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! 

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!

Rock 'N Block

We hate to say it, but summer is flying by and we’re quickly approaching the end of July. On the bright side, we’re getting closer every day to one of our biggest events of the summer – Rock n Block! Be sure to mark your calendars for August 10^th to celebrate the 5^th annual Rock n Block at Pinecone Marketplace!

            The event kicks off at 4 p.m. with Kid’s Zone. This is a chance to walk around with the family to check out all of the vendors and play some games – maybe even win a few prizes! If you show up before 6 p.m., you’ll receive $5 worth of kid’s tickets with each paid admission. The kid’s zone will run until 7 p.m. but in the meantime, the band Electric Almighty will take the stage starting at 5 p.m. Electric Almighty is sure to put on a good show and entertain all age groups with their collection of music ranging from 70’s classic rock, to the pop music of the 80’s and 90’s, all the way to today’s biggest hits. At 8 p.m. we will begin our karaoke contest for all of the undiscovered talent in the area brave enough to show off their vocals for the crowd! Then at 9 p.m., the headliners for the night, the Fabulous Armadillos, will perform until midnight. Their creative style has made them one of the most popular bands in central Minnesota; we can’t wait to see what they have in store for us!

            This event would not be possible without all of the support we’ve received from generous sponsors. We’ve teamed up with Leighton Broadcasting and Times Media to cover all forms of promotion. So be on the lookout for any advertisements, keep your ears open for radio ads, and pass on the word of Rock n Block to your friends and family. We want to see everyone come out for a celebration filled with tasty food and drink, fun games, good music, and great company!

Shop Small?

"People who own their own businesses are their own bosses. They are independent thinkers. They know they can't compete by imitating the big guys; they have to innovate. So they are less obsessed with earning than they are with ideas." -Ted Turner

Small businesses are creating 75% of all new jobs. Half of all private sector employees work for a small business. Your Family and Friends are connected to the local small business community. On November 24, 2012 you can celebrate and support local, independently-owned small businesses that create jobs, boost the local economy and invigorate neighborhoods. November 24, 2012 is Small Business Saturday, falling between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Last year over 100 million people came together to SHOP SMALL.

This year, go small! Support small business. Search for savings on unique merchandise while experiencing spectacular service - something small businesses excel at providing. Stay tuned to find out how you can promote Small Business Saturday for your business.

WHICH SMALL BUSINESSES WILL YOU SUPPORT THIS YEAR?