South news briefs: 200,000 lights aglow in downtown Burnsville

200,000 lights aglow downtownBurnsville's 14th annual Winter Lighting Ceremony takes place a week from today at Nicollet Commons Park, in the Heart of the City area.

The city reports that "more than 200,000 mini lights, 230 streetlight snowflakes and a 30-foot-tall tree will come to life" at that event, scheduled from 6 to 6:45 p.m. Nov. 21.

The park is located at Nicollet Avenue and 126th Street, alongside the city's Performing Arts Center. Donations support the event.

Mr. and Mrs. S. Claus will be there, with entertainment by the Burnsville High School Freestyle Singers and the Sioux Trail Elementary Choir. There will be hot beverages, cookies and candy canes from nearby businesses.

The lights are LED type for the third year, the city reports, meaning about 90 percent less energy use compared to incandescent lights.

Call 952-895-4500 or visit www.burnsville.org/winterlighting.

Planning that grad party yet?Savage is offering its help at graduation party season.

People thinking ahead to high school graduation parties will find information, samples and raffles from folks like print shops, caterers, photographers and rental centers.

The city itself seeks to market its own 23 parks as sites that may be reserved, including the event center itself.

In a sign of how completely over the top these things have become, city officials note that choosing a city park is "not only affordable and convenient, but parents don't have to worry about time-consuming and costly home improvements in preparing for a party at their home."

The city's fair is from 1 to 4 p.m. at the center, which is located in Community Park. For more information, call 952-224-3420.

Explore careers in lots of fieldsShakopee's Chamber of Commerce is teaming up with its schools to offer a Career Exploration Fair next week.

The fair takes place Tuesday from 4 to 6 p.m. at Shakopee High School, 100 17th Av. W. To learn more, call 952-445-1660.

Scooby-Doo's Thanksgiving Terror is featured at Stan's MuseumThe theme is Thanksgiving for kids at Scott County's Stans Museum this weekend.

Kids can hear the story, "Scooby-Doo and the Thanksgiving Terror," by Mariah Balaban, before making a Thanksgiving card for Grandma or perhaps a teacher.

The event takes place Saturday from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. and is free, though registration is required.

For more information, call 952-445-0378 or e-mail info@scottcountyhistory.org. The Scott County Historical Society is located at 235 Fuller St. S., Shakopee.