YMCA Camp St. Croix will host a free candlelight hike and ski from 5 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 22. Participants may hike, ski or even snowshoe the candle-lit trails. The event is free and open to the public.

"Historically, this event was held at Willow River State Park," said Sue Elmer, who helps with sales, events and promotions at YMCA Camp St. Croix. "We took it over the last few years and always had such odd circumstances. We're expecting a good year this year, but we've battled with sub-zero temperatures and one year had pouring rain."

Weather caused attendance to remain at around 50 or so people, but when the event was at Willow River State Park, they used to get over a hundred people.

The event is considered a pre-event for the Hot Air Affair, and allows Camp St. Croix to promote its environmental education instructors. The trail is about 1 or 2 kilometers and is very kid-friendly. 

"Snow shoes will be available for anyone wanting to try out the snow shoe route, and those hiking will take the same route. There will also be a route for cross country skiing by candelight," Elmer said.

There will be cande-lit trail-side fires so people can stay warm.

"We've got Art Doyle's Spokes and Pedals as a sponsor, so there will be great cookies and hot cider," Elmer said.

Other sponsors include Larsen Sports Medicine & Physical Therapy and the PCK Foundation. 

When pigskins fly

Another pre-event for the Hot Air Affair, known as the Hudson Hot Air Affair Kickoff, takes place this Friday from 5-8 p.m. at Dick's Bar and Grill. There will be costumes, prizes and trivia games.

One-block fun run

Dick's Bar and Grill is hosting its 25th annual One-Block Fun Run for United Cerebral Palsy this Sunday. Registration begins at 10 a.m, and the run, which has a $20 fee, begins at noon. Raffles and lunch are included.

Music and dancing

Organ player Dave Wickerham will perform traditional favorites, including Irving Berlin, Gershwin, Cole Porter, Richard Rodgers and American cover songs, at the Phipps Center for the Arts this Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. Tickets are $22 or $15 for students.

Dibbo's is hosting two bands this weekend. On Friday at 9 p.m., Retro Phonic will be play its brand of feel-good dance grooves with high-fidelity sound. Rock 'n' roll dance band Black Water Alley will perform classic rock and multi-genre dance tunes on Saturday starting at 9:30 p.m.

Dick's Bar and Grill will host DJs spinning dance music on Friday and Saturday night starting at 10 p.m. On Sunday at 9:30 p.m., the bar will feature Jeff Loven and his one-man rock 'n' roll show.

Ellie's on Main will host DJs spinning dance music on Friday and Saturday night, starting at 10 p.m.

Seasons Tavern will feature live music on Friday night, with Thirsty Camel playing classic rock.  Saturday night will feature karaoke, starting at 9 p.m.

Shanghai Bistro will host live jazz on Friday and Saturday from 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Willow River Saloon has several bands playing this weekend. Trigger Happy will play country rock on Friday night, and the CPR Band will play pop rock on Saturday. Music starts at 9:15 p.m.

Continuing events: art and drama

Minneapolis artist Amy DiGennaro’s exhibit, True Stories: Drawings From the Archive of Feelings, remains on display at the Phipps Center for the Arts.

Forever Plaid, a humorous musical with 50s music, continues to run through January 29th at the Phipps Center for the Arts. However, it is sold out for the entire run of the show. 

On the big screen

PG-rated family flicks showing this weekend at Hudson Theatre include Yogi Bear, Tangled and Chronicles of Narnia (3D).

PG-13 movies include dramas Country Strong and True Grit, comedy films Dilemma and Little Fockers, and action movies Green Hornet (3D) and Season of the Witch.

R-rated movies include new release Season of the Witch, a comedy, as well as drama movies Black Swan and the Fighter.