North news briefs: Lyric Arts plans BIG mural project in Anoka

Lyric Arts plans BIG mural projectLyric Arts, the community theater in Anoka, will seek the community's participation in a major undertaking next month: Painting a 1,680 square-foot mural on the wall of the theater in downtown Anoka.

The event will take place over four days, Aug. 18-21, and while the artwork is going on, there will be live music, a rummage sale, a farmers market and activities for kids.

Artist Carole Bersin will begin sketching a mural on the wall on Aug. 17. Then members of the community will be invited to join her in painting the artwork.

Lyric Arts is seeking donations and volunteers for the project. To donate money or supplies, e-mail Laura Tahja Johnson at laura@lyric arts.org. To volunteer, e-mail Paula Gutterud at volunteer@ lyricarts.org. For further information, go to www.lyric arts.org/making-a-scene.

Class of '61 to hold reunion Aug. 18-20Anoka High School's Class of 1961 will hold its 50-year class reunion Aug. 18-20. Events will include informal activities and a banquet. For more information check www.anokaclassof61@yahoo.com; or e-mail anokaclassof61@yahoo.com or call 763-421-4412.

Pancake breakfast will aid library foundationA pancake breakfast will be held Saturday to support the Columbia Heights Library Foundation.

The event will run from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.. at the Lighthouse of Columbia Heights, 3801 Hart Blvd., Columbia Heights. Cost is $3 per person.

The meeting will include a presentation by three accomplished photographers, as well as an overview of equipment and a discussion of possible formats for future meetings. If time allows, participants will walk to the prairie and photograph wildflowers.

Future meetings will include sharing of images and technique, photographing animals in a controlled environment and field trips within the nature center and at other locations.

Springbrook is located at 100 85th Av. NE, Fridley.

For more information contact the nature center staff at 763-572-3588.

Family Fest Saturday at Arbor LakesFamily Fest at the Fountains is set for 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at the Fountains at Arbor Lakes, at Elm Creek Boulevard and Fountains Drive in Maple Grove.

There also will be a free photo booth, face-painting and a rain-stick craft, as well as a petting zoo, rock-wall climbing, a bounce house and other kids' games and activities.

For more information, go to www.arborlakes.net and www.thebazillions.com.