Friday, May 11

GARDEN SPROUTS: Stories and hands-on activities for children ages 3 to 5 with a caregiver from 9 to 10 a.m., weather permitting; sponsored by the Santa Fe Botanical Garden and the Railyard Park Conservancy. Meet at the Santa Fe Botanical Garden on Museum Hill, 725 Camino Lejo; $5 suggested donation; free to members and children under 12. ALL-AGES CHESS: The Vista Grande Public Library in Eldorado, 14 Avenida Torreon, presents a chess program from 3 to 5 p.m. All players under 12 must have parental permission. STORY TIME: Bring your infants, toddlers and preschoolers for stories, songs and crafts at the Vista Grande Public Library in Eldorado, 14 Avenida Torreon, 11 a.m. OPEN ART STUDIO AT THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM: From 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., the museum, at 1050 Old Pecos Trail, hosts weekly explorations into the arts with special guests and hands-on activities. Admission is $7.50 for adults, $5 for children and free for infants. BOOK SALE: Vista Grande Public Library, 14 Avenida Torreon, Eldorado, 505-466-7323. New and gently used books, CDs, audio books and DVDs ranging in price from 50 cents to $3; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., no charge. “THE LITTLE MERMAID”: Pandemonium Productions presents the Disney classic at 7 p.m. at the James A. Little Theatre, 1060 Cerrillos Road. Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for kids under 12 and may be reserved by calling 505-982-3327. FASHION SHOW: A fashion show showcasing the collections and pieces of Santa Fe Community College students begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza Hotel, 100 Sandoval Street. Admission is $10 to $25. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at www.eventbrite.com. Students free with an SFCC ID. For more information, contact Ezra Estes, ezra.estes@sfcc.edu or call 505-428-1358. MOTHER’S DAY WHITEWATER RACES: After more than 60 years, the Mother’s Day kayak and raft tradition still makes a big splash on the Rio Grande, with competitors, spectators, campers and a Dutch Oven Cookoff contest. The races, from May 11 to 13, will be held on the 4.5-mile, Class III section of the Rio Grande known as the Racecourse, which begins just south of Taos in Pilar and runs along N.M. 68. Spectators are invited to attend, free of charge. Schedule and event details can be found at www.mothersdaywhitewater.com.