Best Bets: Austin ready to have a ball

Published 10:17 am Thursday, April 23, 2015

Get ready to take on Austin this weekend like blonde-fashion queen Elle Woods will take on Harvard Law School. With a theater production, a women’s roller derby, Austin’s Community Pride Day and real live celebrities in Austin, there is sure to be something to match everyone’s taste this weekend.

1. ‘Legally Blonde’

7:30-10 p.m., Friday, 2 p.m. Saturday, Frank W. Bridges Theatre, Riverland Community College — Austin

Based on the novel by Amanda Brown and the MGM movie, this musical focuses on Elle Woods, a girl who appears to have it all until her boyfriend dumps her and leaves for Harvard Law School. Determined to win him back, Elle follows him to Harvard, where she realizes her own potential and sets out to prove herself to the world. This musical, performed by Riverland students and community members, is recommended for ages 12 and up. Tickets cost $16; Riverland students are free.

2. Black and White Ball

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7 p.m.-12:30 a.m., Friday, Austin Holiday Inn Conference Center

Join the sixth annual Black and White Ball fundraiser for Mower County Relay for Life. This year’s ball is dedicated to long-time team member and inspiration Mike Simmons who passed away recently. The doors open at 7 p.m. and the dance starts at 8 p.m. There will be a live and silent auction, appetizers, music and dancing. Featuring Total Music DJ Alan Reed. The AHS Jazz band will perform at 7:15 p.m. For more information, call Nick at 507-433-8000. Tickets will be available at Austin Holiday Inn or Austin Hy-Vee, and cost $15 in advance or $20 at the door; children ages 10 and under are $5. Proceeds go directly to Mower County Relay for Life.

3. Tony Oliva Meet and Greet

1-2:30 p.m., Friday, Mower County Senior Center

Three-time American League batting champion, five-time hit leader and 1964 American League Rookie of the Year, Tony Oliva played his entire 15-year career with the Minnesota Twins. Oliva was also an eight-time All Star, a Gold Glove fielder, and one of the best players in the American League from 1964 to 1971. Come for autographs and photos and the chance to talk to and ask questions. For more information, call 507-433-2370.

4. All-Stars Baseball Tryouts

9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Todd Park South Diamonds

The Austin All-Stars are swinging toward a new season. Children ages 12 and under are needed to fill four teams and can register at 9 a.m. with tryouts from 9:30 to 11 a.m. and 2 to 4 p.m. On Sunday, tryouts will be 1-2:30 p.m. For 13-year-olds, registration starts at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, with tryouts at 12-1 p.m. Sunday times will be announced after Saturday’s tryouts. For 14-year-olds registration starts at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, with tryouts at 1-2 p.m. Sunday, times will be announced after Saturday’s tryouts. There is no charge for tryouts, but there is a charge for players selected to play on any team —$115 for ages 10-11 and $125 for ages 12-14. No player selected will be denied from playing due to financial reasons.

5. Austin’s ninth Annual Community Pride Day

9 a.m.-12 p.m., Saturday, Throughout Austin

The city of Austin’s spring clean-up is here. Help pick up debris left behind by winter in parks, trail areas, and other public places. Volunteers should call Austin Parks and Recreation at 507-433-1881 for more information, or show up at the Municipal Pool parking lot. Grab a coffee or hot cocoa and a donut before heading out with the equipment to clean up.

6. Sixth Annual Taste of Nations

11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Saturday, El Parral

This year there’s a new location for this popular event. Come explore and learn about numerous different countries and cultures. Admission is free for entertainment, education, food samples and fun. For more information, call Miguel Garate at 507-433-0686. There will also be free health screenings at the event. As part of the Taste of Nations, the Open Door Health Center, Mobile, Medical and Dental will do blood pressure checks, skin checks, vision and glucose screenings. Walk-ins are welcome. Call 507-388-2120 or visit www.opendoormobile.org for more information.

7. Minnesota Southbound Rollers vs Ames Roller Derby

6-8:30 p.m., Saturday, Packer Arena

This is the first bout of the season for the women’s roller derby team. Come out and support the ladies. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Season tickets are $35 for all four home bouts and people can get them from a roller participant or at www.mnsbr.bpt.me. A portion of the proceeds will go to Paint the Town Pink.