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

Cans for Kids @ RMH

Saturday, June 5 from 8-12 at the Ronald McDonald House. Bring your aluminum cans and pop can tabs. Cans are recycled for cash. To-date C4Ks has raised over $5,000 for the Ronald McDonald House.

Reptiles & Amphibians @ 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.

"The Water Horse" free kids movie @ Chateau

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

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.).

Family Zumba Class

Family Zumba debuts on Saturday, April 17 (11:15am-noon) at Allegro School of Dance & Music. Family Zumba is a parent/child class where kids and parents get to exercise together and have fun while learning to dance! We will explore rhythms from around the world, learning a little salsa, cha cha, merengue, and more. Easy-to-learn steps, props, and games make it easy for the whole family to join in (all ages welcome). Come join the Zumba party at Allegro! This is a drop-in class, $15 per family. From April 17-June 5, Family Zumba will be held Saturdays from 11:15am-noon. From July 7-August 25, Family Zumba will be Wednesday mornings from 10-10:45am. Allegro School of Dance & Music (www.allegrodancemusic.com) is located at 2342 Superior Drive NW, Rochester. For more information, call (507) 288-0125.

Free Family Days @ Rochester Art Center

Families will enjoy a fun art project and special docent-led tours of the exhibitions. Free. No registration. Rochester Art Center, 40 Civic Center Dr., S.E. Saturday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. (art activities), 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (tours). 282-8629. www.rochesterartcenter.org

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