Party in Perham
By Heather Rule
A gazebo with seating for more than 400 guests marks the backdrop for an outdoor wedding ceremony at Perham Lakeside Golf Club.
The surrounding scenery offers gardens, green grass, trees and ponds, which make for popular photo spots, said Stormi Jo, Perham Lakeside Golf Club event coordinator. Along with weddings, Perham Lakeside Golf Club hosts bridal showers, golf tournaments and fundraisers.
An outdoor patio is attached to the indoor event center, complete with dining tables, chairs and umbrellas as guests look out onto the lush golf course. “I think that’s something not a lot of places have,” Jo said. “It’s just a beautiful view, no matter what time of day or year you’re out there. You can’t get better views this close to town in a space like ours.”
The views inside are great as well, with a nature-themed mural wall in the back of the banquet room. The room also includes room for two dance floors, an optional stage, a large bar, private restrooms and an attached bridal suite. All of the windows look out onto the golf course, and there’s a skylight as well.
Perham Lakeside Golf Club allows outside catering for events, and it has a large variety of beverages on hand at the bar, from seltzers to top-shelf liquor. In addition to big events, it also hosts meetings or events for groups as small as eight or 10 people, too, offering flexibility.
Another indoor event center is The Cactus in Perham, with space for 350 guests for reunions, fundraisers, showers, wed-dings, etc. Together, The Cactus supper club, lounge and the event center can accommodate 450 people.
With its rustic feel and knotty pine on the walls, The Cactus is primarily a spot for wedding receptions rather than ceremonies, though it’s hosted a few ceremonies over the past few years. “Lights and tulle on the ceiling dress up the space for weddings, but it’s really that rustic feel of the décor that people love most about the space”, said Blossom Kawlewski, event sales manager at The Cactus.
The entertainment factor is a unique draw at The Cactus, which has an eight-lane bowling alley, golf simulator and arcade games in the family entertainment center. Guests can rent this space as part of their event, too. It is sometimes used for rehearsal dinners, as well. “We call it ‘bowling and brews before I dos,’” Kawlewski said.
For weddings, the entertainment options are also great
for kids or even adults that don’t want to be on the dance floor, she added. Bowling and golf give them other options, Kawlewski said.
The Cactus doesn’t allow outside food or beverages but offers plated or buffet options. Kawlewski said she takes pride in the level of food and service at The Cactus, with servers taking drink orders and continuously clearing tables throughout the evening.