Last week, we experienced a real treat straight from Makawao, Hawaii with the Zenshin Daiko community drum concert.  With the Fourth of July fast approaching, there are numerous patriotic festivals and events that none of us will want to miss.

From June 30 through July 4, the wonderful, annual Austin Freedom Fest will be held.

There will be the Hog Jog 5 mile run, kids fishing contest, and 25 mile Dan Ulwelling bike race, Moose Club car show and street dance, all set for June 30.  July 1 highlights includes the Morning Lions fly-in breakfast at the Austin airport.

July 3 brings a free concert in the garden at the Hormel Historic Home, Jaycees street dance  and The Hormel Institute’s annual “Walk for a Cancer-Free World.” July 3 is also Family Day in Bandshell Community Park.

The Grand Old Fourth will be on Wednesday this year. Events kick-off that day with the 28th Annual Mini Piggy Fun Run, and the Independence Day parade at 11 a.m. This day is jam-packed with all of the exciting music, food, entertainment, games, water wars, and fireworks that all Austinites and visitors have come to love.

We extend a huge thank you to the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce, staff and members for presenting this annual event. There will truly be something of interest to everyone, and open to all ages.  We have the full schedule of events in our office and various locations across town.

Another special and extremely patriotic event coming to Austin soon is the Austin Greyhounds “Support Our Troops” event on Friday, July 13.

Make your plans now to attend and to invite others.  The U.S. Military All-Stars travel the country to spread awareness of our Armed Forces. A touching pre-game ceremony will take place at 6:30 p.m. at Marcusen Park.  This show will capture your attention not only as a baseball fan, but also as a true American.  This will be the biggest event Austin and Marcusen Park have seen in decades.

A large committee is working hard to bring in this event and expects thousands to attend. Join in the celebration as we honor military heroes.

Following the Red, White and Blue Ceremony, the Austin Greyhounds will play the U.S. Military All-Stars. This will include Taps, a color guard, patriotic Guard Rally, and a Purple Heart presentation.

There is a meet and greet event scheduled for 1 p.m. at the Austin Legion.  You can come out and meet not only our local Greyhounds, but the U.S. Military All-Stars, as well. Come early and stay for lunch.

Our office will be touring with the Military All-Stars to see the Spam Museum, and a city tour. Many special activities are planned during the game as well, including a Spam Eat & Race.  There will be time for interviews and autographs afterwards. For a full day’s schedule visit www.usmilitaryallstars.com and www.austingreyhoundsbaseball.com. There are many local sponsors involved, and we thank them for bringing in this event.

 Upcoming events

•Sunday: MeadowFest Sesquicentennial Civil War Celebration.

•June 28: The Hormel Institute will host the first of three public open houses of their research facility.

•June 28-29, July 1: 34th Annual Austin All Star/Reichel Foods/Moose International Youth

Baseball Tournament, for ages 12 and under. North diamond at Todd Park. Call 433-6715 for details.

•Now to Aug. 30: Junior Master Gardeners weekly cooking and gardening classes for youth grades 3 and up. Classes are free and held at the Mower County Fairgrounds.

Make sure to visit our website often at www.austincvb.com for Calendar of Events listings.

Find us also at:

•Email: visitor@austinmn.com

•FacebooK  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Austin-•Convention-Visitors-Bureau/315110621875?ref=tn_tnmn

•Twitter:  https://twitter.com/#./visitaustinmn

•Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/visitaustinmn/

Please call us at the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau office for events and information at 437-4563. If you or your group, church, organization or local attraction has something special planned, let us help you advertise it. Make the most of all Austin has to offer.  Enjoy.

Correction: This column stated that the Jaycees’ Street Dance and The Hormel Institute Walk for a Cancer Free World are scheduled for July 2. They are scheduled for July 3.