There's plenty to do while we're waiting for school to be over and summer to begin. Chief among the things to do would be to finally turn the heater off and finally hook the outdoor hoses up, but since it's Wyoming, that may not be quite possible yet.

It seems like there's always plenty to do in Casper, both free stuff and things that take some saving and spending.

This week, the "Best of Broadway" ends its season at the Casper Events Center with "The Producers," on Thursday. The show begins at 7 p.m., which is a different start time from the other shows. Plenty of seats are still available for the comedy.

Events Center manager Max Torbert says next year's Broadway lineup is almost complete and will certainly be worth subscribing to.

I recall living in Casper before the Events Center was here, and since it was built, it has been the site of some wonderful evenings.

Anne Murray, of course, still tops the list, but the person I was with gets as much credit for that as the Canadian songbird does.

Acoustic rocker Inda Eaton returns to Casper for a Friday ARTCORE concert at Kelly Walsh Auditorium, where she will record a CD. She'll feature her song, "Casper," at the event. A portion of the proceeds will go to the 12-24 Club in Casper, which offers 12-step groups a place to meet and members a place to socialize.

On Saturday, families can get some exercise and support a great cause with the March of Dimes WalkAmerica at the Three Crowns Golf Course. There are 1-1/2, 3 and 5-mile routes available to walk at your own pace and music and food to celebrate afterwards.

Next Sunday, of course, is Mother's Day, so plan to mail your cards, order your flowers or make your brunch reservations early in the week.

On Tuesday, May 15, every first-grader in the state of Wyoming will receive a free hardbound book, thanks to Wyoming Literacy Day and the Sue Jorgensen Library Foundation's Wyoming Reads Program.

That fabulously successful program was begun in Casper by John Jorgensen, husband of the late Sue Jorgensen, and has spread statewide and received the governor's endorsement.

The boodles of graduations locally begin May 17 with UW/CC, followed by Casper College on May 18, Natrona on June 1 and both Kelly Walsh and Roosevelt on June 2 - all at the Events Center.

And the GED commencement is Saturday, May 19, at Casper College.

Saturday, May 19, is also the annual Parkway pathway cleanup to spruce up the Platte River Parkway after the blustery winter. The city provides the materials; you just need to help with the labor.

The parkway folks plan a big community event on June 16, which is the same date as the gigantic Nic Fest at the Nicolaysen Art Museum.

Plan now to spend the whole day on June 16 away from the house, because in addition to the parkway and Nic events, the Casper Artists Guild sponsors its annual ArtWalk, which is a home tour and art show and sale all in one.

With all of that going on, there's really no reason to stay home and mow now is there?

Community News editor Sally Ann Shurmur can be reached at (307) 266-0520; sallyann.shurmur@casperstartribune.net or read her online at www.casperstartribune.net/dishin