It’s Hispanic Heritage Month and, while Hispanic Heritage can be celebrated all year round, some special events are happening in the Twin Cities over the next few weeks.

The annual celebration, which began as Hispanic Heritage Week 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988, spans Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, according to hispanicheritagemonth.gov. Hispanic Heritage Month spans parts of September and October because multiple Latin American countries celebrate their independence days throughout the 30 days, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico and Chile.

Here are some things to do:

Representing Latinidad

Now through Nov. 18, Comunidades Latinas Unidas En Servicio host at an art gallery featuring local Minnesota based Latine artists, at the CLUES Art Gallery (797 E. Seventh St., St. Paul), Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information visit, clues.org.

Mes de la Herencia Hispanica Celebraciones

From 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 21, visit Rice Park (109 W. Fourth St., St. Paul) for the free event, which features a performance by Aztec dance group Nahui Ollin at 5 p.m. The event is open to the public and food will be available for purchase. For more information, visit facebook.com/people/Latino-Community-Association-Of-Willmar.

Hispanic Heritage month potluck w/SHEP-TC

From 12:30 to 3 p.m. Sept. 22, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Twin Cities host a potluck at the North Regional Library (1315 Lowry Ave. N., Minneapolis). The event encourages people to bring a Latin food or drink to share, homemade or from a favorite restaurant. For more information visit, eventbrite.com/e/hispanic-heritage-month-potluck.

‘Cultura y Estilo: Latino Fashion Extravaganza’

From 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 4, “Cultura y Estilo: Latino Fashion Extravaganza” celebrates Latino fashion and culture by “fusing of tradition and modernity on the runway,” according to event advertising, at The B Suite (81 S. Ninth St., Minneapolis). Tickets cost $45-$75 and can be purchased through eventbrite.com/e/cultura-y-estilo-latino-fashion-extravaganza.

Make your own pupusas

From 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 5, Mississippi Market is hosting a “make your own pupusas” event at the Dayton’s Bluffs location (740 E. Seventh St., St. Paul) for $20-$25. Learn how to make the traditional Salvadorean meal, vegetarian or meat-lover friendly. For more information or to buy tickets visit, eventbrite.com/e/daytons-bluff-location-make-your-own-pupusas. 

Latin Heritage Month with Fiesta Americana Travelty

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 9, Fiesta Americana Travelty hosts an event with music, dance and food, free and open to the public, at Nico’s Tacos and Agave Bar (4959 Penn Ave. S., Minneapolis). For more information, visit eventbrite.com/e/latin-heritage-month-with-fiesta-americana-travelty-minneapolis.

Latino Fest

From 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 11, celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with cultural performances, art activities and community resources with this free event open to the public at the Brooklyn Park Community Activity Center (5600 85th Ave. N.). The first 200 guests will receive samples from locally owned Latino restaurants. For more information, visit brooklynpark.org/event/latinofest.

Feeding our souls: The essence of Latino joy

From 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 20, the Minnesota Humanities Center (987 Ivy Ave. E., St. Paul) hosts a free community event featuring Venezuelan musician Jesus Guzman and food from Mexico-born chef Manuel Gonzalez. Registration is required for the event, visit event/feeding-our-souls-the-essence-of-latino-joy/.

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What are the best athletic shorts?

The best pairs of athletic shorts should fit comfortably, allowing your body to move freely while exercising. Though they can be great for running, training, yoga or team sports, a quality pair of athletic shorts can also be ideal for simply lounging around at home.

Choosing the best style is not always easy, considering the overwhelming number of options available. To decide which pair is best for you, consider a few key elements, from material to length to additional features that will help improve your workout.

What to look for in athletic shorts

Material

Almost all athletes will opt for lightweight, quick-drying and moisture-wicking materials, such as polyester, nylon and spandex. These materials allow you to stay cool when performing high-intensity activities or when the mercury rises. Cotton options are also available but are more suited for casual wear.

Length

The inseam length of men’s and women’s athletic shorts can vary drastically. The shortest inseams will start around 3 inches, with the longest options reaching 12 inches. Shorter inseams are best for running, and mid-length options can serve as good all-purpose workout shorts.

Style

The wearer’s preference ultimately determines the best color, design and style. There are endless possibilities and opportunities to customize your look. Some models will appeal more to serious athletes, while others are better for recreational and casual wear.

Many women’s athletic shorts tend to be high-waisted compared to similar men’s models. However, there are a few low-cut options available.

Extras

Zip pockets, waistband pockets, reflective detailing, interior lining and drawstring closures are all convenient features you may want to incorporate into your search for the best pair of athletic shorts. Some people might prefer the ability to carry their phone or wallet while running, while others may consider it unnecessary weight and bulk.

Best athletic shorts

Best athletic shorts for men

BALEAF Men’s 3 Inches Running Shorts

These polyester athletic shorts are great for runners and joggers. Their breezy design, including a short inseam, won’t restrict movement on long routes. The interior pocket is ideal for storing small essentials.

Nike Men’s Flex Stride 7-inch Shorts

Utilizing a relaxed fit, a mesh lining and Dri-FIT material, this option ensures that you’ll stay cool and dry throughout your workout. Many people will also appreciate the eco-friendly recycled fabric used in the construction of these shorts.

Champion Men’s 9-inch Jersey Short

You can choose between a full cotton or cotton/polyester blend, depending on the color and style. Whichever you choose, these Champion shorts are a perfect crossover option between technical and casual athletic wear.

Best athletic shorts for women

Under Armour Women’s Fly By 2.0

With plenty of color options to choose from, these durable running shorts will withstand strenuous activity. They wick away sweat and moisture to make your exercise routine more enjoyable.

Nike Women’s Tempo Dry Core 3-inch Running Shorts

Featuring an elastic waistband with included drawstring cord, you can achieve a perfect fit no matter your body type. To increase airflow during workouts, these Nike shorts have included ventilated mesh side panels.

Adidas Women’s Marathon 20 Shorts

The Marathon 20 shorts offer a relaxed athletic fit. They are not too tight and not overly baggy. The key pocket is handy for carrying extra cash, cards or other essential items.

Adidas Women’s Essentials 3-Stripes Shorts

Whether you decide to wear them at the gym, while training outdoors or just relaxing at home, you’ll enjoy the casual appearance of these 3-Stripes shorts. This option uses 92% cotton for an extra-soft feel and 8% elastane to provide stretch.

Hanes Women’s Jersey Short

With a 7-inch inseam and complete cotton construction, these jersey shorts are perfect for casual wear and low-energy exercises. One of the best aspects of these shorts is their deep side pockets, which are roomy enough to fit a phone or wallet.

BALEAF High Waist Compression Shorts

Those looking for shorts for biking, yoga, hiking, fitness classes and more will enjoy these tightfitting nylon/spandex shorts. Featuring side and hip belt pockets, they let you keep your essentials secure and within reach at all times.

90 Degree by Reflex Soft Comfy Activewear Lounge Shorts

The ribbed elastic waistband and drawstring closure ensure an ideal fit. These stretchy shorts have lifestyle and activewear appeal, so they’re suitable for everyday situations.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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Which remote start is best?

It used to be that you would have to make your way through the cold and snow to turn on an even colder car, or in the summer, turn on a blisteringly hot car and wait a long time for the air conditioning to bring the temperature down. Or maybe you are one of those people who regularly forget where they parked. You can avoid all of these situations with the right remote car starter.

Remote car starters allow you to turn on or locate your car using your key fob or a smartphone app. Imagine getting into a warm and running car on a winter’s day or a cooled-down cabin on a scorching summer afternoon. The remote starter can help you find your car or even provide extra theft deterrents. For overall power and features, the Prestige Two-Way Remote Start & Alarm is the top choice.

What to know before you buy a remote start

A remote starter may need to be installed or activated

Many newer cars come with a remote starter already installed by the factory. Some manufacturers require you to activate this feature through their online service that monitors your car engine and safety. Older cars will require the remote starter to be installed.

Installation

If you are purchasing an aftermarket remote starter, be careful trying to install it yourself. Each car is different, and if the remote starter is not installed correctly, it may not work correctly and could even damage your car. While manufacturers cannot void your warranty due to installing a remote starter, you can void your warranty if the remote starter installation causes damage. Some mechanics will not install remote starters. Seek out an experienced and certified technician to help make sure your installation is done correctly.

Use

The original technology for remote start involved pressing a button on your key fob from within a certain distance, where a radio signal is sent to the car to start the ignition. Newer car models now allow you to start your car and check other onboard statuses using a smartphone app. Keep in mind that cellular charges may apply.

What to look for in a quality remote start

Remote start running time

Most remote starters come with a limit on the amount of time the car will run without someone driving it. That time frame is usually five to 15 minutes, but some models allow you to program the limit. This saves gas and protects the environment from an engine idling longer than needed.

Door lock

Most remote starters lock the doors while the car is starting up. Some models require you to lock the doors first before engaging the remote starter. This is an extra safety precaution so that no one can enter your running car.

Transmission lock

An even stronger theft deterrent is the ability of the remote starter to lock a car’s transmission while the car is running. The car is undrivable until someone inserts a key or has a key fob inside the car, which signals that the appropriate driver has entered the vehicle. This feature makes it virtually impossible to steal the car unless the thief had access to the key itself.

How much you can expect to spend on a remote start

The price range for a remote start begins at $30 and can exceed $300. One-way starters cost less than two-way starters, and additional features like alarms and locking add to the overall price.

Remote start FAQ

Do remote starters work on all kinds of cars?

A. You can find a remote starter for just about any type of car, but keep in mind that diesel engines and manual transmissions are the most difficult to operate. Extra parts may be required for manual transmission cars. Make sure you have a certified technician who knows how to work on your type of car.

How far away will a remote starter work?

A. It varies by the remote starter model and environmental factors. Usually, the remote starter will work within several hundred feet. If you are in an office building or factory, there may be significant electrical interference. A smartphone app will bypass this by using the cellular network to reach your car no matter where you are.

What’s the best remote start to buy?

Top remote start

Prestige Two-Way Remote Start & Alarm

What you need to know: This redesigned two-way remote start is operational up to 1 mile and offers an impressive list of features.

What you’ll love: This stylish remote starter features automatic arming and automatic locking. It has an illuminated and remote keyless entry, along with a starter interrupt and flashing parking lights. The product also incorporates a multi-tone mini siren.

What you should consider: Installation can be challenging without an in-depth understanding of your car’s wiring.

Top remote start for the money

Crimestopper Remote Start

What you need to know: This versatile one-way keyless remote start system is very affordable and has multiple features.

What you’ll love: This remote starter’s operating range is 2,000 feet. It has 31 programmable options for automatic and manual transmissions and works with gas, diesel and hybrid engines. A five-button remote control transmitter is standard.

What you should consider: The remote control has some durability concerns, and installation can be challenging.

Worth checking out

Viper Two-Way Car Security with Remote Start System

What you need to know: This remote system is reliable and works from long range for added confidence.

What you’ll love: With a one-mile operating range, this four-channel security system is a long-distance favorite from a trusted manufacturer in the industry. It has an easy-to-read five-button LCD transmitter and comes with triggers for both the door and trunk.

What you should consider: The antenna is not reinforced and has been reported to break more easily than expected.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.