Night to Unite, ‘Opal,” Pedal the Parks: The Week in Lakeville

Lakeville always has something going on. Each Monday, Patch will kick off the week with a look ahead at what you need to know to join in. Here’s a look at what happening this week:

• LAKEVILLE CITY COUNCIL, Aug. 5—The Lakeville City Council will meet at 7:30 p.m. Monday at City Hall. Among the items are the council’s agenda are a proclamation for Night for Unite, the Public Works Department monthly report, and a preliminary plat for 68-home development south of 190th Street, west of Holyoke Avenue and east of Dodd Boulevard.

• 5K TRAIL RUN, Aug. 6—A 5k run sponsored by Runner’s Gate, Life Wellness Center and Lakeville Parks and Recreation is planned for 6 p.m. Tuesday at Ritter Farm Park, 19300 Ritter Trail. Cost is $10. Runners can pre-register at www.lakeville-rapconnect.com and enter program 6417 or call 952-985-4600. Day-of registration begins at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday.

• NIGHT TO UNITE, Aug. 6—Here is information about Tuesday’s event from the Lakeville Messages newsletter: Night to Unite is coming up on Tuesday evening, August 6. During this event, neighborhood parties will be taking place across Minnesota, including more than 80 here in Lakeville. The Night to Unite effort strengthens neighborhoods by encouraging people to get to know one another and meet law enforcement, public safety, and government leaders. Representatives from Lakeville police, fire, or the City Council plan to stop by each party. There is still time to schedule a party by going to www.lakevillemn.gov. Night to Unite is sponsored by the Minnesota Crime Prevention Association, AAA of Minnesota and local law enforcement communities. If you are not attending a neighborhood party, you can still participate and send a message of neighborhood unity by turning your porch light on from 7 to 10 p.m.

• ST. PAUL FARMERS MARKET, Aug. 7 and Aug. 10—The twice-weekly St. Paul Farmers’ Markets continue this week. Wednesday’s market is planned for noon to 5 p.m. at Market Plaza, Holyoke Avenue and 208th Street. Saturday’s market is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Lakeville Area Arts Center, Holyoke Avenue and 210th Street.

• ‘EVERYBODY LOVES OPAL’ AT LAKEVILLE AREA ARTS CENTER, Opens Aug. 9—Expressions Community Theater presents “Everybody Loves Opal” beginning at 7:30 p.m. Friday. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Aug. 9, 10, 16 and 17, and 2 p.m. Aug. 11 and 18. Tickets are $14.50 and can be purchased online or by calling (952) 985-4640. Here is information about the play from the arts center website: Opal, a middle-aged recluse, lives in a tumbledown mansion. She is also an optimist, for no matter how mean her lot she responds with kindness and faith in the goodness of human nature. Into her strange world enter three con artists on the run from the authorities. Opal provides the perfect hideout and possibly the remedy for their shattered finances. They decide that what she needs is plenty of insurance, a rapid demise, and three beneficiaries. Attempted murder wouldn't seem to be funny, but in Mr. Patrick's magic hands it is uproarious. Through it all, Opal radiates kindness, affection and, strangely enough, gratitude.

• PEDAL THE PARKS AT ANTLER PARK, Aug. 10—This an event open to all ages, and families are encouraged to take park. Participants will bike on city trails. Tours will last one to two hours, depending on registered bikes and the route. The event is limited to 30 cyclists. Cost is $5 per family. Call 952-250-3320 for more information. Online registration is available.

WHAT DO YOU HAVE PLANNED THIS WEEK? Let us know in the comments section below.