Vikings Activities

🎶 IMPORTANT UPDATE – NOW INDOORS! 🎶
HELP US SPREAD THE WORD!
North Branch Summer Concert featuring The Whitesidewalls!
📅 Tuesday, July 15
📍 North Branch Area High School Auditorium
📍 38175 Grand Ave, North Branch

Due to anticipated rain this evening, our Concert in the Park has been moved indoors to the high school auditorium. But don’t worry — the fun, music, and free books are still happening!

FREE Event - please come enjoy this incredible group in our comfortable auditorium!

🕕 Updated Schedule:
📚 Storytime @ 6:45 PM – Gather for a warm, engaging read-aloud with our guest reader
🎸 Concert @ 7:00 PM – Rock out with The Whitesidewalls Rock ’n’ Roll Revue inside the comfort of the auditorium!

✨ Plus:
📖 Books for Better MN will be on-site giving away a free book to every child — a perfect way to celebrate summer reading!

⛔ Please Note: The Foam Party has been rescheduled for Night 2 Unite on August 5. Save the date for bubble fun then!

🎟️ This event is free and open to all, thanks to support from the East Central Regional Arts Council and the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

☔️ Come in out of the rain and enjoy a fantastic evening of community, music, and family fun — we’ll see you at the high school!

#ecrac #artslegacy

The fall sports meeting is Monday, Aug. 4 at 6 p.m. at North Branch Area High School. All students planning to play a sport this fall are encouraged to attend. See the accompanying photo for each sport's meeting details.

REMINDER:🎶 FREE Family Fun Night! 🎶
CONCERT IN THE PARK — Tuesday, July 15 at Central Park

Get ready for a night of music, laughter, and summer magic featuring The Whitesidewalls Rock ’n’ Roll Revue — a throwback concert experience you won't want to miss!

🌟 Event Highlights:
🫧 Foam Party @ 6:00 PM – Swimsuits, towels & tennis shoes encouraged for bubbly fun!
📚 Storytime @ 6:45 PM – Guest reader & cozy family vibes
🎸 Concert @ 7:00 PM – Enjoy timeless rock & roll tunes with The Whitesidewalls!

Plus:
🍔 Food Truck
🌽 Farmers Market
🏰 Bouncy House
📖 Guest Reader
🎶 Great Music!

✨ Bring your family, your friends, and your summer spirit — this event is FREE and open to all!

📍 Location: Central Park, North Branch
🎨 Made possible by ECRAC and the voters of Minnesota through the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

🗓️ Mark your calendars – July 15 is the night to dance under the stars!

#ecrac #artslegacy

Coming up in Community Ed!

Girls Advanced Volleyball Camp Session 1 Students Entering Grades 8-12 July 18 / 9 AM - 3:30 PM
Girls Advanced Volleyball Camp Session 2 Students Entering Grades 8-12 starts July 21 / 8 - 10 AM
Girls Advanced Volleyball Camp Session 3 Students Entering Grades 8-12 starts July 21 / 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Girls Advanced Volleyball Camp Session 4 Students Entering Grades 8-12 starts July 21 / 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Boys Basketball Camp Entering Grades K - 3 starts July 21 4:30 - 5:30 PM
Boys Basketball Camp Entering Grades 4 - 6 starts July 21 5:30 - 6:30 PM
Boys Basketball Camp Entering Grades 7 - 8 starts July 21 6:30 - 8:00 PM

Registration here: https://northbranch.cr3.rschooltoday.com/public/getprogram/ or call 651-674-1025.

🎶 Concert in the Park Success! 🎶
Record Attendance • Unforgettable Evening • Community Spirit

A heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who joined us for the Church of Cash concert at North Branch Central Park on July 8th! 🌟

We were thrilled to welcome a record-breaking crowd for an evening of live music, delicious food, joyful play, and meaningful connection. The weather couldn't have been more perfect, and the park was alive with families and friends enjoying everything from food trucks and bouncy houses to sidewalk chalk and story time under the summer sky.

🎤 The Johnny Cash Tribute Band delivered an electric performance that had toes tapping and spirits soaring — truly a night to remember!

A special thanks to the East Central Regional Arts Council, Books for Better MN, the City of North Branch, and North Branch Area Public Schools for making this magical night possible. Your support of arts, literacy, and community connection is invaluable.

Let’s carry this momentum forward — stay tuned for more music, fun, and family-friendly events coming your way! 🎉

#ecrac #artslegacy

🎶 FREE Family Fun Night! 🎶
CONCERT IN THE PARK — Tuesday, July 15 at Central Park

Get ready for a night of music, laughter, and summer magic featuring The Whitesidewalls Rock ’n’ Roll Revue — a throwback concert experience you won't want to miss!

🌟 Event Highlights:
🫧 Foam Party @ 6:00 PM – Swimsuits, towels & tennis shoes encouraged for bubbly fun!
📚 Storytime @ 6:45 PM – Guest reader & cozy family vibes
🎸 Concert @ 7:00 PM – Enjoy timeless rock & roll tunes with The Whitesidewalls!

Plus:
🍔 Food Truck
🌽 Farmers Market
🏰 Bouncy House
📖 Guest Reader
🎶 Great Music!

✨ Bring your family, your friends, and your summer spirit — this event is FREE and open to all!

📍 Location: Central Park, North Branch
🎨 Made possible by ECRAC and the voters of Minnesota through the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

🗓️ Mark your calendars – July 15 is the night to dance under the stars!

#ecrac #artslegacy

REMINDER: 🎶 Join us for an unforgettable night of music, fun, and community! 🎶 📅 Tuesday, July 8, 2025 📍 North Branch Central Park We're bringing the Church of Cash — a top-tier Johnny Cash Tribute Band — to the park for an evening that’s sure to get your boots tapping and your heart singing! 💃🕺 🎤 Schedule of Events: 🍔 Food & Fun kicks off at 6:00 PM — enjoy food trucks, a bouncy house, sidewalk chalk, and more! 📚 Storytime with a special guest reader at 6:45 PM 🎸 Concert starts at 7:00 PM ✨ FREE ENTRY – Bring your family, lawn chairs, and dancing shoes! This event is made possible through generous support from the East Central Regional Arts Council, with funding from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. Let’s make it a night to remember. Tag your friends, spread the word, and we’ll see you there! 🌟 #ecrac #artslegacy

North Branch Area High School is proud to announce the hiring of Rob Johnson as the new Head Coach for the Boys Basketball program. A lifelong member of the North Branch community and alumnus of North Branch High School, Rob brings a deep-rooted passion for youth development and years of successful coaching experience to the position. Rob has spent the past eight years coaching youth basketball in the North Branch Traveling Basketball program, working with students from 3rd through 8th grade. His focus on fundamentals, relationship-building, and long-term player development has left a lasting impact on student-athletes, many of whom have continued into high school basketball with strong skills and confidence. His commitment to mentoring young athletes goes beyond the court—he emphasizes character, accountability, and life lessons as foundational components of his coaching philosophy. “Coaching is about more than wins and losses,” Rob said. “It’s about preparing young men for success in life—through teamwork, leadership, and resilience. I’m honored to continue that work in a program and community that mean so much to me.” Please join us in welcoming Rob Johnson as the new Head Coach of North Branch Boys Basketball!

🎶 Join us for an unforgettable night of music, fun, and community! 🎶 📅 Tuesday, July 8, 2025 📍 North Branch Central Park We're bringing the Church of Cash — a top-tier Johnny Cash Tribute Band — to the park for an evening that’s sure to get your boots tapping and your heart singing! 💃🕺 🎤 Schedule of Events: 🍔 Food & Fun kicks off at 6:00 PM — enjoy food trucks, a bouncy house, sidewalk chalk, and more! 📚 Storytime with a special guest reader at 6:45 PM 🎸 Concert starts at 7:00 PM ✨ FREE ENTRY – Bring your family, lawn chairs, and dancing shoes! This event is made possible through generous support from the East Central Regional Arts Council, with funding from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. Let’s make it a night to remember. Tag your friends, spread the word, and we’ll see you there! 🌟 #ecrac #artslegacy

Chisago County is hosting its first Fix-it Clinic on July 15 at the North Branch Library! Something broken? Bring it to a Fix-It Clinic! Whether it’s small appliances, clothing, electronics, toys, or other household items, volunteers will help you fix or mend your things for free. Funding for this event is provided by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's Statewide Waste Reduction and Reuse grant. No pre-registration required. Items should be carry-in size for hands-on repair. First-come, first-served. Limit 2 items per household. Items accepted until 30 minutes before the event ends. See fliers for more details about the clinic, how to donate, and how to volunteer.

🎶✨ You’re Invited! ✨🎶 Join us for a vibrant Native American Dance & Drum Exhibition at North Branch Central Park on Tuesday, June 24! 🌟 Special Guest: Keith Secola – renowned Native musician bringing live music to life 🎪 Bouncy House | 🌮 Food Truck | 🌽 Farmers Market 🕕 6:00 PM – Dance Exhibition, food & fun kick off 📖 6:45 PM – Storytime with Books for Better MN 🎤 7:00 PM – Live Concert begins! This is more than a concert—it's a celebration of culture, community, and summer fun! ☀️ 📍 Central Park, North Branch 🎟️ Free & open to the public! 🎨 This event is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the East Central Regional Arts Council (ECRAC), thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. #ecrac #artslegacy

Coming up in Community Ed! Dungeons and Dragons Grades 6-12 starts June 24 / 9 - 11 AM Dungeons and Dragons Grades 6-12 starts June 26 / 9 - 11 AM Fidget Toys & Slime with Kidcreate Studio (Ages 4-12) June 26 / 9 AM to 12 PM Life of a Honey Bee Grades K-5 June 27 / 10 AM to 12 PM Registration here: https://northbranch.cr3.rschooltoday.com/public/getprogram/ or call 651-674-1025.

A Perfect Summer Kickoff! 🎶Thank you to everyone who came to the Summer Concert Kickoff at North Branch High School Viking Plaza! The evening was filled with joy, community spirit, and incredible music. 👏 A special shout out to the North Branch Area High School Band for opening the night with energy and heart—you made our hometown proud! 🎺 Thank you to the Minnesota State Band for bringing your talent and tradition to our community. It was truly an honor to host you. 👏 Thanks to the East Central Regional Arts Council (ECRAC) and the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund for making this event possible through their generous support. And finally, thank YOU—our community—for showing up with your families, your lawn chairs, your laughter, and your love for live music. Nights like these are what make North Branch so special. Be sure to join us at the North Branch Central Park next Tuesday, June 24 and experience the Native American Dance and Drum Exhibition along with musical artist, Keith Secola. #ecrac #artslegacy

Summer Concert Kickoff 📍 North Branch High School Stadium (Viking Plaza) 📅 Tuesday, June 17, 2025 🕕 Activities begin at 6:00 PM 📖 Story Time at 6:45 PM 🎶 Concert at 7:00 PM Join us for a fun, family-friendly evening to kick off the summer! This free event will feature: A special performance by the North Branch Area High School Band at 6:30 PM A concert by the renowned Minnesota State Band Sidewalk chalk fun A bouncy house A guest reader sharing stories with kids If it rains, the event will be moved indoors to the North Branch High School Auditorium, so you can count on a great night—rain or shine. This concert is made possible by a grant from the East Central Regional Arts Council (ECRAC) with funding from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, thanks to the voters of Minnesota. Bring your family, invite your neighbors, and help us start the summer with music and memories!

Liberty Kids & Lasting Lessons As the school year wrapped up, a 5th grade teacher shared a meaningful snapshot from the recent Fun Run. Inspired by their study of the American Revolution and the animated series "Liberty Kids," students chose a patriotic theme for their class flag—complete with American flag bandanas and hand-held flags. The image captures more than a moment; it reflects pride, unity, and a deeper understanding of freedom and sacrifice. The teacher noted that while we may not be on the front lines of war, we are on the front lines of preparing the next generation—and that teaching, guiding, and protecting students is one of the most important responsibilities we carry. A powerful reminder that love, sacrifice, and freedom are all deeply connected—and worth passing on. ❤️💙

Jason Hehir is the next Northern Edge Head Boys Hockey Coach. The Northern Edge boys hockey program includes St. Francis High School (SFHS) and North Branch Area High School. Hehir brings more than 25 years of hockey coaching experience across all levels—from mites to high school varsity to junior hockey. He most recently served as an assistant coach for the Northern Tier Stars program as an assistant coach from 2022-24. Hehir has been an active member of St. Francis Youth Hockey for more than a dozen years, which includes coaching mites through U14 and serving as a board member since 2018. He has been a lead instructor with Sharpen Your Edge Youth Camp since 2017 and served as a head coach of a Hometown Hockey AAA Club (10U through peewee) since 2018. In addition to his coaching background, Hehir has been a dedicated employee with East Bethel Public Works for the past 26 years, demonstrating strong commitment and leadership in all he does. Welcome!

Concerts in the Park kicks off on Tuesday, June 17, with a performance from the Minnesota State Band at NBAHS Viking Plaza! Story time starts at 6:45 pm, and the concert at 7. It's going to be a great summer of music!

Claire Patterson has been hired as the next head girls basketball coach for NBAPS. She will also be teaching math at the high school. Patterson grew up in Stillwater and graduated from Stillwater High School in 2017. She fell in love with basketball at a young age and played every chance she could get. Claire was a 4-year Varsity player at Stillwater, a captain her senior year, and continued her career at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota in Winona. She was again a 4-year player and 2 year starter and captain. As soon as she was done playing AAU she got involved in coaching and spent 5 years coaching with the MN Heat program as both an assistant and a head coach for the 7th-8th grade premier teams. Claire's most recently been an assistant JV and Varsity basketball and assistant softball coach the last 4 years in Wisconsin at Osceola High School. "I was so excited when I saw the job posting at North Branch for both high school math and the head girls basketball coach," said Claire. Jason Hehir is the next Northern Edge Head Boys Hockey Coach. The Northern Edge boys hockey program includes St. Francis High School (SFHS) and North Branch Area High School. Hehir brings more than 25 years of hockey coaching experience across all levels—from mites to high school varsity to junior hockey. He most recently served as an assistant coach for the Northern Tier Stars program as an assistant coach from 2022-24. Hehir has been an active member of St. Francis Youth Hockey for more than a dozen years, which includes coaching mites through U14 and serving as a board member since 2018. He has been a lead instructor with Sharpen Your Edge Youth Camp since 2017 and served as a head coach of a Hometown Hockey AAA Club (10U through peewee) since 2018. In addition to his coaching background, Hehir has been a dedicated employee with East Bethel Public Works for the past 26 years, demonstrating strong commitment and leadership in all he does. Welcome Claire and Jason!

The Viking Newsletter - May/June 2025 is now available at this link: https://secure.smore.com/n/np82q Have a great summer!

On Friday, May 23, nine student athletes signed Letters of Intent to continue their athletic careers into college. SKOL! and congratulations to Nolen Volner, who will continue his football career at St. John's University!