Weekend Planner

Enjoy the gut-busting comedy of Scott Hansen and the Stagebenders at the Toys for Troops Comedy Tour this Friday at the Leo Carey American Legion Post 56 in Albert Lea.

Scott Hansen, five-time Minnesota Comedian of the Year, will team up with the Stagebenders, the Hollywood comedy duo of Gust Alexander and Kim Thomassen for this hilarous comedy fundraiser.

Hansen started the Toys For Troops Comedy Tour, and to date, these comedy shows have raised over $100,000 for the Don Hansen VFW in Ham Lake, Minn., which was named after his father, and other VFW’s across the state. The shows have also provided games, toys, gift certificates and sporting goods by the truckload to families of troops. Proceeds from the Albert Lea show will also benefit the Albert Lea High School choir.

Hansen has made millions laugh with national TV appearances on HBO, Showtime, A&E and E!. He developed and created two pilots and a series for Comedy Central, including “Seriously Weird Magazine,” and “Access America,” starring nationally-known actor Fred Willard.

The Stagebenders, a pair of high school buddies from Minneapolis, has appeared on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” ABC’s “America’s Funniest People,” MTV’s “The Jenny McCarthy Show” and the Coen Brothers’ “The Naked Man.”

The event will include two shows Friday, starting at 7 p.m. and 9:15 p.m., at the Leo Carey American Legion Post 56, 142 N. Broadway Ave., Albert Lea. Seats are general admission for $20 per person.

Friday

• Beth Tostenson’s original art, Albert Lea past and present water color landscapes and florals, is on display at the Albert Lea Art Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The last day of this display is Saturday.
• The Hollandale Christian School is having its 2010 annual fall supper. For more information look on Page 3 of today’s Tribune.
• It’s a Holiday Open House at Ben’s Floral & Frame Designs. Pick up a mystery gift card and win a prize, including a $100 gift card. The event goes through Saturday.
• Everyone is invited to a Holiday Grand Wine and Beer Tasting at Wedgewood Cove Golf Club. Over 70 different wines and beers to taste. The event is from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and no reservations are needed. A $20 donation per person will be accepted with all proceeds benefiting United Way. Also enjoy a silent auction and hors d’oeuvres. This event is sponsored by Fountain Warehouse Liquor.

Saturday

• Ascension Lutheran Church will host the annual Time & Talent Bazaar from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. at 1101 Hwy. 69 South, Albert Lea. Crafts and lefse will be available for purchase. Morning coffee is from 8 until 10 a.m. and lunch will be served from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.
• Enjoy fresh garden produce, fall produce, baked goods, locally-created arts, crafts and more at the Farmers Market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Northbridge Mall.
• Hunter’s Lunch and Bake Sale, hosted by the Moscow Lutheran Church, will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Moscow Town Hall. Enjoy hot coffee and donuts, hearty chili and sandwiches and home-baked goodies.
• A flood relief benefit will be at the New Richland American Legion from 4 p.m. to midnight. The event will include food, a bake sale, silent auction and live auction. All funds will be distributed by the New Richland Ministerial Association and go to those affected by the Sept. 22 flooding.

Sunday

• The public is invited to the “Keep Our Boat Afloat” pancake breakfast fundraiser for the Pelican Breeze II. The event will be from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Albert Lea Moose Club. Admission is $5.
• The Brickhall Pancake Breakfast Benefit will be from 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Glenville American Legion. Enjoy breakfast and a Czech bake sale. Donations will be taken at the door. Pop tops, used stamps and used eye glasses will also be collected.
• The Eagles Club, 205 West William, will host a pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Menu will include pancakes, eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, coffee, juice and milk. Admission is $6 per person for all you can eat.
• Join family and friends for Vikings football at Wedgewood Cove Golf Club. Enjoy the Vikings versus Arizona Cardinals game with basket specials plus beads, prizes, games and more.