Snowshoe, ski or hike by candlelight at Fort Ridgely State Park on Feb. 8

FORT RIDGELY — The Department of Natural Resources will host more than 30 candlelight events at Minnesota state parks and trails this winter, including one at Fort Ridgely State Park on Saturday, Feb. 8. Drop by any time between 5 and 8 p.m. for skiing, snowshoeing or hiking as stars twinkle overhead and candles flicker in the snow.

“Few things transform a winter evening like soft light on snow,” said Erika Rivers, director of the DNR’s Parks and Trails Division. “Candles and lanterns help to create a magical experience, especially when coupled with light from the moon and a starry sky.”

The one-mile trail starts at the chalet and is suitable for beginner-level skiers, snowshoers or hikers of all ages. Visitors should bring their own equipment, including snowshoes, skis, or ice cleats.

The evening wraps up with a cup of hot cocoa or cider near a crackling bonfire.

A vehicle permit is required to enter Minnesota state parks. Although permits are available at the park, you can save time by getting one in advance. Visit mndnr.gov/reservations to buy a one-day ($7) or year-round ($35) permit.

In the event of severe weather, call 507-426-7840 for updates or check the visitor alert online at mndnr.gov/fortridgely. If you are interested in volunteering for the event, please call the park at 507-426-7840.

Legion Auxiliary Card Party today

NEW ULM — New Ulm American Legion Auxiliary annual February Card Party is scheduled for Feb. 5 at American Legion Club Rooms at 13 South Minnesota Street at 1:30 pm. Cost is $3. Come with your group of four people. Enjoy playing cards, prizes awarded, lunch is served after cards. Lunch is included in the $3 paid. Open to everybody.

Garden Club meets Feb. 5

NEW ULM — The New Ulm Garden Club will meet on Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 7 pm, at the New Ulm airport.

Guest speaker will be Megan Benage, an ecologist with the DNR who will speak about her work with habitat friendly solar; and how to design solar projects so they provide beneficial habitat for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. She will also share her favorite pollinator plants for attracting bees and butterflies to your yard.

This meeting is free and open to the public. Everyone is welcome. If you do wish to join the club, the dues are $5 per calendar year.

Musicians wanted

NEW ULM — The New Ulm Municipal Band is celebrating its 75th birthday.

The band is made up of high school students, college students, farmers, teachers, doctors, attorneys, nurses, optometrists, and more with diversity not only of ages, but of ability levels, ranging from professional musicians to students with a only a few years of experience.

Under the direction of Don Jirak, the band, consisting of 50 to 60 musicians, shares its music at concerts on Wednesday nights in June and July as well as at a few other local events during the summer months.

The Band plays show tunes, German music, marches and much more. You can be a part of New Ulm’s rich musical history. Tuesday evening rehearsals will be starting before too long and the Band is always looking for players in several sections. Interested? Give Don Jirak a call at 507-794-7913 for more information.