Weekend Planner

The Harmony Junction Barbershop Chorus has been harmonizing for weeks now, gearing up for its annual series of Christmas concerts.

The 20-plus member chorus has two performances scheduled on Sunday: 3 p.m. at United Methodist Church and 7 p.m. at St. Theodore Catholic Church.

According to Greg Smith, other groups will also be performing along with the Harmony Junction Barbershop Chorus, including Fountain Street Brass, Gary Gordinier and family and a solo by Chris Mishler.

The group will collect a donation at the door to be given to a local charity. The proceeds this year will be going to the Red Cross.

“We felt with the flooding and tornadoes, they could use our support,” said Smith.

Several other holiday performances are scheduled around town this weekend, as follows:

Friday

• The Festival of Trees at the Albert Lea Art Center is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, ending Dec. 31. The Albert Lea Art Center is located at 224 S. Broadway Ave., Albert Lea.

• The Crossroads Church youth group will present “Christmas Choir,” slated for three performances: 7 p.m. Friday, 7 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. Doors will open 1/2 hour before each performance begins, and an offering will be accepted. Members of the community are invited to stay for cookies and punch afterward.

Saturday

• Leo Carey American Legion Post 56 will host a membership makeup meal and food shelf donation for the Salvation Army breakfast. Admission is $5 per person. Pay only $3 at the door by bringing a canned food item. Members who have not had their free meal may eat free. The menu will include biscuits and gravy, sausage, peaches, juice and coffee.

• Enjoy fresh garden produce, fall produce, baked goods, local arts, crafts and more at the Albert Lea Farmers Market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Northbridge Mall.

• The Lighthouse Event Center presents “The Reason for the Season” holiday concert at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. admission is $5 at the door and a food item. Children ages 10 and under are free. Food items will be donated to the food shelf.

• The Leo Carey American Legion Post 56 is hosting a Swiss steak fundraiser for the Pelican Breeze II from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Admission is $8 and the meal includes Swiss steak, garlic potatoes, vegetable and dinner roll. Supplemental funding is through Thrivent Financial.

• The Careyairs will be singing from 2:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Northbridge Mall.

Sunday

• Grace Christian Church will host its annual Christmas variety show at 10 a.m. An offering of nonperishable food items will be collected to benefit the Salvation Army Food Pantry.

• The Chancel Choir and friends will present the Christmas Cantata “Holy Light” at 10:45 a.m. at the United Methodist Church.

• Albert Lea Parks and Recreation will host a Candy Cane Hunt from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Fairlane Building on the Freeborn County Fairgrounds. Cocoa, treats and an appearance by Santa will be enjoyed by all. Fee is $2 per child.

• “Chrismas Fragrance,” presented by Sharon Astrup-Scott will be from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church. The event is free.