Get those leashes ready: The 22nd annual Mower County Humane Society Walk for Animals is almost here.

The popular event, to be held from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, is one of the society’s major fundraisers, and is being held in a new location this year. Pet owners are asked to meet at the pavilion in the southeast corner of Todd Park, near the Izaak Walton Cabin. Prizes will be awarded for $50, $150 and $200 pledges. Forms are available at the Mower County Humane Society, the Austin Public Library, Austin Vet Clinic and Double K Specialty.

Another four-legged event being featured this weekend will be the National Barrow Show – The “World Series of Swine Shows” — which gets underway Saturday at the Mower County Fairgrounds.

Junior exhibitors have their time in the spotlight on Saturday and Sunday in the Junior Classic, while their older counterparts are busy all four days, through Wednesday, Sept. 12. Contests include open, 4-H, FFA and college-level contests.

The days will include international meats judging, showmanship, market hog and breeding contests; the Breeding Stock Show and Breeding Sales on Tuesday and Wednesday are the highlights.

There is also a tasty side to the event on Sunday, with its annual Windsor Pork Chop Dinner, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Plager Building, Mower County Fairgrounds. The dinner will include a Windsor pork chop, coleslaw, baked beans, dinner roll and beverage for $10 per person. Tickets can be purchased at the door. All proceeds help defray expenses associated with hosting the National Barrow Show.

A full listing of the show events can be found at: https://www.americanberkshire.com/national-barrow-show.html

There are lots of other activities to keep everyone busy this weekend:

Friday

Second Floor Art Gallery Opening – Wendy Heimsness, 5 p.m. at the Austin ArtWorks Center. Opening of art gallery show featuring works of Wendy Heimsness. Free and open to the public. Show runs until Nov. 10. For more information, go to www.austin areaarts.org or call 507-434-0934.

Saturday

• Cedar River Archery Club “Sure Shot Challenge,” 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Cedar River Archery Club. All experience levels welcome. Cost is $15 for members, $20 for non-members. For more information, 507-438-7619. Event continues Sunday.

• Kids’ Studio (Spanish) – Picture Frames, 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Austin ArtWorks Center. With Gabriela Alva and Alondra Vasquez. Cost – $5; for kids age 4 to 14. To register or for more information, go to www.austinareaarts.org or call 507-434-0934.

• 12th Annual VFW Armed Forces Day Classic Car Show, noon to 4:30 p.m. at VFW Post 1216. Food, door prizes, 50s and 60s music – and classic cars. Registration from 8 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. – $10 entry fee and $5 for each additional car. Show starts at noon in the VFW parking lot. Free and open to the public.  For more information, call 507-433-6039.

• Scott Jasmin – “Small Town Songs,” 7:30 p.m. at the Historic Paramount Theatre. “Small-town Songs” is a collection of original Americana music by Scott Jasmin. The songs are based on life in a small Midwestern town like Austin. Opener is Sterling Haukom. Tickets are $13 in advance, and $18 at the door. For more information, call 507-434-0934 or go to www.austinareaarts.org.

• Sola Fide Observatory Viewing, 9-10 p.m. at Sola Fide Observatory. Learn about the night sky from our local experts. For more information, go to www.hormelnaturecenter.org or call 507-437-7519.

Sunday

• Cedar River Archery Club “Sure Shot Challenge,” 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Cedar River Archery Club. (See Saturday listing).

• National Barrow Show Windsor Pork Chop Dinner, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Plager Building, Mower County Fairgrounds.

• 22nd Annual Mower County Humane Society Walk for Animals, 1-4 p.m. at Todd Park. New location this year at the pavilion located in the southeast corner of Todd Park, near the Izaak Walton Cabin. Prizes will be awarded for $50, $150 and $200 pledges. Forms available at the Mower County Humane Society, the Austin Public Library, Austin Vet Clinic and Double K Specialty.

• National Barrow Show, Mower County Fairgrounds. Come be a part of the World Series of Swine. The National Barrow Show works to enhance the value of pedigreed swine, maintain breed integrity, and provide relevant member education and youth development experiences. For more information, call 507-433-1868.