Last weekend, I learned to dive for the very first time. Like, off a boat, into the water. As a 26-year-old lifelong Minnesotan surrounded by 10,000 lakes, this might be an embarrassingly overdue accomplishment. And trust me, it wasn’t pretty. I flailed. I belly flopped. I’m pretty sure a minnow got up my nose. But it was also the most fun I’ve had in quite a while.
My point is, you’re never more alive than when you’re attempting something new. In the words of the Buddhist monk, Thích Nhất Hạnh, “Life is available only in the present moment.” Or, as my dad tends to say, “Hold on, I wanna try something.”
This weekend, try something.
Friday
Curious about CBD? Sara from Journey Organics will be available on Zoom from 2:00-3:30 to answer all your questions. If you’re interested in learning about CBD, you can register for the free lecture and discussion through the Vine website. Then, the Living Earth Center is hosting Virtual Open Mic Night from 5:30-7:30 via Zoom. The theme is Heat and will include local music, poetry, and even fire dancing!
So, I dare you to try something you once told yourself you didn’t like.
Saturday
Mankato Area Cornhole Tournament at the softball fields across from The Landing on Madison. Sign up from 10-10:45 The Landing will provide concessions and stick around for fireworks after.
Then get your engines revving for the afternoon. Race cars, classic cars, trucks, bikes and daily drivers, all are welcome at the Dorikato Summer Car Meet from 2:00-5:00 pm. Organizers say it’s all about sharing your pride and joy. Boat lovers can get creative decorating their boats then hop in the Paddlefish Days Boat Parade on Madison. Parade starts at 3:45 pm in the East Bay. Just follow the lead pontoon. (Friendly reminder to all boaters to clean and drain your boat on your way out and respect all No Wake zones to prevent erosion.)
Sunday
Vagabond Village is having a By-the-LB-Sale from 11:00-3:00. Buy clothes, shoes, records and decor by the pound. Proceeds are going to support Grace Thrift Store. Then you can spend your afternoon in St. Peter. Cheer on the Mankato Twins vs the St. Peter Saints at the St. Peter Veterans Memorial Park from 2:00-3:30 or try your hand at the Open Clay Studio at the Arts Center of St. Peter from 3:00-5:00. Patrick’s on 3rd will have live music from Paul Lawrence from 4:00-7:00. All of these events are free and open to the public.
Bonus: Taste Something New
Everyone has their favorite foods but always sticking to “the usual” can cause you to eat without tasting. One of the easiest ways to wake yourself up to the present moment is with something entirely new. Whether it’s from a food truck, delivery, or something you hand-pick and prepare from the grocery store or farmers market, pushing your culinary comfort can keep you feeling alive. This is the very first summer my fiancé has tried rhubarb, and he loves it. So, I dare you to try something you once told yourself you didn’t like.
Or, if you’re a truly picky eater, you can stick to what you love but try Thích Nhất Hạnh’s Apple Meditation. You’ve probably eaten hundreds of apples in your life, but when you zero in on the experience of one, it becomes the best apple you’ve ever had.
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Weekend High Notes is a regular feature by Molly Butler. Molly covers weekend events, live music, and culture in the Greater Mankato Area. Suggestions are welcome using the MankatoLIFE contact form.
Additional Links
- The Landing on Madison in the MankatoLIFE Bars & Restaurants Directory
- Vagabond Village in the MankatoLIFE Local Shops Directory
- Veteran’s Memorial Park in the MankatoLIFE Attractions Directory
- Arts Center of St. Peter in the MankatoLIFE Attractions Directory
- Patrick’s On Third in the MankatoLIFE Bar & Restaurant Directory
