Business Spotlight: Third Base Bar

Knowns as the Carlton Municipal until 1982 (when Paul Carpenter and Mike Balow purchased and renamed it), the Third Base Bar changed hands in 2011 with new owners Ryan Osvold and Aaron Hanson coming on board. It continues to be a staple of the Carlton community, hosting benefits, fundraisers and other special events bringing many people together, especially during Carlton Daze held the last weekend in July.

Carlton Daze has grown to one the biggest town festivals in northern Minnesota. With music, beer gardens, a parade and car show, softball, volleyball, bean bag tournaments, a 5K race, numerous food vendors and much more, Carlton Daze brings a lot to the community. This year's Carlton Daze will be held July 28-30, with music by the Northwood's Band, STONE, and the Milkbone Band performing on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, respectively.

Not long after taking over, Ryan and Aaron decided there is always room for some great food. With only a small kitchen to work with, they put together a great menu featuring paninis, burgers, sandwiches, appetizers and the best coneys in the area (ask any of their regulars).

Ryan and Aaron are proud of the quality of their food and can't wait to have you try some.

Three years ago, they hired Crystal Angell, who's been a huge part of Third Base's growth. She had some huge shoes to fill after previous bar manager Pam McCausland passed away from cancer. But Crystal took it in stride, and with her great work ethic and beaming personality - a rare combination in the service industry nowadays - she has been doing a phenomenal job, with a smile on her face every day she's behind the bar at the Base. If you haven't met her yet, please swing down and do so. You'll be glad you did.

Sunday Fundays started about 10 years ago, and hasn't slowed down since. If the Vikings are not playing on a Sunday, rest assured there will be live music 4-8 p.m. that day, performed by artists from all across the United States. Updated information on live music can be found on facebook.com/thethirdbasebar or http://www.thirdbasebar.com.

And remember, there's happy hour every weekday 3-6 p.m.

The Third Base bar is a bar and grill for any age. There is a large outdoor patio with a volleyball court, and large backyard. It's kid- and dog-friendly, with toys for the kids to play with in the sand, and room for your pup to run around. They ask patrons to supervise and pick up after their children and dogs.

The Business Spotlight is an advertorial product available in the Pine Knot News.