Best bets: Freedom, fitness and flapjacks

Published 10:46 am Friday, July 5, 2013

The Fourth of July has passed. To many, that signals the downhill slide toward the end of summer. But the fun’s not over yet, Austin, not by a longshot.

1.) They’ve gone country, and 50s

Head down to Bandshell Park in Austin off Main Street and Ninth Place Southwest Friday for a tractor show starting at noon, and visit with some of the animals. Or play bingo with Mower County’s veterans from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday. Bingo will also be held on Saturday. More Friday events include onstage dancing, the “Fabulous 50s Family Fun Show at 2:30 p.m. and music by the DC Drifters, performing many oldies hits at 6 p.m.

2.) Just a little jogging

Register at the YMCA for this year’s 31st annual Hog Jog, which starts at the East Side Lake parking lot at 8 a.m. Saturday. Get to East Side Lake between 6:45 and 7:30 a.m. for sign-up. Prizes will go to the first-place female and male winners, as well as first through third in each age category. The cost is $30. Lace up tight.

3.) Fitness fever

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More in to rolling then running? Consider pedaling in the 25-Mile Dan Ulwelling Bike Race, which takes off at noon Saturday from the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center, 1304 21st St. NE. Registration is $15 and begins at 11 a.m. Race like a champion, or cruise at your own pace.

4.) Action at the Eagles

The Austin Eagles Club, 107 11th St. NE, is celebrating freedom with its own event on Saturday. Go for the car show and bake sale from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; participate in the beanbag tourney at 1:30 or bingo at 2 p.m. and poker at 3. Stick around for the whole event and see some live entertainment at 8.

5.) Flying and flapjacks

There is never a shortage of pancakes in Austin. Head to the Austin Municipal Airport, 710 21st St. NE, for the Morning Lions’ Fly-In Breakfast on Sunday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Carb up, and watch airplanes from all over swoop in and land on the tarmac.

Look to Reporter Matt Peterson’s column every Friday for more about upcoming events in Austin. For even more, check out the calendar on Page 4 every day in the print edition and the AustinDailyHerald.com homepage.