The Hormel Historic Home is hosting the annual Foodie Throwdown on Saturday. This sold-out event, now in its seventh year, will have six teams consisting of professional chefs and home cooks from Austin competing in main dish and dessert categories. The food will be judged by the attendees, who will pick a winner in each category

This year’s theme is a hoedown and will feature entertainment by the Silver Prairie Blue Grass Band.

Hormel Historic Home Director Holly Johnson said that because the theme is a hoedown, attendees can expect western and barbecue style dishes.

The event will run from 6-9 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets were sold for $35; all money raised from the event will support the preservation and mission of the Hormel Historic Home.

Growing Acres

The Center for Agricultural and Food Science Technology at Riverland Community College has announced it will offer the first-ever “Growing Acres” event, a two-day workshop-style conference in the Center for Agricultural and Food Science Technology on the Riverland Community College – Austin West campus.

The event is being made possible with a grant secured from the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation.

“This event will create a culture that will connect locally-grown foods to community organizations and people inspired to grow, sell, utilize and purchase locally-grown foods and products,” said instructor Nick Schultz, one of the organizers.

There will be displays and conversation spaces with experts on several topics.

The first day will be a “Day of Connections,” with introductions to niche markets, and local food and community conversations with a focus on stories of success. The second day will be highlight meeting requirements for growers, farmers, bakers, makers and engaging those interested in starting a small business in our region.

Registration for the event opened on Jan. 16.

The event is open to all interested in connecting to fresh local foods. Tickets are $20 for one day, $35 for both. Student tickets are $10.

Hours for the event are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 16, and Saturday, Feb. 17.

For more information, email info@growingacres.org.

Schedule of Events

FRIDAY, FEB. 16

• Second Floor Art Galley Show – Julie Fakler and Ian Hanson, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Austin ArtWorks Center. Gallery show featuring the work of painter Julie Fakler and photographer Ian Hanson. Free admission. For more information, call 507-434-0934.

• Valentine’s Meal, noon to 1 p.m. at the Mower County Senior Center. Bring your sweetheart or your friends for a fabulous meal of garden salad, parmesan-crusted cod or bourbon-pecan chicken, with California medley vegetables, mashed potatoes, and a choice of Valentine’s desserts. Pre-paid cards available for purchase, piano background music, photo portrait opportunity. Cost $8.50 for members, $9.50 for non-members.  For more information or to make a reservation, stop by the Senior Center front desk or call 507-433-2370.

• Fish Fry, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Knights of Columbus Hall, 211 First St. SE.

• “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,” 7-8:30 p.m. at the Historic Paramount Theatre. A Matchbox Children’s Theatre production. Tickets $6 for youth 14 and under, $10 for adults. For more information, call 507-433-1931 or go to www.matchboxchildrenstheatre.org.

• Austin Bruins vs. Aberdeen Wings, 7-9:30 p.m. at Riverside Arena. Go, Bruins. For more information, call 507-434-4978.

SATURDAY, FEB. 17

• Matchbox Children’s Theatre Pre-Show – “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” 10-11 a.m. at Sweet Reads. Preview of the Matchbox Children’s Theatre production of “The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe.” For more information, call 507-396-8660.

• Second Floor Art Galley Show – Julie Fakler and Ian Hanson, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Austin ArtWorks Center. Gallery show featuring the work of painter Julie Fakler and photographer Ian Hanson. Free admission. For more information, call 507-434-0934.

• Kids’ Studio – Mini Piñata Class, 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Austin ArtWorks Center. Instructors Gabriella Alva and Alondra Vasquez will conduct the class in Spanish for Spanish-speaking and non-Spanish speaking kids ages 4-14. Cost $5. For more information, call 507-434-0934.

• 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.

• Stick Time, 4:15-5:45 p.m. at Packer Arena. Open ice time for kids to practice stick and puck handling skills. Session are $6. For more information call 507-433-1881.

• “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,” 7-8:30 p.m. at the Historic Paramount Theatre. A Matchbox Children’s Theatre production. Tickets $6 for youth 14 and under, $10 for adults. For more information, call 507-433-1931 or go to www.matchboxchildrenstheatre.org.

• Austin Bruins vs. Aberdeen Wings, 7-9:30 p.m. at Riverside Arena. Go, Bruins. For more information, call 507-434-4978.

SUNDAY, FEB. 18

• Public Skate, 12:45-2:15 p.m. at Packer Arena. $4 to skate and $1 to rent skates. For more information, call 507-433-1881.

• “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,” 2-3:30 p.m. at the Historic Paramount Theatre. A Matchbox Children’s Theatre production. Tickets $6 for youth 14 and under, $10 for adults. For more information, call 507-433-1931 or go to www.matchboxchildrenstheatre.org.