Best Bets: Get ready to mingle

Published 11:16 am Friday, April 27, 2012

The community will indeed be mingling soon, so plan on getting out this weekend. Meet people doing all sorts of positive things, and make a difference yourself. Oh, and have some fun, too.

1.) Community Pride Day

Just like last year, the forecast shows rain for this event. But a little rain can’t hurt as much as the trash on the ground hurts the earth. It’s the Sixth Annual Community Pride Day, sponsored by local businesses and organized by the Austin Parks and Rec Department.

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The community will gather before 9 a.m. Saturday at the municipal pool parking lot on North Main and disperse to the various parks and clean the town

2.) Honoring an Austin legend

It’s been a long time coming for boxing great Jackie Graves.Graves — at one time a top 10 boxer in the world — will finally receive a marker for his grave during an honoring that starts 11 a.m. Saturday at his grave in Oakwood Cemetery.

3.) Old books for sale

Is there much better than a good old book? Perhaps, but plenty of good old books will be for sale 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Austin Public Library, 323 Fourth Ave. NE. The sale actually began this morning and is running until 5 p.m. today, as well. Better hurry. But first, finish reading this, please.

4.) Mother’s Day

Actually, the previous event may be a good opportunity to pick up some Mother’s Day gifts, but not likely as good as this one: the Mother’s Day Event at the Austin Holiday Inn and Conference Center, 1701 Fourth St. NW. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids, and activities are open from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Is mom allowed to go to this? By the way, Mother’s Day is May 13, kids.

5.) Quake Jones

The Paramount Theatre, 125 Fourth Ave. NE, is switching things up this weekend. Hold on to your seats for a Quake Jones production presented by Echo Lanes, featuring multiple hip hop acts starting at 7:30 p.m. Friday. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door.

Other Events

Looking for arts and entertainment instead? Check out Riverland’s free fine arts showcase on Tuesday, or perhaps the City Meets Country art display at the Austin Area Art Center. It’s time to think about getting outside, as well. The revamped Jellystone Park is now open and ready for campers, so get excited because camping is in tents.

 

Look to Reporter Matt Peterson’s column every Friday for more about upcoming events in Austin.