Spelmanstämma!, a celebration of the immigrant fiddle, will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, at Gammelgården Museum, 20880 Olinda Trail, Scandia. Musicians are invited to bring their own instruments and join the fun.

The annual Spelmanstämma! (in Swedish: spelman-fiddler and stämma-gathering) recognizes the importance of the fiddle in many immigrant cultures and its role in carrying that culture from those homelands to the United States.

Spelmanstämma is a long-held Swedish tradition for fiddlers to gather on a lovely day, play tunes and teach each other new music. The music has never been written, it is always shared by playing only.

Musicians, dancers, crafts and food will gather among the 1850s Swedish historic log buildings at the museum. There also will be activities for children, artists and other vendors.

Washington County

'Million Acorn Challenge' to aid environment

Great River Greening, a nonprofit group that works to preserve land and water resources, is sponsoring a Million Acorn Challenge.

Acorns can be collected from Aug. 11 to Sept. 21 (on your own time) within 15 miles of the South Washington Conservation Corridor, a greenway that provides important habitat and critical storage for stormwater runoff on the border of Woodbury and Cottage Grove.

The acorns will be sent to a local nursery to grow, and will then be planted at a public volunteer event in the future.

Cities included in the 15-mile collection radius include St. Paul, part of Minneapolis, Woodbury, Cottage Grove, Hastings, Stillwater and part of White Bear Lake.

Cash prizes will be awarded to those that collect (based on weight) the most acorns overall (individual and group) and the most based on group size.

To register for this event, visit www.greatrivergreening.org, e-mail or call Laura Durenberger-Grunow at Ldurenberger-grunow@greatrivergreening.org, or 651-665-9500 ex. 11.

Stillwater

Chorus to sing at several area churches

As is annual tradition, the Vallee de Croix Chorus, comprising women who sing a cappella music in the barbershop style, is sharing their love of harmony with area worship congregations.

On Sunday, Aug. 18, the chorus will participate in these worship services: 8 a.m. service, Our Saviors Lutheran, 1616 Olive St. W., Stillwater; 9 a.m. service: St. Paul Lutheran, 609 Fifth St., Stillwater; 9 a.m. service, Christ Lutheran Church, 11194 36th St. N., Lake Elmo; 9:30 a.m. service, First United Methodist Church, 813 Myrtle St. W., Stillwater; 10 a.m. service, Silver Lake United Methodist Church, 5399 Geneva Av. N., Oakdale.

Woodbury

Bike, running events set for Woodbury Days

Registration is now open for scenic running and biking events in conjunction with the Woodbury Days weekend, Aug. 23-25.

The 15th annual Woodbury Days Bike Ride begins at 7:30 a.m. Aug. 24 at Colby Lake Park, 9715 Valley Creek Road. The route is designed for all ages and levels of experience. Select from three routes for a 10-, 30- or 60-mile ride. The course will take cyclists through the cities of Woodbury, Lake Elmo, Stillwater and Afton. You can register on race day or preregister online. See the Woodbury Days website at http://www.woodburydays.com/ for more information.

The Woodbury Chamber of Commerce's 32nd annual Woodbury Country Mile takes place on Aug. 25. While runners of all levels can join in the fun by signing up for the half-marathon or 5K run/walk, kids can participate in the 1-Mile Fun Run (5-14 years) or the Tot Trot (2-4 years). The event kicks off at 7 a.m. with the half-marathon starting at Sam's Club, 9925 Hudson Road.

Day-of registration also is available or preregister online at http://woodburychamber.org/.

Afton

Batroot chosen to lead Carpenter Center board

Vickie Batroot has been elected president of Carpenter Nature Center's Board of Directors. She has served on the board since 2009 and has been active at events, on multiple committees and as an advocate for center. Batroot works at 3M Cottage Grove and is also active with the Youth Service Bureau in Stillwater.

The other officers will be: Tim Power, vice president; Steve Messick, immediate past-president; Jim Freund, treasurer; and Jay Griggs, secretary. The 20-person, all-volunteer Board of Directors donates hundreds of hours each year to help Carpenter Nature Center thrive.

Forest Lake

Volunteers needed to assist with book sale

Hardwood Creek Branch of Washington County Library, 19955 Forest Road North, Forest Lake, is asking for volunteers to help with their Used Book Sale scheduled for Friday, September 13 and Saturday, September 14, both days from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Workers are needed to help with setup and cleanup and to assist customers during the sale. To volunteer, call 651-275-7300, or sign up at Hardwood Creek Library.

Donations for the sale such as books, CDs, and DVDs will be accepted at Hardwood Creek Library any time the library is open. Bring donated items to the Front Desk. Donations should be in good condition – no textbooks or magazines, please. Gently used children's materials are especially appreciated. Find library hours on the web at www.co.washington.mn.us/library.

Marine on St. Croix

Fishing, music events slated at state park

Kids fishing and a band concert round out a full day of activities on Sunday, Aug. 18, at William O'Brien State Park, 16821 O'Brien Trail N., Marine on St. Croix.

At 1 p.m., Minnesota Aquatics will offer a kids fishing program. Through fun hands-on activities, kids will learn about the many different kinds of fish that are found at the park and their unique adaptations. They also will learn knot tying, how to make a pop-can caster and a flashy fish-catcher and then they will head to the fishing pier. Equipment will be provided.

Jim Anderson