Bodyslam the Heat with the Weekender

Well, I am running out of hot references and songs in this ever-prolonged summer of heat in the St. Cloud area.  The "hot" ticket this weekend (ha ha) is the North Star Air Show at St. Cloud's Sky Central Airport. There will be a host of great aircraft to see under the wild blue yonder.

Don't worry if you're not a plane fan. The Weekender has you covered below with some fun indoor and outdoor activities.

Get our free mobile app

TSM STC

Paul Habstritt, WJON

COUNTRY 250 - WAITE PARK

It will be a hootin’, hollerin’ good time at the Ledge Amphitheater in Waite Park for a new event.  Country 250 will have three music acts and beer, cocktail, and wine sampling starting at 1:30 p.m.   The show features the Tim Sigler Band, The Outlaw Years - a Pure Tribute to Willie Nelson, and the American Soldier Tribute to Toby Keith.   There are VIP options available and a special auction to benefit the Wounded Warriors project.  General admission tickets include the beverage sampling and are $39 each.  It is a 21+ event.

Saturday:  1:30 – 7:00 p.m.

READ MORE:  Enjoy Great Music, Wine And Cocktails at the Ledge’s Country 250

Paul Habstritt, WJON

SUMMER BENEFIT - ST. CLOUD

It is the event that you want when an entertaining fundraiser kicks off your weekend on Thursday night. You can feel like you're attending Rydell High when the Boys and Girls Club of Central Minnesota hosts Grease is the Word at the River’s Edge Convention Center. The evening of fun and friendship features music, a strolling buffet and spirit sampling,  and a silent auction with all the proceeds going to the club's mission of helping kids and teens discover who they are, build respect, and use their voices.  People are encouraged to dress up in themed clothing like leather jackets and poodle skirts. Tickets are $100 per person or $150 per couple.  It is a themed fundraising event; the club is not actually putting on the musical.

Thursday:  5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Dylan Buell, Getty Images

250TH CELEBRATION - ST. STEPHEN

You have another chance to celebrate our nation’s birthday right here in Central Minnesota this weekend. Head over to St. Stephen for its birthday bash taking place right on Central Avenue. There will be a score of activities taking place, like thrashing/agricultural demonstrations, reenactments, military and vintage fire equipment on display, face painting for the kids, old-time games, and more.  Plus, food vendors and ice cream; there is a little something for everyone, and it is free to attend.

Saturday:  10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Paul Habstritt, WJON

WHEELS & DEALS - PAYNESVILLE

It is fun for the whole family at an annual event just up the road in Paynesville.  The main feature of Wheels & Deals is the all-makes-and-models car show.  But it is so much more than just cars. There is music and entertainment, a craft fair, flea market, vendors, and kids' activities.  The event is held at the Paynesville Area Community Center from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and is free to attend.

Saturday:  9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

JP Yim, Getty Images

SUMMERSLAM TAKEOVER - MINNEAPOLIS

It will be wrestling, wrestling, and more wrestling when WWE Summer Slam literally takes over the Minneapolis Convention Center all weekend long.  Get out of the heat and have some high-octane fun with celebrity autograph and photo ops, a fan top rope jump and superstar entrance where you can pretend to be the WWE star, a WWE Superstore, check out monster trucks with the Dodge Ram Experience, and Super Troopers 3 photo ops and giveaway area.  It is a must-see and do experience for wrestling fans of all ages.  Admission is free, but autographs and photo ops do have a cost depending on the person and experience.

Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m
Sunday:  9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.