Area briefs

PEQUOT LAKES -- A Craft and Home Business Expo will run 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Pequot Lakes High School, featuring local and regional crafters.

Admission is $2, or $1 with a food shelf donation. Children under 12 will be admitted free.

The expo will provide information to women who have considered starting a home business or hosting a home party.

It also will offer a chance to find out more about the American Heart Association's campaign, "Go Red for Women," providing information on ways to prevent heart attack and stroke.

For vendor or general expo information, contact Julie Yates at expo_pl@hotmail.com or call (218) 728-4556.

Raffles to benefit Sjodin Scholarship Fund

PEQUOT LAKES -- Pequot Lakes High School will hold two raffles with proceeds for both going to the Dru Sjodin Scholarship Fund.

Raffle tickets are $2 each. Tickets for the first raffle will be available 8:30 to 9:45 a.m., 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 to 3 p.m. Friday in the Pequot Lakes School Commons. The raffle will be held at the end of the school day Friday.

The second raffle will be held Saturday from tickets bought that day at the Craft and Home Business Expo at Pequot Lakes High School.

All prizes will be donated by craft and home business vendors participating in the show and can be picked up at the Expo, or May 17-21 at Pequot Lakes School.

Nisswa marks National Tourism Week

NISSWA -- In recognition of National Tourism Week this week, the Nisswa Chamber of Commerce will serve fresh bakery items and freshly craft-roasted coffee compliments of Nisswa's Sammi J's Stonehouse Roastery through Saturday.

Seasonal facilities open at Itasca State Park

PARK RAPIDS -- Wilderness Drive is open for vehicles and bicycles, and bicycle and boat rentals are available for the season at Itasca State Park near Park Rapids.

Park campgrounds and the Bear Paw cabins will open Friday, and Douglas Lodge and cabins will open May 28. New construction this season is the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center.

For lodging and campground information visit www.stayatmnparks.com or call 1-866-857-2757. For park information and naturalist program schedule, call (218) 266-2100.