Blues, Barbecue at Colonial Mall in St. Michael this Weekend

Midwest Rubs and Sadie’s Coffee are teaming up for a new barbecue contest this weekend to benefit the St. Michael Fire Department.

Organizers are hoping to raise at least $1,000 for the department via a contest that has space for more than 20 contestants, including four from Kansas City, arguably the barbecue capital of the world.

Categories include salmon, pork ribs, hot dish and turkey. Judges will start sampling the various categories early in the afternoon, with turn in times set for every half hour starting at 2:55 p.m.

Dozens of local businesses have lined up to donate prizes, including Midwest Archery, Schulte’s Nursery, Kremer Toy and Hobby, Subway, Inspiration Salon and more.

There will also be live music at the mall, featuring members of the Blues Fuze band out of Minneapolis. Music will start around 11 a.m. and continue until judging starts at 3 p.m.

The crew at Midwest Rubs is set to make this an annual event, hoping to donate proceeds to our “local heroes” at the fire department each year.

Thursday Night Fundraiser Special at Space Aliens

A special Thursday night event at Space Aliens in Albertville is aiming to raise money for the St. Michael-Albertville Special Olympics program.

You can download a flyer here and present it to the folks at Space Aliens tonight, and proceeds from your sales will go toward the program, which offers sports, outings and more programs for local kids with special needs.

Women on Target Trap and Bow Clinic

Offered to only women and teens, the Crow River Sportsmen’s Club is offering a one-day seminar on shooting and archery. This is being held rain, snow (not happening) or shine. Action begins at 8 a.m. sharp.

Coming Up

Electronics Recycling for Free Thanks to Elk River Church

Get rid of those unwanted monitors, computers and even television sets thanks to an Elk River church preparing for a mission trip to Mexico. More details to come next week.