Friday, June 18, 2010

Today is the first day of the Midwest Renewable Energy Fair in Custer, WI. Over 200 workshops and exhibits, live music, great food, kids activities, and more are planned for this year’s event. Keynote speakers include Jeremy Solin, Bill McKibben, and Amanda Little. Children under 13 and MREA members get in free. Mass transit buses available daily from Madison, Milwaukee, Green Bay and La Crosse. More details at the-mrea.org or call 715-592-6595.

Sunday at Olbrich Park, 3330 Atwood Ave., the friends of Starkweather Creek will sponsor the 2010 Summer Solstice festival. Music, art and science activities begin at 2 pm, followed by the Procession of the Species Parade at 5 pm. Come dressed as your favorite plant, animal or creature. More info at 241-0259 or www.MadProcession.org

Zebra mussels. Asian carp. Western mosquitofish. What do all of these exotic-sounding critters have in common? They are Aquatic Invasive Species that are seriously threatening the quality of Wisconsin lakes and rivers. The River Alliance of Wisconsin is organizing a corps of Citizen Watercraft Inspectors to fight against the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species. Citizen Watercraft Inspector training will be provided Saturday at 9am at the Sauk City Public Library. More info at 257-2424 or visit www.wisconsinrivers.org.

Saturday morning, the Madison Trust for historic Preservation will provide 2 summer walking tours of Madison’s historic neighborhoods on State Street and Mansion Hill West. All of the tours last about an hour and do not require reservations .The State Street tour begins at 10 a.m. and meets in front of Michelangelo’s Coffee House, 114 State Street; the Mansion Hill West tour begins at 11 a.m. and meets in front of the Plaza Tavern and Grill, 319 N. Henry Street. For more info visit madisontrust.org or call 441-8864

Sunday, from 12:30 to 4 pm, the Madison Rose Society will host a free indoor exhibit of cut roses and arrangements in all sizes and colors at Olbrich Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave. Members of the Rose Society will be available to answer questions and the public will be invited to stroll through Olbrich's two acre Rose Garden. For more information call 608-834-6439.

Fitchburg Fields will hold 2 potluck dinners with free film showings this weekend. Saturday’s event will be held at Tri-North Builders, 2625 Research Park Dr in Fitchburg and Sunday’s event will be located at the Goodman Community Center, 149 Waubesa St.