The 43rd annual Austin Home and Vacation Show will kick off at 3 p.m. on Friday at Packer Arena. This year, 120 booths will be filled with exhibitions from companies and organizations from as close as Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin and others from across the nation.

Anna Rahn, General Manager of Hometown Broadcasting, Power 96 and KQAQ 970 AM, says visitors to this year’s show can expect many new things.

“We have 25 new exhibitors this year,” said Rahn. “It’s a completely full show. The variety is incredible.”

Some of the new exhibitors this year are American Marine, Cutco Cutlery, Maya International LLC, Chucks Roofing and Siding, Advocare, and Rochester City Lines.

Rahn also said there are new prizes this year.

“We have over $14,000 in prizes to give away, such as a Breezy Point vacation for two valued at $1,645.”

Other prizes for this year include a one-week stay for up to six people at Geiger’s Trails End Resort in Deer River, Minnesota, and a three-night cabin stay at Champion Riverside Resort in Galesville, Wisconsin.

Rahn said prizes will be given away at the top of the hour every hour. You must be present to claim your prize.

Looking for something for the kids? The show has activities for children, such as a trout-fishing tank with the Austin Jaycees.

“We will also have handouts from Crayola Experience, which is a brand new attraction at the Mall of America,” said Rahn.

There will be activities from the Boy and Girl Scouts of America. Austin law enforcement will be present on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to do kids ID’s.

The show will be held 3 to 8 p.m. on Friday; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

For more information, call 507-373-9600 or visit www.power96rocker.com

Thursday

Spring Break Boredom Buster, noon to 3 p.m. at the Austin Public Library. Drop in and make some art, play some games, build something with LEGOs, grab a snack, and have a good time. For more information, call 507-433-2391.

Public Skate, 4:45 to 6:15 p.m. at Riverside Arena. $4 to skate and $1 to rent skates. For more information, call 507-433-1881.

LEGO Club, 6 p.m. at the Austin Public Library. Create a LEGO masterpiece and display it in the library. For more information, call 507-433-2391.

Stick Time, 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. at Riverside Arena. Open ice time for kids to practice stick and puck handling skills. Sessions are $6 per time. For more information, call 507-433-1881.

Friday

43rd Annual Austin Home and Vacation Show, 3 to 8 p.m. at Packer Arena. See above for more information.

Knights of Columbus Friday Fish Fry during Lent, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the 211 First St. SW hall. Meals will feature broiled or batter-fried haddock served with a potato and salad bar.

St. Patty’s Day Feast, noon at the Mower County Senior Center. Whether you’re Irish or Irish-at-heart, come for an afternoon of fun and luck of the Irish. Corned beef meal or parmesan crusted cod will be served – $9 for members, $10 for non-members. Don’t forget to wear green! Entertainment, too. Sponsored by St. Mark’s Living. For more information or to sign up, stop by the Senior Center front desk or call 507-433-2370.

Austin Bruins vs Minot Minotauros, 7:05 p.m. at Riverside Arena. Go, Bruins! Second annual Pacelli Night – specialty jersey to be worn by Bruiser and auctioned off after the game with proceeds benefiting Pacelli Catholic Schools. T-shirt/ticket/coupon combos on sale. For more information, call 507-434-4978.

Saturday

43rd annual Austin Home and Vacation Show, 9 to 4 p.m. at Packer Arena. See above for more information.

First annual Ron Wradislavsky Memorial Pool Tournament, at  the VFW. Pool play will be casino-style scotch doubles. $10 per person to participate. Sign-up ends at 11:30 a.m.

TEDXHorace Park, “More Brain Food,” 1 to 4 p.m. in the West Campus cafeteria, Riverland Community College. Program features six speakers, each sharing a great idea. Seating limited to 100. Tickets $10, available at the Austin Public Library and Austin ArtWorks Center. For more information or tickets, call 507-433-2391.

Meet the Author: Dr. Lyle Leider, 1 p.m. at Sweet Reads Book and Candy Store. Meet and greet Lieder, author of “Adventures in Antique Autos.” For more information, call 507-396-8660.

Austin Bruins vs Minot Minotauros, 7:05 p.m. at Riverside Arena. Go, Bruins! For more information, call 507-434-4978.

Sunday

43rd Annual Austin Home and Vacation Show, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Packer Arena. See above for more information.

First annual Ron Wradislavsky Memorial Pool Tournament at  the VFW.  (See above)

Public Skate, 3:45 to 5 p.m. at Riverside Arena. $4 to skate and $1 to rent skates. For more information, call 507-433-1881.

Stick Time, 5:15 to 6:30 p.m. at Riverside Arena. Open ice time for kids to practice stick and puck handling skills. Sessions are $6 per time. For more information, call 507-433-1881.