Paint the Town Pink officially kicks off this weekend with Plunging for Pink at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday at East Side Lake.

Over past five years, Plunging for Pink has raised over $300,000 for breast cancer research. Participants who wish to take the plunge are asked to raise a minimum of $50 to do so.

Teams looking to raise donation money may utilize the new crowdfunding tool through the University of Minnesota. The online tool can be accessed at https://crowdfund.umn.edu/?cfpage=program&program_id=297.

This year, organizers are introducing the new Pinky Plunge. For a minimum donation of $30, those who do not wish to jump all the way into the cold water can dip a toe, finger, or whatever part of their bodies into the lake.

Registration will begin at 11:30 a.m. and participants are asked to bring any cash and checks raised to turn in during registration. Organizers will have heated trailers and a warming tent reserved for participants. All plungers must wear shoes and be in proper condition to plunge.

Plungers and Pinky Plungers will receive a t-shirt.

Members of the general public are invited to come cheer for the participants. Alcohol and other beverages will be sold by Hy-Vee.

For more information or to register, visit http://www.plungingforpink.com/.

The Eagles will be hosting a post-plunge celebration from 3:30-4:30 p.m. at Austin Eagles Aerie 703. Everyone is invited to attend. For more information, call 507-433-8675.

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Schedule of Events

Friday

•Mower County Humane Society Cat Spay/Neuter Clinic, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Austin Vet Clinic. Cats will be spayed or neutered at discounted prices. Spay is $50, neuter is $40. Rabies shots and distemper shots also available at reduced rate of $10. Clinic will run from Jan. 14 though Feb. 28 and is limited to 200 cats. Pet porters are required for each cat for surgery recovery. Call Austin Vet Clinic at 507-433-5225 to make a reservation. Will accept reservations until full.

• Connecting Kids to Culture: Let’s Explore China, 11-11:45 a.m. at Austin Congregational UCC. With Lina Fu. For children ages 2-5, who will learn about the Chinese New Year through story, music, food, and crafts. Sponsored by the Austin Social Justice Committee of the UCC, Austin Area Foundation, Operation Round Up, Austin Congregational UCC and Austin Community Playgroup. For more information, call 507-433-2301.

• ArtRocks Open Jam Session, 7-9:30 p.m. at the Austin ArtWorks Center. Meet and play with other musicians from around the area. House band sets up and is available for back-up, you bring your music, instruments, and energy.  Cash bar available. For more information, call 507-434-0934.

• Austin Youth Hockey Tyler Brady Memorial Pee Wee A, B, C Tournament. Games may be played at Riverside or Packer Arena.  For more information, contact the Tournament Director at 507-438-2256 or tournamentdirectorayh@gmail.com.

Saturday

• Art for All Ages – Origami, 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Austin Public Library. Free monthly craft in the Program Room. For more information, call 507-433-2391.

• Kids’ Studio – Penguin Canvas, 10:30 a.m. at the Austin ArtWorks Center. With Krystal Lennie. For kids ages 4 to 14; cost $5. For more information or to sign up, go to www.austinareaarts.org or call 507-434-0934.

• Connecting Kids to Culture: Let’s Explore Honduras, 11-11:45 a.m. at Austin Congregational UCC. With Jose Rivera. Join this group for a Latin food adventure. Sample the delicious flavors of plantanos and learn how food is an important part of Latin culture. Sponsored by the Austin Social Justice Committee of the UCC, Austin Area Foundation, Operation Round Up, Austin Congregational UCC and Austin Community Playgroup. For more information, call 507-433-2301.

• National Wild Turkey Federation Hunting Heritage Banquet, 5:30-9:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Austin Conference Center. Tickets on line at www.nwtf.org. For more information, call 507-477-2309 or email turkeyhunter99@hotmail.com.

• Murder at the Mansion, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Hormel Historic Home. The Hormel Historic Home and Friends of the Library present a Prohibition Era Murder Mystery event. Light hors d’oeuvres and engaging characters will immerse guests into the growing tension among town gangsters. Period costumes are encouraged. Speakeasy bar refreshments available for purchase. Proceeds benefit the Friends of the Library and the Hormel Historic Home. Tickets $25; only 50 spots available. For more information or to get tickets, call 507-433-4243 or go to www.hormelhistorichome.org.

• Blame Not the Bard, 7 p.m. at Riverland Community College. Blame Not the Bard is a high-energy trio determined to get your feet moving and hands clapping. Armed with Irish song, stories, and fiddling, Blame Not the Bard will bring you an evening of down-to-earth entertainment you won’t soon forget. For more information or for tickets ($9.50 general public, $4.50 for child), call 507-433-0595 or go to https://riverland.universitytickets.com/w/event.aspx?id=1376&p=1.

• Austin Youth Hockey Tyler Brady Memorial Pee Wee A, B, C Tournament. Games may be played at Riverside or Packer Arena.  For more information, contact the Tournament Director at 507-438-2256 or tournamentdirectorayh@gmail.com.

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.

• PBS Mayo Documentary, 2 p.m. at the Historic Paramount Theatre. Watch Ken Burns’ documentary on the founding of the Mayo Clinic. Co-hosted with KSMQ. For more information, call 507-434-0934 or go to www.austinareaarts.org.

• Austin Youth Hockey Tyler Brady Memorial Pee Wee A, B, C Tournament. Games may be played at Riverside or Packer Arena.  For more information, contact the Tournament Director at 507-438-2256 or tournamentdirectorayh@gmail.com.