Page 33 - 2018 Someplace Special

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ustin residents and visitors are fortunate to have a wide
studios make the holidays particularly special during Austin’s annual Christmas in the
variety of opportunities to explore the arts and enjoy local entertainment The distinctive sounds of bell and church choirs, local musicians, and local dance
and attractions. Austin has wonderful home-grown talent along with enthusiastic City events.
public support. The wide variety of choices includes concerts, plays, dance and
theatre, plus a full schedule of events from local to national acts at the Historic The award-winning Austin Public Library, overlooking the Mill Pond, demonstrates
Paramount Theatre in downtown Austin. current architecture at its best and offers access to over one million books,
magazines, movies and other items (in a variety of languages) through sharing
The Austin Area Commission for the Arts (AACA) supports the development and with other Minnesota libraries, in addition to free programming for children and
advancement of diverse arts, entertainment, and cultural activities that benefit adults, from music, crafting, cooking, gardening, and tutoring to free access to
people in Austin and the surrounding area. information databases.
The Hormel Nature Center presents concerts and special events in its Ruby Rupner
The Austin ArtsWorks Center in downtown Austin allows juried artists to display and Auditorium.
sell their work. Besides retail space, the Center has gallery/performance space and
a clay studio. The Paramount Theatre hosts local, regional and national performers, First-run movies entertain people of all ages daily at our large, multi-plex movie
and the annual ArtWorks Festival highlights musicians, artists and authors. theater, and our Sola-Fide observatory allows an opportunity for star gazing and
discovery.
The Austin Area Chamber of Commerce hosts Freedom Fest each year, with food, Austin is home to one of Minnesota’s top tourism attractions, the SPAM Museum.
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fun and entertainment for the whole family. The fireworks display, traditionally This 14,000 square foot interactive FREE museum is a unique space for visitors of
shown over two nights, draws tens of thousands of people over the 4th of July all ages. Visitors are able to explore the SPAM brand across the globe, learn the
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weekend. Many local acts are showcased on the Bandshell Park stage during that history of Hormel Foods and the role SPAM played in America’s wars, or play in
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weekend and on other evenings throughout the summer months. an area just for kids. This museum is an excellent community gathering point and
has hosted visitors from all around the world!
Built in 1871, The Hormel Historic Home strives to preserve the home and history
of the George A. and Lillian Hormel Family. Its mission is to maintain the home and The Mower County Historical Society, located on the Fairgrounds in Austin, has
to honor the family legacy of hospitality, music/arts, education, and service to the many fascinating exhibits and hosts special events highlighting the history of Mower
community. The Hormel Historic Home hosts an annual music competition, music County. Its historical buildings are available for touring, its archives can provide
workshops, and free garden concerts, in addition to summer camp for youth with valuable information to residents, and its partnership with the Hormel Historic
autism. Its event center is widely used in the community for events. Home for historical presentations brings fascinating history lessons to interested
residents.
The Austin Artist Series hosts the Symphony Orchestra, the Austin Artists Series and Austin is bursting with arts, entertainment, history and culture. It’s truly
other school-sponsored and public musical events throughout the year.
someplace special to seek an adventure for the senses.