5 Things to Know in Apple Valley This Week

Editor's note: Look for this "5 Things" feature each Monday to fill you in on a few items to know about in Apple Valley for the week.

1. The "Portraits, Reflections and Secrets of Dakota County" art gallery went on display at the this month, and will remain there through Dec. 22. The exhibit is located in the hallway between the Galaxie Library and the Western Service Center.  Viewing hours are 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Mondays, 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays through Thursdays and 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday. on our sister site, Inver Grove Heights Patch.

2. The will host its Tiger Tracks 5K and kids' run on Saturday. All proceeds will benefit conservation efforts at the zoo. Registration is still open online, and if you want to register by mail your envelope must be postmarked by Tuesday; your registration fee also includes a T-shirt and admission to the zoo! Check out the zoo's website for more information.

3. OK, so this one isn't quite in Apple Valley, but you might have heard that the Minnesota State Fair starts on Thursday. For an Apple Valley angle, look for Apple Valley Patch stories later this week about getting there and getting in, as well as stories about some Apple Valley residents and groups who are involved with this year's fair activities.

4. The Apple Valley Garden Club invites you to of the herb garden at UMore Park in Rosemount and an old-fashioned vegetable garden at Meadows Craft Retreat in Northfield. Participants will meet at 5:15 p.m. Thursday in the parking lot; you can attend as a guest if you'd like to see what the club is like.

5. in Apple Valley will host 2,500 veterans a week from today for the American Legion National Convention, and the post still is looking for volunteers to help throughout the 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. event, according to an announcement from the Apple Valley Chamber of Commerce. Contact John Wortman at the Legion 952-431-1776 for more information.