I) – Loaded Baked Potato & Steak (GF)
• Teals Market – Chedder & Broccoli w/Ham

Below is additional information to get you prepared for the event.

1. There is a $10 charge for contest beginning in 2025. The Soup Slurp is organized by the IACC.
2. Tasting Participants that get signatures from ALL Soup Makers and drop of Score Cards will be entered in drawing for $50 Chamber Bucks! Encourage tasters to get all signatures even if they do not taste the soups… This will encourage them to visit all businesses, walk the town, and ENJOY their time at the event!
3. Prizes for 1st thru 3rd Place Soup Makers will be awarded!
4. Soups need to be ready for tasting by 11am.
5. Make 2 Gallons of your Soup. (No more, No less, & NO Chili!)
6. 4 oz. cups will be provided for sampling consistency. Note: You should get 85 3 oz. servings out of 2 Gallons. Only one sample per Score Card.
7. Soup Slurp Location Businesses can pick up cups/spoons/napkins & Score Sheets at Century 21 Atwood, 350 W Main after 10am Saturday.
8. Sign Score Sheets when sample is given, or if they are just getting it to complete their card.
9. If you run out of soup, everyone should be out. Do not make extra.
10. If you are hosting other soup makers at your location, please pick up Score Cards and supplies for them at the C21 office as noted above. If you run out of score cards, please check with another location. It will be hard to determine where Slurpers will start their tasting and pick up their cards.
11. One score sheet per guest. Guest must drop score sheets at Museum by 2:15.
12. Post Official “Slurp Point” window sheet on business door or window.
13. Winners will be calculated at Museum @2:30 and announced via Social Media.
14. Be sure your guests have a Great Experience in your place of business!
15. Any questions, feel free to contact Daron’s cell at 612-382-4583.

The Annual Olde-Tyme Fall Fest is Saturday September 27th from 10am to 4pm presented by the Mille Lacs Lake Historical Society at the Mille Lacs Lake Museum in Isle, MN, in cooperation with the Isle Chamber of Commerce. The IACC Soup Slurp runs from 11am – 2pm.

A Special Thanks to Teals and Snacks on Mille Lacs

for Donating Gift Cards for 2nd and 3rd Place Soup Makers!

Soup Makers Prize List: 1st Place $100 Chamber Bucks!

2nd $50 Teals Gift Card! 3rd $30 Beckham’s/Snacks on Mille Lacs Gift Card!

Not an Isle Area Chamber member yet?

Contact any chamber member or find us online and join TODAY!

As President of the Isle Area Chamber of Commerce, I am incredibly excited about the momentum we are building in our community. There is something truly special about small towns—where neighbors lift each other up, businesses support one another, and we all work together to make Isle a great place to live, work, and visit.

Our Chamber is more than just a network of businesses; it’s a group of people dedicated to strengthening relationships, finding and meeting the needs of our community, and creating opportunities for growth. By working together, we can amplify our impact—whether that’s through supporting local businesses, celebrating our youth, or organizing events that bring us all together.

One of the things I love most is celebrating the achievements of our students. Each quarter, we recognize the Student of the Quarter at Isle Schools, highlighting the dedication and hard work of our young leaders. Investing in our students is investing in our future, and we are proud to support them in any way we can.

Community events play a huge role in bringing us together, and we have some exciting things in store! Christmas in the Park is a magical celebration in December that brings holiday cheer to Isle, and Family Fun Nights offer a chance for families to connect and create lasting memories. These events—and many more—wouldn’t be possible without the support of our businesses and volunteers.

As we look ahead, I encourage everyone to be part of this journey. Whether you’re a business owner, a resident, or a visitor, your support and involvement help shape the future of Isle. Let’s continue strengthening relationships, lifting each other up, and making our community the best it can be.

Here’s to an exciting year ahead!

Danie Powell
President, Isle Area Chamber of Commerce

Isle Area Chamber of Commerce in the community

The Walleye Statue has become an iconic feature of Isle, drawing attention from tourists and locals alike. It’s already undergone one restoration, and we are thrilled to see it return in Spring 2025 looking better than ever. Thanks to the generosity of local businesses and individuals, we’ve made this restoration possible, and we will recognize all donors through a special feature in the Messenger.

There will also be a plaque at the base of the newly restored Walleye, thanking those who made this restoration possible.

If we raise more than the needed funds for the Walleye restoration, the surplus will be donated to the Isle Food Shelf and other local charities.

Dear Chamber Members,

On behalf of the Isle Area Chamber of Commerce, I am thrilled to invite you to our Annual Chamber Gala on March 25th at the McQuoid’s Inn Event Center. This event is a celebration of our local businesses, our community, and the work we continue to do together.

Event Details:

• Social Hour: 5:30 PM
• Short Meeting & Awards: 6:30 PM

All are welcome! You don’t need to be a member to attend, so please feel free to invite your friends and colleagues to join us for this fun evening.

We’ve got some exciting things lined up for the night:

• Door Prizes!
• Silent Auction!
• Complimentary Wine & Hors d’oeuvres (Catered by Dan’s Catering)

You are invited! 2025 Gala!

JUNE 6TH, 2024 at 5:00pm

Isle Area Pickleball Association

Isle High School

Address: 730 5th Avenue

Isle, MN 56342

You are cordially invited to join us for our grand opening
ceremony. The days events include a pickleball
tournament at 2:30pm, an exhibition game at 4:30pm to
be followed by our grand opening ceremony at 5:00pm.
Cake and beverages will be provided by IAPA.

Thanks for your time!

Best Regards,

Gerry Wollum
MLLHS board president

By Linda Dahlen

The Isle Area Chamber Spring Fling and Awards saw a great group of around 40 people representing an
array of area businesses. There was networking, delicious food and beverages, awards, music and silent
auction. McQuoids Inn and Event Center graciously provided the venue for the evening.
Music was provided by DJ Danie Powell of Danie Geo Productions. Danie is also the incoming Chamber
President. The event was catered by Dan’s Catering, whose great food was appreciated by all.
Silent Auction items were provided by many businesses including Teal's Market, Copper Fox, Impel
Authority, C21 Atwood, First National Bank of Milaca, Laura Horsch, Isle Bay Salon, Isle Harbor Lodge,
Linda Dahlen, Mille Lacs Health System, Tullibee Tavern, Muggs, Mille Lacs Messenger, MN Girl, and
others.

The auction raised $660 and went toward the Chamber Bucks Program. Chamber Bucks spend like cash
and can be purchased at the Mille Lacs Messenger at a 10% discount for use at many area businesses.
Bucks are also given away as prizes for the events and programs that the Chamber Sponsors. Some of
those programs are Christmas in the Park, Student of the Quarter Program, Old Tyme Fall Fest and
others.

Citizen of the Year award, presented by Chamber Treasurer Linda Dahlen, went to Maewyn DuClos, now
retired grade Isle school teacher, who has served tirelessly over several decades to benefit local youth
programs for both school and church events. Daron Stenvold presented the President’s Award to Nick
Skogen, owner of Lakeland Printers in Isle, Pastor of Isle Baptist Church, Past President of the Chamber
and go-to guy for everyone in need, including the Chamber.

The Chamber then held its annual meeting, voting in new officers and board members. Music followed
and some of the braver people there got up to dance and even line dance. Everyone appreciated the
perfect weather this year, after the blizzard we had at the 2023 Spring Fling Annual Meeting.

.         

We look forward to an amazing 2024/2025!

2024 EDUCATOR NOMINATION

Nomination deadline is May 15th, 2024

Do you know an educator that deserves to be recognized and praised for their good work? It can be a teacher, para, administrators or another part of the education realm. Send us your nominations!

Mail or Deliver Educator Nomination Application to:

Isle Area Chamber of Commerce

Attention: Business Education Partnership Committee

PO Box 324

Isle, MN 56342

or Email Application to:  LindaKD@frontier.com