Area briefs

EMILY -- Emily Charter School will host its holiday Christmas program, "Tis Better to Give than Receive," at 6:30 p.m. Thursday.

The PTSA will hold a bake sale from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, and again after the concert. The PTSA is looking for bake sale donations. Proceeds will go toward classroom needs.

Bring baked items to the school no later than 5 p.m. Thursday.

'Christmas Karaoke' set Monday in Emily

EMILY -- Prizm Productions will present "Christmas Karaoke" from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Monday at Emily Charter School.

Refreshments will be served, and there is no charge.

Cass seeks volunteer drivers

WALKER -- Cass County Health, Human and Veterans Services administers two transportation programs to benefit the elderly and veterans in area communities.

Needed are volunteer drivers interested in transporting senior citizens to doctor appointments and errands in their communities, or substitute volunteer drivers to transport veterans to VA medical appointments in Fargo, St. Cloud, Minneapolis and Brainerd via the Cass County Veterans Transportation Program.

Volunteer drivers use their own vehicles and are required to provide proof of insurance, registration and driver's record, as well as agree to a background check by the sheriff's department. Cass County reimburses volunteer drivers for mileage.

For more information about the Senior Transportation Program, call (218) 547-1340, extension 302, and ask for Kim. For more information about the Veterans Transportation Program, call (218) 547-1340, extension 308, and ask for Lynette.

Dates for Cass County Fair in Pine River set

PINE RIVER -- The 99th annual Cass County Fair will run July 22-25 at the Cass County Fairgrounds in Pine River.

The fair will feature MotorX, two nights of rodeos, a talent contest and mud run, as well as a midway of rides, food, kids' games and 4-H exhibits .

An "old-fashioned" flavor will be added to this fair with demonstrations by area artisans. Organizers are looking for people who are interested in demonstrating candle or soap making, wool spinning, whittling, quilting, taxidermy, chain saw art, wood carving or landscaping.

They are also in need of unique food vendors.

For more information on how to become a part of the 2004 Cass County Fair in Pine River, contact Amy Stahnke at (218) 764-3133 or Don Smith at (218) 587-4081.