BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//VISION 2040 - ECPv6.15.18//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:VISION 2040
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://willmarlakesarea2040.com
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for VISION 2040
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/Chicago
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20240310T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20241103T070000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20250309T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20251102T070000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20260308T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20261101T070000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20270314T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20271107T070000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250425T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250425T193000
DTSTAMP:20260405T125709
CREATED:20250331T171759Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250331T171911Z
UID:10000025-1745602200-1745609400@willmarlakesarea2040.com
SUMMARY:2025 International Heritage Festival
DESCRIPTION:Experience the magic of cultural diversity at the 2025 International Heritage Festival! This annual event brings together the sights\, sounds\, and flavors of global traditions in a vibrant community gathering. Whether you’re eager to taste international cuisine\, watch mesmerizing performances\, or explore stunning cultural artifacts\, this is an event you won’t want to miss. \n\nSavor delicious food samples from around the world.\nImmerse yourself in dynamic cultural “edu-tainment\,” including music\, dance\, art\, and live performances.\nDiscover unique artifacts and traditions from different cultures.
URL:https://willmarlakesarea2040.com/event/2025-international-heritage-festival/
LOCATION:Willmar Senior High School\, 2701 30th ST NE\, Willmar\, MN\, 56201\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250611T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250611T183000
DTSTAMP:20260405T125709
CREATED:20250604T135921Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250604T135921Z
UID:10000027-1749663000-1749666600@willmarlakesarea2040.com
SUMMARY:MVP Mindset Night at the Ballpark
DESCRIPTION:A Special Mental Health Awareness Event\nAbout the Event\nMVP Mindset Night is a fun\, interactive evening designed to promote youth mental health through play\, learning\, and community connection. Sponsored by Kandiyohi County Health and Human Services\, this event brings together local partners and volunteers for a one-of-a-kind pregame experience before the Willmar Stingers take the field.\nWhether you’re a kid\, teen\, or adult\, there’s something for everyone to explore-because we all deserve to feel like the MVP.\n				\n	Interactive Bases: Learn While You Play\nStep onto the field and take a lap around the MVP Mindset Diamond\, where each base features hands-on learning activities centered around emotional wellness:\nFirst Base: Ground Ball\nLearn grounding skills through a simple game of toss. Volunteers will guide participants in naming things they see\, feel\, or hear-practicing mindfulness in motion.\nSecond Base: STOP Skill Drill\nTheme: “Before you steal a base\, check the coach’s signal!”Participants respond to “coach signals” with a freeze move\, then walk through the STOP skill:\n\n\nS – Stop\n\n\nT – Take a step back\n\n\nO – Observe\n\n\nP – Proceed mindfully\n\n\nLearn how to pause and assess emotions before taking action.\nThird Base: Base Breathing\nDiscover box breathing techniques to calm the body and mind. Volunteers will demonstrate and share info cards on breathing as a tool for managing stress.\nHome Plate: MVP Baseball Card Creation\nGet creative with a personal affirmation project. Make your own MVP baseball card\, complete with your name\, self-affirming messages\, and custom designs. Add a photo later if you’d like-this is your moment to shine.\n	Outfield Experience: Meet Local Mental Health Partners\nExplore tables hosted by local mental health professionals and organizations. Learn more about community resources\, ask questions\, and take home helpful tools for ongoing support.\nGame Night Details\n\n\nEvent Time: 5:30 to 6:30 PM (before the game)\n\n\nGame: Willmar Stingers vs. TBD\n\n\nLocation: Bill Taunton Stadium\, Willmar\n\n\nPresented by: Kandiyohi County Health and Human Services\, with support from MDH and DHS grants\n\n\nTickets: Visit willmarstingers.com for ticket info\n\n\nStick around after the MVP Mindset experience to cheer on the Stingers and enjoy a summer evening at the ballpark.\n\nWhy MVP Mindset?\nMental health matters. MVP Mindset Night helps create a safe\, supportive space for young people and families to explore emotional well-being through interactive\, age-appropriate activities. Our goal is to empower individuals with tools they can use every day-on and off the field.
URL:https://willmarlakesarea2040.com/event/mvp-mindset-night-at-the-ballpark/
LOCATION:MN
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250619T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250619T210000
DTSTAMP:20260405T125709
CREATED:20250604T134340Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250613T173622Z
UID:10000026-1750352400-1750366800@willmarlakesarea2040.com
SUMMARY:Willmar Juneteenth Celebration
DESCRIPTION:Join Vision 2040 and our community partners as we celebrate freedom\, history\, and unity at the Willmar Fests Block Party\nWhat is Juneteenth?\nJuneteenth marks a powerful moment in American history. On June 19\, 1865\, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation\, enslaved African Americans in Galveston\, Texas\, were informed of their freedom by Major General Gordon Granger. The following year\, Texans began celebrating the anniversary\, and over time\, Juneteenth has become a national celebration of African American freedom\, culture\, and resilience.\nTexas recognized Juneteenth as an official state holiday in 1980\, and it became a federal holiday in 2021. Today\, communities across the country gather on June 19 to honor the past and work toward a more equitable future.\n				\n	Willmar’s Juneteenth Celebration\nLocation: Willmar Fests Block PartyDate: Thursday\, June 19\, 2025Time: Block Party begins at 5:00 PM\nVision 2040 is proud to be part of Willmar’s Juneteenth celebration. We invite the entire community to come downtown for an evening of fun\, learning\, and togetherness.\nWhat to Expect\nFree Swag and GiveawaysStop by the Vision 2040 table for fun items and information about community initiatives.\nLive Music by Dred I Dread at 6:00 PMEnjoy reggae music from the well-known band Dred I Dread. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy the show.\nFamily-Friendly ActivitiesThe Willmar Fests Block Party features food vendors\, local entertainment\, and something for everyone in the family to enjoy.\nHosted By\nThis celebration is made possible by the collaboration of local organizations and community leaders\, including:\n\nWillmar Lakes Area Vision 2040\nCity of Willmar\nBlue Cross Blue Shield Center for Racial and Health Equity\nJennie-O Turkey Store\nPrimeWest Health\nWillmar Area Community Foundation\nSouthwest Initiative Foundation\nAnd other valued partners\n\nCelebrate With Us\nJuneteenth is a time to reflect\, connect\, and celebrate the progress we have made together. We hope to see you at the Willmar Fests Block Party on June 19.
URL:https://willmarlakesarea2040.com/event/juneteenth-celebration-2025/
LOCATION:MN
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250913T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250913T180000
DTSTAMP:20260405T125709
CREATED:20250801T194319Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250903T034027Z
UID:10000028-1757772000-1757786400@willmarlakesarea2040.com
SUMMARY:2025 Welcoming Week
DESCRIPTION:Celebrate. Connect. Belong.\nWe’re inviting you to a celebration of community and connection.2025 Welcoming Week is all about coming together to celebrate who we are\, where we come from\, and where we are going. It’s a chance to meet your neighbors\, share stories\, and build a future where everyone belongs.\nAt Vision 2040\, we believe in shaping what’s next by creating spaces that bring people together. This event is one of those spaces. A place where new ideas start\, friendships are built\, and cultures are celebrated.\n	Event Highlights\nExperience Our Community’s Cultures\nFrom music to performances\, watch local talents share their traditions and stories on stage.\nTaste the World\nSample free dishes from cultures represented in Willmar. Food trucks will also be onsite with treats to purchase.\nFind Community Resources\nDiscover organizations\, programs\, and services that are here to help you thrive. Connect with groups working to make Willmar a place where everyone feels at home.\n				\n	What is Welcoming Week?\nSince 2012\, communities across the country have been celebrating Welcoming Week to build bridges between long-time residents and newcomers. Willmar is proud to be part of this movement.\nThis isn’t just an event.It’s a chance to make connections.It’s a chance to create a community where everyone feels like they belong.When we’re all in\, we’re all better.\n	Event Details\n📅 Saturday\, September 13\, 2025🕑 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM📍 Corner of 6th St SW & Litchfield Ave SW\, Downtown Willmar💲 Free and open to everyone\nThank You to All the 2025 Welcoming Week Sponsors\nThis event wouldn’t be possible without our community champions:\nWelcomer Sponsors\n\nSouthwest Minnesota Arts Council\nBlueCross BlueShield Minnesota\nSouthwest Initiative Foundation\nCity of Willmar\n\n				\n	Belonging Sponsors \n\nPrimeWest Health\nWillmar Area Community Foundation\nWoodland Center\nCentraCare\n\nCommunity Builder Sponsors \n\nWillmar Lakes Area Vision 2040\nHome State Bank\nJennie-O\nRidgewater College\nKandiyouhi County Drug Free Communities Coalition\n\nNeighbor Sponsor \n\nPACT for Families Collaborative\nWillmar Area Arts Council\n\nIn-Kind Sponsors \n\nWest Central Tribune\nLakeland Broadcasting\nWest Central Sanitation\n\nThese partners believe in shaping what’s next. Together\, we’re building a community that welcomes everyone.
URL:https://willmarlakesarea2040.com/event/2025-welcoming-week/
LOCATION:MN
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251117T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251117T153000
DTSTAMP:20260405T125709
CREATED:20251016T201014Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251016T201014Z
UID:10000029-1763368200-1763393400@willmarlakesarea2040.com
SUMMARY:The Collaborative Care Conference
DESCRIPTION:A Culture of Care: Building Stronger & Healthier Communities\nMonday\, November 17\, 2025 | 5:30–7:30 PM | Willmar Education & Arts Center\nTuesday\, November 18\, 2025 | 8:30-3:30 PM | Willmar Conference Center\n \nAbout the Event\nJoin us for The Collaborative Care Conference\, a two-part series designed to strengthen the fabric of our communities through compassion\, connection\, and collective action. These events bring together educators\, service providers\, and community members to explore what it means to create trauma-sensitive\, healing environments that uplift youth\, families\, and professionals alike. \nAt Vision 2040\, we believe that when we work together\, sharing knowledge\, resources\, and care\, we build a community where everyone can thrive. \nSession 1: Creating Trauma-Sensitive & Healing Environments\nNovember 17 | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM | Willmar Education & Arts Center \nDr. Sander will lead an engaging and insightful session on how adversity impacts youth development and what communities can do to respond with empathy and intentionality. You’ll learn: \n\nFrameworks for creating trauma-sensitive environments\nStrategies to build resiliency in youth and families\nWays to foster relationships that encourage healing and growth\nHow to show up as your best self while supporting others\n\nThis session is ideal for anyone who works with or cares about youth\, educators\, parents\, social workers\, community leaders\, and advocates for positive change. \nRegistration:\nFree community event. \nSession 2: Creating Trauma-Sensitive & Healing Environments in Schools\nNovember 18 | 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM | Willmar Conference Center \nDive deeper into creating trauma-sensitive environments within educational settings. Dr. Sander will guide attendees through practical strategies that support both youth and staff while shifting from punitive discipline toward compassionate accountability. \nThis full-day session includes opportunities for reflection\, discussion\, and skill-building around: \n\nUnderstanding how adversity affects development\nBuilding resiliency and connection in school environments\nSupporting educators and staff through trauma-informed practices\nPromoting emotional safety and engagement in the classroom\n\nRegistration:$50 for PACT Members | $75 for Non-Members \nWhy Attend\nThis event isn’t just about learning\, it’s about collaboration. Attendees will leave with actionable tools\, shared understanding\, and renewed energy to help make our communities stronger\, healthier\, and more connected. \nTogether\, we can create a culture of care that supports everyone’s well-being. \nRSVP\nReserve your spot today and be part of the movement toward a more resilient and compassionate Willmar Lakes Area.RSVP Here \nHosted by:PACT for Families Collaborative
URL:https://willmarlakesarea2040.com/event/the-collaborative-care-conference/
LOCATION:MN
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260119T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260119T193000
DTSTAMP:20260405T125709
CREATED:20251223T035202Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251223T035248Z
UID:10000030-1768843800-1768851000@willmarlakesarea2040.com
SUMMARY:3rd Annual Willmar Martin Luther King Jr. Event
DESCRIPTION:Join Willmar Lakes Area Vision 2040 for the 3rd Annual Willmar Martin Luther King Jr. Event on Monday\, January 19\, 2026. This free community gathering is an opportunity to reflect on Dr. King’s legacy\, celebrate progress in the journey for civil rights\, and engage in meaningful dialogue on equity and justice. \nKeynote Speaker: Duchesne Drew\, Senior Vice President at American Public Media Group and President of Minnesota Public Radio\, will share an inspirational message on Dr. King’s legacy. The program will also feature students from Willmar Senior High School. \nNew this year: The Dream Art Contest (details available here). \nEvent Details\nDate: Monday\, January 19\, 2026Time: 5:30 PMLocation: Ridgewater College Student Center\, Second Floor Cafeteria2101 15th Ave NW\, Willmar\, MN 56201 \nAdmission: FreeMeal: Provided \nGuests are welcome to wear black\, though it is optional. \nRSVP\nPlease reserve your spot through the Willmar 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Event registration page. \nQuestions? Contact Pablo Obregon at his email or 320-214-5169.
URL:https://willmarlakesarea2040.com/event/3rd-annual-willmar-martin-luther-king-jr-event/
LOCATION:MN
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260312T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260312T160000
DTSTAMP:20260405T125709
CREATED:20260204T183617Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260204T184304Z
UID:10000031-1773325800-1773331200@willmarlakesarea2040.com
SUMMARY:Kandiyohi County Health and Wellness Collaborative Bi-Monthly Meeting
DESCRIPTION:The Kandiyohi County Health and Wellness Collaborative brings together community members\, organizations\, and local leaders to strengthen health and wellness across Kandiyohi County. All are welcome to attend\, learn\, and contribute. \nMeeting Schedule\nMeetings are held every other month on the second Thursday\, from 2:30 to 4:00 PM. \nLocation\nMultipurpose RoomKandiyohi County Health and Human Services Building\n2200 23rd St NE #1020\nWillmar\, MN 56201Meeting location confirmed through 2026. \nA virtual option is available for those who cannot attend in person.
URL:https://willmarlakesarea2040.com/event/kandiyohi-county-health-and-wellness-collaborative-bi-monthly-meeting/
LOCATION:Kandiyohi County Health and Human Services\, 2200 23rd St NE #1020\, Willmar\, MN\, 56201\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260424T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260424T193000
DTSTAMP:20260405T125709
CREATED:20260303T202428Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T222615Z
UID:10000032-1777051800-1777059000@willmarlakesarea2040.com
SUMMARY:2026 International Heritage Festival
DESCRIPTION:Experience the sights\, sounds\, and flavors of global cultures at the 2026 International Heritage Festival! This annual celebration brings our community together to honor traditions\, share stories\, and experience the richness of cultures represented throughout the Willmar Lakes Area.\nWhether you’re coming for the food\, the performances\, or the cultural exhibits\, this is an event designed to connect neighbors and celebrate what makes our community beautifully diverse.\nCultural Performances & Exhibits\nEnjoy a vibrant lineup of cultural performances featuring music\, dance\, and artistic expression from around the world. Local cultural contributors will also showcase meaningful artifacts and traditions that reflect their heritage.\nInterested in participating as a performer or cultural exhibitor?Submission details and forms will be available soon.\nFood & Drink Samples from Around the World\nTaste your way across cultures with delicious samples provided by local restaurants and vendors.\nConfirmed 2026 food and beverage participants include:\n\nSomali Star – Sambusa\nAsian Noodles\nEl Viejon – Mexican Rice\nLe Copaneco – Baleadas\nMi Rancho – Quesadillas & Frijoles Charros\nTentaciones – Aguas Frescas & Corn in a Cup\nPen House Boba\nLa Michoacana – Popsicles & Ice Cream\nPink Apron Bakery.\n\nWhile supplies last with food vendors.\nFree Shuttle Transportation\nFree shuttle service will once again be provided by Kubie Transportation\, using the same routes as last year. Updated route details will be shared closer to the event.\nThank You to Our 2026 Sponsors\nThe International Heritage Festival is made possible through the generous support of:\n\nWillmar Lakes Area Vision 2040\nBlue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota\nSouthwest Initiative Foundation\nWillmar Area Community Foundation\nRidgewater College\nJennie-O Turkey Stores\nCentraCare\nWillmar Public Schools Foundation\nCity of Willmar\nHome State Bank\nWillmar Rotary Club\nPrimewest Health\nLakeland Media\nHeritage Bank\n\nTheir commitment to community connection and cultural celebration helps make this event possible.\nJoin Us\nThe International Heritage Festival is more than an event; it is a celebration of who we are as a community. Bring your family\, invite your friends\, and come ready to experience culture\, connection\, and community spirit.\nMore details\, including the full itinerary and master of ceremonies announcements\, will be shared as they are finalized.\nWe look forward to celebrating with you!
URL:https://willmarlakesarea2040.com/event/2026-international-heritage-festival/
LOCATION:Willmar Civic Center
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR