East metro arts briefs

Summer Tuesdays, a summer festival that pairs food with free music and movies in Stillwater's Lowell Park, is out with its movie schedule for the 2012 season.

"Back to the Future" will open the series on July 10. The lineup also includes "Despicable Me" on July 17, "Toy Story" on July 24, "Secretariat" on July 31, "Rudy" on Aug. 7, "Up" on Aug. 14 and "Goonies" on Aug. 21.

The music lineup has not yet been announced.

Movies will begin at dusk. Music and the marketplace begin at 5:30 p.m. This is the 10th year for the festival that "Celebrates Family Fun in Downtown Stillwater."

Foundation awards more grantsWith its objective to meet needs in towns and cities within the Stillwater School District, the Stillwater Area Foundation recently awarded its second round of grants totalling $4,500.

The foundation, formed in 2010, gave $3,000 to ArtReach St. Croix to bring exhibits featuring works by local artists to its galleries. It gave $500 to the Good Samaritan Society's Bus Fund, which is used to take residents on recreational trips. The third grant for $1,000 was given to the Stillwater Chapter of Let's Go Fishing, a program that takes seniors on boating and fishing trips on the St. Croix River.

BBQ competition is benefitThe folks at the Lift Bridge Brewery, Croix Valley Sauces and Heritage Liquor will combine their efforts to stage the inaugural St. Croix Valley Brew-B-Que. A barbecue competition is the main event, but festivities include bands, chicken races, a beer dunk tank, eating contest and beer samples. It will run from 3 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the Lift Bridge Brewery, 1900 Tower Dr. Tickets are $18. Proceeds will go to the Valley Outreach food shelf.

Nature center hosts racesCarpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center is the site of one of the Twin Cities's most scenic and challenging half marathons. The starting gun goes off at 8 a.m. Sunday. The 27th annual Apple Blossom races also feature a 5K, 10K and a 2K fun run. On-site registration is $50 for the half marathon and $40 for the 5K and 10K. The fun run is free without a T-shirt, $10 with. Proceeds go to the nature center's programs for school children. For information call 651-437-4359.

TIM HARLOW

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