Audubon Fall Fest set near Bemidji

BEMIDJI -- The annual Audubon Fall Fest sponsored by Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society will be Saturday at Neilson Spearhead Center, south of Bemidji.

Family outdoor events will begin at 4 p.m. with dinner served from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults, $6 for ages 4-11 and free for children under 4. Tickets may be purchased in advance at Headwaters Science Center, 413 Beltrami Ave., Bemidji, or from MHAS board members. Tickets will also be sold at the event.

The meal will be served under a tent by Spearhead Lake and will include Chris Parthun's slow-cooked barbecued pork, roast turkey, Betty Smith's wild rice, baked beans, cole slaw, dinner rolls and a selection of homemade pies, coffee and cold drinks. A vegetarian lasagna entre will also be available. Entertainment will follow.

Family events will include a nature walk on the trails led by Becky Marty and children's activities on the lakefront led by Julie Kingsley. Visitors can also tour the earth-sheltered caretaker's home and Lehmann Lab. Elementary and middle school children use the lab while studying forest, aquatic wildlife and vegetation during the Young Naturalist Program and Audubon Nature Camp in the summer.

The annual Fall Fest raises funds for the Young Naturalists summer program scholarships, year-round program expenses and property maintenance. Donations will also accepted by mail. Send a check made out to MHAS to PO Box 193, Bemidji, MN 56601.