As November hits its mid-point, this weekend's activities are centered on shopping for traditional, as well as a bit more unconventional, items.

Casper artists Lynette Fransen and James Reed host Paintin' the Town from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the C'mon Inn, 301 Lathrop Road, just east of Applebee's in Evansville.

In addition to showing their latest art prints and originals, including Reed's first-ever Christmas-themed print, the artists will raise money for Joshua's Storehouse. Among the items Joshua's needs are gifts for adults and teens at Christmas, as well as canned goods. Anyone who takes those specific items to the show will be entered into a drawing.

A percentage of all art sales at the show, as well as proceeds from a silent auction featuring two original moose paintings, will go directly to Joshua's Storehouse. Food catered by Market 'n More and wine will be available throughout the day. Stop by and see what the artists have been up to. There is no charge to attend

The Casper group of Pax Christi and St. Anthony's Tri-Parish School are sponsoring the second annual Fair Trade Holiday Bazaar from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at St. Anthony's Tri-Parish School Gym, 218 E. Seventh St.

The bazaar features beautiful handicrafts made by disadvantaged artisans and farmers in developing regions of the world. The sale of these gifts, including jewelry, home decor items, toys, coffee, tea, chocolate and more, enables them to earn income from their work and build better lives.

St. Stephen's Episcopal Church hosts a Holiday Craft and Gift Fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 4700 S. Poplar. Oodles of home crafters and holiday gift vendors will be on hand to help with holiday shopping for those "what to get" folks on your list.

The Casper Mountain Racers hold their annual Ski Swap today and Sunday at the Central Wyoming Fairgrounds. Times are 9 a.m.to 6 p.m. today, with a pick-up of unsold goods on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Ski Swap will sell all alpine, Nordic and snowboard equipment, clothing and accessories as well as snowshoes for a small consignment charge.

Safe Kids of Central Wyoming invite parents to a free car seat check, 10 a.m. to noon at Fire Station #1 (on the corner of First and David streets). The child, the car seat and the vehicle that the child is normally transported must all be present for the check, with the exception of expectant mothers. Certified technicians will check and educate parents on the correct installation and usage of their seat.

Hate Crimes will be the topic of a talk by William “Missouri” Downs, University of Wyoming English and Theatre professor, who will speak at the Democratic Women’s Forum luncheon at the Casper Petroleum Club at noon. The Democratic Women’s Forum programs are open to anyone interested, regardless of gender.

The Tamah Egyptians will have the official visit of Queen Kay Mokler of Casper at a luncheon at the Casper Petroleum Club at 11:30 a.m. Those attending will be seated in the upper level and will be able to order from the menu.

Bishop’s Guild of Casper will hold its November Mass and luncheon with Mass celebrated at 11 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Parish and lunch to follow at noon at the Casper Petroleum Club. 

The guest speaker is State Rep. Bob Brechtel, who will speak about the lay version of the Priests for Life, of which he is a member. Bishop’s Guild welcomes all Catholics and their guests

With all the technological choices there are, it can be difficult to choose the right one. The Natrona County Public Library can help with two upcoming workshops on "Choosing the Right Technology."  The first workshop today focuses on TVs and Home Theater. The second, Saturday, Nov. 21 will cover portable technologies such as digital cameras, mp3 players, iPods and more. Both workshops are free and will be held at 1 p.m. in the library's Crawford Room.

The Casper College Robotics department will be hosting a FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Tech Challenge for Wyoming students in grades eight through 12 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The competition will be held in the Myra Fox Skelton Energy Institute, Room 100, and the public is invited to attend.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Wyoming will hold its seventh annual Stories of Light dinner/wine tasting/auction at the Best Western Ramkota from 6 to 10 p.m. The theme this year is “I wish to be a cowboy.”

Two raffles will be drawn at the event, one for a child’s playhouse and one for a deep freeze filled with pork and beef cuts.  Each raffle chance is $50. Event tickets are $90 each.

Vern and Rita Davis play music for dancing or listening at the Mills Senior Center, 401 Wasatch Ave., in Mills on Saturday from 7 to 10 p.m. No smoking, no alcohol; admission $4 per person. Free coffee and punch. Doors open at 6 p.m. The dance will be held as long as weather permits.

On Sunday, both the Eagles and the VFW host breakfasts with proceeds going to charity. The special at the Eagles Lodge, 306 N. Durbin, is chicken fried steak for $6.75, with golden hash browns, eggs as you like them, and choice of biscuit and gravy, toast, pancake or plain biscuit. There is a also a full menu from which to choose. Serving from 8 to 11 a.m., the charity for November is the Jimmy Durante Children's Fund.

Powder River Veterans Club and VFW Post No. 991 will be serving breakfast from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Adults $6 and children under 12, $3. Funds raised will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Stage III Community Theatre will hold auditions for "Our Town," by Thornton Wilder; directed by Dob Wallace, on Sunday and Monday, 7 p.m. each night at Stage III, 900 N. Center St.

Small town life is a portrait of the human condition, from childhood to grave.  As it focuses on the details of everyday life and relationships with amazing clarity, the message of "Our Town" is to live fully, “every, every minute.” 

This is a large cast show with many roles, from large to small. Ten men, 30s to 60s; five women, 30s to 50s; four boys, 10 to early 20s; two girls, 10 to early 20s; and additional ensemble roles are available. Performances are Jan. 7 to 23.