Compiled by SALLY ANN SHURMUR

Star-Tribune staff writer

This weekend's activities offer a variety of activities, ranging from a kids' fishing derby and a chance to meet Ghosts up close to a free concert in the park and a chance to learn history by actually being there.

The ninth annual Hunter Lewis Fittje Memorial Fishing Derby to benefit the Hunter Fittje Scholarship Fund is from 9 to 11 a.m., at Yesness Pond. Registration fee is $5. All participants receive a shirt, certificate of participation and goody bag. Contests and prizes are for registered participants up to age 9, but everyone is welcome for the fun and fishing.

Participants should take fishing gear, bait, a lawn chair and sunscreen. Some fishing gear is available to borrow.

You can register at the event, beginning at 8 a.m. Please make checks payable to the Natrona County Education Foundation.

You've seen them on the ball field, but who are they, and where do they come from?�Celebrate America's favorite pastime with members of the Casper Ghosts baseball team at the Natrona County Public Library at 10:30 a.m. today in the Crawford Room. The free event is open to all ages; bring family and friends, along with questions about baseball.�

The 12-24 Club is hosting a barbecue and concert by "Savannah Jack" of Nashville from 6 to 9 p.m., at City Park, Eighth and Center. Barbecue is $10; concert is free. Any donations to the 12-24 Club's new building will be appreciated. One of the band's members is the cousin of Larry Gatlin of the Gatlin Brothers. Take your lawn chairs and enjoy the evening

The Bureau of Land Management National Historic Trails Interpretive Center presents, "Bessemer Bend: An Evening of History and Recreation," at the Bessemer Bend Historic Site.

The presentation, free and open to the public, is from 6 to 8 p.m. Participants will meet at the Trails Center, 1505 Poplar St. at 6 p.m. and caravan to Bessemer Bend in their own personal vehicles. Bessemer Bend is located approximately 10 miles west of Casper off of Highway 220.

For western immigrants following the North Platte River, Bessemer Bend provided the last opportunity to ford the river. Jason Vlcan, an interpreter at the Trails Center, will present a talk about the significance of Bessemer Bend to both Wyoming and U.S. history.

Following the 20-minute talk, participants are welcome to enjoy family fun by the river. The public is encouraged to bring picnic baskets, footballs, Frisbees and fishing poles.

This event is part of the Trails Center's summer evening program series.

For more information contact Alex Rose at the NHTIC, 261-7780.

Those who choose to may want to stay in the Bessemer Bend area until dark, when the Central Wyoming Astronomical Society hosts a free Star Gazing Party at Bessemer Bend State Park, about nine miles west of Casper off of Highway 220, on County Road 308, weather permitting. Learn about and see the visible planets, nebula, star clusters and galaxies, using telescopes furnished by members of the Central Wyoming Astronomical Society. Wear long sleeve shirts and bring insect repellant. Contact Alan Corey, 265-8023.

The family of Keith "Rusty" Collins is having a fundraiser to help him through his battle with throat cancer.

From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church at 4600 S. Poplar, the family is having a silent auction, bake sale and garage sale. There are also raffles for a Wii, several Wii games, a 26-inch flat screen HDTV/DVD combination, an iPod Touch, a navigation system and a digital camera. A free hot dog lunch will be served.

Raffle tickets are available prior to the event by contacting any of the family members. The drawings will be held the day of the event. You do not have to be present to win.

The funds raised will be used to pay Keith's bills until he is able to return to work. An account has been established at First Interstate Bank for his benefit.

The Hebrew Roots Congregation of Casper will sponsor a presentation by Eddie Chumney, titled "The Messiah- Genesis through Revelation." The session will be held at the Casper Open Bible Church fellowship hall, 2955 E. Second Street, beginning at 10 a.m.

The American Legion Post No. 2 will hold the first of what is planned to be monthly dinners at the post home at 6:30 p.m. The group will honor long-time members and giving updates on the progress of our new building at these dinners. The menu for this month's dinner is roast beef, potatoes, carrots, salad and carrot cake. Cost is $10. Please RSVP to the club at 235-1203.

The Casper Senior Center and The SwingSounds Dance Band will host a dance at the newly remodeled Casper Senior Center Ball Room at 1831 E. Fourth St. Admissions are $4 per person with the first $25 being donated to the Casper Senior Center. For additional information, contact the Casper Senior Center at 265-4678 or Jim Trantham at 234-7239.

The Casper Planetarium hosts its regular schedule of shows today at 11 a.m., 7 p.m., and 8 p.m. Morning shows are recommended for families with children ages 3 and older. Evening shows are recommended for families with children 6 and older, due to the technical material. Admission is $2.50 per person, per show. The Casper Planetarium is located at 904 N. Poplar St. For more information, call 577-0310.

On Sunday, the Wyoming Blues and Jazz Society has changed the location of the monthly jam at Gigz, 4741 W. Yellowstone, in the Mountain View Shopping Center.

This is a family-friendly venue, and those under 21 are encouraged to attend and participate. The host band will be "Dr K", bring your instrument and join in or just come to enjoy the music and dance from 4 to 8 p.m.

Also Sunday, a reception for artists participating in the Watercolor Show at the Westwind Gallery will be held from 2 to 4 p.m.