Dance Competitions, Beach Party Heat Up the Weekend

Some of our weekend events help you support your neighbors this weekend, whether by watching students compete in section and state tournaments or participating in a fundraiser for a family affected by cancer.

1. Fundraiser for Jeff Payette Family—Zumba, Auction, Dinner

When/Where: 10 a.m. to noon, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday; Scott Highlands Middle School

Why Go: Jeff Payette, an employee of the Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan school district, was diagnosed with esophageal cancer two years ago. Help his family as Jeff continues treatment by attending by participating in zumba or turbo-kick, $10 apiece, on Saturday. A silent auction and lasagna dinner begins at 3 p.m. Dinner is on a donation basis.

Cost: $10; donations

2. Tropical Beach Party at the Minnesota Zoo

When/Where: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sunday, Monday; Minnesota Zoo

Why Go: Beat the winter chill at the Minnesota Zoo's tropical beach party, located where else but on the Tropics Trail. Kids can play in the sand, get their faces painted and more throughout Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

Cost: Zoo admission

3. Music Under the Glass With Robb Henry Trio

When/Where: 5 p.m. Sunday, Como Park Zoo and Conservatory

Why Go: Guitarist Robb Henry, Jim Chenoweth on string bass and Ben Kaplan on drums play a combination of French jazz stylings, '60s pop and blues improvisation during their show, part of the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory's Music Under the Glass series. See this show for free in the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory.

Cost: Free

4. Eastview, Apple Valley Dance Teams State Performances

When/Where: 4 p.m. Friday, 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Target Center

Why Go: Watch the Eastview Lightning Dance Team and Apple Valley AVaires compete at state, either at the Target Center or in the comfort of your own home at Prep45.com.

The Lightning are scheduled to perform their jazz routine at 4:10 p.m. Friday, and their high kick routine at 3:50 p.m. Saturday.

The AVaires perform in high kick at 4:10 p.m. Saturday. Competition on both days lasts the entire afternoon.

Both teams placed at state last year.

Cost: $14 for adults, $9 students; free webcast

5. Apple Valley, Eastview Wrestling Section Tournament

When/Where: 4 p.m. Friday, Apple Valley High School

Why Go: This could be the start of yet another state trip for the Apple Valley wrestling team; the Eagles start off as the No. 1 section seed, taking on No. 8 East Ridge at 4 p.m. Eastview also competes, looking for a state berth; the No. 6 Lightning will start off against No. 3 Henry Sibley at 4 p.m.