Local Organizations

Lester Prairie Business Association

Established in 1995, the Lester Prairie Business Association’s primary goal is to promote a strong business community in Lester Prairie. The association works with community leaders to promote and recruit new business and provides a forum for business owners to voice concerns and ideas.

The organization sponsors the Lester Prairie Holiday Celebration the first Sunday in December. It also sponsors a business welcome packet for new residents. The packet contains information and offers from Lester Prairie businesses. It also donates money to other organizations in the community.

The association meets the third Tuesday of each month at different businesses.

For more information or for the location of the next meeting, contact one of the association board members, or call Michael Merriman at (320) 395-8388, Troy Feltmann at (320) 485-2535, or Denise Johnson at (320) 395-0142.

Lester Prairie Lions Club

The Lester Prairie Lions Club has been active in the community since 1986 and is open to anyone, male or female, interested in improving the quality of life in Lester Prairie.

There are currently 25 members in the club, which meets monthly on the second Thursday of the month at city hall as a business dinner meeting at 6:30 p.m.

The Lions conduct pancake breakfast fundraisers each year, participate in the Adopt-a-Highway program between Winsted and Lester Prairie to pick up roadside litter, youth baseball, and fundraising through the sale of pulltabs.

Money raised by the club is used within the community of Lester Prairie for various projects in the city, schools, and parks.

To date, more than $90,000 has been donated by the Lions to various community organizations.

Yearly dues are $40 per member. For more information, contact any Lions member or Joe Miller, Box 731, Lester Prairie, MN 55354; (320) 395-2750.

Ray Kirkpatrick American Legion Post 463

Chartered May 20, 1920, with 15 veterans signing, Lester Prairie’s Ray Kirkpatrick Post 463 sponsors a youth baseball team, Boys’ State representative, and school patrol training in the elementary school. The post also provides brochures to the school dealing with safety and family issues and donates to the After Prom party at the high school.

There are currently 72 members in the Post which is open to any member of the service, currently active or honorably discharged.

Membership dues are $30 per year. The Post meets monthly from September to May on the first Thursday of the month, 7:30 p.m., at city hall. New members are always welcome.

For more information, contact Commander Mark Detlefsen, PO box 192, Lester Prairie, MN 55354, (320) 395-2813; or adjutant, Willard Klaustermeier, (320) 395-2287.

American Legion

Auxiliary Post 463

To serve our veterans, to safeguard and nurture our nation’s children, and to educate all citizens, young and old, about the benefits, privileges, and responsibilities ofAmerican citizenship is the purpose of the American Legion Auxiliary, established in Lester Prairie in 1925.

Currently about 20 members strong, the group meets on the first Thursday of the month at the city hall. However, they may not meet every month.

Some of the events the auxiliary is involved in include assisting with the bloodmobile, a flag coloring contest, sponsor a pillow stuff and fluff, sending a representative to Girls’ State, honoring teachers and staff during American Education Week, Boy/Girl County Day, sponsoring the local Girl Scouts, and donating to various veterans programs in McLeod County.

Membership dues are $14 per year and to be a member, you must be a wife, mother, sister, daughter, granddaughter,great-granddaughter, or grandmother of a member of the American Legion.

For more information, contact any auxiliary member or Auxiliary President Florence Mlynar, PO Box 221, Lester Prairie, MN 55354, (320) 395-2258.

Lester Prairie Booster Club

The Lester Prairie Booster Club has donated nearly $70,000 to Lester Prairie athletics and fine arts through various fundraising activities, including an annual golf tournament in the fall.

Established in 1994, there are currently more than 90 memberships. The group, whose purpose is to promote athletics and fine arts in Lester Prairie, meets monthly during the school year, and membership is open to anyone interested in joining.

Dues are $20 per family and $35 per business.

For more information, contact Chris Rolf at (320) 395-2144, or Kelli Machemehl at (320) 395-2844, or the Lester Prairie High School at (320) 395-2521.

Lester Prairie Fire Dept. and First Responders

The Lester Prairie Volunteer Fire Department/First Responders is a group of trained firefighters and first aid personnel with approximately 30 current members serving the Lester Prairie area.

Prospective new members need to be physically fit and able to pass a physicians exam. Applicants need to pas a background check conducted by our local law enforcement agency and then an interview process with a fire department selection committee. After acceptance into the department, the new member is required to successfully complete a Fire Fighter 1001 course supplied by the fire department.

The fire department conducts regular monthly business and training meetings and also any special training meetings deemed necessary by the department.

Throughout the year, the fire debarment facilitates community fire prevention activities and provides fire prevention training at the school.

This year the fire department will be joining with the Winsted Fire Department in hosting an annual fire department dance in April. As in past years, much of the funds raised will be used to buy equipment for the fire department.

For more information, or to request an application for membership, contact any fire department member, write to PO Box 911, Lester Prairie, MN 55354, or e-mail lpfire@hutchtel.net.

Prairie Days Committee

A three-day city-wide festival called Prairie Days is conducted in Lester Prairie each June.

The festival includes a carnival, demolition derby, dancing, softball tournament, outdoor community church service, food stands, parades, fireworks, and much more.

To be involved in planning and producing the annual event, you can join the Prairie Days Committee, which meets monthly on the second Wednesday of the month, 7 p.m. at the fire hall in Lester Prairie.

For more information, contact Doug Minnick at (320) 395-2143.

Lester Prairie Garage Sale Day

Bargain hunters head to Lester Prairie one day each September, looking for the best buy for their money at Lester Prairie’s Garage Sale Day.

Garage Sale Day began in 1980. The sale day is the third Saturday in September from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The purpose behind a one-day sale is to allow those who work during the week to garage sale.

Flyers of all the registered sales are available at local businesses.

There is no cost to those having a garage sale as advertising costs are paid for by flyer advertisers.

Organizers of Garage Sale Day strongly discourage early sales the day before. Also, garage sales must have the items that are being advertised.

To help with the sale or to get your sale on the flyer, contact Charlotte Ehrke at (320) 395-2097, Les Baumann at (320) 395-2821, or Troy Feltman at (320) 395-4162.

Lester Prairie Senior Citizens

The Lester Prairie Senior Citizens club meets every three weeks on Monday at city hall at 1 p.m.

Organized in 1969, the group offers senior citizens of the community an opportunity for fellowship. Lunch is served

A catered meal is provided at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Group activities include bake sales, silent auctions, and participation in the McLeod County Fair, including the coronation of a McLeod County senior king and queen.

The club currently has about 20 members. There is a fee of 50 cents collected at each meeting and membership is open to anyone over the age of 55.

For more information, call (320) 395-2345 or (320) 395-4233 or write to 203 Babcock Ave. S., Lester Prairie, MN 55354.

Lester Prairie Area Cub Scouts

First through fifth grade boys in the Lester Prairie area can join Cub Scouts, an organization that encourages boys to grow into responsible adults with the ability to succeed in life, as well as teaching boys how to work together as a team.

The Scouts meet monthly at den meetings, which are small group meetings with planned activities which include working on achievement badges. There are also once-a-month pack meetings for Scouts of all ages and their parents or guardians.

During the summer, the Scouts attend day camps and are active during the Prairie Days celebration in town. Other annual activities include Christmas wreath sales, the Blue and Gold banquet, and the Pinewood Derby. The Cub Scouts also recycle aluminum cans. Their can trailer is located at The Depot on McLeod County Road 1.

For more information, contact Will Ahlbrecht at (320) 395-8348.

Lester Prairie Area Girl Scouts/Studio 2B

The Girl Scouts have been preparing girls to seek and meet challenges in our ever-changing society since 1912.

The Lester Prairie area Girl Scouts meet approximately twice a month during the school year, as well as taking part in Girl Scout camp during the summer months.

Membership is open to girls in kindergarten through twelfth grade. There is an annual fee. During the year, the Girl Scouts participate in the fall nut sale, cookie sales, and a local day camp at Baylor Park. They also participate in annual service projects and assist with other city-wide activities and events.

Studio 2B is an exciting new program designed by girls, for girls ages 11 to 17, and supported by the experience and professionalism of the Girl Scouts of the USA. Studio 2B is about making a difference, about giving back by enriching the lives of teenage girls, helping them to see more options, and make good choices.

For more information or to join the Girl Scouts, call or write to Cathy Nelson-Messer, PO Box 776, Lester Prairie, MN 55354, (320) 395-2975.

Bergen Busy Bees 4-H

The Lester Prairie Bergen Busy Bees 4-H club invites you to become involved in 4-H.

This family-oriented club seeks to help members develop good citizenship, character, confidence, and leadership skills through a variety of activities as well as the individual exploration of project areas. These project areas are as diverse as the members themselves and may include anything from aerospace, livestock, crafts and fine arts, wildlife, biology, photography, gun safety, performing arts, gardening, dog, computer, food and nutrition, horse, bicycle, clothing and textiles, shop, and much more.

The monthly meetings are conducted by members, but the whole family is encouraged to attend. Regular 4-H members range in age from third graders to those a year out of high school. There is also a Discovery phase of 4-H for children in kindergarten through grade two.

For more information or to join the Bergen Busy Bees, call the McLeod County Extension Office at 800-587-0770 or call local leader Nancy Krull at (320) 395-2015.

TOPS

The Lester Prairie TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) group meets every Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at city hall to support and encourage its members to meet their goal weight.

There are yearly awards presented in April. Established in 1972, the group’s current membership stands at 15.

Yearly membership dues are $24 plus $3 collected from each member once a month at the weekly meetings. The group meets every Thursday night at 5:30 p.m. at Lester Prairie City Hall.

For more information, write Blanche Breidenbach at PO Box 367, Lester Prairie, MN 55354.

AA and Al-Anon

Meets every Tuesday at 8 p.m. at city hall.

LP Youth Wrestling Association

The Lester Prairie Youth Wrestling is coordinated by Greg Hartwig and volunteer parents. The wrestling team practices twice a week and participates in weekend tournaments. They also host a Lester Prairie tournament. Registration is in November, and wrestling runs from January to March. The fee is $30, and includes a t-shirt. For more information, contact Greg Hartwig (320) 395-2872.

Early Childhood Family Education

Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) is a program for all Minnesota families with children between the ages of birth and kindergarten.

It is the mission of ECFE to strengthen families and support the ability of all parents to provide the best possible environment for the healthy growth and development of children.

Established in 1992, the Lester Prairie ECFE conducts several events and classes for children and families throughout the school year.

For more information, contact Pam Lukens at Lester Prairie Community Education, (320) 395-2909, fax (320) 395-4204, or write to PO Box 158, Lester Prairie, MN 55354.

Little Learners Preschool

Little Learners Preschool, formed in 1993, is part of School District 424, Lester Prairie Public Schools.

The purpose of the organization is to work with parents of young children to provide a wide variety of positive experiences that address the intellectual, physical, and social and emotional growth and development of their children.

Enrollment in the preschool is limited to 32 students. A spring open house and registration is conducted for new students.

For more information, contact Pam Lukens at Lester Prairie Community Education, PO Box 158, Lester Prairie, MN 55354, (320) 395-2909.

Community Education Advisory Council

The Lester Prairie Advisory Committee (LPAC) Lester Prairie Schools is made up of parents, administrators, teachers, and students. The committee meets approximately six times a year in the school’s media center.

The purpose of the committee is to provide an advisory position on the district’s System Accountability Report (SAR), promote in a positive way the school district, maintain and develop community outreach programs, and provide other advisory functions as needed.

Meetings are open to any community member that would like to attend. The committee is an avenue for parents to get involved in school.

For more information on meeting dates, or any other information regarding LPAC, contact Superintendent Joe Miller, or Principal Pam Lukens at (320) 395-2909, or Jenni Sebora at (320) 395-2012.

Prairie Arts Council (PAC)

The Prairie Arts Council, formerly Comprehensive Arts Planning Program (CAPP), was organized in the fall of 1997 to increase arts opportunities available to students in the Lester Prairie schools, as well as to increase support and appreciation for arts programs in the community of Lester Prairie.

Its mission statement is “Raising kids in a community of arts opportunity.”

The group sponsors a variety of artist residencies and art programs in the schools, an elementary art club, and a summer Music in the Park series.

Membership in PAC is open to anyone interested in arts, and arts awareness in the comunity. There are approximately 10 active members in the organization who meet about once a month.

For more information, contact Sonja Johnson at (320) 395-2922.

Lester Prairie Ambassador Program

The Lester Prairie Ambassador Program was established in 2001 to give young women in the community an opportunity to represent their community. The crowning of the LPAP royalty coincide with the Prairie Days celebration in the third weekend in June. The royalty then represent Lester Prairie in area events and may even participate in the Minneapolis Aquatennial. Candidates for the pageant must be under the age of 22, but at least a senior in high school.

The Royalty Committee consists of women who recruit candidates, organize the coronation, and chaperone the royalty at events during their reign. The committee also helps to organize fund raisers and opportunities for community involvement.

For more information on the program or to join the Royalty Committee, call Peg Rathkamp at (320) 395-2006.

McLeod County East Dollars for Scholars

The McLeod County East Dollars for Scholars chapter was organized in 1984 to promote academic activities and provide scholarships to deserving students for post-high school education.

The organization has distributed more than $125,000 in scholarships to students.

Annual fundraising projects include a dinner in February.

The organization meets about six times per year and anyone interested is welcome to join.

For more information, contact or Joe Miller at Lester Prairie High School, (320) 395-2521.

LPHS After Prom Party Committee

Established in 1988, the After Prom Party Committee was formed to provide a safe and fun-filled evening after prom for Lester Prairie High School students.

The evening is filled with entertainment, food, games, and prizes and is always well-attended. There are approximately 20 members on the committee which meets regularly to plan and conduct fundraisers throughout the year to raise the funds necessary for the gala evening.

Membership is open to anyone interested in being a part of this worthwhile and important undertaking.

For more information, contact the Lester Prairie High School office, (320) 395-2521.

Sportsmen’s Club trapshooting leagues

The Lester Prairie Sportmen’s Club Inc. has been around since 1967. The club continues to improve its facilities which feature a clubhouse and general facilities for rental to the public. A couple of yeas ago, the clubhouse had an exterior re-do. Plans for the inside are next.

The principal source of income has been from the sport of trapshooting. After 40 years of usage, the club is undergoing a major renovation of this sport by replacing the trap houses and trap machines. This is happening today, and will be open to the public April 11, 2007.

Our full-service trapshooting range features the Handicap League shooting. These would be league teams that come from a 40-mile radius. Individual shooters may join our 16-yard Lewis Class - 400 Target competition. With the replacement of trap machines, doubles targets will again be available to trapshooter. Just plain practice shoot is open to everyone on Wednesday nights, April through August. We are always looking for new teams and shooter.

We may be able to work in a company sponsored marathon of trapshooting and golf at ShadowBrooke. We could also add a co-ed volleyball event. We have adequate parking and are family oriented for your entire family, regardless of what your usage is.

The club house is available for your anniversary, birthday, graduation, on a rental basis. Camping sites also, for self-contained units, are available. Picnic tables are available for family outings, except on Wednesday nights.

For more information or reservations, contact Ed Mlynar, (320) 395-2258. Club phone on Wednesday nights when open is (320) 395-2829, or visit: www.lpscmn.com

Lester Prairie Little League

The Lester Prairie Little League, sponsored by the Lester Prairie Lions, Lester Prairie Fire Department Relief Association, New Germany Commercial Club, and Hollywood Booster Club is staffed by volunteer coaches and umpires.

The group, part of the Waconia Community Ed. League, Crow River Youth Baseball League, and Crow River Fast Pitch League, consists of K-ball, T-ball, softball, and baseball teams for children ages 6-18.

Registration is in March, with games beginning at the end of May, and lasting through the beginning of August. Fees range from $15 to $35, and include a t-shirt.

For more information, contact Lisa Feltmann at (320) 395-4162.

Legion baseball

Sponsored by Ray Kirkpatrick American Legion Post 463 and established in 1982, the Lester Prairie Legion baseball team is made up of boys ages 15-18 and competes against other area Legion teams.

There are no fees to participate and expenses are met through fundraising events conducted throughout the year. The members are provided full uniforms and catcher’s equipment.

Coaches are Daryn and Daryl Hoof, and Mark Detlefsen is the manager.

For more information, call Mark Detlefsen at (320) 395-2813.

Bulldog Shoot-Out 3 on 3 basketball tournament

The annual Bulldog Shoot-Out is conducted during June at the Lester Prairie High School. More than 80 teams come from all over to participate in this three-day tournament. Divisions are conducted in elementary, junior high, b-squad, varsity and post high school for both men and women.

For more information about this event, contact Brian Korf at (320) 327-3083 or at PO Box 158, Lester Prairie, MN 55354.

Golf leagues

ShadowBrooke Golf Course, an 18-hole public course in a relaxed, country setting located at Hwy 7 and Cty Rd 1 opened for business in 1993.

The course offers Tuesday and Wednesday night league play.

ShadowBrooke boasts a clubhouse, pro shop, motorized golf carts, three-tiered putting green and a driving range.

The golf season at ShadowBrooke opens around April 1 and continues late into the fall.

Golf outings or tournaments get free use of the a tent and picnic tables. Contact Ed at (320) 395-2258.

For more information on membership or joining a league, call the golf course at (320) 395-4250.

Junior Olympic Volleyball- Ace Hit Juniors

This organization is open to girls under the age of 18 who like to play volleyball.

Practice begins in late February with four or five tournaments planned for the spring season, which comes to an end in May.

Competition is on four levels: age 12 and under, age 14 and under, age 16 and under, and age 18 and under. The club membership fee varies per age group and includes uniforms and tournament fees.

For more information, contact Marcy Remer at (320) 395-4202.