Around St. Charles

Through March 28
2010 Orchid Show
Missouri Botanical Garden
9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Annual orchid show features more than 800 orchids from the Garden’s world-class collection in a lush garden of French-inspired design. Winding streets lead to a French bistro beneath the shadow of the Eiffel Tower.
$5 plus garden admission
Free for member

Friday, March 5
Star Parties
St. Louis Science Center Planetarium
6:45 p.m.
Visitors are treated to viewing the night sky through telescopes at the Planetarium. Members of the St. Louis Astronomical Society will be on hand to answer questions. Included is a viewing of “The Sky Tonight” in the Orthwein Starbay. For night sky updates, call 314-289-4453

Saturday, March 6
St. Louis Moolah Shrine Parade
N. Riverside Dr.
Noon
The 68th annual Shrine Circus Parade will be held in historic St. Charles, beginning on N. Riverside Dr. and ending in the parking area at the Lewis & Clark Boat House and Nature Center. More than 100 parade units will entertain parade viewers. Also, the Moolah little cars, national grand champion marching bands, the Wehrenberg Calliope and the Schnucks giant shopping cart.
Free

Thursday, March 11-Sunday, March 14
Missouri Valley Conference Women’s Basketball Tournament
Family Arena
The 15th annual women’s tourney features 10 league schools with opening round action beginning at 5 p.m. on Thursday and the championship game on Sunday. For details go to the Missouri Valley Conference website.

Thursday, March 11
Caregiving: What to do in emergencies
1-2:30 p.m.
Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital
Learn what you can do to prepare for an emergency and do what’s best for your loved one to minimize stress. Call 636.928.9355 to register.
Free

Thursday, March 18-Sunday, March 21
St. Louis Moolah Shrine Circus
Family Arena
Thurs., March 18, 7:00 p.m.; Fri., March 19, 10:30 a.m., 7:30 p.m.
Sat., March 20, 10:00 a.m., 2:30 p.m., 7:30 pm
Sun., March 21, 1:30 p.m., 6:00 p.m.
Hearing Impaired Performance: Sun., March 21, 1:30 p.m.
Shrine Circus comes to town with trapeze artists, clowns, tigers, elephants and carnival food and much more. Attendees can ride elephants and ponies at this family-centered event. For ticket info, go to the Moolah Shrine Circus website.

Friday, March 26
Lewis, Clark and Sacagawea in Missouri
10 a.m. – noon
St. Charles Community College
Dianne Moran, folklorist/naturalist and Chautauqua scholar will portray the story of Sacagawea, a Plains Indian woman, and how she helped Meriwether Lewis and William Clark secure their place in history as great explorers. Sacagawea visited St. Louis in 1809.
Fee: $15

Sunday, March 28
Spring Concert
Lindenwood University Cultural Center
2 p.m.
The St. Charles Municipal Band & Community Big (Jazz) Band present their annual spring concert. The Municipal Band, under the direction of Nancy Garza, will open its 140th season with a concert of contemporary American music. An Intermission will feature complimentary cookies & refreshments. The Big (Jazz) Band with vocalist concludes the afternoon's performance with swing and contemporary jazz.

Tuesday, March 30
New Trail-Dardene Creek
9:30 a.m.
Explore the back woods of St. Peters. Approximately 3-5 miles, mostly flat, partially paved trail. Meet at the St. Peters Rec-Plex, 5200 Mexico Road, St Peters, MO, near trailhead.
Free

Written by Myra Vandersall