West news briefs: Watershed district hosts public event

Watershed district hosts public eventThe Riley-Purgatory-Bluff Creek Watershed District will host an "Evening with the Watershed" on Dec. 6.

The free family event starts at 7 p.m. at the Chanhassen American Legion hall at 290 Lake Drive E., and includes door prizes and a raffle.

Speakers from the University of Minnesota, Wildlife Forever and Blue Water Science will give presentations on issues such as Minnesota's fish, aquatic invasive species and the nationwide conservation education program called State Fish Art.

City holiday celebration beginsThe city of Wayzata will kick off the holiday season with the lighting of the official city Christmas tree on Friday.

Mayor Ken Willcox will light the tree at 6 p.m. at The Depot at 402 E. Lake St. following a daylong celebration.

From noon to 5 p.m., an outdoor Christmas market will be open at the Marquee Building. From 4-9 p.m., free horse-drawn carriage rides will be available at the Marquee Building and The Depot. And from 5:15-6 p.m., the Wayzata High School Chamber Singers will perform at The Depot.

The celebration concludes with the tree-lighting ceremony, Christmas story readings by the Blue Water Theatre Company, a visit by Santa Claus and a bonfire with s'mores.

Sale hours are noon-3 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Sunday.

A preview night also is planned for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, with wine and hors d'oeuvres. Tickets are $25 and can be reserved at www.arboretum.umn.edu/auxiliary.aspx or by calling 612-625-9865.

Also coming up on the weekend:

• There will be live music on Saturday with the Minnetonka Chamber Choir performing at 11 a.m. and noon and Celebration Brass performing from 1 to 3 p.m. On Sunday, the OVation Chorus performs from 1:30 to 3 p.m.

• The Gift of Truffles, a cooking class, is going on from 9-11 a.m. Saturday. Participants can learn how to make chocolate truffles for gift-giving; cost is $35 for Arboretum members and $45 for non-members. Go to arboretum.umn.edu/cookingclasses.aspx or call 952-443-1422 to sign up.

Republican seniors set to meet TuesdayState Sen. Dave Thompson, R-Lakeville, will be the featured speaker at the Republican Seniors of Minnesota luncheon on Tuesday. The meeting begins at 10 a.m. with coffee to share political insights, followed by the guest speaker. Lunch begins at noon. The event is at Poor Richard's Commonhouse, 8301 Normandale Blvd. For more information, call 952-828-1943 or e-mail: repseniorsmn@gmail.com.