Best Bets: Get out this weekend and win an auction, meet an author

Published 8:46 am Thursday, May 18, 2017

The Austin Police Department will hold its Spring Auction this weekend, and for those interested in a bargain, there may be an opportunity to get a good deal.

“Everything is forfeited or unclaimed property,” said APD Lt. John Mueller.

According to Mueller, there will be many bicycles and a few motor vehicles up for auction. Other unclaimed personal property that may be up for auction include tools, clothing and electronics.

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“You may see a $500 go for $300,” Mueller said. “Then again, you could see a $30 bike go for $100. It is an auction.”

All money from the auction goes toward the city of Austin, except on DWI vehicles, which goes towards the DWI education fund.

The auction will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday in the parking lot of Packer Arena. Items will be on display for preview starting at 9 a.m.

Go to www.auctionsgo.com or www.thompsonauctionservice.com for specifics. For more information, call 507-437-9400.

Author visit

An innocent man on the run. A hospitable woman who is not what she seems. A struggle for survival against the elements and one’s enemies.

Sound like a good story? Then come meet the author.

Southern Minnesota writer Chris Norbury will discuss his new novel “Castle Danger” this weekend at Sweet Reads Books and Candy.

Norbury has written reviews, articles and blog posts for numerous websites.

Norbury will be at Sweet Reads from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday.  “Castle Danger” is also available for purchase at Sweet Reads.

For more information, call 507-396-8660.

Friday

•Mother’s Day Meal, noon to 1 p.m. at the Mower County Senior Center. All are welcome! Bring a friend or spoil the mother in your life with a lovely lunch of wedge salad, meatloaf, potato, California medley vegetables, and dessert. Cost is $8 for members and $9 for non-members. Entertainment too! For more information or to make a reservation, call 507-433-2390 or stop by the Senior Center front desk.

•Garden Spot Market, 4 to 6:30 p.m. at 106 W. Main St. in Brownsdale. A “blended” market where you can find locally grown produce, craft and flea market vendors, baked and canned goods. For more information, call 507-567-2009.

•Second Floor Gallery Opening: Dan Tran and Dirk Nelson, 5 to 7 p.m. at the Austin ArtWorks Center. Gallery opening celebrating the art of Dan Tran and Dirk Nelson. Refreshments served. Gallery will be on view during regular ArtWorks Center hours through July 7. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 507-434-0934.

Saturday

•Austin Farmers’ Market, 9 a.m. to noon at 501 E. Oakland Ave. Fresh food, family fun, live music and much more. Products include seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables, jams and jellies, free-range eggs, sustainably raised beef, pork, chicken and lamb, plants and flowers, baked good, crafted items, local honey and maple syrup. Grow with us. We’re always looking for fresh vendors. Farmers, gardeners, crafters, artists, musicians, food concessions are all welcome at our market. For more information, call 507-279-2787 or email info@eatfreshaustin.com.

•Farmers Market Place LLC, 9 a.m. to noon at 1209 18th Ave. NW by Shopko. Local fresh produce, baked goods, jellies, jams, crafts, and more from farmers, bakers, makers and crafters straight to you. For more information, call 507-438-3956.

•Mower County Horticultural Society Spring Plant Sale, 9 a.m. to noon at the Mower County Senior Center. Featuring perennials from members’ gardens, blooming annuals and succulents.

•Free Clothing Exchange, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Austin Farmers’ Market (501 E Oakland Ave.). For ages 0 to 100, men and women. You may arrive with nothing and leave with what you need. Re-crafters welcome. If it can be worn, it can be bought. Donations taken on the day of the event. For more information, call 507-279-2787 or email info@eatfreshaustin.com.

•2017 Austin Police Department Spring Auction, 10 a.m. at Packer Arena. For more information, see above or call 507-437-9400.

•Kids’ Studio: Tie Painting for Father’s Day, 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Austin ArtWorks Center. $5, for ages 4 and older. For more information, call 507-434-0934.

•Author Visit – Chris Norbury, 1 to 3 p.m. at Sweet Reads Books and Candy. For more information, see above or call 507-396-8660.

•Zentangle Basics, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Austin Public Library. Join Joyce Francis, certified Zentangle teacher, in learning the meditative art form called Zentangle. By the end of the class, you will have several unique pieces of artwork as well as a technique you can use to relax, meditate and focus on the moment. Class size is limited to 20, so register by calling 507-433-2391.

•Minnesota Southbound Rollers vs Skunk River Riot, 6 to 9 p.m. at Packer Arena. First Home Bout of the 2017 season! LIVE Roller Derby Action against Skunk River Riot of the Ames Roller Derby Association. Doors and vendors open at 6 p.m. Action begins with the first whistle at 7 p.m. After party to follow. Tickets $10 in advance (go to http://www.minnesotasouthboundrollers.com/tickets.html) or $12 at the door; for large group arrangements or VIP access, please email minnesotasouthboundrollers@gmail.com or send us a message. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the United Way of Mower County. For more information, email minnesotasouthboundrollers@gmail.com.

•Austin High School Big 9 JV/C Softball Tournament, at the North Todd Complex. For more information, call 507-433-1881.