June, June, June

As the song says, “June is busting out all over,” and at the Aurora Center for the Arts, all sorts of fun activities are busting out as well, so much so that some are busting into other locations. The Aurora Center is once again sponsoring the Music on the Porch concert series on Thursday evenings at the East Polk Heritage Center. These free concerts begin at 7 p.m. You may want to bring your own chair although some seating is available at the picnic tables under the shelter. The first concert is June 19 with The WoodPicks, From Thief River Falls, this talented group plays gospel, bluegrass, country and Americana music. They should be a great choice to kick off the season. There will be no concert on June 26, as that is when “Alice in Wonderland, Jr.” will be presented at the Aurora Center, directed by Abby Pearson and featuring 20 high school-aged actors. Tickets will be available soon at Nords Pharmacy and Gifts and online at auroracenterforthearts.org Kirby Voesler will be teaching several summer rec art classes for kids ages five through twelve. These will be held in the art area of the Aurora basement. For adults there will be a couple of opportunities at the Old School Artist Retreat Center in Lengby; Leatherwork with Janette McColl on Saturday, June 21, 9a.m.-5p.m., and Hard Cover Journal with Mike McColl on Monday and Tuesday, June 23-24, 7-8:30 p.m. There is a fee charged for these classes. To sign up online, go to bit.ly/AuroraArtClass or for more information, e-mail hello@auroracenterforthearts.org Meanwhile, at the Fosston Public Library, Wild about Reading, the 2025 summer reading program, began on June 1. Children and teens are invited to pick up a reading log to be eligible for some great prizes at the end of the summer. In addition, there are several free programs, all on Wednesdays at 2 p.m., starting June 4 with Bemidji Headwater’s Science Center staff and some of their animals. Learn about animals’ habitats, defenses, adaptations, and proper handling. June 11 is Wild about Wheels. Kids are invited to get a close look at some community work vehicles. The June 18 program is at the Fosston Movie Theater. Admission is free for a showing of The Lion King. (But concession charges are the responsibility of the attendees. On June 25, a park naturalist from Itasca State Park will present Let’s Get Wild with Animal Signs. What signs do wild animals leave behind? July 2 Dazzling Dave Yo-Yo Master will be at the library to share his expertise with the yo-yo. Perhaps he will inspire your kids (or yourself) to give it a try.