Arts/leisure briefs: Star Watch Party set at Big Marine

A Minnesota Star Watch Party, hosted by Mike Lynch of WCCO Radio, will be held from 9 to 11 p.m. on Friday, July 25, at Big Marine Park Reserve, 17495 Manning Trail N., Marine on St. Croix.

Participants will get to know constellations such as the Big Bear, Cygnus the Swan and Scorpius the Scorpion, and some of the stories behind them. Natural wonders of the sky — constellations, planets, star clusters, galaxies, nebulae and more — will be viewed.

Visitors will use large reflecting telescopes, including two 20-inch reflectors that are among the biggest mobile telescopes in Minnesota.

A new astronomical camera-telescope system will allow for views of the more distant parts of the universe. Participants will receive star maps and constellation charts for personal use, and should bring lawn chairs and blankets if desired.

The party is free to park visitors with a valid park permit ($5/day, $25/annual). For more information visit: www.co.washington.mn.us/index.aspx?nid=1912 or call the county parks contact station at 651-430-8370. No registration is required.

Youth ages 7 to 12 are invited to participate in the inaugural Run it, Bike it, Du it: Kids Duathlon, on Saturday, June 28, at Ojibway Park, 2695 Ojibway Drive, Woodbury.

Participants will bike a 3K course and run about 1 mile along the trails of Ojibway Park and Ojibway Park Drive. Register online at ci.woodbury.mn.us or call 651-714-3583. Cost is $25.

Franconia Sculpture Park's Music @ Franconia series returns on Saturday, June 28, with the Blues & Soul Festival. The day's lineup includes a variety of blues and soul artists, including the Kurt Jorgensen Band, Alison Scott, Lynn O'Brien and Izzy Marcil.

It's the first in a series of free outdoor music events throughout the summer, surrounded by the sculpture exhibition at the park, 29836 St. Croix Trail, Shafer.

Marcil will open at noon, followed in order by O'Brien, Scott and the Kurt Jorgensen Band at 4 p.m. Food and drink are available for purchase at the Lizard Lounge in the park, and parking is $5 per vehicle.

The series continues with Bluegrass & Folk festival (July 12), Global Rhythm Festival (Aug. 16), and American Roots & Country Festival (Sept. 13).

Angie Seiberlich of Mahtomedi and her boyfriend, Bruce Kammen of Inver Grove Heights, planned to run Grandma's Marathon in Duluth to raise money for the Parkinson's Disease Foundation (PDF) in honor of Seiberlich's father and brother-in-law, who both live with the disease.

They had exceeded their $1,000 fundraising goal by race day. To support Seiberlich's fundraising efforts, visit their personal fundraising page at https://support.pdf.org/angieandbruce4PDF.

The White Bear Lake Area Historical Society is hosting several events this week on topics including transportation and gangsters.

"White Bear on the Go!," about the many modes of transportation that made White Bear a popular place to visit and stay — including the railroad, streetcars, bicycles, steamers on the lake and even a hot air balloon — will be at 6 p.m. Monday, June 23, at the City Council Chambers, 4701 Hwy. 61, White Bear Lake. The event is free, but donations are welcome.

"A Walk Down Memory Lane," from 6-9 p.m. Thursday, June 26, in conjunction with Marketfest downtown, will include everything from an Old-Fashioned Cake Walk to the high-tech White Bear History Challenge Geocache and Munzee game in partnership with the Ramsey County Library. Activities and booths will include items uncovered during the 2013 Boat Works archaeological dig, a genealogy "Help Desk" and more.

The society's Gangster Bus Tour takes place at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 28. The tour highlights the hideouts and haunts of the 1930s-era gangsters who kept a low profile in the cottages around White Bear and Bald Eagle lakes. Sights include a Mahtomedi speakeasy and the location of a notorious dance club.

The city of Scandia is taking registrations for Little Tyke Archers (grades K-2).

Participants will learn how to string a bow, shoot arrows using different types of bows, and stay safe in archery. Parents who also would like to learn more about archery are welcome to register and participate. The class will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. at Camp Lakamaga. The cost is $14 per person. Register by June 27.

Call Judi Negus at 651-433-2274 for more information or find information and registration forms on the city's website, www.ci.scandia.mn.us.