What day is Brainerd’s “Great Pumpkin Festival” scheduled?

What happens when a small-town baker trades his apron for vintage style flannels? 

In Nisswa's charming downtown, one man's spontaneous shopping trip turned into an entirely new career—and it all started with a Hamm's beer logo that reminded him of his grandfather.

Tony spent years perfecting sourdough and serving the Brainerd Lakes community from his bakery.

But on one fateful day off, he wandered into a quirky clothing store called The Angry Minnow... that would change everything.

"It wasn't just the clothes," he says, his eyes lighting up. "It was like stepping into my childhood memories."

Now at the helm of Angry Minnow, Nisswa's beloved vintage boutique, Tony has collected over 20,000 stories from customers who find themselves unexpectedly emotional over a flannel shirt.

There's the ice fishing tale, the father-son bonding moment, the nostalgic beer sign that brings tears—each piece of clothing unlocks something deeper.

But how did a baker become the guardian of Minnesota nostalgia?

What makes grown adults get misty-eyed over brewery logos? And why does Tony believe "boring clothes" are the enemy of authentic living?

Harvest pumpkins and winter squash when their rinds are hard enough to resist a fingernail scratch, signaling proper maturity.

Cut with a sharp knife, leaving 2 to 4 inches of stem attached to help prevent decay in storage.

Always handle gently to avoid bruising and spoilage.

Cure the squash after harvest in a warm, dry spot—80°F to 85°F—for about 10 days.

This step toughens the skin and heals minor damage, creating ideal conditions for longer storage.

Once cured, move squash to a cool, dry location between 50°F and 55°F, with 50% to 70% humidity.

Avoid storing near apples or pears, since their ethylene gas can reduce shelf life.

Check the squash regularly for soft spots or mold, and remove any affected produce right away.

With careful harvesting and storage, your pumpkins and winter squash can last through winter.

Weather Forecast

Tuesday 30th
79 °F 🌥️ 61 °F | Sun through high clouds, warm and dry.

Wednesday 1st
82 °F ⛅ 61 °F | Partly sunny, still very warm.

Thursday 2nd
83 °F ☀️ 65 °F | Mostly sunny and very warm, near record.

Friday 3rd
82 °F 🌥️ 61 °F | Mostly cloudy, still warm.

Saturday 4th
77 °F ⛅ 54 °F | Warm with sun & clouds; chance of afternoon thunderstorms.

Sunday 5th
67 °F 🌧️ 49 °F | Cloudy with some afternoon rain.

Monday 6th
66 °F 🌧️ 45 °F | Mostly cloudy with showers possible.

The Great Pumpkin Festival returns to Brainerd for its 18th year, promising a lively afternoon of family fun and festive activities.

On Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, join the community at Memorial Park on Mill Avenue for games like the three-legged race, pumpkin roll, and spirited costume and pie-eating contests.

Kids can bounce, paint pumpkins, and get creative faces by The Painted Turtle.

Exciting Team Ascension Karate demos and booths from groups like the Girl Scouts Lakes & Pines and Brainerd Lakes Area Women of Today add to the fun.

Enjoy Memorial Park’s updated playground, new rinks, and a four-season warming house.

No smoking or tobacco use within 100 feet—leashed dogs welcome, with clean-up stations provided.

The event is free, with some activities and treats for a small fee.

Celebrate fall with neighbors at Brainerd’s favorite tradition!

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, September 30, 2025

5:00 PM — Meat Raffle — The North Star, Breezy Point

5:30 PM — Meat Raffle — Mission Tavern, Merrifield

6:00 PM — Initials Game — Jack Pine Brewery, Baxter

6:00 PM — Smiles for Jake Bingo — The Gas Can, Brainerd

6:00 PM — Free Poker Network Night — Brainerd Eagles Aerie 287, Brainerd

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

10:00 AM — Friends of the Brainerd Public Library BIG FALL SALE — Westgate Mall, Baxter

10:30 AM — Adventure Club — Fritz Loven Park, Lake Shore

1:00 PM — ECFE at the Library — Brainerd Public Library, Brainerd

5:00 PM — Pints for a Purpose (We ARE) — Jack Pine Brewery, Baxter

6:00 PM — Bingo — Brainerd Eagles Aerie 287, Brainerd

Thursday, October 2, 2025

6:00 AM — Donut Day — The Brainerd Center, Brainerd

10:00 AM — Friends of the Brainerd Public Library BIG FALL SALE — Westgate Mall, Baxter

11:00 AM — 3rd Annual Gravel Pit Golf Tournament — The Gravel Pit Golf Course, Brainerd

5:00 PM — Pumpkins & Premieres (Fall Fundraiser) — Mount Ski Gull, Nisswa

6:30 PM — Argentina Wine/Food Pairing — Cana Wine Bar, Crosby

Friday, October 3, 2025

9:00 AM — Fall Festival Days — Copper Creek Garden Center & Market, Nisswa

10:00 AM — Friends of the Brainerd Public Library BIG FALL SALE — Westgate Mall, Baxter

5:00 PM — Sposato Wine Dinner — Grand View Lodge, Nisswa

6:00 PM — Kyle Colby (Live Music) — Quarterdeck Resort, Nisswa

6:00 PM — Golftoberfest Tent Party — The Pines at Grand View Lodge, Nisswa

Saturday, October 4, 2025

9:00 AM — Fall Festival Days — Copper Creek Garden Center & Market, Nisswa

9:00 AM — Babinski Foundation Fall Festival — The Babinski Foundation, Pequot Lakes

11:00 AM — Mosaic Pumpkin Class — The Crossing Arts Alliance, Brainerd

11:00 AM — ★ Gull Lake Oktoberfest — Quarterdeck Resort & area shuttle stops, Nisswa/Gull Lake

1:00 PM — ★ The Great Pumpkin Festival — Memorial Park, Brainerd

Sunday, October 5, 2025

9:00 AM — Fall Festival Days — Copper Creek Garden Center & Market, Nisswa

12:00 PM — Camp Community Day — Confidence Learning Center, East Gull Lake

1:00 PM — Children’s Miracle Network Designer Purse Bingo — Brainerd Eagles Aerie 287, Brainerd

10:00 AM — Historic Brainerd Church Fall Festival — Historic Brainerd Church & Cemetery, Brainerd

6:00 PM — Live Music (Van & The Free Candies) — Quarterdeck Resort, Nisswa

Monday, October 6, 2025

1:00 PM — Bar Bingo — Brainerd Eagles Aerie 287, Brainerd

5:00 PM — Nisswa Lions Meat Raffle — Ye Ole Pickle Factory, Nisswa

6:00 PM — Monday Night Trivia — B.Merri at The Woods, Brainerd

6:00 PM — Weekly Meat Raffle — Poncho & Lefty’s, Baxter

6:00 PM — Free Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament — Dunmire’s On The Lake, Brainerd

Mount Ski Gull is excited to bring back its annual fall celebration, Pumpkins & Premieres, on Thursday, October 2, 2025.

The evening features a gourmet meal prepared by Sunshine's Summerhouse, known locally for exceptional cuisine.

New this year, guests can look forward to a special movie premiere, with details on the film revealed soon.

From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., the schedule will highlight the 6th Annual Red Carpet Pumpkin Race, where participants sponsor pumpkins to race under the night sky.

Entry fees and prizes vary, including coveted VIP perks and cash awards.

Enjoy sunset chairlift rides with stunning views, captured by Chelsie Elizabeth Photography, and browse or bid in the online silent auction.

Funds raised support youth skiing, family scholarships, and Mount Ski Gull’s mission of healthy outdoor living.

The evening promises community connection, autumn fun, and ways to get involved in a beloved local tradition.

The Great Pumpkin Festival is scheduled for October 4, 2025.

Thanks a bunch for reading Lakes Area Buzz today! If you spotted something handy, go ahead and pass it along to a neighbor or a friend—ya never know, it might make their day too.