Best Bets: Activities to ring in the New Year

Published 8:45 am Thursday, December 27, 2018

As 2018 comes to a close, there are a few activities to end the year on a fun note.

The Austin Park and Recreation Department will again have Packer Arena open this weekend for public ice skating. Skate times are from 3-5 p.m. on Friday, 6:30-8 p.m. on Saturday, and 2-4 p.m. on Monday. Cost is $4 to skate and $1 to rent skates.

Kids who are looking to improve their stick and puck skills can participate in stick time from noon to 1:45 p.m. on Monday at Packer Arena. Participation costs $6. For more information, call 507-433-1881.

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The Austin Bruins are playing their last game of 2018 at 7 p.m. on Saturday at Riverside Arena against the Cloquet-based MN Wilderness. Tickets are available at the door or in advance at Hy-Vee, Games People Play, Holiday Inn or Jim’s Market Place. For more information, call 507-434-4978.

Looking for an activity to do with the kids? The Austin Public Library is hosting a simple drawing book art event for kids from 10:30-11:30 a.m. on Saturday. Kids can learn how to draw using the method of artist, illustrator and children’s books author Ed Emberley. For more information, call 507-433-2391 or go to www.aplmn.org.

If you want to ring in the new year with old and new friends, the Austin Eagles have you covered with a New Year’s Eve champagne toast from 8 p.m. to midnight on Monday. C-Rock City will perform your favorite sing-along songs, but don’t forget that kiss at midnight. For more information, call 507-433-8675.

Schedule of Events

Saturday

• Tech Tutor Time, 1-2 p.m. at the Austin Public Library. Basic one-on-one computer tutoring provided for such things as setting up and using email, using web browsers, working in Google Docs or MS Word, searching the library’s collection, downloading eBooks, and assisting with projects in progress. Not able to deal with viruses, fix hardware issues or do intensive troubleshooting. Bring your own device or use one of the library’s desktops. For more information, call 507-433-2391.

Sunday

• All You Can Eat Pancakes, 9 a.m. to noon at American Legion Post 91. Breakfast includes eggs, sausage, orange juice or milk, and endless pancakes. Tickets $8 at the door. Proceeds go to help veterans in need. For more information, call 507-437-1151.