Get out and enjoy all the events in Austin, Friday through the Fourth of July.

There will be two nights of fireworks again this year on July 3 and 4 at dusk. Get the best seats in Bandshell Community Park.

A great way to support the fireworks is by purchasing a Freedom Fest raffle ticket. They are available and have many great prizes and coupons.Tickets can be purchased at the Austin Chamber of Commerce or any chamber ambassador and are $10 each.

We have some in the Park and Recreation office as well.  If you have not seen a flyer you can check out all the events on the Chamber of Commerce web page at www.austincoc.com.

Swimming pool

The Austin Municipal Swimming Pool will open on at 1 p.m. on the Fourth of July. Keep in mind that if we do not reach 25 participants in the first hour and 45 minutes, the pool will close.

They will not reopen for the evening swim to allow our staff the opportunity to enjoy some of the Fourth of July events.  Stay safe everyone.

The Splash Pad is free on the evenings that the pool is not open which are Tuesday and Friday at 7 p.m. after swim lessons and 6 p.m. on Saturday.

The splash pad will stay open on the Fourth when the pool closes for the day. The features do shut off at 8:30 p.m.

Mark your calendar for the Free Family Fun Night at the pool on Friday, July 27.

DeeAnn Randall will be back to DJ the music and we are also thankful that our Summer Recreation Assistant Molly and staff will be leading the games. We are extending a heartfelt thank you to the sponsors: The VFW, The Austin Eagles Club and APAC. Without their help this event would not exist.

Summer track

Thank you to the Austin Noon Kiwanis for sponsoring and volunteering to help the Park and Recreation Staff run the track meet that was held this past Thursday at Wescott Athletic Complex.

This free event allows kids three and up the opportunity to try some track and field events along with having fun.  There were 169 participants at this first meet, the second meet will be held on Thursday, July 26 so mark your calendar to participate.  Field events begin at 6 p.m. and running events begin at 6:30 p.m.

This event would not be possible without the help from the Austin Noon Kiwanis.

Nature center

Join the staff and presenters at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center for Eco-Blitz, Waste Week, July 9-14.   Everything has to go somewhere. There is no such place as away.

Enjoy activities and guest presenters throughout the week and have fun learning about what happens to our waste. Participate in multiple activities to earn prizes and a chance to win a composter or rain barrel.  Please RSVP for programs and service day activities at 1-507-437-7519 or email info@hormelnaturecenter.org. Check out the website at hormelnaturecenter.org

Nature Play Afternoons started this last Thursday and on the following dates: 1-4 p.m. July 12 and 26, Aug. 23 and 30. Get outside and discover nature with your child.

Enjoy free canoe or kayak rentals, pond scooping for aquatic critters, nature programs, archery, netting dragonflies and butterflies, crayfish hunting, survival games, and/or self-guided nature trail activities. Canoe and kayak availability is first-come, first-served, for an adult (18 and over) with a child (adults must accompany children). Please call 1-507-437-7519 or email info@hormelnaturecenter.org for more information or visit the website: www.hormelnaturecenter.org.

On Thursday, July 12 check out the Nature Play and enjoy energetic music of all ages for people of all ages with guitarist Bill Cagley.  This is a free event.

How about getting on the water?  The nature center rents canoes and kayaks for use from Dobbins Creek to East Side Lake or on our pond. Rentals are available Monday-Saturday (no rentals on Sundays or holidays), through Sept. 22. Life jackets, paddles and canoe/kayak rollers are provided. Fee is $10 for up to three hours. Purchase a punch card for $25 and receive five canoe or kayak rentals for half the fee. Call 1-507-437-7519 for more information. A signed liability waiver must be on file at the nature center. Children 17 and under must have waiver signed by an adult.

Public skates

Watch for public skates starting up after the Fourth of July at Riverside Arena.

Yard tour

Spruce Up Austin will hold their Yard and Garden Tour this year on from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on July 14.

Tickets are available at Berg’s Nursery, Dolan’s Landscape, Hardy Geranium and Super Fresh Garden Center for $10 or the day of the event at your first yard for $12.  This is a great opportunity to get out and enjoy some wonderful yards and see what you can add to yours.  Enjoy the self-guided tour and thanks to those that put their yards on display.