Published Saturday, October 10, 2009 12:29 AM

Calendar

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

A Chemistry Open House and Science Exploration Gallery is set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Main Chemistry Building at Ross and Spence streets on the Texas A&M University campus. The event is free. Shows are at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. in Room 100. There will be demonstrations of popular science featuring fires, explosions, polymers and super-cold materials. The physics, biology and engineering departments will also participate. For more information, visit chem.tamu.edu/openhouse or call 845-3256.

Saturday

EVENTS

Day for Dravet Syndrome three-mile Fun Run and Walk, 8:30 a.m. American Pavilion at Veterans Park in College Station. Dravet syndrome causes seizures that cannot be outgrown; children have developmental delays and loss of acquired skills. Entry fee is $25 for adults and $15 for children. Following the run and walk will be a breakfast, a bake sale, a silent auction and door prizes.

Texas Outdoor Family Program, Lake Somerville State Park's Birch Creek. Participants learn to pitch a tent, cook outdoors and use a GPS and learn about nature, kayaking and fishing. The fee of $55 per family (up to six people) includes an individual campsite, restrooms, professional park ranger-led programs and instruction and a state park Junior Ranger certification program. Register by calling 512-389-8903 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. or e-mail tofsp@tpwd.state.tx.us.

Culinary Basics Class, 10 to 11 a.m. St. Joseph Regional Health Center main dining room, 2801 Franciscan Drive, Bryan. Instructor: Shawn Cooley, head chef at St. Joseph Regional Health Center. Learn sanitation, menu concepts, food purchasing, basic knife safety and skills, basic cooking techniques and more. Free.

Second Annual Herb Day Celebration, 10 a.m. to noon. Antique Rose Emporium, 10,000 F.M. 50 in Independence. Free. Henry Flowers, garden director at Festival Hill, will present "Herb Growing for Fall and Winter" at 10:15 a.m. Herbal demonstrations with tastings and recipes, plus a variety of door prizes. Herbal refreshments will be served. Plants will be for sale at the nursery. herbs.pioneerunit@gmail.com or www.antiqueroseemporium.com.

Dia de los Muertos: A Celebration of Life, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Frame Gallery, 216 N. Bryan Ave. in downtown Bryan. Free. Hosted by Hospice Brazos Valley. View Day of the Dead exhibits and create traditional arts and crafts. 821-2266 or jserber@hospicebrazosvalley.org.

Texas Renaissance Festival -- Oktoberfest, F.M. 1774 in Plantersville. Discount tickets are $19 for adults, $9 for children ages 5-12; Gate prices are $23 for adults, $11 for children. www.texrenfest.com.

Guys and Dolls, 2 and 7 p.m. The Theatre Company, Tejas Center on Villa Maria Road. www.thetheatrecompany.com, info@theatrecompany.com or 779-1302.

Leading Ladies, 7:30 p.m. Navasota Theatre, 104 W. Washington St. in Navasota. Rated: PG-13. Tickets: $10 for adults, $8 for students and seniors, $5 for children, $6 for members and $7 per person for groups of 20 or more. Make reservations by calling 936-825-3195.

Burleson County Go Texan weekend. Chili and barbecue cook-off, 7:30 p.m. Buddy & Edile Lightsey Arena. There will also be a dominoes contest, horse rides, petting zoo, horseshoe and washers contests.

GARDEN & MARKETS

Independent Growers Market, 7 to 11 a.m. Sons of Hermann Lodge parking lot, 1104 W. William J. Bryan Parkway. Local gardeners sell locally grown fruit and vegetables.

Brazos Valley Farmers Market, 8 a.m. to noon. Texas Avenue and William Joel Bryan Parkway in Bryan. Locally grown fresh produce and other items. www.brazosvalleyfarmersmarket.com, hpw@tconline.net or 229-5503.

Navasota Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to noon. Cedar Creek Pavilion, Duke Street in Navasota. Fresh produce.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Brazos Valley Cyclist 2nd Saturday Bike Ride, 8:30 a.m. Larry J. Ringer Library parking lot, Welsh Avenue at Harvey Mitchell Parkway. Open to adult beginners. Route is 14 miles with an 11-13 mph pace. Helmets required. 696-1495.

Beyond Grief Bereavement Support Group, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Peace Lutheran Church, 2201 Rio Grande Blvd. Offered for all adults in the Brazos Valley at no cost. Share the challenges of grief with others who are grieving. Register: 821-2266.

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