Next seven days

Wednesday, April 17

Indoor Playground is from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday and Saturday at the Hutchinson Recreation Center, 900 Harrington St. S.W., Hutchinson. Indoor Playground continues through April 30. Admission is $3 per child or $4 per family. A family pass is available for $25. For more information, call the Rec Center office at 320-587-2975.

Toddler Time is from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. at the Litchfield Public Library, 216 Marshall Ave. N. This event is for children from infant to age 3 and their caregivers. It meets Wednesdays through May 8; 320-693-2483.

Comedian Mary Mack is headlining at Hutchinson Health Foundation’s 34th annual Hospice Share ‘N Care Dinner and Comedy Night. The event is from 6 to 9 p.m. at Crow River Winery, 14848 State Highway 7 E., Hutchinson. Call for ticket availability at 320-484-4438.

Runners of all abilities are welcome at the Hutchinson Community Running Group. It meets at 6:50 p.m. in Library Square. The 3-mile run, which loops around the city begins at 7 p.m. For more information, visit the group’s Facebook page.

Love to read mysteries? The Litchfield Public Library, 216 Marshall Ave. N., hosts a mystery book club from 7 to 8 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month.The next meeting is May 15. For more information, call the library at 320-693-2483.

Texas hold’em is at 7 p.m. at the Litchfield Eagles Club, 389 County Road 34; 320-693-9008.

Thursday, April 18

Rescheduled: Join the Civil War Roundtable at 1:30 p.m. at the Litchfield G.A.R. Hall, 308 Marshall Ave. N. This month’s presentation is by John Cox, “Antietam: The Morning Phase.” The group meets the second Thursday of the month. Each gathering features a guest speaker and lasts about two hours. Questions and discussion are encouraged. Refreshments will be served. Membership is $25 per year. For more information, call the G.A.R. Hall at 320-693-8911.

Beginner Book Club welcomes students in grades one through three at 3 p.m. at the Litchfield Public Library, 216 Marshall Ave. N. This activity meets the third Thursday of the month. The next session is May 16; 320-693-2483.

The Hutchinson Center for the Arts, 15 Franklin St. S.W., is hosting an artist reception from 4 to 6:30 p.m. for its annual Youth Art Exhibition featuring the work of elementary students. The exhibit is on display through May 2. The high school students art work is on display from May 6-24. A public reception is from 4 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 9. Viewing hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and from noon to 4 p.m. Friday. Admission is free and the public is welcome. For more information, call the art center at 320-587-7278.

Brickheads is an opportunity for children age 4 to 14 to engage in creative play with Legos from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. every Thursday at the Litchfield Public Library, 216 Marshall Ave. N.; 320-693-2483.

It’s Live Trivia at 6:30 p.m. at the Litchfield Eagles Club, 389 County Road 34. Admission is free and the public is welcome; 320-693-9008.

Live music by Maygen Lacey from 7 to 9 p.m. at Zellas in downtown Hutchinson; 320-587-9463.

Friday, April 19

Hopalong to meet the Easter bunny from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hutchinson Mall, 1060 State Highway 15 S. You can also meet him from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 20.

Story Hour is from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Dassel Public Library, 460 Third St. N. Admission is free and the public is welcome; 320-275-3756.

Preschool Story Time is from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Litchfield Public Library, 216 Marshall Ave. N. This activity is for children age 3 to kindergarten and meets weekly through May 10; 320-693-2483.

Today is the registration deadline for “Enchanted Forests,” the Litchfield Community Education Sponsor-A-Child annual fundraising event from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 28, at Litchfield High School, 901 N. Gilman Ave. There will be snacks, games, a photo booth, music, novelties and more. Guests are encouraged to dress in their enchanted forest attire. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for age 4 to 12 and free for infant to age 3. Volunteers are needed for this event. If you are interested in donating your time, call Community Ed at 320-693-2354. All funds raised go to support the Sponsor-A-Child scholarship program. Register online at litchfieldcommunityed.com or call 320-693-2354.

Piano music by Marc Vaillancourt from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Zellas in downtown Hutchinson; 320-587-9463.

CrossPoint Church, 1215 Roberts Road S.W., Hutchinson, is hosting “The Good Friday Experience” at 6 and 7:30 p.m. This is a dramatized event telling the Good Friday story. Admission is free, but tickets are required due to limited seating. Tickets can be picked up during the week at the church office or on Sundays at the information desk in the lobby. For more information or to reserve tickets, call the church office at 320-587-2668.

“Now You See It, Now You Don’t,” an interactive murder mystery, is from 6 to 10 p.m. at Crow River Winery, 14848 State Highway 7 E., Hutchinson. Tickets are $52 and include dinner and the show. A cash bar will be available. For tickets or more information, call the winery at 320-587-2922 or visit crowriverwinery.com.

Live music by Ted Hajnasiewicz from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. at Bobbing Bobber Brewing Co., 900 State Highway 15 S., Hutchinson; 320-455-4999.

Live music by Bill Litzau and Open Highway at 8 p.m. at the Litchfield Eagles Club, 389 County Road 34 S.; 320-693-9008.

DJ music by Stacy Konerza from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Muddy Cow, 915 E. U.S. Highway 12, Litchfield; 320-373-5505.

Take a Full Moon Walk from 9 to 10 p.m. at Sibley State Park, 800 Sibley Park Road, New London. Participants will join a naturalist at the Interpretative Center. This program is free but a vehicle permit is required to drive into the park. Permits are $7 for a daily pass or $35 for an annual pass. For more information, call 320-354-2055.

Saturday, April 20

The Dassel History Center, 901 First St., is opening two new exhibits at 10 a.m. “Manthei Farm Dioramas” and “Brodin Studios: The Brodin Brothers – Rodger, John and Neil.” This event includes a short program and refreshments. Admission is free and the public is welcome. The dioramas exhibit is showing through Labor Day and the Brodin Studios exhibit is on display through June 15. For more information, call the history center at 320-275-3077.

Litchfield Public Library is hosting a Pokemon event from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at the library, 216 N. Marshall Ave. Children younger than 10 must be accompanied by an adult. A 60-card deck is required for all players. No trading is allowed during this event. Snacks are provided. Admission is free and the public is welcome. For more information, call the library at 320-693-2483.

Calling all singers. Audition for Litchfield’s sesquecentennial celebration original stage production of “Litchfield Is Our Home: A Musical Journey of Our Town” by Tim Nelson. Auditions are from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Litchfield Opera House, 136 N. Marshall Ave. Prepare a classic Broadway song or a 1920s to 1950s song standard. An accompanist will be provided. Rehearsals will be minimal through June. For more information, email Nelson at tim@TNTmusicals.com.

Live music by Tom Ginkel and Greg Muellerleile from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Silver Lake Legion, 241 Main St. W.; 320-327-2404.

Live music by Crimson Edge from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Muddy Cow, 915 E. U.S. Highway 12, Litchfield; 320-373-5505.

Sunday, April 21

Happy Easter. 

Monday, April 22

Admission is free today at indoor playground from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Hutchinson Recreation Center, 900 Harrington St. S.W. For more information, visit hutchinsonprce.com or call 320-587-2975.

The Rainbow Singers, a Litchfield-based women’s singing group, welcome new singers age 18 or older for its 2019 season. Under the direction of Aubrey Ross, rehearsals begin at 7 p.m. tonight in the choir room at Zion Lutheran Church, 404 N. Gilman Ave., Litchfield. Auditions are not required. For more information, visit the group’s Facebook page.

Shuffle up a winning hand at poker, 7 p.m., at Neisen’s Bar and Grill in Biscay. It’s free to play. For more information, call 320-864-5555.

Play poker at 7 p.m. at Muddy Cow, 915 U.S. Highway 12, Litchfield. Admission is free and the public is welcome. For more information, call 320-373-5505.

Tuesday, April 23

Trivia Night at 7 p.m. at Zellas, 14 Main St. S., Hutchinson. Prizes are awarded for first-, second- and third-place winners including gift vouchers, free appetizers, and more; 320-587-9463.

Upcoming events

Thursday, April 25

The Winsted Arts Council presents “The Midnight Gavel of Judge Lynch.” Presenting is Scott Rehmann, who is discussing writing and researching the 1894 murder of McLeod County Sheriff Joseph Rogers and the lynching of his accused killers from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Winsted Arts building, 141 Main Ave. W., Winsted. Admission is free and the public is welcome. For more information, call 320-485-3330 or email winstedartscouncil@gmail.com.

Friday, April 26

It’s the 16th annual Hutchinson Rotary Foundation’s Taste of Rotary at Crow River Golf Club, 915 Colorado St. S.E., Hutchinson. Tickets are $25 per person and include wine and beer sampling, door prizes, appetizers, games, silent auction and more. Raffle tickets are $50 for the grand prize of a $5,000 dream vacation or $4,000 cash. This event is a fundraiser for Rotary and Rotary projects. Tickets are available from any Rotarian or leave a message on the event’s Facebook page.

Piano music by Shelby Lofgren from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Zellas in downtown Hutchinson; 320-587-9463.

The Glencoe Performing Arts Series features Paul: The Beatle at 7 p.m. at the Glencoe City Center, 1107 11th St. E. Thanks to a reciprocal agreement, Hutchinson Concert Association members can attend this event at no charge. Individual tickets are also available for $20.

Live music by the Isaiah Muller Duo at 8 p.m. at the Litchfield Eagles Club, 389 County Road 34 S.; 320-693-9008.

Live music by Bill Litzau and Open Highway from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Muddy Cow, 915 E. U.S. Highway 12, Litchfield; 320-373-5505.

Saturday, April 27

Hutchinson Jaycee Sandbox Fill from 9 a.m. to noon at Knife River, 1260 Fifth Ave. S.E., Hutchinson. Get as much sand as you need for a freewill donation. For more information, email Geoff Hansen at geoffhansen11@gmail.com.

Third annual Heart Hop from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Commercial Building at the McLeod County Fairgrounds, 840 Century Ave. S.W., Hutchinson. This annual event raises awareness and funds for congenital heart defects. It features bounce houses, games, silent auction, kids fun run and more. Admission is $5 per person or $20 for a family. For more informaiton, email Stacey Schumann at staceybern@hotmail.com.

Chili Cook-off from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at New Century Academy, 950 School Road S.W., Hutchinson. To enter the contest, call 320-582-3445. To aste chili, it’s $15 or $30 for a family. Tasting tickets are available at the door. A silent auction is also available. This event is a fundraiser for students going on a spring trip to Europe.

The Winsted Arts Council is hosting Alan and Kamie Page, who are talking about their new children’s book, “Grandpa Alan’s Sugar Shack,” from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Winsted Arts building, 141 Main Ave. W. For more information, call 320-485-3330 or email winstedartscouncil@gmail.com.

Hutchinson High School Prom includes a grand march at the high school, 1200 Roberts Road S.W., and the prom dance at Crow River Winery, 14848 State Highway 7 E., Hutchinson. For more information, call Amber Larson at 320-234-2647 or email amber.larson@isd423.org.

A cappella group Tonic Sol Fa is performing at 7 p.m. at the Dassel-Cokato Performing Arts Center, 4852 Reardon Ave. S.W., Cokato. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for youth. Purchase tickets online at bit.ly/DCPACtickets or call D-C Community Education at 320-286-4120.

Live music by Jon and Brooke from 7 to 9 p.m. at Zellas in downtown Hutchinson; 320-587-9463.

DJ music by Jam It Any Way from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Muddy Cow, 915 E. U.S. Highway 12, Litchfield; 320-373-5505.

Sunday, April 28

Community Storytelling from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Hutchinson Center for the Arts, 15 Franklin St. S.W. Storyteller Kurt Schulz is the moderator. Admission is free and the public is welcome to attend. Speakers will have 2 to 5 minutes to share their stories. For more information, call the art center at 320-587-7278.

We Walk 4 Life presents An Evening of Mental Wellness with Motivation and Music featuring Tim Eggebraaten and Kat Perkins at the Hutchinson Event Center, 1005 State Highway 15 S. Doors open at 5:30 followed by the free family event at 6:30 p.m. This event also features a local resource fair and free refreshments. For more information, call Tammy Diehn at 507-381-4082, Terri Lynaugh at 320-587-9326 or email wewalk4life@gmail.com.

Tuesday, April 30

Writers of all abilities and genres are welcome at the Crow River Quill and Ink Societ from 6 to 8 p.m. in the meeting room at the Hutchinson Public Library, 50 Hassan St. S.E. For more information, visit crowriverquillandinksociety.com.

Beer & Hymns from 6 to 8 p.m. at Main Street Sports Bar in downtown Hutchinson. Admission is free and the public is welcome.

New York Times best-selling author William Kent Krueger is speaking at 7 p.m. at the Dassel History Center, 901 First St. N. He is the creator of the Cork O’Connor mystery series. Admission is free and the public is welcome. For more information, call the Dassel Public Library at 320-275-3756.

Thursday, May 2

Interested in learning more about how to use an instant pot? Local foodie Chris Schlueter is teaching a class on this popular cooking gadget from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Litchfield High School, Room C-110, 901 N. Gilman Ave. The class is $23 and offered through Litchfield Community Education. to reserve your spot, visit litchfieldcommunityed.com or call 320-693-2354.

Friday, May 3

A string quintet will serenade at the 30th annual Hospice Dinner and Auction at Peter’s on Lake Ripley, 406 W. Pleasure Drive, Litchfield. Social hour and silent auction begins at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m. A live auction is scheduled at 8 p.m. Tickets are $60 and the deadline for reservations is Tuesday, April 23. For more information or to reserve your ticket, call Shelley Huggett at 320-373-6604.

Saturday, May 4

Get fired up for the Chamber EXPO from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Litchfield Civic Arena, 900 N. Gilman Ave. This event features local businesses. New this year is a barbecue competition. Tastings will be available for $10 at the EXPO. All proceeds from the cookoff go toward the Litchfield Area Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Fund. For more information about the EXPO or cookoff, call Marla Thissen at 320-693-8184. 

Thursday, May 9

Jim and Joyce Hendricks will talk about the Grand Review in Washington, D.C., 1865 at 1:30 p.m. at the Litchfield G.A.R. Civil War Roundtable. The group meets at G.A.R. Hall, 308 N. Marshall Ave., Litchfield. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call the Meeker County Museum at 320-693-8911.

Galleries, museums

Dassel History Center and Ergot Museum, 901 First St. N., is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. It’s closed Sunday and Monday. The museum offers the following permanent exhibits: “Ergot: From Blight to Blessing,” “Dassel Seed Corn: Planting the Seed,” “Peterson Pharmacy” and “Magnus Johnson: No Yokel and No Man’s Echo.” For more information, call the museum at 320-275-3077.

Cokato Museum, 175 Fourth St. S.W., Cokato, showcases local Cokato history, plus it is home to the Gust Akerlund Photography Studio. For more information, call the museum at 320-286-2427 or visit isit cokatomuseum.org.

McLeod County Historical Society and Museum, 308 School Road N.W., Hutchinson, features the Les Kouba Gallery, Emanuel Albrecht Gallery and the Historical Gallery, which includes displays from the county’s nine towns. Interested in genealogy? Investigate your family roots in the research library or access records through the museum’s library edition of Ancestry. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call 320-587-2109 or visit www.mcleodhistory.org.

Wheel & Cog Children’s Museum of Hutchinson is in the Hutchinson Mall, 1060 State Highway 15 S. The museum’s hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Saturday morning features special STEAM activities. Admission is $4. For more information, visit the museum’s Facebook page or wheelandcog.com.

The Grand Army of the Republic Hall and Meeker County Historical Society Museum are housed together at 308 Marshall Ave. N., Litchfield. The museum features local Meeker County and Civil War history. It is also the site of the Litchfield G.A.R. Civil War Roundtable, which meets the second Thursday of each month. Open hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. The museum is closed on Sunday and Monday. Admission is free for members and for children younger than 12. Admission for nonmembers is $3. For more information, call 320-693-8911 or visit www.garminnesota.org.