Daddy-Daughter Dance, Night Hikes: Today in Oakdale

Here are five items to take note of today in Oakdale.

Daughter and Dad Princess Ball

Oakdale on Monday announced plans for an upcoming Daughter and Dad Princess Ball.

“Princesses, ages 3 to 8, are invited to join Cinderella and her friends, Mulan and Rapunzel, for an enchanting evening of dancing, crafts, refreshments, and princess fun,” reads part of the release.

Each girl will receive her own personalized tote bag, jewelry craft project and “royal” gift.

The event is set for 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18, at the Oakdale Discovery Center, 4444 Hadley Ave.

The cost is $27 per couple. People must register by Oct. 11 at the Discovery Center or online. www.oakdalefun.com.  (There is no residency requirement to participate.)

Night Hikes

Fall night hikes are planned from 5-9:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4, and Thursday, Oct. 17, at the Lake Elmo Park Reserve.

The Nordic Center’s 5.5 miles of LED-lit turf and gravel trails will be open along the Northern Lights, Brown’s Pond and Lake Elmo trails.

The hikes are self-guided; dogs must be leashed.

A bonfire will be going in the fire pit just outside the Nordic Center, and visitors are welcome to bring their own treats to roast. A limited number of roasting sticks will be available.

The Nordic Center provides access to restrooms, water, vending machines and Wi-Fi.

The lighted trails will be open nightly after Oct. 4 for hiking until the ski season starts. Hiking will not be allowed on any groomed cross-country ski trails during the winter season. (The Big Bluestem trail found at the Eagle Lake Trailhead lot is open in all winter for hiking and dog walking).

Visitors must have a valid park vehicle permit ($5/day or $25/annual). Permits may be purchased at the park contact station, which will be open until 9 p.m. the days of the hikes. Camping is available through Sunday, Oct. 20.

For more information visit the Washington County Parks page.

Caribou Coffee

The new Caribou Coffee opened Monday, Sept. 30.

Anybody check it out yet? How is it?

There were also previous concerns about pedestrian safety in the area. Any thoughts on that?

Leave your comments on the bottom of this page, or here: Oakdale Caribou Coffee Opens Monday

College Savings

More than 70 Tartan High School students received a total of 182 college credits in the 2012-2013 school year by taking qualified classes and meeting the requirements of the college-level material.

That’s according to a post on Oakdale Patch about Century College.