Karlstad prepares for four days of music, camping and celebration
KICK'N UP KOUNTRY 202
Julie Bergman
julie@wiktel.com
Country music fans will once again make their way to Wagon Wheel Ridge next week as Kick’n Up Kountry returns to Karlstad June 10-13, bringing four days of nationally known performers, regional acts, camping, and entertainment to the area. The annual festival has become one of the largest events in the region, drawing visitors from across Minnesota, North Dakota, Canada, and beyond. The event’s continued growth has helped establish Karlstad as a summer destination for country music fans while providing a boost to local businesses and tourism. Festivities begin Wednesday, June 10, with afternoon bingo at 1 p.m. Music starts at 5 p.m. with Shell Shock, followed by BOOZ •N• TUNA at 7 p.m. Rock band Jackyl closes out the main stage at 9 p.m., with Pibon performing the official afterparty in the saloon. Thursday’s schedule opens with Mike Morse at 1 p.m. Brianna Helbling takes the stage at 5 p.m., followed by Ronnie Lee Keel’s “Long Live Country Music” show at 7 p.m. The evening’s headliner, Aaron Lewis, performs at 9 p.m., before Helbling returns for the afterparty. Friday features a full day of entertainment beginning with Quick 56 at 1 p.m. Rock-country group If Nothing Else performs at 5 p.m., followed by country veteran Neal McCoy at 7 p.m. Jake Owen headlines the evening with a 9 p.m. performance. Festival organizers have also scheduled fireworks at 10:30 p.m. as part of a celebration recognizing America’s 250th anniversary. If Nothing Else will perform the Friday night afterparty. Saturday’s events begin with Ultimate Baja Racing at noon, one of several attractions beyond the concert stage. Eli Mosley performs at 5 p.m., followed by Drew Baldridge at 7 p.m. Mitchell Tenpenny closes out the festival as the Saturday headliner with a 9 p.m. show. Mosley returns later in the evening for the final afterparty performance. In addition to live music, attendees will find camping areas, food vendors, carnival-style attractions, a Ferris wheel, casino games, hiking trails, golf cart shuttle services, and the festival’s popular Baja racing events. Organizers say the grounds will also feature large video screens, shower facilities, multiple bars, and expanded entertainment options throughout the four-day event. Now entering its 23rd year, Kick’n Up Kountry has evolved from a small festival that began in Hallock into a music destination in Northwest Minnesota Kick’n Up Kountry 2026 will be held June 10-13 at Wagon Wheel Ridge near Karlstad.
Community Celebrates Grand Opening of New Walking and Bike Path
Samantha Alme
samantha.tribunepaper@gmail.com
Community members of all ages gathered recently to celebrate the grand opening of Greenbush’s new walking and bike path, enjoying an evening filled with food, fun, and community spirit. The event drew a large crowd as families, friends, and neighbors came together to explore the new addition, which is designed to provide a safe and enjoyable space for walking, biking, and outdoor recreation. The celebration featured a popular burger feed and numerous activities that highlighted the community’s commitment to health, wellness, and family-friendly opportunities. One of the evening’s highlights was seeing children and families already putting the new path to use while talented local chalk artists added colorful decorations along the route, creating a festive atmosphere for everyone in attendance. Organizers extended their appreciation to the many individuals and organizations who helped make the event a success. Special recognition was given to Ed’s Country Meats for grilling and serving the meal, the City of Greenbush for donating bicycles for the raffle, the chalk artists who helped beautify the path, and the volunteers who assisted with setup and cleanup efforts. Additional thanks were shared with LifeCare and the Roseau County Sheriff’s Department for their continued partnership in helping build a safe, welcoming, and connected community. Several lucky attendees went home with raffle prizes during the evening. Bicycle winners included Ella Heggadal and Jessica Nelson. Payton Howell received an RCCA gift certificate, while Colt Langaas won a KC Market gift certificate. The new walking and bike path represents another positive investment in the community, providing residents and visitors alike with a place to enjoy the outdoors, stay active, and connect with neighbors. For those unable to attend the grand opening celebration, organizers encourage everyone to visit the path and experience this exciting new community asset firsthand. The evening served as a reminder of what makes small-town living special—neighbors coming together, volunteers lending a hand, local businesses stepping up to support community projects, and families creating memories that will last for years to come.