Today is Veterans Day. Before dashing off for entertainment, it should be noted that among veterans’ breakfasts at area elementary schools and the American Legion’s free stew all day, veterans and Boy Scouts will retire flags by folding and burning them at 3 p.m. at VFW post 1216 in Austin. The Veterans Memorial Committee Chair Norm Hecimovich will also give a 4 p.m. dedication for POW and MIA flags. With that said, here are a few other happenings that will highlight the weekend.

1. ‘Peter Rabbit’: Matchbox Children’s Theatre’s production of “Peter Rabbit and Me” will kick off at 7 p.m. Friday at the Paramount Theatre, 125 Fourth Ave. NE. The performance may be just as much fun for the youngsters as it is for the performers. “This is a really fun production because it’s very kinetic,” said Craig Byram, an actor in the play. Craig’s daughter, Kayla, will star as Peter Rabbit, something she’s very excited about. “I really love the character Peter Rabbit,” she said. “It’s just really fun to be jumping around and acting crazy,” she said. Get ready to be part of the set, as well. “Peter Rabbit and Me” uses the whole theater, so performers will be running right into the crowd. “Peter Rabbit and Me” will show at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, as well. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for those 14 and younger.
2. Christmas tree gala: I won’t be the one to judge if it’s too early to start thinking about Christmas. What I do know is that it’s a little late for golf. How do these two elements tie together? The Cedar River Country Club, just northwest of Adams on Highway 56, is hosting a gala night from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday. More than 30 decorated Christmas trees will be on display. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at Southland banks. The gala will continue on Saturday, from noon to 7 p.m.
3. Healing for Hailey: Not only will Saturday offer some fun, it will offer a chance to make a huge difference while doing so. The Healing for Hailey benefit will start at 4 p.m. at the Austin Eagles Club, 107 11th St. NE. Hailey Marie Dominguez, a 3-year-old from Albert Lea, recently came down with Opsoclonus Myoclonus Syndrome, also called dancing eyes, dancing feet syndrome. Mounting medical bills and the inability of her mother to be at work means this family needs help. The benefit will feature several auctions, music, food, raffles and unique ways to walk away a winner, such as simply attending and offering a helping hand.
4. Trio Pastiche: Head down to Westminster Presbyterian Church (802 Fourth St. SW) at 7 p.m. Sunday night if you’re into classical music. Trio Pastiche, three faculty musicians from the College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University near St. Cloud, will put on a show. With years of experience, the trio should wow with Mozart and modern sounds, too. The event is free and open to the public.

Don’t forget about all the other local art, entertainment and history. Austin High School students are performing “Cinderella” on Friday and Saturday, another VFW Comedy Night is approaching on Wednesday evening, and the “Why Treaties Matter” exhibit will still be at Riverland until Nov. 23.

Look to Reporter Matt Peterson’s column every Friday for more about upcoming events in Austin. For even more, check out the calendar on Page 4 every day in the print edition and the AustinDailyHerald.com homepage.