This Weekend in Hudson: Celebrating Art, Autumn, Scottish Heritage and More

Even though the Stillwater Lift Bridge closure is crowding Hudson's historic downtown district with traffic, there's no shortage of fun things to do in town this weekend.

The Hudson Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau is putting on the Spirit of the St. Croix Art Festival at Lakefront Park on Saturday and Sunday. In addition, St. Patrick Catholic Church is holding its annual Fall Fest all weekend long, and the First Presbyterian Church is putting on a Scottish Heritage Music Fest on Saturday.

... and that's just the big events! There are also plays, book-signings, sporting events and more!

FRIDAY

St. Patrick's Fall Fest
Where?: St. Patrick Catholic Church
When?: 5 p.m.
How much?: Free
Why go?: This year's annual autumn event begins Friday at 5 p.m. and ends at 3 p.m. on Sunday. There will be great food, live music, silent auction, raffles, and children's games. Food includes booya on Friday, a home-made, authentic Italian sampler on Saturday and brunch on Sunday.

Where?: Chapter2Books
When?: 6:30 p.m.
How much?: Free
Why go?: Julie Kramer is moving from journalist to novelist. She writes a mystery series set in the desperate world of television news—a world she knows well from her career working as a freelance news producer for NBC and CBS, as well as running the WCCO-TV I-Team in Minneapolis, where she won numerous national investigative awards. 

Hudson Crusaders vs Twin Cities Northern Lights
Where?: Hudson Sports & Civic Center
When?: 7:10 p.m.
How much?: $3-$7; 15 and under free with Crusader or Hudson Hockey Association apparel
Why go?: Now that the Raiders dominated over Homecoming, come out and support your other team, the Hudson Crusaders as they take on the Twin Cities Northern Lights in an epic border battle! Come early and tailgate! Concessions will be open!

The Movie Game
Where?: Phipps Center for the Arts
When?: 7:30 p.m.
How much?: $15-$22
Why go?: It's a romantic comedy that combines humor and heart, laughter and love, and pays homage to such classic films as "The Philadelphia Story," "Annie Hall" and "When Harry Met Sally."

SATURDAY

Spirit of the St. Croix Art Festival
Where?: Lakefront Park
When?: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How much?: Free
Why go?: The Spirit of the St. Croix Art Festival draws thousands of visitors to Hudson every year.  This year the festival offers even more art in the park, with 80+ juried artists showing their best! Acoustic musicians will add to the atmosphere of fine art and fall flavors.

Where?: Hudson High School
When?: 10 a.m.
How much?: Free
Why go?: The St Croix Council Knights of Columbus are proud to present the 2012 Punt, Pass and Kick contest. The event is open to boys and girls ages 8-12. The top three scores from each event are recognized. Combined score winners will advance to regional contests.

Helping our Furry Friends Fundraiser
Where?: Marnie Marie Photography
When?: 11 a.m.
How much?: $25 donation
Why go?: This exciting event will include a 15-minute session for your pet, a 5x7 photo print and a tax-deductible donation, all for $35 each. Proceeds will be donated to the St. Croix County K-9 Unit and Helping Hands for Pets. Schedule a session by calling 715-808-0357.

Canine Fun with Local Author Gary Porter
Where?: Chapter2Books
When?: 11 a.m.
How much?: Free
Why go?: For the second straight year, local author Gary Porter will appear at Chapter2Books during the Spirit of St. Croix Art Festival. He will be signing copies of his sweet, successful "Duffy, The Tale Of A Terrier." Gary is wonderful at talking with people on the writing process, too. Don't miss it.

Where?: Chapter2Books
When?: 1 p.m.
How much?: Free
Why go?: It's a presidential election year, and it's so important to consider the issues J.R. Martin writes about in "Selling U.S. Out." The New Richmond author will be signing copies of his new book at the store.

First Presbyterian Church Scottish Heritage Music Fest
Where?: First Presbyterian Church
When?: 9:50 a.m. to 3 p.m.
How much?: Free
Why go?: Irish/Scottish musicians Laura MacKenzie, Todd Menton, Greenwood Tree and the Minnesota Scottish Celtic Dancers will perform at this festival. There also will be an all-day bake sale, crafts and more. A pig roast dinner will be served starting at 11 a.m. and adult Highland Games will take place from noon to 3 p.m.

The Movie Game
Where?: Phipps Center for the Arts
When?: 7:30 p.m.
How much?: $15-$22
Why go?: It's a romantic comedy that combines humor and heart, laughter and love, and pays homage to such classic films as "The Philadelphia Story," "Annie Hall" and "When Harry Met Sally."

St. Patrick's Fall Fest
Where?: St. Patrick Catholic Church
When?: All day
How much?: Free
Why go?: This year's annual autumn event begins Friday at 5 p.m. and ends at 3 p.m. on Sunday. There will be great food, live music, silent auction, raffles, and children's games. Food includes booya on Friday, a home-made, authentic Italian sampler on Saturday and brunch on Sunday.

SUNDAY

Spirit of the St. Croix Art Festival
Where?: Lakefront Park
When?: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
How much?: Free
Why go?: The Spirit of the St. Croix Art Festival draws thousands of visitors to Hudson every year.  This year the festival offers even more art in the park, with 80+ juried artists showing their best! Acoustic musicians will add to the atmosphere of fine art and fall flavors.

St. Patrick's Fall Fest
Where?: St. Patrick Catholic Church
When?: All day until 3 p.m.
How much?: Free
Why go?: This year's annual autumn event begins Friday at 5 p.m. and ends at 3 p.m. on Sunday. There will be great food, live music, silent auction, raffles, and children's games. Food includes booya on Friday, a home-made, authentic Italian sampler on Saturday and brunch on Sunday.

The Movie Game
Where?: Phipps Center for the Arts
When?: 2:30 p.m.
How much?: $15-$22
Why go?: It's a romantic comedy that combines humor and heart, laughter and love, and pays homage to such classic films as "The Philadelphia Story," "Annie Hall" and "When Harry Met Sally."

Hudson Crusaders vs Dells Ducks
Where?: Hudson Sports & Civic Center
When?: 6:10 p.m.
How much?: $3-$7; 15 and under free with Crusader or Hudson Hockey Association apparel
Why go?: Hudson takes on the first-place Dells Ducks. Join the Crusade!

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