Compiled by SALLY ANN SHURMUR

Star-Tribune staff writer

If school is starting the third week of August, then by gosh, let's have some fun.

Today's featured event for families is the second annual Back to School Bash from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., sponsored by the Natrona County School District and Mercer House.

The completely free event is on the grounds of the Nicolaysen Art Museum, Natrona County Public Library and surrounding streets, which are closed to traffic.

According to a release, "the purpose of the event is to show district and community support for a new school year."

Connected to the Bash are a two-mile or 3.1-mile fun run and walk, beginning early this morning. Check-in is at 7:15 a.m., at the Natrona County High School football field and the action starts at 8 a.m. The finish line for both is at the Bash.

Even though the library's parking lot is closed for the event, the library is open for all patrons from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parents are reminded to make sure their children have library cards as the school year begins. They are available free today.

The Natrona County Master Gardeners host Farmers' Markets every Saturday morning at 7:30 a.m., at the Agricultural Resource Learning Center, 2011 Fairgrounds Rd.

New vendors are added weekly and Master Gardeners are on hand to answer questions.

Families are welcome at the Rocky Mountain Regional Fiddle Championships & Music Festival presented by Wyoming Fiddlers' Association District #4 today and Sunday at the Casper Best Western Ramkota Hotel.

Competition for all ages and playing levels in fiddle, guitar, variety instruments and vocals begins today at 9 a.m. Entertainment by WFA #4 starts at 7 p.m., followed by the Grand Championship Fiddle competition and entertainment by three national fiddle champions, Danita Rast Gardner, John Francis, and Gary Schuh.

Spectators admission: Adults $6; Seniors (65 & over), Children (6-12) $5; Children 5 & under admitted free. Fiddle workshops are offered Sunday from 8 to 9 a.m. by Gardner and Francis for a $25 fee.

Outback Steak House will open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a special post-fundraising event for the American Cancer Society's Climb to Conquer Cancer. All proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society and are tax deductible.

Lunch is your choice of steak or chicken and choice of potato or vegetable. The Outback will place its signature appetizer, the "Bloomin Onion," on each table. The price is $10 per person.

The family of Raymond Henry Miller Sr. celebrates his 80th birthday today from 1 to 4 p.m., at the United Church of Christ, 1511 S. Melrose. To RSVP, call 235-5153.

Evansville Baptist Church, 459 Third St., between the Evansville post office and fire station, hosts WeBe King's Kids, at 4 p.m. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be served in the parking lot after the program. There will be puppets, stories, songs, videos and prizes. Kids are welcome to bring their parents. Everyone is invited. For more information, call 265-0832.

Casper Letter Carriers are hosting a Texas Hold'em tournament for the Muscular Dystrophy Association at 344 N. Walsh in the Iron Workers building. Doors open at 7 p.m. Food, fun, cash bar, prizes. Tickets $35; rebuys $25. Tickets are available at Poplar Wine & Spirits, 1016 S. Poplar; Full Clip Gaming Supplies, LLC, 737 E. Second; Nobe, Inc. 5055 Legion Lane; or by calling Leta at 267-0319.

The Casper Senior Center and The SwingSounds Dance Band invites you to dance at the newly remodeled Casper Senior Center Ball Room at 1831 E. Fourth St., from 7 to 10 p.m. Admission is $4/person with the first $25 being donated to the Casper Senior Center. For additional information you may contact the Casper Senior Center at 265-4678 or Jim Trantham at 234-7239.

On Sunday, in addition to the fiddle championships, The Casper Community Church celebrates its 10th anniversary with free hamburgers, hot dogs and ice cream from noon to 4 p.m. Outdoor Christian bands will play free, including Emmaus, Once for All, These Fallen Walls and the CCC Band. Everyone is invited to the festivities at 249 N. Wolcott, across the street from the downtown post office.

And Sunday is the deadline to order fresh peaches, pears and apples, sold as a fund-raiser for Mountain Road Christian Academy. Call Traci Pike, 235-1916, for details and to place your order.

Community News editor Sally Ann Shurmur can be reached at (307) 266-0520 or sallyann.shurmur@trib.com. Read Sal's blog at tribtown.trib.com/Sal/blog.