ALDEN — Morin Lake is set on 21.1 square acres of Alden. The shallow mere is home to bluegill, largemouth bass, walleye and the Morin Lake Days festival.

The festival is a celebration of Alden and will feature the theme of “Blast from the Past.”

“Alden Morin Lake Days celebration is good old-fashioned fun with a wide variety of events for all ages,” organizer Ann Bryson said. “The fireworks seem to go on forever and being shot over the lake it is a spectacular sight.”

Fireworks blitzing their way across the sky can be seen beginning at dusk, approximately 9 p.m.

Also back by popular demand is Fugleskudning. The tradition, also known as the Great Dane Shoot, returns to the line up for the 20th year after being absent from the 2010 schedule.

During the event, shooters take aim at a manmade bird to knock off different parts of the fowl. The top prize is rewarded for removing the breastplate.

“This year we opened up registration at Hart Brother’s Weaponry in Albert Lea for odd numbered shooters in addition to the Alden City Clerk’s Office for even numbered shooters,” Bryson added. “The entry fee is only $10 and open to only 100 shooters.”

Every registered shooter will receive a souvenir cap. Ammunition is provided but organizers request that participants bring their own 12-gauge shotgun, with no scopes.

Another classic favorite during the festivities will be the pie and ice cream social after the parade. The social will be held in City Hall on Broadway.

Two new events will debut at these years Morin Lake Days.

The first will be classic and custom cars will be available for the public to view on Broadway following their parade route. Second will be the World War II Historical Memorabilia and Memories collection viewing.

Audiences will be able to view Milan Hart’s extensive collection of memorabilia and be able to hear the stories of the times and events.

“I think the local treasure is the Community Museum,” Bryson said. “The museum has always had a great collection preserving the past.”

The museum has been making changes over the past few years and Bryson says the new look is “well worth a visit.”

Past and present board members of the Community Historical Society will be the grand marshals of this year’s parade.

Alden was founded as a railway village that straddles both Alden and Carlston Townships, which was settled in 1858. It was formally organized on April 3, 1866.

Schedule of events:

Friday
• noon: Medallion Hunt Begins
• 1 to 3 p.m.: Lion’s Club Fishing Contest at Morin Lake
• 1 to 4 p.m.: Community Museum is open for self-guided tours
• 5 to 7:30 p.m.: Alden Boy/Cub Scout Troop 11 and Pack 11 serve supper by the lake at a cost of $6 a plate
• 6:30 p.m.: Alden Legion Auxiliary Kiddie Parade on Water Street
• 6:30 p.m.: A-C FFA Kiddie Tractor Pull (after Kiddie Parade)
• Evening: Sons of American Legion Softball Tournament or Homerun Hitting Contest at North Park.
• 8:30 p.m.: Free Family Show at Hemmingsen’s Transfer

Saturday
• All day: SAL Softball & Volleyball Tournaments at North Park
• All day: Food Stand at North Park
• 8 to 11 a.m.: Methodist Church Women serving coffee and treats at United Methodist Church
• 9 a.m.: Fun Run 10K, 3-mile run and 1-mile run/walk.
• 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.: WWII Historical Memorabilia & Memories at City Hall
• 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Community Museum is open for self-guided tours.
• 2 p.m.: Memories and stories from former farm kids.
• 10 a.m.: Sign-in for Fugleskudning “The Great Dane Shoot” held at Freeborn County Co-op Oil lot on North Star Road.
• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Home Based Business Vendors at the A-C cafeteria
• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Luncheon
• 1 p.m.: Entertainment “Oklahoma” selections, Best of the Best Alden Idol and A-C Aces at A-C school stage
• 2 to 4 p.m.: Canoe races and activities on the lake
• 7 p.m.: Parade
• Post-parade: Classic/custom car display on Broadway and Lion’s pie and ice cream social at Alden City Hall
• 8:30 p.m. to midnight: Teen Street Dance and KROC “Music on Wheels”
• 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.: Alden American Legion Street Dance
• Dusk: Fireworks over Morin Lake

Sunday
• 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Lion’s Club Pancake Breakfast
• 9:30 a.m.: Worship by the water
• 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.: WWII Historical Memorabilia & Memories at City Hall
• 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Community Museum open for self-guided tours
• All day: SAL Softball Tournament and Food Stand at North Park