Experience the Arctic, Mexico or Palestine This Weekend in Apple Valley

1.

When/Where: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday;

Why Go: Twenty-four teams of students from all over the state designed wind turbines for this second-annual competition at SES on Saturday. Not only can you check out the fruits of their labors, but there will be exhibits and activities from Leonardo's Basement, Bakken Museum, SheerWind, the SES Foundation and Innovative Engineers from the University of Minnesota.

Cost: Free

2.

When/Where: 7 p.m. Thursday;

Why Go: Hear stories and see images from the author and photographer of the companion book to the IMAX movie To The Arctic 3D, playing now at the Great Clips IMAX. Born in Germany, Schulz hopes to inspire individuals to take action to protect endangered ecosystems and wilderness areas.

If you can't make this event, the film is showing throughout the weekend and next week.

Cost: Free admission; advance registration required

3.

When/Where: 7:30 p.m. Friday;

Why Go: Young men and women from the only dance troupe in Bethlehem will perform at Shepherd of the Valley as part of Westminster Presbyterian Church's Palestinian Art Festival. This is a rare opportunity to see the life of Christian Palestinians expressed through the art of dance.

Cost: Free; goodwill offerings accepted

4.

When/Where: 7 p.m. Thursday;

Why Go: Between the girls and boys lacrosse games at Apple Valley High School on Thursday, the AVHS boys lacrosse boosters will host a display of flags by the Minnesota National Guard, as well as the presentation of an American Bald Eagle from the University of Minnesota's raptor center—preceded and followed, of course, by great lacrosse match-ups with Rosemount.

Cost: $7

5.

When/Where: 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday,

Why Go: Run or walk with the Valley Middle School community, and follow it up with a performance by Ballet Folklórico of Mexico. Pre-register on the Valley Middle website—some of the first participants to do so will get a fun run T-shirt.

Cost: Free