Where the river runs blue
St. Croix Falls, Wis.
The Blue Canvas Orchestra, a traveling ensemble of the Big Top Chautauqua in Washburn, Wis., will highlight the history and beauty of the St. Croix River during "Wild Woods and Waters -- A Celebration of the St. Croix River" Saturday and next Sunday at the Festival Theatre in St. Croix Falls. The show features folk and bluegrass music, readings and reenactments at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door, and $15 for ages 5 to 18 at the matinee shows. The event also marks the 40th anniversary of the Wild and Scenic River Act, which protects the Upper St. Croix River. Visitors are invited to stop by the area's new national park headquarters three blocks from the theater (1-715-483-3387; www.festivaltheatre. org).
Fleet of foot
Des Moines
Top collegiate and high school track athletes from around the world will compete at the Drake Relays April 24-26 in Des Moines. A downtown festival leads up to the weekend with a beautiful bulldog contest, a block party and other events. The weekend also includes a half-marathon and an 8K race (1-515-271-2115; www.drakerelays.org).
It's a small world
Mankato, Minn.
International Festival, which highlights the cultural diversity of Mankato, will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. next Sunday at Mankato East High School. Exhibits, dance, crafts and music offer visitors a glimpse of multicultural traditions in the community (1-507-385-6660).
One day a stranger walked in
Green Lake, Wis.
Stories for all ages draw folks to the Northlands Storytelling Network's annual conference at the Green Lake Conference Center. The gathering of storytellers and listeners in the Upper Midwest is April 25-27 and includes workshops, storytelling tips, story swaps, story concerts and fringe performances. Hours vary. Single-day tickets without lodging or meals are $5. Conference fees with meals and lodging range from $75 to $310 (1-815-344-6435; www.northlands.net).
Songs of the Earth
Clear Lake, Iowa
The Boundary Water Boys of Ely, Minn., will perform a free concert at 7:30 p.m. Thursday during the Clear Lake Earth Day celebration at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake. The group will perform a mix of Celtic, bluegrass, folk and gospel music. Other events include a self-guided eco-tour on Friday, 5 and 10K runs, an owl program and a festival at City Park on Saturday (1-641-357-2159; www.earthdaynorthiowa.org).
