Calendar of Events

2012 Benson Area Chamber of Commerce events at a glance
Date	Event	Sponsor	Description
Friday February 17	Chamber Annual Meeting	Chamber of Commerce
Saturday March 17	St. Patrick’s Day Parade	Private	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!
Saturday April 7	Easter Egg Hunt	Chamber of Commerce	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.
Thursday May 17	Syttende Mai	Private	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.
Thursday May 17	Chamber Golf Invitational	Chamber of Commerce	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.
Thursday June 14	Pioneerland Band Festival	Chamber of Commerce	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!
Friday-Saturday June 15-16	Relay for Life	Private	The Relay for Life is held at the Northside Recreation Area (ball fields). Food and entertainment throughout the event. Silent Auction on Friday evening.
Thursday July 19	Crazy Daze	Private	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!
Saturday July 21	Kid Day	Chamber of Commerce	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.
Saturday July 21	Ranch Rodeo	Private	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.
Saturday July 21	Antique Car Show	Chamber of Commerce	The car show is being held at the Benson Bowler starting at 4:00 with the car cruise beginning at 7:30.
Sunday July 22	Fly In Breakfast	Private	Join us for a pancake and sausage breakfast at the Benson Airport from 7am-1pm. Airplane rides are available.
Sunday July 22	Hospice Motorcycle Ride	Private
Monday-Saturday July 23-28	Missoula Children’s Theatre	Comm. Ed.	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.
Sunday August 12	Threshing Show	Private	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.
Wednesday-Sunday August 15-19	Swift County Fair	Private	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.
Saturday September 8	5th Annual Rib Fest	Private	Located at the Benson Golf Club.
Saturday October 20	Fall Craft Fair	Comm. Ed. and Chamber of Commerce	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.
Saturday October 20	Women of Today-Holiday Expo	Private	At the Benson Armory from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Wednesday October 24	Norwegian Smorgasbord of Our Redeemers	Private
Sunday November 25	Holiday Stroll	Private	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.
Saturday December 8	Lighted Santa Truck	Private	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!