Things to Do Around Monroe

Come out, come out wherever you are! What are you going to do this weekend?

~ Sign the kids up for free junior golf lessons at the Monroe County Club. All kids 13 and under are eligible for a free lesson to introduce them to golf. Call the Pro Shop at 325-3159 to register. I just spoke with them to sign up our children a little bit ago, and there are plenty of open slots still.

~ Don't forget the traditional balloon glow at the Fairgrounds this Friday and Saturday evening. All the festivities for the balloon rally take place over there this weekend, and walk-in admission is free.

~ Laugh away at the antics of Felix and Oscar in Monroe Theatre Guild's production of The Odd Couple. There will be shows on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, along with next weekend as well. Tickets are $10 for member, $12 for non-members. You can purchase them at the box office in the STAGE building or at the door.

~ There is a new exhibit opening up at Frehner Gallery at the Monroe Arts Center. Reality3 features three artists from the Momentum Art Guild of Northwest Illinois. This is a multi-media ehhibit featuring watercolor, pencil, acrylics and digital photographic compositions. The opening reception is at MAC on Thursday from 5 until 7 pm, and the artists will be on hand to talk with during the reception.

~ UW Alums! Come to Toffler's in New Glarus on Thursday from 6 until 8 pm for a special Alumni Happy Hour. I'm not sure that I'll be able to be there (the art opening is calling my name), but go big red! Come back to Tofflers on Saturday evening after 8 for live music. The featured act this week is acoustic rock with Mark Croft and violinist Julia McConahay.

~ Manny B is playing at Baumgartner's on Saturday evening. Manny does a great show and plays a mean guitar. Stop on in for an evening of camaraderie, good drinks and a good time.

~ The FHN summer family movie at Lindo Theater in Freeport for this Saturday is "Imagine That." Showtime is 10 am; $3 per person.

~ June means strawberries, at least to seasonal food-focused people like myself. Have you gone picking yet? The grocery store version can't hold a candle to a freshly picked, perfectly ripe berry. Christianson's Farm just south of Monroe is open for picking. Pick your own for $2 per quart of Honeoye, or pick up pre-picked berries for $4 per quart. They are at the Farmers Market too. Margharita does not spray her berries with chemicals.

~ Take dad to the Lions Park in Lena on Saturday or Sunday for a game of family mini-golf. Parents play free when the whole family plays together ($3 for kids).