There’s plenty to do in the area this weekend, whether you’re interested in a day of fishing or family fun.

The Lake Shetek Walleye Tournament is coming on Saturday, and Lucan’s Pretzel Days festival officially started Thursday evening.

“It all kicks off with painting the big pretzel out here on the street,” said Pretzel Days organizer Anna Knott. The plans for this weekend include plenty of outdoor events geared toward the whole family.

Organizer Greg Janachovsky said he’s hoping to get participants for a new event joining Pretzel Days on Saturday: the Bohemian tractor pull. It’s the reverse of a traditional tractor pull, he said.

“Basically you have a four-person team, and they use ropes to pull a tractor,” Janachovsky said. For Lucan’s event, teams will be hauling an Allis Chalmers WC tractor for a distance of 100 feet.

Knott said festival planners kept the itinerary simple this year because they originally weren’t sure how COVID-19 would affect community gatherings. But favorites like the Pretzel Days medallion hunt, bouncy houses and train rides for the kids, and the co-ed softball tournament are all returning.

“I think people are definitely looking forward to it,” Knott said.

Walleye tournament starts Saturday

Area residents who want to get out on the water this weekend can try their luck at the Lake Shetek Walleye Tournament on Saturday. Steve Illg said so far around 25 entries had pre-registered for the fishing tournament, but many anglers had also asked about sign-ups the day of the tournament.

Registration will open at 6 a.m. Saturday at Pelican Cove, and the tournament will run from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The tournament is sponsored by the Shetek Area Sportsmen’s Association.

The tournament has seen some weather extremes over the past few years, from snow to this year’s 90-degree heat, Illg said. However, he said fish in Lake Shetek are still biting, even with the heat wave.

“I think it affects the fishermen more than the fish,” he said.

Lucan Pretzel Days schedule

Today

5:30 -8 pm.: Lions BBQ beef dinner at the Community Center.

6 p.m.: Youth ball games at the softball field

7 p.m.: Sand sculptures at the volleyball court. Please bring your own tools.

7 p.m.: Medallion hunt clues posted on Facebook and park shelter

9 p.m.: Lucan Lions 300 Club drawing at Knott’s Corner

Saturday

All day: Medallion hunt, obstacle courses/bouncy houses, sidewalk chalk art, kids’ train rides, co-ed softball tournament

8 a.m.-10 p.m.: Scavenger hunt. First clue posted at park shelter.

12:30 p.m.: Registration opens for Bohemian tractor pull. Event starts at 1 p.m.

1-4 p.m.: Lucan Museum open

9 p.m.-12:30 a.m.: Music by DJ Joel Wiedeman at Knott’s Corner

Sunday

All day: Medallion hunt, obstacle courses/bouncy houses, sidewalk chalk art, kids’ train rides, co-ed softball tournament

8:30 a.m. – Noon: Fireman’s breakfast at the Community Center

11 a.m.-3 p.m.: Lucan Museum open

12:30-3 p.m.: Kids’ face painting

1 p.m.: Kids’ pedal pull at the basketball court

3 p.m. : Lions cow chip contest