The eighth annual Strides for a Cure 5 Mile or 5K Run/Walk will be held on Saturday at Todd Park.

Sponsored by Austin High School Youth Leadership, the race is open to all ages. Registration is $10 for ages 8 and under, $20 for high school seniors and under, and$25 for adults. Early registration deadline was April 27, but people may still register up through race day.

The race is an opportunity to honor those affected by cancer in their lives. All proceeds will be donated to the Hormel Institute’s Breast Cancer Research Fund.

Late registration will be held from 8-8:30 a.m. on Saturday at Todd Park, near the soccer fields. The race kick-off will begin at 8:40 a.m. and the race will start at 9 a.m.

For more information or to register, please visit https://stridesforacurerace.wordpress.com/ or contact Emily Hovland at emily.hovland@austin.k12.mn.us.

Take a ride on the Canoemobile

Residents and visitors can celebrate Austin Community Day on Saturday by exploring the Ramsey Mill Pond area thanks to Canoemobile.

Developed by Wilderness Inquiry, the Canoemobile program allows people to experience a paddling trip of about 15 to 30 minutes around the Ramsey Mill Pond area to explore an underused and beautiful part of the Cedar River Watershed in large canoes holding up to 10 people. The event is sponsored by the Cedar River Watershed District and Mower Soil and Water Conservation District.

This free event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ramsey Mill Pond, near the Old Mill Restaurant.

For more information, call Tim Ruzek at 507-434-2603 or email him at tim.ruzek@mowerswcd.org.

Schedule of Events

Friday

• Austin Community Playgroup – Paper Plate Kite, 10 a.m. at Austin Congregational UCC. Come and meet other parents, caregivers, and children in an informal, friendly, and fun environment. Please bring your own snacks. All dates are subject to cancellation for church needs – notice will be sent out as soon as possible. For more information, call Sheila at 507-399-1924, or go to   https://www.facebook.com/austincongoucc/?fref=ts.

• Mother’s Day Meal, noon to 1 p.m. at the Mower County Senior Center. Bring a friend or spoil the mother in your life with a lovely lunch featuring salad, meatloaf, potato, California medley, and dessert. Cost is $8 for members, $9 for non members. Entertainment included. To reserve a spot or for more information, stop by the Senior Center front desk or call 507-433-2370.

• Power of the Palate, 5-8 p.m. at the Austin Country Club. Join us for cuisine,cocktails and silent auction. Proceeds support the Backpack Program and children in Mower County. Tickets $30. For more information or tickets, contact United Way of Mower County at 507-437-2313.

Saturday

• History at Play Family Event, 10-11:30 a.m. at the Hormel Historic Home. A History for Half Pints Event. Historic activities to include burlap sewing, watercolor painting, ring toss, Lincoln logs, dress-up, leap frog, and cookie decorating. Free for all ages. For more information, call 507-433-4243.

• Open Art Hour – Spring Critter Magnets, 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Austin Public Library. For more information, call 507-433-2391.

• Kids’ Studio – Picasso Clay Masks, 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Austin ArtWorks Center. With Beth Hamilton. For kids ages 4 to 14; cost is $5 per child. For more information or to register, call 507-434-0934 or go to www.austinareaarts.org.

• 12th annual VFW Armed Forces Day Classic Car Show, noon to 4 p.m. at Austin VFW Post 1216. Open to the public – with 1950s and 1960s music, food, door prizes, and more. Entry fee for cars – $10 for first car, $5 each additional car. Registration from 8-11:30 a.m. Best of Show and People’s Choice awards. Entertainment in the VFW Club after the show. For more information, call 507-433-6039.

• Family Art Studio, 1-3 p.m. at the Austin ArtWorks Center. Drop in as a family and get creative with materials provided. Free. All ages encouraged to attend and create together. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Funded by a grant from the Austin Area Foundation. For more information, call 507-434-0934 or go to www.austinareaarts.org.

• Sola Fide Observatory – Jupiter Viewing, 9-10 p.m. at the Sola Fide Observatory. Learn about the night sky from our local experts. For more information, go to www.hormelnaturecenter.org or call 507-437-7519.

Sunday

• Dad’s Belgian Waffle Fundraiser, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Austin Eagle’s Aerie. All-you-can-eat waffle breakfast benefiting the Early Risers Kiwanis, Noon Kiwanis, and Eagles Club. Tickets $8 – children 5 years and under are free. For more information, call 507-437-3523.