Freeborn County leaders and avid fans of popular ABC-TV show “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” expressed their excitement Tuesday that the entire nation will soon get a glimpse of the Albert Lea area when one local family gets a home makeover.

It’s something that doesn’t happen every day, and that’s what’s got area residents thrilled at the opportunity.

“Who would have thought they would come here and do so much for the town?” said Brenda Vosler, who watches the show every week. “It’s great they’re coming. It will do a lot for Albert Lea and put our name on the map.”

Not to mention it’s something new and exciting, she said.

Host Ty Pennington and his design team will knock on the door of the selected family on Sept. 30. From there, the show will work with local contractors and volunteers to construct the family a new home in 4 1/2 days.

Next Tuesday, Conrad Ricketts, executive producer of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” will lead a pep rally at 8 a.m. at Crossroads Church. The Emmy Award-winning show is in its sixth year.

“I think it’s cool,” said Laurie Sistek, owner of Bookkeeping Cents.

“It’s a neat show and they do neat things. Some people say, ‘That’s a stupid thing to do or they didn’t need that,’ but I think it does change people’s lives.”

She said she and her daughter, Heather Coombs, promise not to call each other when the show comes on at 7 p.m. Sundays. They’re both huge fans.

Coombs said she watches the show with her family every week.

“I’m sure tons of people will be volunteering to help,” she said. “It’s contagious when you give.”

She said she might volunteer, too, but wasn’t sure yet.

“It’s a great opportunity for us as a community, where we get to show how supportive we are of each other in the community,” 1st Ward Counselor Vern Rasmussen said. “I’ve always been impressed with how the community is able to get things done for a worthy cause.

“I think it will show to the world that we are a real caring community. And it also gets our name out there, which never hurts.”

Albert Lea Mayor Randy Erdman said the show’s visit to Freeborn County will be an opportunity to showcase the community.

“What a wonderful thing to happen and be chosen for,” Erdman said. “I think you’ll see the real side of the Freeborn County and Albert Lea community — how generous and giving they really are.”

Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Susie Petersen said it will be a blessing for the community.

“We’re extremely excited,” Petersen said. “It’s been rewarding to work and help plan this event with ABC and all the folks at “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.

“They have a thousand requests a week at ABC, how wonderful is it that we have them choose Freeborn County.”

The event will bring in thousands of people to the community, she added.

To volunteer to help with the home makeover, people can visit the official site: AlbertLeaTribune.com/larsoncontractingextreme. Or they can fill out a form that will be printed in today’s Tribune.

“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” won Emmy awards for Outstanding Reality Program in 2005 and 2006. It is produced by Endemol USA.