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Welcoming Week is about to kick up into high gear starting Friday and running through Sept. 22.

The six-day event is an effort to celebrate the unifying thread that runs through the community and the unity from all walks of life.

The event starts with a kick-off Friday at the Cedar River Farmers Market from 4-6 p.m. The market includes vendors, free resources, food trucks and free activities for kids. The event will also feature a dunk tank of Austin celebrities including Austin Mayor Steve King, Denver Ritz, Bonnie Rietz, Troy Goodwater, Pastor Vickie Spyhalski and Rep. Patricia Mueller.

Also on Friday will be a free Family Fun Night at the YMCA at the Austin Community Recreation Center from 5-7 p.m. and a community immunization clinic from 5-7 p.m. in the YMCA parking lot.

On Monday there will be the Sketches of Minnesota from 5-8 p.m. This evening of laughter will be a celebration of what makes Austin unique as well as casts a spotlight on fostering understanding and celebrating diversity.

There will be a St. John’s Bible open viewing from 1-3 p.m. at the Austin Public Library on Tuesday and then on Wednesday will be the Immigrant Voices, Immigrant Stories from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Riverland Community College East Building library, which will include stories of students and community members who have moved to Austin from other countries. 

Fro 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday will be the Inviting Table at the Community Action Building, which is another celebration of inclusion and belonging.

Finally on Wednesday, from 6-8 p.m., will be a free open skate at Riverside Arena.

At 11 a.m. on Thursday, there will be a mural ribbon cutting at the Mower County Government Center. The mural is by local artist Flor Soto.

Wrapping up the week will be Science Saturday at 11 p.m. on Sept. 21 at the Austin Public Library.

For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/austinhumanrightscommission.