Paint the Town Pink continues its quest to raise $300,000 for cancer research, and this weekend brings more events for the annual Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota fundraiser.

At 7 p.m. Friday, the Austin Bruins will host the seventh annual Paint the Rink Pink hockey game at Riverside Arena. Organizers have special pink entertainment planned and are advising people to get tickets early since the game has sold out in recent years.

Pink ice, players sporting pink jerseys and the hockey jersey auction are part of the fun night that raises funds for the innovative breast cancer research grants. Paint the Rink Pink started in 2011 and this year over $1 million will have been raised for the Paint the Town Pink campaign.

“All of us at The Hormel Institute want to say thank you to everyone for supporting Paint the Town Pink in support of research and all whose lives have been touched by cancer,” said Dr. Zigang Dong, executive director of The Hormel Institute, in a press release. “You are making a real difference in helping us find answers to cancer.”

One hundred percent of donations provide Paint the Town Pink grants to The Hormel Institute scientists funding novel projects. These seed grants allow them to gather data in innovative areas that can lead to larger grants and bigger studies. Even though the research is targeted for breast cancer, the research helps scientists understand other cancers as well — it is very important our community understands this.”

On Saturday at East Side Lake “Fishing for a Cure” takes place beginning at noon and on Sunday at 11 a.m. Mower County Fairgrounds, “Smashing Cancer” demolition derby hosted by the Mower County Fair Board takes place.

Adams will host “Pinko Bingo” on Feb. 18, Rose Creek has Paint the Town Pink activities scheduled all day.

Major 2017 sponsors of Paint the Town Pink include Sterling Drug Stores, AgStar Fund for Rural America, SKB and local media.

“We want to thank all our event organizers and all who support the events for making 2017 meaningful for many reasons,” PTTP Director Kathi Finley said. “It is meaningful above all in providing funds to find answers to this devastating disease and the institute’s efforts through research to extend lives and make cancer therapies easier. It is important in how this draws the people in our communities and region together as we work against cancer — a common enemy. We are thankful for how generous people are as they support this effort of hope for a healthier tomorrow for everyone.”

Other highlights from this weekend

Friday

Valentine’s Lunch with Chef Jack, 12:30-1:30 p.m., Mower County Senior Center. Chef Jack will prepare hors d’oevures, and a sweetheart dessert with cranberry cocktail to help you celebrate Valentine’s Day. Music by Chris Von Arx at 1 p.m. Free will donation; to make a reservation, call 507-433-2370.

Date Night on the Wheel, 6 to 8 p.m. at the Austin Artworks Center. enjoy a night out and learn how to make pottery. Beer and wine available for those ages 21 and older. $80 per couple.

Austin Bruins vs Coulee Region Chill – Paint the Rink Pink, 7-10 p.m., Riverside Arena (see above)

Austin Artist Series: Stride Piano – Stories and Song with Paul Asaro, 7-9:30 p.m., Knowlton Auditorium, Austin High School. Part of the 73rd concert series. For more information on tickets, call 507-437-2065.

Saturday

Saturday Science Experience — Building a Board: Contents Count, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Austin Public Library. A free, interactive science class for the whole family. Best for third to sixth grade and parents. Learn how to build a board for the science fair and get tips on presenting. No registration required.

Kids’ Studio, Z Puppets Shadow Puppet Cell Science, 10:30 a.m. to noon, Austin ArtWorks Center. Experiment with science,technology, engineering, math while make a shadow puppet with the artists of Z Puppets Rosenschnoz; ages 4-14. $5 per child.

Fishing For a Cure, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., East Side Lake (see above).

Author Visit, Sherrie Decker Hansen, 1-3 p.m., Sweet Reads Books and Candy. Meet Hansen, author of the Wildflowers of Scotland and Maple Valley series.

Valentine Dinner Party, 6-8 p.m., Christ Episcopal Church. Treat your sweetheart to an Italian-themed dinner. Tickets are $12.

Sunday

Family Fun/5K/Smashing Cancer Demo Derby, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mower County Fairgrounds. Full day of fun, a Paint the Town Pink event. (see above)

Paramount Jazz, 2-3:30 p.m., Historic Paramount Theatre. A special Valentine’s Day edition by the Austin Public Schools Music Department. Tickets are $7 in advance, $9 at the door.