In honor of National Skating Months (January and February) and the Olympics, the Albert Lea Figure Skating Club is sponsoring a free hour of open skating from 3 to 4 p.m. Saturday at Albert Lea City Arena. Skate rental will also be free during that hour.

There will also be hot chocolate and cookies for those who attend. Public skate is from 1 to 2:30 p.m. that day, so if people wish to do so, they may come early to have more skating time. However, if they do, normal public skate and skate rental fees will apply during that time.

The goal of National Skating Month is to increase awareness of and participation in U.S. Figure Skating programs. It allows U.S. Figure Skating member clubs and basic skills programs to reach out to new members in their communities.

Following is a roundup of other events happening in the area this weekend.

Friday, Feb. 26

The Albert Lea Thunder will play Bismarck at 7:30 p.m.at City Arena.

Saturday, Feb. 27

 A pancake breakfast to benefit a Jamaican mission trip will be held from 7 to 10 a.m. at Applebee’s Restaurant, 2740 Bridge Ave., Albert Lea. Cost is $5 per person. A fundraiser cookbook will also be available for purchase at the breakfast.

 A spiritual spa will be held at Christ Episcopal Church from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is presented by In Spirit, a coalition of people who are exploring the connections between the mind, body and spirit in health and wholeness. The event will feature workshops on a wide variety of topics such as QiGong meditation, essential oils, yoga, labyrinths and harp therapy. The cost for the day (including lunch) is $15 per person. Participants are asked to bring their own cup or mug. Call the office at 373-3188 to register. Space is limited.

The Story Lady Doll & Toy Museum, 131 N. Broadway Ave., will hold a puppet party at 1 p.m. Carly Adams will show puppets made from socks, paper plates and even plastic forks. Everyone will be able to make a puppet or two. Those attending should bring scissors, yarn scraps and needle and thread, as well as a doll or toy for show and tell. There will be treats and surprises. The event is free for children and doll museum members and $2 for all others.

 A benefit for the Bob and Jodi VanPelt family will be held at the Glenville-Emmons Elementary School from 3 to 7 p.m. Pork sandwiches, salad and beans will be served for a donation. A fire damaged the VanPelt home on Jan. 14. The couple has four young children and Bob VanPelt is a member of the Myrtle Fire Department. A fund has been set up at Citizens State Bank of Glenville. Donations may be mailed to the bank at 300 W. Main St., Glenville, MN 56036.

Emmons Volunteer Firefighters and First Responders will hold their annual soup and pie supper from 4 to 7 p.m. at Emmons Lutheran Church.

The Albert Lea Thunder will play Bismarck at 7 p.m. at City Arena.

Sunday, Feb. 28

The Albert Lea Sons of Norway Lodge will hold a Norwegian roll pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the lodge near City Arena. Pancakes, scrambled eggs, ham, parslied potatoes and lingonberries wil be served. Cost is $6 for adults and $3 for children. Kids 5 years and younger eat free.

American Legion Post 56, 142 N. Broadway Ave., will hold a pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Pancakes, sausage, eggs, potatoes, juice and coffee will be served. Cost is $6 per person. Children 6 years and younger eat free.