Summer may be drawing to a close, but there's still plenty of fun to be had in the weeks ahead. In fact, this coming weekend will bring the biggest party of the season for one lakes area charity, which is hosting back-to-back fundraisers for one lucky local nonprofit.

The Lakes Area Parrot Heads will be bringing back two popular local events, Macaws for Paws and Boats & Bars, on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 27-28. Though the emphasis is on end-of-summer fun for both events, they will also be raising funds for the Marshmallow Animal Shelter, a Detroit Lakes-based shelter and adoption center serving Becker County and surrounding communities.

Macaws for Paws

Animal lovers, be sure to mark your calendars for this Friday, Aug. 27, as the Lakes Area Parrot Heads will be hosting their eighth annual fundraiser for the Marshmallow Foundation, an animal shelter and adoption shelter located at 1478 Mallard St. in Detroit Lakes.

The Macaws for Paws celebration gets underway at 5:30 p.m. Friday inside Zorbaz at 402 West Lake Drive, and continues through an 8:45 p.m. raffle drawing — with the first prize being $500 cash.

The Island Time band will be playing throughout the evening, and there will also be a silent auction, featuring a variety of themed gift baskets and other donated items.

"We have 'buy it now' prices on all the items for the silent auction," says Jim Brogren, president of the local Parrot Heads chapter. "If someone can’t stay for the whole evening and wants a particular item, they can buy it now and bring it home."

There will also be a cash raffle, with prizes of $500, $300 and $100 to be given away. Raffle tickets are $5 each, and may be purchased at the Marshmallow Animal Shelter or from any Parrot Heads member.

“You do not need to be present to win,” Brogren said, adding that only 1,400 tickets will be sold for the raffle.

Still, you might want to stick around for a while, as the music continues well into the evening.

"It's just a fun night," Brogren said.

Come 'float your boat for charity'

Though this will be the 15th go-around for the Parrot Heads' signature event of the summer, it has been dubbed "Boats & Bars 15.5" due to the fact that the event was not held last summer (like the majority of other events planned during the extended shutdown of most public gatherings planned not just in the lakes area, but worldwide, during the COVID-19 pandemic).

“The Parrot Heads will be out in front of Zorbaz selling tickets at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 28,” Brogren said.

The live music starts at 11 a.m., with Jim Hoehn performing for the kickoff party at Zorbaz.

While ticket holders don't need to have a boat — there are several participating bars where they can enjoy live music throughout the day — those who don’t have their own watercraft can inquire about grabbing an open space on one of the boats heading out to the Sandbar Stage, which as the name implies, will be set up on the sandbar bridging Big and Little Detroit lakes (accessible only by boat).

"J & K Marine will be setting up the stage for us," Brogren said, noting that the Castaways will be performing there between 12-4 p.m.

At 3:30 p.m., the fun shifts to a new location once again, as Jenn Bostic takes the stage at the Long Bridge Bar, Grill & Marina (2000 Long Bridge Road).

Last but not least, the Holiday Inn Beach Bar & Grill (1155 Hwy. 10 East) will be hosting live music by Island Time from 4 to 7 p.m.

Though you can purchase tickets on the day of the event, those who purchase them on or before Aug. 26 will receive a $5 discount on the $20 ticket price.

“Advance tickets are $15 per person, and will include a complimentary drink at all five of our participating bars: The American Legion, Zorbaz, Long Bridge, the Holiday Inn and Hub 41, which is new this year,” said Brogren, adding, "It's a way to get people to buy them ahead of time."

He also noted that the free drinks served at each stop will be the venue's choice. Though advance tickets can be purchased at any time from a Parrot Heads member, volunteers will be out selling them in front of Zorbaz on the evening of Wednesday, Aug. 26, Brogren added.

"We always like to say, 'Come float your boat for charity,'" Brogren said, but added that other than the sandbar, all of the participating venues are accessible by car as well.

In addition to the five participating bars, event sponsors include J & K Marine and Kona Brewing Company. The event will be held rain or shine, with the American Legion serving as the alternate location for the Castaways' performance in case of inclement weather. For more information, go to www.lakesareaparrotheads.com .

For more information about the Marshmallow Animal Shelter, go to www.marshmallowfoundation.org .

Tim Eggebraaten & Friends will be performing for the final Thursday Trucks & Tunes of the summer on Thursday, Aug. 26, starting at 5 p.m. in the Detroit Lakes City Park Bandshell. A variety of local food trucks will also be parked nearby, serving up tasty treats until 8 p.m. Hosted by the Detroit Lakes Noon Rotary.

Rachel Ianiro will be performing live as part of the Lakes Area Women's Expo, set from 2 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 26, at Richwood Winery. There will also be plenty of shopping, food and beverages available. Tickets are just $5, and may be purchased online at visitdetroitlakes.com and the Richwood Winery Facebook page (under the "events" tab) or in person at Leighton Broadcasting in Detroit Lakes.

Kathie Brekke & Friends will be performing live at the Lodge on Lake Detroit on Thursday, Aug. 26, from 5 to 8 p.m. There is no cost to attend.

Chase Bryant will be performing live at Mahnomen's Shooting Star Casino on Friday, Aug. 27, at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $14. Visit starcasino.com for more information.

Slamabama will be performing for the Fire Department Dance and Customer Appreciation event at Lake Park Liquors on Saturday, Aug. 28, from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. There will also be an outdoor bean bag tournament starting at 4 p.m.; cost to register is $20 for a two-person team. Come early to sign up.