Calendar of Events

2010 Benson Area Chamber of Commerce Events at a glance
January 16	Chamber Annual Meeting
March 20	St. Patrick’s Day Parade	The parade will start at 3:00 with the program following at Duffy's Bar and Grill. Duffy's will have live music from 9:00-1:00 with the stew eating contest at 10:30. Come and Join the Celebration!
March 21	Christian School Spaghetti Dinner	11:00 am - 1:30 pm at the VFW
March 26-27	KSCR/KBMO Farm, Home, & Sports Show	Exhibitors come from all over the state to have a booth at the armory and display their products. The hours will be Friday from 4-8pm and Saturday from 10-4pm. This event is sponsored by KSCR/KBMO Radio.
April 3	Easter Egg Hunt	The Easter Egg Hunt is held at the Northside Recreation Area (ball fields). Eggs are hidden throughout the park and the kids have a chance to collect up to 10 eggs and turn them in for a bag of goodies. This event is sponsored by the Benson Businesses and the Benson Area Chamber of Commerce.
May 8	Community Wide Rummage Sale	Families who wish to participate in the city-wide rummage should contact the Chamber office to have their name listed in the paper. A minimal fee is charged to all participants as well as to those who have booths at the Benson Armory. This event is sponsored by the Benson Area Chamber of Commerce.
May 17	Syttende Mai	This Norwegian festival is celebrated throughout the town with businesses serving coffee and cookies and possibly some Norwegian foods to their customers. Some people go all out and dress in their Norwegian outfits.
May 20	Chamber Golf Invitational	You don't have to be a golf pro to play in the Chamber Golf Invitational. This four-person scramble is designed to be a fun event for golfers of all skills! Dinner is served at 11:00am followed by a shotgun start at noon. Come out and have a relaxing afternoon while helping the Benson Area Chamber of Commerce continue its quality promotion of the Benson area.
June 14	Pioneerland Band Festival	The Pioneerland Band Festival was started in 1988 and is held on June 14 at 6:30, Flag Day, every year. The finest marching bands compete for cash prizes and trophies. Come out and watch this fabulous parade. It's one that you won't want to miss!
June 18-19	Relay for Life	The Relay for Life is held at the Northside Recreation Area (ball fields). Food and entertainment throughout the event. Silent Auction on Friday evening.
June 25-27	All School Reunion
July 15	Crazy Day	During Crazy Day the local businesses have a sale and display their items on the sidewalks in front of their business. It starts around 7:00am and you want to make sure you get out early in order to find lots of good deals!
July 17-18	Kid Day Weekend	Benson’s Kid Day Weekend is always the third Saturday in July. The week is full of activities leading up to the weekend. The Kid Day parade will start at 10:00 am, the carnival will be held from 12:00 – 3:00 pm, and the coronation will be held at 7:00 pm. There are many more activities going on around town throughout the day. Please contact the Chamber for more information. Kid Day is sponsored by the Benson Area Chamber of Commerce.
July 17	Ranch Rodeo	You won't want to miss Benson's Ranch Rodeo. Teams will be competing for prizes as they participate in the team doctoring, wild cow milking, and other events. They ride rain or shine at 5:00pm.
July 17	Antique Car Show	The car show is being held at the Benson Bowler starting at 4:00 with the car cruise beginning at 7:30. Click here for details.
July 18	Duck Race at the Pool	Located at the Benson Public Pool at 12:30 pm. Free admission forthe Duck Race.
July 18	Hospice Motorcycle Ride
July 18	Fly In Breakfast	Join us for a pancake and sausage breakfast at the Benson Airport from 7am-1pm. Airplane rides are available.
July 26-31	Missoula Children’s Theatre	Auditions are held on Monday and the kids then find out what part they will be playing. The kids practice all week long and then perform the play. Show times are to be announced.
Aug 1-Oct 3	Farmer’s Market	Every Saturday from 8:00-noon)
August 15	Threshing Show	The public is invited to come and watch the tractor pull and plowing. View the antique tractor display. This event is sponsored by the Swift County Putts and Purrs Tractor Club and the Benson Area Chamber of Commerce.
August 18-22	Swift County Fair	The Swift County Fair is held in Appleton, MN. Come and enjoy the Swift County fair. There are rides, games, food, 4-H exhibits, general exhibits, animals, a petting barn, free entertainment throughout the fair, and a grand stand performance every day. We think you will agree it is one of the best fairs in the area.
September 18	3rd Annual Rib Fest	Located at the Benson Golf Club.
October 23	Fall Craft Fair	The Benson Fall Craft Fair is held during MEA each year. It goes from 9am -3pm and is held at the Benson High School. The craft fair includes a wide variety of quality handmade crafts by many crafters in the area. It is co-sponsored by Benson's Community Education and the Chamber of Commerce.
October 23	Women of Today-Holiday Expo	At the Benson Armory from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.
November 28	Holiday Stroll	Benson businesses have specials and holiday goodies in their stores. This is a promotion that is organized by the Benson Retailers and the Benson Area Chamber of Commerce.
December 11	Lighted Santa Truck	Every year Santa comes to town on a lighted truck with all his helpers. They stop at the nursing home, Clontarf, DeGraff, Murdock, and Benson. Benson is the last stop, with them parking in front of the Armory. Chocolate milk and cookies are provided along with treat bags, while they wait to sit on Santa's lap. It's a fun time for all!