1. Reading Rocks

The Great American Read may be over, but the reading doesn’t have to be! After Craig Smith’s “The Wonky Donkey” took the internet by storm, Whimzy owner Tami Staker said she had parents asking her to stock the book.

“Toy stores everywhere are pulling that book right now,” she said.

Whimzy employee Steph Lackey will read the book from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday at the store. A bonus for the more musically inclined: Those who come may also get to learn the accompanying song. The Reading Rocks program will likely take place twice a month, Staker said.

 

 

2. Halloween party at Hy-Vee

Hy-Vee is getting into the spooky spirit Saturday with a free event for families. Children can get their creative juices flowing with coloring activities, cookie decorating and mini pumpkin-decorating activities. The first 100 children get a free bag to use for their trick-or-treating. The children’s Halloween party is from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at Hy-Vee.

 

 

3. Community Band concert

Albert Lea’s Community Band is back at it with another free concert for the public. The music is varied, and the performers are local. The concert is from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at First Lutheran Church. A reception with treats and beverages will follow the concert.

 

4. Met opera

Pickaxes meet Puccini Saturday at Albert Lea’s screening of The Met: Live in HD’s opera, “La Fanciulla del West” (The Girl of the Golden West). Saloon owner Minnie has everyone’s heart, but hers belongs to a town stranger with a not-so-distant past. Set during the California gold rush, the show is sung in Italian with English subtitles and lasts 3 1/2 hours. “La Fanciulla del West” starts at 11:55 a.m. Saturday at Marion Ross Performing Arts Center.

 

 

5. Hey there, sports card fans

Still looking for that one (or those 50) cards to complete your baseball (or hockey or football) card collection? See what collectibles and cards you can find from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the sports cards and collectibles show at Northbridge Mall.