Put on your Packers gear, have a tailgate party and get ready to cheer because Austin Packers football is kicking off its 2017 Season.

The Austin High School football team is hoping to get its season started on the right foot as it opens against the Rochester Mayo Spartans at 7 p.m. on Friday at Art Hass Stadium.

The Packers have some new faces on both sides of the ball, but they’re expecting to have a strong push on the front line.

Austin brings back veteran linemen Logan Braaten, Eli Marks and Luke Hawkshead, who will actually line up at wide receiver on offense this season, and all three should have a big impact on whether or not Austin can keep up with Mayo.

Tate Hebrink returns at quarterback for the Packers, but he will have a new group of targets to throw to. Junior Gavin Owens will likely be a big threat and Hawkshead could be a playmaker as well.

Last year the Packers were competitive with the Spartans in a 17-0 loss. The last time Austin beat Mayo was in 2013, when the Packers pulled off a 26-23 win in overtime.

Friday, Sept. 1

• Public Skate, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Riverside Arena. Only $2 to skate and $1 to rent skates. For more information, call 507-433-1881.

•Bingo, 5:40 to 7:40 p.m. at the Austin VFW. Early Bird starting at 5:40 p.m. Open to the public. For more information, call 507-433-6039.

•Chateau Raceway Points Night, 6:30 to 10 p.m. at the Chateau Raceway in Lansing. For more information, call 507-272-8906.

Saturday, Sept. 2

•Masonic Pancake Feed – Pacelli Benefit, 9 a.m. to noon at the Austin Masonic Lodge. The Austin Masons host an all-you-can-eat pancake feed for $5 per person. Come and enjoy pancakes, sausage, orange juice, milk and coffee.

•Farmers Market Place LLC, 9 a.m. to noon at 1209 18th Ave. NW by Shopko.For more information, call 507-438-3956.

•Austin Farmers’ Market, 9 a.m. to noon at 501 Oakland Ave. E. Products include seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables, jams and jellies, free range eggs, sustainably raised beef, pork, chicken and lamb, plants and flowers, baked goods and crafted items, local honey and maple syrup. For more information, call 507-279-2787.