Special Events — May 18

Pequot Lakes Community Theatre to hold auditions for Disney’s ‘Newsies’

Auditions will be held for the Pequot Lakes Community Theatre’s production of Disney’s “Newsies” from 6-8:30 p.m. Thursday, May 19, and Friday at the Pequot Lakes High School Auditorium (enter door No. 3) with performances of the production July 14-17 and July 22-24. A

Actors ages 10 and up are welcome to audition. Be prepared to learn and perform a song from the show, read from the script, and learn and perform a short dance combination. Rehearsals start Monday, May 23, for those cast.

“Newsies” production team members who will be present at the auditions include Kate Davis, director; Stephanie White, stage manager/choreographer; and Teresa Hamp, vocal director.

“Newsies” is based on the 1992 motion picture and inspired by a true story. Set in turn-of-the-century New York City, “Newsies,” tells the story of Jack Kelly, the charismatic newsboy and leader of a band of teenaged “newsies.”

When titans of publishing raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Kelly rallies newsboys from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions and fight for what’s right, according to a news release.

For more information, visit www.glapa.org/auditions .

‘Back to Basics’ annual fair highlights sustainable living

The 16th annual “Back to Basics” outdoor fair will be from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, May 21, at Lakes Music and Events Park, 2591 Bluegrass Boulevard SW, in Backus.

Enjoy mini-workshops, family activities and more than 30 vendors. No gate fee and food will be available for purchase.

Co-hosted with the Pine River-Backus School Community Education, the event includes family activities and games throughout the day, including Soulful Horse and Wondertrek Children's Museum, with a Babinski's adoption event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Learn more about the mini-workshops and vendors at www.happydancingturtle.org/back-to-basics .

Brainerd Veterans of Foreign Wars to hold ‘Freedom Festival’

Members of the Brainerd VFW Post 1647 and the Freedom Festival Committee invite the public to celebrate freedom in our country, thanks to our military.

The family-friendly Freedom Festival will take place from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 21, in the parking lot at the Brainerd VFW, 309 S. Sixth St.

Child-friendly activities including face painting from 1-3 p.m., music and games. Concessions will be available and will include hotdogs, burgers, chips and pop. There will be a silent auction from noon-3:30 p.m. and an adult bean bag tournament at 1 p.m.

There will also be information about flag etiquette with posting of the colors at noon, flag-folding at 12:30 p.m, and flag retirement at 1 p.m. If someone has a flag that is no longer serviceable, they are encouraged to bring it with them and it will be retired properly at the event.

The goal of the Freedom Festival Committee is to reach out to the community to share ideas of how and why one can support our military, veterans and community, according to a news release.