Albert Lea once again hosts the Midwest’s largest historical re-enactment of early America at Bancroft Bay Park. The Big Island Rendezvous & Festival is this Saturday and Sunday; this is the 26th year for the event.

New this year is a pioneer town complete with a chuckwagon, stagecoach and hearses. There will also be continuous stage entertainment, shopping, and crafts and ethnic foods.

The festival opens at 9 a.m. both days and tickets are $10 per person, $6 for children ages 6 to 11 and free for children ages 5 and younger. There are $20 family passes, too. A free shuttle from the Freeborn County Fairgrounds provides extra parking.

 

Friday

• The fourth annual fall event Diamonds Are Forever will start at 6 p.m. at Wedgewood Cove Golf Club. The event is a fundraiser for Group Support Services. From 6 to 7 p.m. will be a reception, followed by a dinner at 7 p.m. and music and dancing after. Tickets are $38.

 

Saturday

• A fall craft and vendor show will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in New Richland’s Village Hall. The New Richland area food shelf will serve lunch at the event.

• A blessing of animals will begin at 10 a.m. in Albert Lea’s Central Park. Pet owners may bring their animals to be blessed.

• The Marion Ross Performing Arts Center hosts the Alaska String Band at 7:30 p.m. The band hails from Juneau, Alaska, and will present a special show on Alaskan heritage and history.  Tickets are $18.

 

Sunday

• The Emmons Fire Department hosts its annual pancake breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Emmons fire hall. Menu includes pancakes, scrambled eggs, biscuits and gravy, sausage, juice, coffee and milk. Donations will be accepted, and proceeds go to the purchase of a new fire truck. Thrivent Financial will provide matching funds.

• Oakland Lutheran Church, at 22042 850th Ave. in Albert Lea, hosts a lutefisk and meatball supper. There are four separate dinner settings at 2:30, 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $16 for adults and $8 for children; no tickets will be sold at the door, call the church at 373-1737 or Barbara Leining at 433-2895 to reserve a ticket.

• United Methodist Church will host the Alaska String Band at 3 p.m. The group will present a gospel concert and refreshments following the concert. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students, $20 for a family and free for ages 5 and younger.

• Albert Lea’s Tiger Hills housing development hosts a concert fundraiser at 4 p.m. Band members of Arch Allies will perform. Donations go to building a playground in the development. People are encouraged to bring a lawn chair.

• The Freeborn Congregational United Church of Christ hosts its annual fall soup and pie supper from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Cost is $7 for adults and $4 for ages 10 and younger. All are welcome, and the church is located at 408 Main St. in Freeborn.