Monday is Memorial Day, the federal holiday that is celebrated the last Monday in May. Formerly known as Decoration Day, the holiday started after the Civil War to commemorate fallen soldiers. More recently it’s observed to remember all men and women who died while serving in the armed forces. Read on for events in Albert Lea and the surrounding communities.

 

Saturday

• The Albert Lea farmers market will be open from 9 a.m. to noon in the North Broadway parking lot.

• The Good Samaritan Society of Albert Lea will host a community carnival 1 to 4 p.m. The free event is open to the public. There will be games, a petting zoo, food and fellowship. The company is holding the event to show off its staff and residents and thank the Albert Lea area for its support.

 

Sunday

• The Albert Lea American Legion will host a pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Menu includes pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, potatoes, fruit cup and beverage.

• Jon Romer, an Albert Lea High School grad who now lives near Bemidji, will present a Native American flute recital at 2 p.m. at First Lutheran Church. The concert is free and open to the public.

• The Waldorf Theatre Co. from Waldorf College in Forest City, Iowa, will perform at 6:30 p.m. Sunday at the Edgewater Park band shell. The 45-minute performance will be of Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” and is free of charge.

 

Monday

The following Albert Lea Memorial Day events are hosted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 447 (all times are approximate):

• Memorial service at Lakewood Cemetery at 7 a.m. This service honors Freemond Madson, whose name bears the VFW Post 447.

• Memorial service at the St. Theodore Cemetery at 7:15 a.m. This service honors Leo Carey, whose name bears the Albert Lea American Legion Post 56.

• Memorial service at Hillcrest Cemetery at 7:30 a.m.

• Memorial service at Freeborn County Veterans Memorial at 7:50 a.m.

• Memorial service for those buried at sea at Fountain Lake Park at 9 a.m.

• Memorial service at Graceland Cemetery at 11 a.m. to noon with guest speaker John E. Barrons. In case of inclement weather, this service will be held at the Albert Lea High School auditorium.

 

Other city events

• Members of the Emmons American Legion Post No. 317 will make their traditional visits to seven cemeteries. The group will assemble at 8:30 a.m. and leave for the cemeteries at 8:45 a.m. Schedule as follows: Lime Creek Synod at 9 a.m., Lime Creek at 9:15 a.m., Oak Lawn-Emmons at 9:30 a.m., Silver Lake at 9:50 a.m., St. James Catholic at 10:45 a.m., Brush Hill at 11 a.m., and Bear Lake at 11:15 a.m. The annual potluck dinner will follow at 11:30 a.m. at the Emmons Legion.

• Memorial Day services at Hartland are at 9 a.m. with a parade from the bank corner to Cross of Glory Church for the program.

• Hollandale Cemetery Memorial Day Service at 9 a.m., located about a half-mile south and east of Hollandale. In case of inclement weather, this service will be at the Hollandale Christian Reformed Church, one block south of Highway 251.

• Bohemian National Cemetery (north of Myrtle) Memorial Day Service at 11 a.m. Dinner will follow at the Brick Hall.

• Oakland-Trondhjem Cemeteries Memorial Day Service at noon. Located at 22042 850th Ave., Albert Lea. Service provided by the Austin Honor Guard. Dinner will immediately follow. Coffee and donuts available starting at 9 a.m. Everyone is welcome.