a classic gathering

The Minnesota Deer Classic, an annual celebration of deer and deer hunting, runs Friday-Sunday at the Schwan Center on the campus of the National Sports Center in Blaine. The 33rd annual event will be held for the third year in Blaine after a long run at the State Fair Coliseum in St. Paul.

Among the highlights: Hunters can bring their antlers or a bear skull for official measuring by the Minnesota Official Measurers. No preregistration is required, and the measuring is done for free. Also, Tom Dokken of Dokken's Oak Ridge Kennels in Northfield will be conducting the World Qualifying Shed Dog Hunt Trial on Saturday.

Seminars include food plots, property management for whitetails, scent control, baiting bears and turkey hunting. On Sunday, there's free ice skating and skate rental at the Schwan Super Rink from noon to 2 p.m.

Hours are 1-8 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Cost is $10 for adults, $7 for youths age 12 to 17, and free for kids 11 and under.

For more information, see tinyurl.com/o4wb7go.