The annual Festival of Trees event opens Friday and continues through Dec. 31. The Albert Lea Art Center presents the yearly tradition, which is a result of collaboration of service groups and individuals who help decorate holiday trees to be showcased at the art center and enjoyed by the community.

This year’s show will feature trees with different themes including nature, books, animals, dolls, birds, snowmen, paper crafts, knitting and toys. Other trees are designed in renditions of the traditional holiday season.

The hours for the festival are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Dec. 31. The open house for the Festival of Trees is on Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.

 

Friday

• People can get a free preview of “The Dickens Christmas Carol Show” while Black Friday shopping. Actors from the play will sing carols and perform a scene at 2 p.m. at Northbridge Mall. Glen Parsons plays Ebenezer Scrooge.

• The Freeborn County Historical Museum hosts the Village Light Stroll from 5 to 7 p.m. Admission is $1, children under age 11 are free with an adult.

• The Freeborn Area Cancer Auction starts its two-night event at 6 p.m. Friday and continues at 1 p.m. Saturday at TB3’s Bar & Grill in Freeborn. There will be a live auction in memory of local historian Kevin Savick, and his wild cat collection will be auctioned both days. Call 507-863-2337 for more information. All proceeds go to the 5th District Eagles Cancer Telethon.

• See three Minnesota comedians perform at an 8 p.m. show at America’s Best Value Inn’s event center. Doors open at 7 p.m. and tickets are $10 in advance at the hotel’s front desk or $15 at the door before the show.

 

Saturday

• The Albert Lea Farmers Market will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Northbridge Mall inside the Old Schweser’s store location.

• The Freeborn Area Cancer Auction continues at 1 p.m. at TB3’s Bar and Grill in Freeborn. A raffle drawing will be held at 6 p.m. There will be entertainment by the band, All BS, from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Call 507-863-2337 for more information. All proceeds go to the 5th District Eagles Cancer Telethon.

• The Freeborn County Historical Museum hosts the Village Light Stroll from 5 to 7 p.m. Admission is $1, children under age 11 are free with an adult.

• The annual fundraiser for the volunteer firefighters in Walters will be from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Walters Fire Hall. The oyster stew and chili feed also includes bread, cheese, homemade bars and beverage. Cost is $8 for adults and $5 for ages 10 and under.

• “Rockin’ The Lighthouse Center” will feature artists Kyle Neidermeier, Indiscrepency, Reid Loken and Gary Sorbo, Riptide and Offcenter at 7 p.m. at the Lighthouse Event Center in Albert Lea. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults and are available at Marshall Street Music, Hy-Vee and Stadheim Jewelers in Albert Lea and at Coffee House on Main in Austin.

 

Sunday

• A breakfast fundraiser for Disabled American Veterans will be from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Moose Club in Albert Lea. Cost is $6 for adults, $3 for children. Menu includes egg bake, sausage, toast, juice and coffee.

• The American Legion will host a breakfast from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with $1 of the $7 entry cost going to a youth church group of your choice. Menu includes pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, potatoes, fruit, coffee and juice.

• The SimpleGifts concert series featuring Billy McLaughlin will come to Albert Lea at 7 p.m. at First Lutheran Church. Cost is $15 in advance and $20 at the door for adults or $10 for students. The tickets are available at Marshall Street Music, Hy-Vee and Stadheim Jewelers in Albert Lea and at Coffee House on Main in Austin.