Best Bets: A weekend to remember the brave

Published 10:10 am Thursday, September 10, 2015

With the 14th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, this is a weekend to gather together and remember the brave souls who gave their lives for their country. Find comfort in the Psalms this weekend, and honor past soldiers at a Patriot Day program. There will also be many fun memories to be had this weekend, with music and a walk for a cause.

1. 9/11: Helping the World One Psalm at a Time

12-1 p.m. Friday, Austin Public Library

Local author Tara Mizrachi will present “9/11: How We Can Help the World One Psalm at a Time” at the Austin Public Library at noon. The program will begin with a discussion of “Where were you on Sept. 11, 2001,” and will be followed by a discussion about the inner meaning of selected Psalms. She will read from her book “Software for the Soul: Psalms for Everyone.” Everyone is welcome to this free program.

2. Patriot Day Program

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4:30-5:30 p.m. Friday, Veteran’s Memorial, 201 First St. NE

This program will feature a rededication of the Veteran’s Memorial after reaching the goal of selling 1,056 pavers. The program will also recognize veterans and public safety officials who’ve given the ultimate sacrifice. The program will feature the National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance, a dedication, bell ringing, presentation, Military Salute and Taps.

3. Tip of the Trip Live on The Way Cafe Stage

7-11 p.m. Friday, The Way Cafe, 210 4th St NE

Tip of the Trip is a band from Minneapolis playing live at The Way Cafe. The band’s first show at the cafe will be at 7 p.m., with a second one after the Austin Packer’s football game. This is a free event. For more information, call 507-440-8651.

4. 5K Our Way

8 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturday, Hormel Foods Corporate Office North, 1 Hormel Place, Austin, MN

This 5K Run/Walk chip-timed race will have medals for the overall male and female and top three male and female participants in each age group. Also, there will be a one-mile Fun Run/Walk for kids. The entry fee also includes a bounce house, obstacle course, dunk tank, and more activities; live music will be performed by Spare Parts; there will be a free beverage with race bib at B & J Bar and Grill; more than $20 value in Hormel coupons; and a raffle drawing. The event is organized by the Hormel Foods Corp. Employee Resource Group: Women Our Way and the Austin YMCA. All proceeds will go to the Women Leadership Initiative of Mower County. For more information, contact Lori Kelly at lkelly@hormel.com.

5. Theody Live on The Way Cafe Stage

7-11 p.m. Saturday, The Way Cafe, 210 4th St NE

Theody, a Christian rock band based out of northwest Arkansas, has just released its debut album which is available online. The band’s show will start at 7 p.m. This is a free event. For more information, call 507-440-8651.

6. National Barrow Show

All day Sunday-Wednesday, Mower County Fairgrounds

The 69th annual National Barrow Show is scheduled for Sept. 12-16 at the Mower County Fairgrounds. NBS organizers anticipate more than 900 animals will take part in this year’s show. The shows will feature about 400 college, 4-H and FFA students competing for top honors in the judging contests this year from states throughout the U.S. including California, Texas, Ohio and West Virginia. The five-day event begins at 8 a.m. Saturday with a Collegiate Meats Judging Contest organized by the American Meat Science Association. Sunday kicks off early with the junior barrow classic showmanship event at 8 a.m., followed by the Junior Classic swine show. The community Windsor pork chop dinner starts at 11:30 a.m. Sunday in the Plager Building. Next Monday, the college judging contest will start at 8 a.m. At noon on Monday, the individual market hog event starts. The NBS breeding stock shows for the eight purebred breeds begins at 8 a.m. Sept. 15. The sale of the eight purebred breeds and crossbred boars and gilts will start at 9 a.m. Sept. 16.

7. Friends in Need 19th Annual Walk for Animals

1-3:30 p.m. Sunday, Mill Pond Park

Bring your four-legged buddies out for a walk and help raise funds for a good cause. Prize drawings, hot dogs and refreshments will be available. Pledge forms can be picked up at the Humane Society, Austin Vet Clinic, Double K, or the Austin Public Library. For more information, call Peggy at 507-433-1220 or Barry at 507-437-9203.

8. Funfest at Cornerstone Church

10:30 a.m. Sunday, Cornerstone Church

Bring a chair to this free event where everyone is welcome. After a worship service, there will be games, hot dogs and hamburgers, cotton candy, inflatables for the kids and more.