![The 16th annual Como Park Japanese Lantern Lighting Festival, a family-friendly event, reminiscent of Japan's annual Obon holiday, was on Sunday afternoon and evening, August 18, 2013 on the grounds of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory in Como Park in St. Paul. 230 lanterns were lit and launched in the Frog Pond to top off the Lantern Lighting Festival Sunday night. ] JEFF WHEELER • jeff.wheeler@startribune.com](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/43I3UEUWXFQMJ2F5NIR5OHBRWM.jpg?&w=1080)
JAPANESE LANTERN LIGHTING FESTIVAL
The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory will be illuminated by Japanese lanterns this weekend. Reminiscent of Japan's Obon holiday, the family-friendly event features martial arts and Japanese flower arranging demonstrations. The evening ends with a lantern lighting. 3-9 p.m. Sun. $3-$5. Como Ordway Memorial Japanese Garden, 1325 Aida Pl., St. Paul. 651-487-8200; comozooconservatory.org.)
IRON COWGIRL
This three-day event ain't for delicate damsels in distress. Strong and brave cowgirls compete, showing the strength and athleticism of horsewomen. Events include barrel and pennant racing, pole bending, breakaway roping, goat tying and more. Giddy up at a barn dance to live music by Maggie's Saloon. (9 a.m. today-Sat.; 10 a.m. Sun. $5-$12. Somerset Amphitheater, Hwy. 64, Somerset, Wis. ironcowgirlevent.com.)
