Places to Go, Things to Do

MVC basketball, bike rides and more

Spring is coming with lots of preparation for outdoor activities. But, first we get to enjoy March Madness. And, this year, for the St. Louis area, there's a special bonus.

First, the Missouri Valley Conference holds its men's basketball tournament March 1-4 at the Scottrade Center.

Then, on March 23-25, the NCAA's Midwest Regional men's basketball tournament is at the Edward Jones Dome. That's the last stop before the NCAA's Final Four determines the best men's college basketball team for 2006-07.

Other Places to Go; Things to Do include announcement of Trailnet's 2007 biking schedule, a trip to the Soulard Market or maybe some classes to get you ready for the return of birds to Missouri.

(Each month, Young Saint Louis.com collects information about activities and events in which kids and their families might like to participate. Many of those have free or inexpensive admission.)

(In addition, this YSL.com edition includes full-length articles concerning a new Internet finance game for kids by A.G. Edwards and a GO FISH program by the Missouri Department of Conservation. See the Home Page.)

MVC and NCAA basketball

The Missouri Valley Conference has been one of the hottest "mid-major" basketball conferences in the country in recent years. This year, there's another chance that multiple teams from the conference will be picked in the NCAA's Road to the Final Four field.

The MVC will hold its 17th consecutive conference tournament in St. Louis this year.

The four-day conference tournament will be played March 1-4 at the Scottrade Center in downtown St. Louis. For tickets call (314) 531-7887 or (314) 241-1888. For tournament information, call (314) 421-0339.

You can get both MVC and NCAA regional information on www.mvc-sports.com.

The NCAA Midwest Regional will be in the larger Edward Jones Dome. However, the MVC is the sponsoring conference and ticket information is on the conference's website.

Trailnet's 2007 biking schedule

Trailnet will release its 2007 biking schedule at its annual Potluck Chili Party Saturday, March 3. The party will be held at the Overland/St. Ann VFW Hall #3944 on 10815 Midland Blvd. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m.

After the official schedule announcement, printed season-long schedules can be picked up at dozens of participating stores and businesses.

For complete information on the 2007 schedule and where to pick up printed schedules, visit www.trailnet.org.

Trailnet is a non-profit organization that is developing miles of hiking and biking trails throughout the St. Louis metro area, including both Missouri and Illinois.

Its biking schedule includes a list of Bicycle Fun Club Rides that are just right for families with young kids. Get your schedule this month and be ready for the start of the biking season in April.

MDC birding classes

The Missouri Department of Conservation has classes for kids and families on a variety of subjects concerning birds.

For instance, at the Busch Conservation Area in St. Charles County, there is one class concerning Purple Martins on March 13 and another on Bluebirds on March 17. For information, call (636) 441-4554.

At the Forest Park office, a Beginning Bird Watching class will be March 16. For information, call (314) 877-1309.

At the Rockwoods Reservation, the Purple Martin class is March 10 and a Summer of Song class is March 17. At the "song" class, you'll learn how to build a wren house. For information, call (636) 458-2236.

At Powder Valley, a Purple Martin class and a Let's Build a Birdhouse class will both be on March 15. For information, call (314) 301-1500.

Soulard's Farmers Market

The Soulard Farmers Market is the oldest continuously operating farmers market west of the Mississippi. It was founded back in 1779.

It's open Wednesday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays, 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The market features fresh fruits, produce and meats plus crafts and a flea market.

For information, visit http://stlouis.missouri.org/citygov/soulardmarket/.

Plan your family genealogy

The Missouri History Museum will hold a Genealogy Research 101 class on Saturday, March 10 at 10:30 a.m. It will be at its Library and Research Center on 225 S. Skinker Blvd.

Admission is free but you need a reservation. Call (314) 361-9017.

Genealogy research expert Dennis Northcott will help you get started. He'll also introduce families to the resources of the state library.

For other museum and library offerings, visit www.mohistory.org.

Free Fridays at Magic House

The 3rd Friday of every month is Free Family Night at the Magic House. This month, that's March 16 from 5:30 to 9 p.m.

Two adults and up to four kids will be admitted free.

For information, call (314) 822-8900 or visit www.magichouse.org.