State of the Arts, Gospel Music, Honey Harvest: Today in Oakdale

Here are five items to take note of today in Oakdale. 

State of the Arts

Oakdale is looking for artists for a first-ever fair at the Discovery Center set for October.

The Discovery Center features the work of an area artist each month, and they have expressed interest in holding a larger fair, said Debbie Ramsey with the Oakdale Recreation Department.

“The artists are thrilled to have a venue where they can display their work,” she said.

In September, paintings from recent Art and Elixir events will be on display.

The art fair is planned for Oct. 12-13.

Those who want to participate can complete an entry form online. They are due by Aug. 30. For more information call 651-747-3860.

Major Fall Festival

Transfiguration Church this week announced a major overhaul of its fall festival, which this year will feature well-known Minnesota musicians.

See: Martin Zellar to Headline ‘New and Improved’ Fall Festival at Oakdale’s Transfiguration Church

Starwatch

Washington County Parks will host a Minnesota Starwatch party Friday, Aug. 30, at the Lake Elmo Park Reserve.

The Starwatch Party, 8:15-10:30 p.m., is a family program and free with a valid park vehicle permit.

The Minnesota Starwatch Party is hosted by Mike Lynch of WCCO, a meteorologist at WCCO Radio who has been hosting Starwatch parties and teaching astronomy classes for more than 40 years.

Visitors will use large reflecting telescopes, including two 20-inch reflectors, and a new astronomical camera-telescope system.

No registration is required. Feel free to bring lawn chairs, blankets, snacks, bug spray, etc.

Lake Elmo Park Reserve is at the intersection of County Road 19 and County Road 10 (one mile north of Interstate 94) in Lake Elmo.

Honey Harvest 

There is a working bee hive at the Discovery Center, and people can get a close-up view of their world and watch honey being produced.

At 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 26, area beekeeper AJ Moses will demonstrate honey extraction and talk about the importance of bees to the ecosystem and backyard beekeeping.

People will also be able to taste honey.

The presentation is part of the Recreation Department's speaker series at its outdoor amphitheater.

Final Concert

The Squires Band recently performed last night at Walton Park (check out the video with this post), and Aug. 28 will mark the last concert of the summer.

The Under The Covers Band will perform from 7-8:30 p.m.