Rochester Downtown Farmers Market

June 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th: Rochester Downtown Farmers Market. Located at 4th St SE, across from the Super America, the outdoor market runs every Saturday from 7:30 am - noon, through the last Saturday in October. Locally grown produce, meats, plants & flowers, baked goods, cheese, eggs, preserves, and specialty items from a host of neighboring farmers. Music and performances, chef demos, Master Gardeners, and special events throughout the season. More info: 507-273-8232, or
www.rochesterdowntownfarmersmarket.org

Nature Walk @ Chester Woods

Chester Woods Park, 8378 Highway 14 East, Eyota. Entry fees are: $5 daily or $25 annually. $5 daily or $20 annually for Senior Citizens.

Chester Woods offers a number of programs that are open to the public and are fun for families (see list of upcoming events below). For more information call 285-7050 or visit www.co.olmsted.mn.us/parks/chester_woods.asp. On the day of the event, if the weather looks questionable call 285-7050 to see if there have been any changes made to the program.

• NATURE WALK- Sat., Jun 12th at 9:00 a.m. Get some fresh air and enjoy an exciting morning hike at Chester Woods Park. This is a great opportunity to view the abundance of wildlife throughout the native and restored prairies. Nature Walk led by Ruthann and Nora. Meet at the boat ramp. All ages are welcome.


• PRAIRIE WALK- Sun., Jun 13th at 3:00 p.m. The park has several types of prairie, and active management is improving the outlook for prairie plants and animals. See bluff prairie in early summer splendor, and hear how further brush clearing will allow more bluff prairie to thrive in the sun. Joel Dunnette will lead the mile walk to the main bluff prairie. Meet at the boat ramp.

• SUMMER SOLSTICE HIKE- Sun., Jun 20th at 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Hike the 2.4-mile Dam Overlook Trail and learn the history and the facts behind Chester Woods Park dam and Bear Creek reservoir. This is a great opportunity to view the abundance of wildlife throughout the woodlands and prairies. Bring a sack lunch and enjoy a picnic at the Dam Overlook. Special accommodations can be made for senior participants by calling the Park Staff at 507-287-2624. Meet at the boat ramp. By presenting a Rochesterfest button the vehicle entry permit will be waived for the day. All ages are welcome.

• NATURE WALK- Sat., Jul 10th at 9:00 a.m.
Get some fresh air and enjoy an exciting morning hike at Chester Woods Park. This is a great opportunity to view the abundance of wildlife throughout the native and restored prairies. Nature Walk led by Jim Peterson. Meet at the boat ramp. All ages are welcome.


• ANNUAL BUTTERFLY COUNT- Sat., Jul 17th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Join Joel Dunnette and other volunteers for the 12th annual butterfly count. Explore the prairies and enjoy the diversity of butterflies. This is a great time to learn more about the butterfly life cycles. Meet at the boat ramp. All ages are welcome.


• AQUATIC WONDERS- Tue., Jul 27th at 6:00 p.m. Learn about the aquatic life of Minnesota including Dragon and Damsel Flies led by Joel Dunnette. Meet at the boat ramp. All ages are welcome.

• PRAIRIE WALK- Tue., Jul 27th at 7:00 p.m. Join us to explore the wonders of one the largest prairies in SE Minnesota. We will view many of our native wild flowers, grasses, and birds and of course butterflies in one of the best habitats available. Prairie Walk led by Jim Peterson. Meet at the boat ramp. All ages are welcome.

Nature Walk @ Chester Woods

Chester Woods Park, 8378 Highway 14 East, Eyota. Entry fees are: $5 daily or $25 annually. $5 daily or $20 annually for Senior Citizens.

Chester Woods offers a number of programs that are open to the public and are fun for families (see list of upcoming events below). For more information call 285-7050 or visit www.co.olmsted.mn.us/parks/chester_woods.asp. On the day of the event, if the weather looks questionable call 285-7050 to see if there have been any changes made to the program.

NATURE WALK- Sat., Jun 12th at 9:00 a.m.
Get some fresh air and enjoy an exciting morning hike at Chester Woods Park. This is a great opportunity to view the abundance of wildlife throughout the native and restored prairies. Nature Walk led by Ruthann and Nora. Meet at the boat ramp. All ages are welcome.

PRAIRIE WALK- Sun., Jun 13th at 3:00 p.m. The park has several types of prairie, and active management is improving the outlook for prairie plants and animals. See bluff prairie in early summer splendor, and hear how further brush clearing will allow more bluff prairie to thrive in the sun. Joel Dunnette will lead the mile walk to the main bluff prairie. Meet at the boat ramp.

SUMMER SOLSTICE HIKE- Sun., Jun 20th at 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Hike the 2.4-mile Dam Overlook Trail and learn the history and the facts behind Chester Woods Park dam and Bear Creek reservoir. This is a great opportunity to view the abundance of wildlife throughout the woodlands and prairies. Bring a sack lunch and enjoy a picnic at the Dam Overlook. Special accommodations can be made for senior participants by calling the Park Staff at 507-287-2624. Meet at the boat ramp. By presenting a Rochesterfest button the vehicle entry permit will be waived for the day. All ages are welcome.

NATURE WALK- Sat., Jul 10th at 9:00 a.m. Get some fresh air and enjoy an exciting morning hike at Chester Woods Park. This is a great opportunity to view the abundance of wildlife throughout the native and restored prairies. Nature Walk led by Jim Peterson. Meet at the boat ramp. All ages are welcome.

ANNUAL BUTTERFLY COUNT- Sat., Jul 17th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Join Joel Dunnette and other volunteers for the 12th annual butterfly count. Explore the prairies and enjoy the diversity of butterflies. This is a great time to learn more about the butterfly life cycles. Meet at the boat ramp. All ages are welcome.

Storytime @ ABC/Toy Zone

Storytime at ABC & Toy Zone • Miracle Mile Shopping Center • 286-8440 • www.abctoyzone.com

Story Time with Peter Wednesdays at 10:30am. Story Time with Kristin Fridays at 10:30am. Story Time with Peter Saturdays at 10:30am. Free craft project immediately following Saturday's storytime (11 a.m.).

"Pink Panther" free kids movie @ Chateau

"Pink Panther" at the Cinemagic Chateau Theatre. Doors open at 10:30, movie starts at 11:00. First come first serve. 507-206-5500 (work)

Feed the Bison @ Oxbow Park

Oxbow Park/Zollman Zoo (5731 County Rd 105 NW, Byron) has a number of special events scheduled. For more information on any of these events visit their website at www.co.olmsted.mn.us/parks/oxbow_park_&_zoo.asp or call 775-2451. In case of inclement weather, call 775-2451 for program information/changes.

UPCOMING EVENTS

REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS – Saturday, June 5 at 10:00 a.m. Come and learn more about some of the most misunderstood animals around. Learn about their natural history and try to eliminate some of your possible fears. You will have the opportunity to touch an example of each. (All ages)

FEED THE BISON – Saturday, June 12 at 1:00 p.m. Bring the entire family out for a closer look at the majestic Plains Bison. You will learn interesting facts about these marvelous beasts and get a close-up look at feeding time. A short hike is involved and accommodations can be made for non-hikers. (All ages)

ROCHESTERFEST – Saturday, June 19. Scheduled animal feedings throughout the day… Bear at 10:00 a.m., River otters at 1:00 p.m., and Raptors at 3:00 p.m.

FEED THE CATS – Saturday, June 26 at 10:00 a.m. Join park staff as we feed our resident cougar and bobcat. These are not your typical house cats, so there is no "Meow Mix" here! (All ages).

DEER / ELK FEEDING – Saturday, July 3 at 1:00 p.m.
A short hike over to the elk and deer pens will allow participants to get a closer look at these spectacular creatures. Come and learn more about antlers, deer and elk behavior, and possibly even get the chance to give then a treat! (Accommodations CAN be made for non-hikers, seniors etc.)

FEED THE BEAR – Saturday, July 10 at 10:00 a.m.
Our resident black bear is awake and hungry once again! Join us as we share some natural history facts about black bears. We will tempt her with a wide variety of foods. What will she eat first? Come to this program to find out! Recommended for all ages.


PRAIRIE HIKE –Saturday, July 17 at 1:00 p.m. Come and enjoy a beautiful afternoon stroll through one of Oxbows restored native prairie plots. A park naturalist will guide you on a short hike while discussing the benefits of native grasses. (All ages)

TREE IDENTIFICATION – Saturday, July 24 at 10:00 a.m. Let us share some basic tree identification tips with you! This "how to" class is great for anyone interested in learning about "trees and such." (Ages 8 and up).

CHILDREN'S ZOO TIME – Saturday, July 31 at 10:00 a.m. This program is one you just can't miss. We will let you get an up-close look at a few of our zoo critters (maybe even touch one), plus learn some interesting facts about the wild creatures that live in southern Minnesota. This will prove to be great fun for the whole family.

Open Gym @ JETS Gymnastics

Open Gym - Saturdays, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. $7 members/$10 non-members. Supervised for ages 5 and up. Under 5 must be parent supervised. 2440 Clare Lane NE • 285-9262 • www.jetsgym.com

Parent/Child Class @ Prairie Walls Climbing Gym

Learning to rock climb with your children is a great family activity. In climbing, the challenges and rewards are essentially the same for children and adults, creating a unique family experience. In this two-hour introductory climbing class parents and children 12 and older will learn the basic safety skills required for climbing at Prairie Walls. Including how to put on a climbing harness, tie the rope into the harness, safety checks, top rope belaying, basic vertical movement and bouldering. You learn by doing and we will have you on the wall in no time. Children 11 and under will climb while the parents belay them. Upon successful completion of this class parents and children 12 and older will have the skills required to climb at Prairie Walls on your own. Saturdays 2:00 to 4:00. Tuesdays 6:00 to 8:00. $35.00 for each adult or child 12 and older. $18.00 per child 11 years and younger. The price includes all required rental equipment. Each participant receives a coupon for a free day pass, valid within two weeks of completing the class. With the instructors approval you may stay and climb after class. Reservations requested. www.prairiewalls.com/?page_id=195

Movie @ Your Library

Rochester Public Library •101 2nd Street SE • 328-2309 • www.rochesterpubliclibrary.org

UPCOMING EVENTS @ THE LIBRARY

Monday, July 12 6:00 pm Movie @ Your Library. Join us for our featured film about an ex-Marine who finds himself thrust into hostilities on an alien planet filled with exotic life forms. As an avatar, a human mind in an alien body, he finds himself torn between two worlds, in a desperate fight for his own survival and that of the indigenous people. Rated PG.

Tuesday, July 13 6:30 pm. Bedtime Stories. Stories, puppets, and films to give you sweet dreams. Wednesday, July 14 10:00 am & 1:00 pm. Special Program: Baseball Fun! Have some summer baseball fun! Meet members of the Rochester Honkers Baseball Team, collect their autographs, and see a baseball film.

Thursday, July 15 6:30 pm. Spanglish Storytime. Enjoy stories, rhymes, songs and fingerplays in Spanish and English! ¡Disfruten cuentos, rimas, canciones, y juegos de dedos en español e ingles!


Monday, July 19 4:00 pm. GOAT Meeting - Group Of Advising Teens. Meeting Room A
Join other Rochester Area youth (age 12-18) and take a leadership role to discuss ideas and make plans for youth library programs, teen web page, and other ideas. Any questions, contact Lynette @ 328-2305.

Tuesday, July 20 10:00 am, 2:00 pm, 4:00 pm. World Music Series: Nirmala Rajasekar (Indian). Nirmala Rajasekar (Indian) Nirmala Rajasekar is a world renowned Indian veena (a member of the lute family) player in the Carnatic music style; a system of music commonly associated with the southern part of the Indian subcontinent. The press has often described her as a "Carnatic Ambassador."

Tuesday, July 20 6:30 pm
Bedtime Stories. Stories, puppets, and films to give you sweet dreams.
Wednesday, July 21 10:00 am & 1:00 pm. Hans Mayer's Silly Concert For Kids. Feeling silly? Back by popular demand, children's recording artist Hans Mayer will have you laughing and singing along to his original ear-tickling music!

Thursday, July 22 6:30 pm. Spanglish Storytime. Enjoy stories, rhymes, songs and fingerplays in Spanish and English! ¡Disfruten cuentos, rimas, canciones, y juegos de dedos en español e ingles!

Tuesday, July 27 6:30 pm. Bedtime Stories.
Stories, puppets, and films to give you sweet dreams.

Tuesday, July 27 7:00 pm
Young Adult Writer's Group. Meeting Room A. Do you like to write? Would you like to meet other tweens/teens who like to write? Would you like to share your work, and get advice on how to improve? If the answer is yes, then come join us.

Wednesday, July 28 10:00 am, 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm. World Music Series: Peter Wendinger Band (Polka). Peter Wendinger Band (Polka) Minnesota Music Hall of Fame inductees the Peter Wendinger Band, with their unique style of Bohemian Polka music featuring two concertinas, accompanied by brass and rhythm sections; complete with vocals, is sure to captivate audiences of all ages while driving them to their feet to dance the night away.

Wednesday, July 28 10:00 am & 1:00 pm. Ventriloquist Gary Wick & Clarence the Duck. Clarence The Duck and his best friend Gary Wick will tickle your funny bone with jokes, songs, and amazing ventriloquism!


Wednesday, July 28 4:00 pm. Young Adult Book Discussion. Meeting Room A
We will be discussing the book, The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer. In a future where humans despise clones, Matt enjoys special status as the young clone of El Patroìn, the 142-year-old leader of a corrupt drug empire nestled between Mexico and the United States. Contact the Fiction, Movies and Music Desk to get a copy of the book before we discuss it.

Thursday, July 29 6:30 pm. Spanglish Storytime. Enjoy stories, rhymes, songs and fingerplays in Spanish and English! ¡Disfruten cuentos, rimas, canciones, y juegos de dedos en español e ingles!