Best Bets: Plenty of chances to enjoy the outdoors

Published 10:49 am Thursday, June 26, 2014

A group of four bikers taking part in The Shooting Star Trail Bike Ride Saturday morning even as storm clouds moved into the area.

A group of four bikers takes part in a previous Shooting Star Trail Bike Ride even as storm clouds moved into the area.

Soak up the sun this weekend enjoying baseball, a nice farm-friendly breakfast and a 5K. No matter what you enjoy, there’s sure to be something for everyone.

1. 10th Annual SPAM Town Challenge

All day, Thursday through Sunday, June 26-June 29, Marcusen Park

Sixteen baseball teams compete Thursday through Sunday. On Saturday night, the Marcusen Park Block Party will be held as the Tracey Blake Project, a rock and country band, takes the stage to perform. A tournament VIP pass, which is good for all games and concert on Saturday, costs $17. Daily admission differs. Details are posted at www.austingreyhoundsbaseball.com.

2. Summer Sizzler Dance

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6 to 8 p.m., Friday, June 27, The Arc Mower County, 2nd Avenue Northeast, Austin

There will be a DJ, light refreshments, and opportunities for socialization. Dress according to the theme. Music will be by Audeyo Soundscapes.

Maximum number of participants is 100. Cost for members is $3, for non-members is $6. For more information, call 507-433-8994.

3. Driller MMA Cagefights

6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Friday, June 27, Holiday Inn, Austin

The fights will showcase local MMA fighters as well as professionals. Contact Chelsea at 507-433-8000 for more information.

4. Shooting Star Trail Bike Ride

6:30 a.m. to noon, Saturday, June 28, LeRoy Trailhead

Century riders will start at 7 a.m.; others at 8:30 a.m. The ride will continue rain or shine. Registration forms are available at www.shootingstartrail.org/bikeride.htm.

5. 9th Annual Breakfast on the Farm

7:30 to 11:30 a.m., Saturday, June 28, Corey and Kaye Hansen Farm, 15588 540th Ave, Austin

Enjoy a Country Breakfast of “Chris Cakes” —pancakes, sausage, milk, juice, and coffee. Activities include farm tours, antique tractors, a farm scavenger hunt, horse-drawn wagon rides, a petting zoo, an inflatable bounce house for kids and educational displays. Milk “Star” the cow and meet Princess Kay of the Milky Way, and the Mower County Dairy princesses. Lots of kids’ activities. There is free parking at the farm, or you can catch a shuttle bus at Hy-Vee at 8 a.m. Cost is $3 per person, kids six and under are free, or $12 for family rate, for the breakfast. For more information, call 507-437-4561.

6. Haitian Hustle

All day, Saturday, June 28, at Faith Church, 1800 12th St. SW

This 5K race/walk is just the beginning of a full day to help raise money to cover the educational costs of children at the Lighthouse Children’s Home in Bon Repos, Haiti. Registration/check-in for the race begins at 7:45 a.m., and the race/walk begins at 9 a.m. Stay for a free lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with lots of lawn games, a bounce house, and more. A Night of Worship begins at 7 p.m. For more information, call 507-437-1000. To sign up for the 5K, go to www.haitianhustle.com.