Arts briefs: Woodbury Days marks 35th year

Woodbury Days, which draws 25,000 to 30,000 people to the city's Ojibway Park, is marking its 35th anniversary this year, and begins a full slate of events during its four-day run on Thursday, Aug. 23.

Highlights for all four days include the Taste of Woodbury Tent featuring everything from traditional fair food to restaurant signature dishes, a business fair, the Rainbow Corral Critters Petting Zoo and carnival rides and games.

The music lineup, all at the Woodbury Lakes Stage-Band Shell, includes GB Leighton at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug, 23, and The Dweebs at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24.

The Grande Parade starts at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25, and the Little Miss/Miss Woodbury Coronation is at 7 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 26, at King of Kings Lutheran Church, 1583 Radio Drive.

For a full listing of events, including details on buying buttons for discount prices, the medallion hunt sponsored by the Woodbury Bulletin and parking information, go to www.woodburydays.com.

A Ladies Community Paddle is planned from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 20, at Square Lake Park, 15450 Square Lake Trail N., Stillwater. Bring your own stand-up paddleboard or rent one for $25 an hour. The event is for women ages 18 and older. All participants must be able swimmers and should meet by the boat launch.

Three local artists are included in ArtReach's Take Me to the River Exhibition called "300 Days in the Watershed: Artists Works Inspired by the St. Croix," that will be on display from Thursday, Aug. 22, through Sept. 29 at ArtReach St. Croix, 224 N. 4th St., Stillwater.

To know the St. Croix River, Osceola photographer Ryan Rodgers spent more than 300 days hiking, skiing and canoeing along the scenic river and its tributaries. The resulting collection of photography capturing fleeting moments on the national Wild and Scenic river will be featured in the exhibition.

Complementing Rodgers' photography will be river-inspired metal sculpture by Dale Lewis of Hastings including a five-foot muskie and other river fauna as well as hand-tied muskie flies by Gabe Schubert of Stillwater.

Additional information is available at: www.TakeMeToTheRiver.info.

Lakeshore Players Theatre, at 4820 Stewart Ave. in White Bear Lake, is looking for volunteers for its upcoming 2013-14 season.

Ushers are needed to help seat patrons and sell concessions and, in return, can see the play for free. Help also is needed with set construction and painting during on weekday days.

Visitors to Afton State Park, 6959 Peller Ave. S., Hastings, on Saturday, Aug. 24, can go on an animal track scavenger hunt, then write about it as part of two planned events.

The scavenger hunt runs from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Participants will learn how to use a GPS to find specially placed animal tracks and will solve riddles to figure out what animals made the tracks. A prize goes to winners. Meet at the visitor center.

At 1 p.m., participants will make their own nature journal and learn how to observe and record nature. Supplies will be provided to anyone needing them. All ages welcomed. Meet at the picnic shelter.