The seasons shift, and we remember the sensation of sunlight, the melodies of the birds, the squelch of mud getting ready to spring green.
Though it happens every year, I’m still surprised by how relieving it is. The invisible weight of winter starts to lighten. I listen to my doctor, but those D vitamins are no real substitute for a sunny morning. There is so much hope in fresh, warm air.
We’ve still got a ways to go, and around here, we can’t ignore the possibility of an April blizzard. But, we are getting there. Spring will come. As we shift, let’s bring ourselves back to our basics. Drinking water. Catching some sunlight. Eating greens. Stretching. Moving. And, setting limits: screen time and exposure to the news and whatever else swallows our time and energy and hope. Start melting these habits like snow. Start planting your seeds.
As we shift, let’s bring ourselves back to our basics.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Friday
The Blue Earth County Historical Society invites you to celebrate 120 Years with 120 stories! Explore the History Center Museum and the Hubbard House to see all 120 items. They’ll be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This FREE exhibit is open to the public through September.
Pet Expo will be at the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota for Little Pals & Pets from 10-11 a.m. There will be a variety of reptiles and small mammals, as well as educational information and chances to pet the animals.
Head to Drummer’s Garden Center from 10 a.m. to noon for their Spring Planting Party! Design and plant your own annual plant container for early blooms that will last until fall! Register here to attend.
The Merely Players Community Theater will be performing Agatha Christie’s classic whodunnit, Spider’s Web, this Friday at 1 p.m. Get your tickets here. It’s Family Fun Night at the North Mankato Taylor Library. Come and play some St. Patrick’s themed Family Feud while competing for the pot of gold! And, artist Abigail Rain celebrates her opening reception at the 410 Project from 7-9 p.m. this Friday. Don’t miss “Sweet Dreams,” open through March 26th.
We have live music all over town! Head to Chankaska Creek Ranch & Winery for unWINEd with Billy Johnson from 6-8:45 p.m. Head to the What’s Up Lounge in Old Town for a 21+ event with the $10 cover going to charity. Catch Joey Bones, Odd Coal, KodyFree and more! Red Dirt Road will be performing at The Square Deal beginning at 10 p.m.
Saturday
Spring fever is spreading, and it’s time to get back outside! Head to Minneopa State Park for their Wild About Wildlife Hike. From 1-2:30 p.m., hike along the Minnesota River Bluff Trail and learn about some of the animals in the area, including bison, coote and the short-tail weasel. Head to Drummer’s Garden Center from 1-4 p.m. for a Spring Planting Party! You need to register in advance if you want to attend the learning sessions, otherwise, come by for drop-in planting times!
Lego Club will meet in the Children’s Wing of the Blue Earth County Library from 1-3 p.m. Enjoy some local theatre. Spider’s Web will be at the Merely Players Community Theater at 7 p.m. Children of Eden Jr. will be performed at the Mankato Playhouse this Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Enjoy live, local music! Relativity will be at Indian Island Winery from 5:30-8:30 p.m. featuring outstanding vocals, guitar, mandolin and fiddle. Matt and Laurel will be at the Circle Inn Bar from 6-9 p.m., and you can catch Red Dirt Road for a 21+ event at the Mankato Brewery. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and music is from 7-11 p.m. Head to Chankaska Creek for Battle of the Divas, organized by Drag Me With A Spoon. The Lonely Ones will perform at the What’s Up Lounge starting at 8:30 p.m., and the cover is $15 for this 21+ show.
Sunday
The St. Peter American Legion invites you to Dad’s Belgian Waffles from 9 a.m. to noon. Tickets for Spider’s Web at the Merely Players Community Theater, showing at 2:30 p.m., are available here, and Children of Eden Jr. will be at the Mankato Playhouse at 2 p.m. Get those tickets here.
Play a game! Head to Prairie Saloon and Grill for BINGO with the Kasota Fire Department, starting at 3 p.m. Or, head to the Dork Den in Mankato for Board Game Night beginning at 6 p.m. Sign up here.
Added Value: Pick One Thing
Which area needs to grow? Which piece of you needs attention? Pick one thing and start, simply, from there. It doesn’t take much time. You can do it for free. Just start somewhere.
Here are Twenty 30-Day Challenge Ideas, including health and fitness, finance, productivity and happiness. Of course, if you have your own unique goals in mind, you can create your own!
~~~
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.
