Best Bets: From knitting to weddings

Published 11:07 am Thursday, January 22, 2015

This weekend is filled with fun things to get everyone out of the house to enjoy the warm weather. With great food, tons of fun at the ArtWorks Center and beautiful wedding dresses — along with players from the Austin Bruins in formal wear — there is no excuse to stay in the house.

1. All-You-Can-Eat Chicken Dumpling

4:30 to 7 p.m., Friday, Mower County Senior Center

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The Arc Mower County all you can eat chicken dumpling soup and chili supper fundraiser is sponsored by the People First Aktion Club of Mower County. The tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children ages 4 to 12, and children ages 3 and under are free. The dinner will include a choice of chicken dumpling soup and/or chili, a beverage and dessert. Call The Arc at 507-433-8994 to purchase tickets or to volunteer. Tickets will also be available at the door.

2. Open Studio at the Austin ArtWorks Center

5 to 8 p.m., Friday, Austin ArtWorks Center

Take some art supplies and head to the Clay Cavern at The ArtWorks Center. The center will provide the clay, and participants are asked to bring other supplies such as paint, paper and canvas for the project. To use one of the throwing wheels, participants will need to attend an orientation session with John Sullivan. The event is free for AACA members, or $5 for non-members. For more information, call 507-434-0934. Also, visit www.austinareaarts.org for updates and other information about demos, in-studio workshops, and more.

3. Cross Country Ski Lessons

8:30 to 11:30 a.m., Saturday, Jay C. Hormel Nature Center

Classical ski lessons will be offered at the Hormel Nature Center. Lessons include instructions for beginners as well as tips for intermediate skiers. The cost is $6 for adults and $1 for children who must be accompanied by an adult. The price will include poles, boots and skis. Preregistration is required. For more information or to register, call 507-437-7519.

4. Introduction to Knitting

12 to 2 p.m., Saturday, Austin ArtWorks Center

This event is good for both the true beginner who’s picking up needles for the first time, as well as someone who’s been away for a while and needs a brush-up. Learn how to choose supplies, to knit, purl, cast on, bind off, and other techniques. Students will leave the class having started a project and with the tools to continue knitting independently. The cost for AACA members is $25 plus $10 for supplies, and for non-members is $30 plus $10 for supplies. Participants may choose to bring their own supplies, which consist of at least 100 yards of worsted or bulky weight yarn and appropriately sized needles. For more information, call 507-434-0934.

5. Silk Scarf Dyeing with Mary Nordeng

2 to 4 p.m., Saturday, Austin ArtWorks Center

Join award-winning fiber artist Mary Nordeng as she guides participants through the process of silk dyeing. Enjoy creating beautiful silk scarves without the huge investment in dyes and materials. Each student will leave class with two beautiful hand-dyed silk scarves they created. No previous experience is necessary. Participants should dress in old clothes. The cost for AACA members is $25 plus $25 for supplies, and for non-members is $30 plus $25 for supplies. For more information, call 507-434-0934.

6. Northwestern Singers Present Motown

7 to 9 p.m. Saturday and 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Historic Paramount Theatre

Come to the Historic Paramount Theatre to watch the Northwestern Singers bring all the Motown classics to life. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students. For more information, call 507-434-0934.

7. Austin Wedding Showcase

12 to 3 p.m., Sunday, Hormel Historic Home

The annual showcase for brides-to-be is here. The showcase will feature apparel, floral arrangements, jewelry, music and all things that have to do with the big day. Plan the perfect wedding from start to finish and find great ideas at the show. There will be drawings for great prizes for registered brides. The cost is $4 per person, which includes a complimentary glass of champagne. From 12 to 3 p.m. there will be a vendor expo, and at 2 p.m. there will be a fashion show presented by Austin’s Belles and Beaus. Men’s formal ware will be showcased by members of the Austin Bruins hockey team. For more information, call 507-433-4243.