With warm weather this weekend, there is sure to be fun for everyone as you take a stand against violence, enjoy an early Christmas dinner party, listen to some great music and do lots of shopping at the Hormel Historic Home.

1. Closing Ceremony – 16 Days of Activism

5:15-6:15 p.m. Thursday, Mower County Courthouse

Join the Zonta Club of Austin and the Austin Human Rights Commission in saying NO to domestic violence. The guest speaker will be Tori Miller from the Crime Victims Resource Center. Enter the courthouse through the east doors, and for more information call 507-437-8773.

2. Fine Arts Showcase

7-9 p.m. Thursday, Wenger Art Gallery & Bridges Theatre

Come see select students from Riverland’s art, music, and theatre departments display their talents. There will be a 7 p.m. reception and student art in the James Wegner Art Gallery; at 7:30 p.m. there will be theatre and music performances in the Frank W. Bridges Theatre.

3. Christmas Dinner Party

12-1 p.m. Friday, Mower County Senior Center

Wear your Christmas best for a traditional ham with mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, yams, roll and dessert dinner. Cost is $8.50 for member and $9.50 for non-members and includes dinner and a photo. To sign up or for more information, call 507-433-2370 or stop by the senior center front desk.

4. Christmas in the County and pre-bake sale

4-6 p.m. Friday pre-bake sale, 3-7 p.m. Saturday, Mower County Historical Society

Bring out the family for a fun-filled afternoon and evening. Join friends and neighbors for a sleigh ride, holiday crafts, a silent auction, homemade chili, a lights display, and of course Santa. You can purchase more baked goods until it runs out and even blow the whistle on the 1004 locomotive. Christmas in the County at the Mower County Historical Society is always a crowd pleaser. For more information, call 507-437-6082.

5. A Handmade Christmas Indie Craft Show

4-9 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Hormel Historic Home

Over 20 vendors, coming from all over the midwest, will be at the Hormel Historic Home to bring lots of homemade items. Tickets are available at www.ahandmadechristmas.com. Friday is $10 and the ticket includes a weekend pass for unlimited visits, live music including a visit from the Austinaires, hors d’oeuvres, self guided tour of the decorated Hormel Historic Home, complimentary house wine with online ticket purchase by Thursday, and cash bar. Saturday is $5 and the ticket includes entrance to the show, refreshments, self guided tour of the decorated Hormel Historic Home, Tom and Jerrys and Bloody Marys at the cash bar. For more information, email dirk@ahandmadechristmas.com.

6. Handel’s Messiah

2-4 p.m. Sunday, St. Augustine Catholic Church

The Austin Symphony Orchestra will be joined by the Austin Symphony Chorus and soloists to present this seasonal favorite. Tickets are on sale online at www.austinmnsymphony.org. For more information, or tickets, contact Sonia Larson at 507-433-8719 (sonial@charter.net) or Sue Radloff at 507-396-2613 (fiddlesue@yahoo.com).