Networking Tips for Small Business Owners

When small business owners need to wear a lot of different hats, networking might seem like one hat that isn’t necessary. Networking can be advantageous to the business, but it can also be enjoyable connecting with other professionals in your field and potential clients.

Here are a few networking tips for small business owners:

Set Networking Objectives

To maximize your efforts, sit down and think about why you want to expand your network. Do you want to recruit new talent to join your team? Do you want leadership skills development advice? Maybe it would be nice to talk through how to solve common issues with another small business owner in your field. No matter what you want to achieve, it is important to target your objectives.

Perfect Your Elevator Pitch

When you’re speaking with people about your business, it’s helpful to have a concise and catchy blurb. Whether you are talking to community leaders or potential clients, it’s essential to represent your business well. In your elevator pitch, make sure you include who you are, what you do, and what makes your business different. Most importantly, make sure you represent your business passionately; passion is infectious.

Find more tips to craft your elevator pitch here.

Establish an Online Presence

Like it or not, social media is here to stay. An exorbitant amount of people’s time is spent on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, to name a few. There is ample opportunity to network, and maintain connections, with peers and colleagues online. By posting about your business and new opportunity, you dispense information about your company and push your brand a little further. It also helps to get creative.

Talk, But Also Listen

While networking, it’s easy to get carried away about your objectives and mission—and that’s important. It’s also important to lend an ear to your peers. Not only is it polite, but other small business owners are a wealth of information. Networking is as much about learning and expanding your knowledge base as it is about furthering your business.

Follow Up

If you have a meaningful conversation with somebody, it’s acceptable to follow up the next day with a polite email. If you both connected and had a productive conversation, they will want to hear from you. Reaching out – while it might seem uncomfortable – is flattering, not pushy. The other person will appreciate the thought and follow through. Following up is a good way to start maintaining the relationships you are forming. Follow-ups can turn a networking event into an established professional relationship.

Join the Sartell Chamber

It’s easy to get involved and join the Sartell Chamber. We pride ourselves in providing quality networking opportunities – where we would love for you to put these tips to work. Get involved by joining an event committee. We have five with spots open in each. You can also become an event sponsor, volunteer at an event, or simply attend one of our events. By sponsoring a monthly meeting and buying lunch for our members, you receive 20 minutes of presentation time.


There are so many ways to get involved and to start networking now. A year from now, you will wish you would have started today!

5 Parks to Visit with Your Kids This Summer in Sartell

The summer sun shines on us and it is time to take advantage!

Spending time outdoors at a few local parks is a great way to soak up the sun and spend some quality time with your kids. Here are 5 Sartell parks to take your kids to this summer:

Northside Park

One of the largest parks in the city, Northside Park, features fun for the whole family! For children, the park features a large play structure, lots of room to run, trails through the woods, and plenty of shade. For adults and teens, there is a disc golf course, basketball and volleyball courts, and baseball or softball fields. Spend the day with grills and picnic tables to enjoy lunch under the open pavilion.

Celebration Park

This quiet park is rather new with well maintained facilities. Perfect for kids age 2-12, you can cool off in the wading pool, play on the playground, shoot hoops on the half basketball court, or relax in the shade under the shelter.

Lions Park

With a convenient location off Pinecone Rd and 2 1/2 street, Lions Park is perfect for playing with the kids. This popular park features lots of paved trails into the wooded areas around the Watab River and a huge play structure for kids! It also has a gorgeous gazebo that can be rented out for special events.

Watab Creek Park

There is plenty to do at Watab Creek Park to entertain your family outdoors for the whole afternoon. Featuring a wading pool, baseball or softball field, volleyball court, swings, playground, and trails so everyone can enjoy themselves! Pack a picnic to grill and enjoy in the enclosed pavilion.

Val Smith Park

This large park features numerous unique amenities you can enjoy just off County Road 29. Horseshoes, pickleball courts, and a hockey rink can be enjoyed here! Not to mention the baseball field, volleyball court, TWO play structures, a basketball court, swings, and more! This is the perfect place to bring your kids with restrooms, shade, lots to play, and so many options.

Learn the details about where ALL Sartell’s city parks are located with this link. Also visit our parks and recreation department’s site to learn more about park amenities.

2018 Summer Fun in Sartell

This year, Sartell Chamber will be involved in a couple of our community’s largest summer events. These annual festivities bring fun and fellowship with our neighbors and strengthen our city’s identity. Read on to find out detailed information about each of these events!

BankVista Rock N Block

Join in the fun August 4th starting at 6:00 pm for a concert event benefiting the Sartell Fire Department. There will be a pedal pub and music from the Fabulous Armadillos and Boogie Wonderland. This event is hosted outdoors at Bernicks arena with nearly 1800 attendees. Chamber members can sign up to be a vendor, help on the event committee, volunteer the day of, or sponsor the event! Last year’s Rock N Block Party was a big success!

Sartell Summerfest

This year Sartell Summerfest will be on June 9th starting with the Liberty Bank Parade at 10 am. In the afternoon you can visit Libertyville, a free family friendly event that features food, games, inflatables, crazy hair, airbrush tattoos, music, and more! There’s also a bike safety rodeo near the Sartell Community Center where you can bring your bike and get a free tune-up.

If you are interested in history, the Sartell Senior Connection is hosting guided bus tours of the city for free. Reserve your spot here. In the evening starting at 5:30 pm, the bands Radio Nation and DiamondBack will play for a street dance. Just south of the street dance at Blue Line Sport Bar and Grill, fireworks will be on display at 10 pm. This event is sponsored by Sartell Chamber as well as many Sartell businesses.


Between BankVista Rock N Block and Sartell Summerfest, there are some big events to look forward to in the summer of 2018! Get involved and help Sartell Chamber make these community festivities a huge success!

Five Fun Winter Activities in Sartell

It may be cold every winter, but there are still plenty of things to do, especially in Sartell. Grab a neighbor, family member, or friend and get out of the house!

If you’re looking for fun events to do this winter, check out this list:

Plan a Trip to Bernick’s Pepsi Arena

Not only can you go to Bernick’s Pepsi Arena to watch hockey, but you can also participate in other ice activities there. They offer power skating, open hockey, and open skate. Whether you’re looking to catch a hockey game or do some skating, you and a loved one will have a fun time at the arena.

Visit a New Restaurants

There are several restaurants to check out in Sartell. Check out this list and pick a tried-and-true favorite or something new. If you’re looking for pizza, check out Marnatelli's Pizza. If you’d prefer to bake and eat your pizza at home, go to Mastoni's Take n' Bake Pizza.

If you’d rather have a nice, sit-down dinner, check out Drakes Fine Food & Spirits. One of Sartell’s newest restaurants, they offer signature entree specials and cocktails.

Attend a Musical by SHS

Support the Sartell-St. Stephen Schools by attending the latest musical put on by the high school students. This winter, the SHS theatre students are performing “The Lion King.” Find more information on dates and showtimes on the Sartell Theatre Facebook page.

Go Sledding at Northside Park

Grab a sled and some friends for a fun time at Northside Park. There’s a good mix of hills to test out. You can find some smaller hills for beginners, but there are also some larger hills for thrill-seeking sledders.

Enjoy Valentine’s Dinner for two at Blackberry Ridge

On February 14th, Blackberry Ridge is offering a great dinner for 2 deal. It includes a 4-course meal, champagne, and live music by Mo & Tom’s Jazz Ensemble. Treat your honey to this amazing deal!



There are many things to keep you busy this winter in Sartell! Did we mention your favorite? Let us know in the comments!


Visit our website for more information on Sartell and other area events.

Discover Everything Sartell on our New Website!

Have you ever asked yourself, “What is there to do in Sartell?” Maybe you’ve been looking for something specific - like a place to reserve a shelter in a park or a fun boutique shop; the new Everyting Sartell website can help you out. Find info  about hospitality & venues, food, retail and fun, parks and recreation, medical, and education in the Sartell area.

Hospitality & Venues

If you’re only temporarily staying in Sartell, check out the newly-renovated AmericInn. Enjoy a 24-hour coffee bar, hot breakfast, free WiFi, and a relaxing spa and pool. You’ll also find award-winning wedding and event venues, a variety of restaurants, and spiritual centers for rent to accommodate special events.

Food

Foodies rejoice! Sartell has plenty of delicious eateries to try. From gourmet sandwiches and pizza to specialty spots for Mexican, Italian, Japanese, and All-American, You’ll find plenty of options to satisfy any taste.

Retail and Fun

Treat yourself to a fun shopping spree! Boutique shops and practical retailers are peppered throughout Sartell. Besides shopping, there are also multiple options for healthcare, veterinary clinics, banking, groceries and more.

Parks and Recreation

The beautiful thing about Sartell is… it’s beautiful! Over 40 stunning parks provide a natural escape within the city limits. Find luscious golf greens, skating rinks, baseball fields, and more. Find information about shelter rentals here.

Medical

Convenient and diverse, you’ll be relieved to see the medical options in Sartell. Chiropractors, dentists, general practitioners, and veterinarians can be found around the city. No matter your ailment, you’ll be back on your feet in no time!

Education

Sartell-St. Stephen School District #748 is open to over 17,000  area residents and includes over 4,000 students. We are looking forward to the addition of a new Sartell High School set to open in fall of 2019. From preschool to high school and beyond, Sartell is a great place to learn something new!

For more information on Sartell, get in touch with the Sartell Chamber of Commerce or visit the City of Sartell Website.

Six Spectacular Ways to Spend Summer In Sartell

Summer has officially begun and Sartell has plenty to offer! From great parks and activities to friendly businesses, there’s definitely tons of fun to be had in Sartell!

#1: Sartell has a total of 34 parks and 48 miles of trails if you’re looking for outdoor fun. The city’s parks have a variety of amenities including baseball fields, volleyball courts and open space for lots of activities. You can find a full list of Sartell’s parks, trails and amenities at the City of Sartell website.

#2: Bring the kids to cool off in one of Sartell’s two wading pools open to the community. Located at Watab Park and Celebration Park, the pools are staffed for the summer and open from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.


#3: Movies and Music at Pinecone Central Park is a fun break from the ordinary routine. The next musical guest will be Ring of Kerry on July 31st. Mark your calendar and pack your blanket for August 21st if you are a "Despicable Me" for Movies in the Park. A full list of the Summer lineup can also be found on Sartell’s website.

#4: Enjoy a round of golf at one of Sartell’s beautiful golf courses. Blackberry Ridge Golf Course is an 18 hole public course and Pine Ridge Golf Course is a nine hole course and driving range. Both courses also feature a bar and grill and also host events.

Blackberry Ridge Golf Course

#5: There’s nothing like fresh produce from the Sartell Farmer’s Market! The farmer’s market will be out every “Market Monday” from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the city hall parking lot.

#6: After spending a busy day out and about, there is no reason to worry about dinner! There’s plenty of great restaurant options right in town. You can always order a pizza from House of Pizza or stop in to G-Allens or Blue Line for some dinner drinks!

You can find even more community events on our events calendar. With so much to do, this summer is sure to be a blast! Where will we see you in Sartell this season? Share with us below.

Summer Begins in Sartell! - Sartell SummerFest

It’s true! Summer weather is finally here and as the season comes to Minnesota, many of us are looking for a way to enjoy it. This year’s Sartell SummerFest has what you’re looking for! SummerFest offers a whole host of opportunities for fun and sun for all ages June 13- 14th.

The summer celebration kicks off on Friday with kid-friendly Libertyville Carnival provided by Liberty Savings Bank in Pinecone Regional Park. Libertyville is a family fun event featuring inflatables, games, food and music! The event, running from 5- 9 p.m. offers activities for the whole family to enjoy while out in the great evening weather. Music abounds with live music featuring show tunes and patriotic music. Be sure to bring your own lawn chair or blanket to enjoy the show!

Looking for an active way to enjoy the weather? After registering, participants can take part in a six-year tradition - The SummerFest 5K Run. 5K’s can be intimidating for inexperienced runners but never fear! According to Active.com, the 3.1-mile distance is “a fantastic distance for beginning runners to conquer.” But if you’re new to the running scene and want to help prepare your body click here for some “Couch to 5k” tips. Still not sure if running is for you? Sartell SummerFest also offers a 3K walk for a more leisurely approach and a 1K Kid’s Fun Run. All proceeds from the event go towards expanding recreational opportunities in the Sartell area for all ages.

Rest up after Friday’s run because Saturday festivities begin at 10 a.m. with the SummerFest parade! Featuring 70-75 parade units and 8 marching bands, the parade is a great showcase of the area. Whether you’re watching the parade or are entered in the lineup, the event is sure to be filled with excitement!

          

Make sure to bring your dancing shoes because the Free Partners Pub Street Dance returns this year! You can dance the night away from 6 p.m. - 12 a.m. at Great River Bowl & Partners Pub parking lot. Live music by Whiskey Tango and DiamondBack begins at 6! Need a break from dancing? Take a break at 10 p.m. to enjoy the fireworks show sponsored by Blue Line Sports Bar & Grill.

No matter what your interests, this Sartell SummerFest has something for you! For more info and a full list of events, go to http://www.sartellsummerfest.com/. Let’s enjoy the start to this summer as a community!

Will you be starting off your summer with us at Sartell SummerFest? What are you most looking forward to? Share with us & we'll see you there! 

The Importance of Personal Networking

The sayings, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know”, and, “It’s not what you
know, it’s who knows you” are true. It’s a big world, full of opportunity, and the
more people you know, the bigger your chances are of landing that opportunity,
or at least finding one. The best way to grow your network is to do just that:
network.

Building relationships is extremely important in becoming successful. Think
about it. Would you want to do business with someone you don’t like or trust?
Not likely. Take advantage of meeting new people because whether you end up
working with them, or not, you can learn from them in some way.

To put things into perspective, did you know that according to the Pew Research
Center, the average American has approximately 634 contacts? Now, that may
seem like a lot of people; well, it is a lot of people, but those contacts mainly
consist of friends, family, ex-colleagues, and/or ex-classmates. That said - there
is plenty of room to grow and broaden your network.

Personal networking isn’t just about how many Facebook friends, Twitter
followers, LinkedIn connections, or acquaintances you have, it’s about how many
actually know who you are and what you do, and vise versa.

The best way to build your personal network is to nurture your contacts and the
people in your network. Here are some of the ways you can do this:

1. Stay in touch 

2. Be interested in what they do

3. Be reliable

4. Share resources

5. Attend social and networking events

6. Share your connections with other people

Before you know it, by growing your network, those 634 personal contacts you
have could double, or maybe even triple, and if you’re really good, the numbers
will just keep going up from there.

14 Ways to Get Involved in Your Community

One of the most rewarding things a person can do is give back and get involved in their community. There are many different reasons for wanting to be more active in your community, including meeting new people, learning new things, or to simply help others.

Although we may be a bit biased, Sartell is the perfect example of a close-knit community with a lot of opportunity for all of its residents. If you’ve always thought about getting involved, but never knew where to begin, we’re here to help! Here are just a few ways you can get involved in your
community, whether it be in Sartell, or somewhere else:

1.Contact local hospitals and ask if there is any volunteer work they need done.

2. Get involved with a parish, as there are always opportunities to give back and volunteer.

3. Look into after-school programs that are seeking chaperones, assistants, or teachers.

4. Visit your local animal shelter and offer your time.

5. Get involved in youth organizations and become a mentor.

6. If there is a homebound elderly couple in your neighborhood, offer a helping hand with household chores, or regular friendly visits.

7. Babysitting and nannying are always in demand.

8. Join or create a group with shared interests.

9. Attend community meetings and contribute your ideas and/or opinions to be part of the community planning process.

10. Start or join a cleanup crew.

11. Get familiar with a local Salvation Army, shelter, and/or food bank in the area and donate food and clothing.

12. Organize or involve yourself in fundraisers.

13. Volunteer to support disaster efforts in your community.

14. Join Habitat for Humanity.

There is no limit on ways to give back, but we hope we offered some good ideas and appreciate whatever you choose to do!

In the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., “Everyone can be great because everyone can serve.”

Visit www.sartellchamber.com for community news and events.

What is a Chamber of Commerce?

A community’s chamber of commerce is so important, yet many don’t understand exactly what they do; in fact, the term “chamber of commerce” is one of the oldest and most well-recognized brands in the world, but there is significant misunderstanding of its meaning, so we are going to answer it for you.

A chamber of commerce is a local association to promote and protect the interests of the business community in a particular place, which, in our case, is the community of Sartell, Minnesota. A chamber of commerce is made up of businesses seeking to further their collective interests, while advancing their community. In addition to promoting local businesses, a chamber of commerce also sponsors local business and networking events.

There are many different reasons why people decide to join their community’s chamber of commerce, including the following:

• Wanting to support their community
• Wanting to influence issues important to them and their business
• Wanting to take advantage of Chamber resources, including discounts
• It would benefit their business and act as a publicity boost
• It’s a great networking opportunity
• And so much more!

The Sartell Area Chamber of Commerce was formed in 1994 and began with a membership of 30. Throughout the years of volunteers promoting Sartell and its area businesses, and strong leadership, the Sartell Chamber has grown to a membership of over 170. 

Our members say that their membership with our chamber has proven to be invaluable for their businesses. By joining the Sartell Chamber of Commerce, you and your business will be able to take advantage of the following membership benefits:

• Link and listing on the Sartell Chamber website
• Networking at monthly meetings and social events
• Promotional community events
• Annual Chamber Gold Outing 
• Free lunch at monthly Membership Meeting
• New Release and Hot Deals Advertising
• Free radio advertising package equates to 20 30-second commercials
• Membership window decal to display your support
• Membership dues are tax deductible

Well, did we answer your questions? We hope so. What are you waiting for? Join your local chamber today!

For more details, visit our website at www.sartellchamber.com.

The Importance of Giving Back

Whether you’re a small business, or a large corporation, giving back is one of the best things you can do to distinguish yourselves from competitors, and gain loyal customers and happier employees.

According to a study by Cone Communications and Echo Research, 82 percent of U.S. consumers consider corporate social responsibility when deciding which products or services to buy and where to shop.

Another study by Ernst & Young and the Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund found that 62% of small business owners say that giving back to their community has made their company more successful in the long run.

So, how can you give back? Simple.

Volunteer.

Don’t think of it as working for free, think of it as gaining experience, meeting new people, and giving back to your community.

Donate to charity.

Whether you have more than you need financially with plenty to go around, or nothing, just give what you can. Some may give 10 percent of every paycheck, but others can donate clothing, books, supplies, toys, and more.

Host a fundraiser.

Spaghetti dinners, golf tournaments, car washes, silent auctions, live auctions, and many others are all great ways to give to a cause in a fun and exciting way that everyone can enjoy.

There are so many other ways your business can give back to the community. Bottom line is if you want to grow your business, build relationships, and have a prosperous future, then philanthropy will be your best friend.

Finding a Job During the Holidays

During the holiday season there is abundant family time, year-end pressures at work, and overall business. This makes it unlikely to find a job during the holidays, right? Wrong. It is actually more likely that some will find work during the holidays for a few key reasons...

There is less competition. The assumption that November, December, and January aren’t ideal months for the job hunt is shared by many individuals. Because of this assumption there aren’t as many people to compete with for jobs during the holiday season.

People are in a good mood during the holidays. Although there is some stress associated with the business and the deadlines during the holiday season, people do tend to be in a festive mood. This festivity will contribute to some generosity by employers during the holidays!

There are ample networking events. With all of the different holiday parties and gatherings there are more chances to network and find new job opportunities. You get to meet many new people who can potentially provide new prospects for jobs! Be aware of this so that you can take advantage of these social events and so that you are professional! You may even encounter familiar faces who slipped your mind to contact while job hunting.

Not only are there parties and gatherings hosted by family and friends but there are also events held by professional organizations! Businesses and Chamber of Commerce groups tend to have holiday events which can draw even more individuals with whom to network! Check out the Sartell Chamber of Commerce website for some of our Chamber’s upcoming events! Details for the Chamber Holiday Social can be found on the flyer below.

Interview Tips

We all get nervous about interviews from time to time… or always. Doing the proper research beforehand can help to ease some nerves and also lead to greater success. There are the basic tips like dress professionally and don’t show up late. We have seven unique tips that are easy to implement but are commonly overlooked when preparing for an interview.

1. Don’t schedule your interview for early on Monday’s or late on Friday’s.

Sometimes you may not have control over this. If the employer asks if you’d prefer Monday at 10:30 or Tuesday at 10:30, go with Tuesday. Studies show that peoples’ minds may not be fully engaged in work early on Monday’s and late on Friday’s so you are better off with mid-week interviews.


2. Aim to be 10 minutes early

Don’t be too early to the interview because it can cause more anxiety while you wait to interview and it can cause the interviewer stress and pressure because they feel as though you are waiting on them to begin the interview. You do not want to be anxious and you do not want your interviewer to be stress. 10 minutes is the perfect amount of time because it shows that you are serious because you are early but it does not create boredom and anxiety for you nor does it add pressure to the interviewer.


3. Leave your phone in the car.

This may seem like common sense but you would be surprised how many people bring their phones into an interview. You may have your phone so you can watch the time or have something to look at while waiting for the interviewer, but you should just leave it in the car. Even the slight glance at your cell phone can lead the interviewer to believe you aren’t serious about the job and it can be seen as a sign of disrespect.


4. Wear color.

Of course you do not want to be distracting with too much color and flashy jewelry but some color is important. It seems when you wear color people think that you are happier and friendlier. Do not go with all neutral tones or you will not stand out. It is a delicate balance between too much and too little. You are your best judge but we recommend incorporating color in a professional way into your attire for an interview.


5. Notice the time-table of the interviewer’s questions

If the interviewer is asking questions in a future manner that is a good sign. If the interviewer is asking you about your future plans and where you will see yourself this is because they are naturally picturing you in their organization in the future and they are curious whether your plans align with their ideas. The further into the future the interviewer frames questions or conversation, the better.


6. When answering a question talk for no less than 20 seconds and no more than 2 minutes.

This is important because you do not want to leave awkward silences by giving an inadequate answer but you also do not want to exceed about two minutes and dominate all of the discussion. Studies show that during most successful interviews the dialogue is about 50/50- 50% the interviewer and 50% the interviewee.


7. Send a thank you note or email after the interview.

This point is one that is so easy yet so many people neglect to do it. Not only does a thank you note make you look thoughtful but it is also a great way to follow up! You do not even need to hand write a letter, email is sufficient. Sending a thank you is a great way to make you stand out. If an employer is on the fence about whether or not to hire you, a thank you note may sway them in your favor.

Creating Your Own Brand

In the job marketplace we all know that networking and professionalism are important, but how do you want to be seen by others? You don’t want to be the same as everyone else. That is why you must create your own personal brand. Within your brand you can focus on your strengths and how you would be a valuable asset to any company. You must set yourself apart from the crowd. We have compiled three major steps in formulating your own self-brand for the business market.

1. Figure out who you are and who you want to be. 

Think about yourself, your values and your principles. You want to portray yourself as you are so that you find a company whose values align with yours. Think about who you’d like to be in a business. Are you a leader? How so? What types of tasks are you best at? What are your strengths and weaknesses? Take a personality assessment such as “The Big Five Personality Traits” so that you understand what type of organization you would fit best into based on your personality style. 

2. Develop your strengths and weaknesses and be able to speak to them.

Think about what comes naturally to you. A great tool to use would be the StrengthFinder application. This assessment helps to identify major areas of strength and why/where/when these strengths would be useful. Identify your weaknesses as well as your strengths. Think about how you can utilize your strengths to help you to improve upon your weaknesses. Think about this in a way that you could explain to an employer when being interviewed or networking. The ability not only to admit to a weakness but also how you can improve upon it is very valuable to any employer. 

3. Define your goals.

What is your dream job? Why is this job your dream job? Incorporate the first two steps into your goal. How can you utilize your strengths to reach your goals? Think about your values and beliefs and use that to figure out what type of organization you’d like to work for. Create your own personal mission statement. Your goals should be SMART or Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-bound. The more concrete you are about your goals with yourself and your potential employer, the more likely you will accomplish them.

The concept of marketing yourself or “selling” yourself may seem slightly tacky but it is actually one of the most genuine ways to be honest about who you are & what you want, and it will help you to find an employer who is interested in those things. Creating a personal brand will help you to become more appealing to employers because of your individuality and it will help you to find an organization whose values align with yours!

4 Enjoyable Ways to Spend Your Fall Days In Sartell

Does the crisp fall air and the sight of changing leaves make you crave spending more time outdoors with friends and family? Around Sartell there are countless opportunities to satisfy your Fall fever.

With 24 parks, 17 miles of trails, playgrounds, bike lanes and the Watab River running through the community, it is easy to find beautiful autumn landscapes and fun activities to partake in. While keeping this in mind we want to share some ideas that you will enjoy this season!

1.    Fall Leaf Photography and Collection: A beautiful way to spend a fall day is to take time to admire the leaves on the trees as they change colors. Planning a picnic or a hike in the woods during fall can be a great romantic getaway for two or a fun day for the family! The changing colors make gorgeous photography and with the miles of trails in Sartell this may be the perfect place to start!

2.    Create a New Family Tradition: Fall is the perfect time to involve the family in an outdoor sport. Football season has started and it is still warm enough for soccer, baseball and other group sports. Go on a bike ride, a hike or even rake the leaves in your back yard and make a scarecrow. All of these activities can be turned into an annual fall family tradition.

3.    Navigate Through A Corn Maze: There are plenty of corn mazes available in the Fall for kids and adults. At night there may even be some mazes haunted by the costumed staff members that create the perfect spooky atmosphere. For these after dusk mazes, it is perfect for families with older children and the younger kids can still enjoy the maze during the daylight without all the monsters!

4.    Pumpkin Patch and Apple Orchards: It just isn’t fall without pumpkins or caramel apples! Take the family out to a patch and orchard to pick those apples and the perfect jack-o-lantern! Make sure to make those delicious caramel apples on a stick for everyone to enjoy.

I know we are excited to enjoy this fall weather and we hope you are too! Now get out there with your family and friends and enjoy the beautiful Minnesota autumn while you can!