Best Bets: Plan for a family-friendly weekend
Published 10:38 am Thursday, June 23, 2016
- Set in a mythical land, “Shrek the Musical” is the story of a reclusive ogre who makes a deal with other fairy tale characters who have been evicted by the evil Prince Farquaad, then makes a deal with Prince Farquaad to rescue Princess Fiona. A Summerset Theatre production suitable for all ages.
With Independence Day celebrations and small town festivals kicking into gear, the area has many options to spend quality time with family and friends. With musicals, concerts, fundraisers and bike rides, there is something for everyone this weekend.
1. ‘Shrek the Musical’
7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday at Frank W. Bridges Theater, Riverland Community College
Set in a mythical land, “Shrek the Musical” is the story of a reclusive ogre who makes a deal with other fairy tale characters who have been evicted by the evil Prince Farquaad, then makes a deal with Prince Farquaad to rescue Princess Fiona. A Summerset Theatre production suitable for all ages.
2. Gene Roden Memorial track meet
6:15-8 p.m. Thursday at Wescott Athletic Complex
Track and field events will be available for kids ages three and up. Field events begin promptly at 6:15 p.m. and running events at 6:30 p.m. A second meet will be held July 26. Both meets are free of charge, and all participants will receive ribbons. For more information, call 507-433-1881.
3. Grand Meadow Meadowfest
Friday through Sunday throughout Grand Meadow
Grand Meadow will celebrate with its annual festival featuring live music, a treasure hunt, a run and much more. The parade will return at 2 p.m. Saturday, while the chicken fry will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Firemen’s Beer Garden. Other events include sports, rides, music, art shows, the Grand Army of the Republic Hall open house, and more. For more information, go to www.cityofgrandmeadow.com.
4. Red Rock Revival
Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Brownsdale Elementary school grounds
Enjoy a family friendly environment of bluegrass and southern gospel music, stories of unshackled lives, gospel preaching. Events start at 5 p.m. Friday and continue through the weekend, starting again at noon. Saturday and again at 10 a.m. Sunday. Events will include a blessing of the bikes and bikers service at 2 p.m. on Saturday. For more information, call Brother Ken at 507-440-3615
5. Trace Bundy Concert
7:30 p.m. Friday at the Historic Paramount Theatre
Enjoy music by Austin native Trace Bundy at the Historic Paramount theater. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Student tickets are $5. Tickets are available at the Austin ArtWorks Center, online at www.austinareaarts.org or by calling 507-434-0934.
6. Lyle Independence Day Celebration
Friday through Saturday in Lyle
Celebrate Independence in Lyle. The annual fest will kickoff at 8 p.m. Friday with a family movie at Our Saviors Lutheran Church and music at Lyle Liquor. The classic car show returns from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and a street dance will be at 8 p.m. Friday at the Lyle Legion. On Sunday, the parade will be at noon starting at city park, the Little Miss Lyle contest will be at 3:30 p.m., the talent show will be at 4 p.m. and fireworks will close the weekend at dusk. Festivities throughout the weekend will feature music, food, games, bingo and more. For more information, email cityoflyle@frontiernet.net.
7. Shooting Star Trail Ride
6:30 a.m. registration start on Saturday at the Rose Pedaler in Rose Creek
The annual bike ride is returning for its 18th annual year for individuals and families. The biking distances include 20, 40, 50, 62 and 100 mile rides with the 100-mile ride starting at 7 a.m. and the others beginning from 7 to 8:30 a.m. For more information or to register, go to www.shootingstartrail.org/bikeride or email skjacobson@frontiernet.net.
8. Haitian Hustle 5K Walk/Run
9 a.m. Saturday at Faith Church, 1800 12th St. SW
The fifth annual local run for a global cause returns. Registration and check-in will be 7:30-8:30 a.m. with the 5K and 1-mile walk/run starting at 9 a.m. Top three male and female runners will each win a prize. Following after the run, there will also be kids races. Strollers and dogs on leashes are welcome, but bikes are not allowed. All funds raised will go toward furthering the education of children in Haiti through Jesus in Haiti Ministries. For more information, go to www.haitianhustle.com or call Mark Bjorlie at 507-993-9282.
9. Young Eagles Flight Rally
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Austin Municipal Airport
The Experimental Aircraft Association is bringing the annual Young Eagles Flight Rally back to the airport Saturday that aims to boost young people’s interest in aviation. Saturday’s event is open to kids ages eight to 17 and will include free rides, though.
10. Fundraiser to End Trafficking
6-10 p.m. Saturday at 710 Fourth Ave. NE
A fundraising event is being held to benefit 300M4FREEDOM, which is raising money to end human trafficking. A short presentation with start festivities at 6 p.m. followed by a live music from Jesse Smith and Josh Whalen. Kids are welcome to swim, weather permitting. Bring your own beverages and a chair or blanket. Appetizers are provided. All Proceeds go to 300M4FREEDOM. Cost is $5 for adults and children are free.