A benefit for James and Tina Stripe will begin at 5 p.m. Friday at Wedgewood Cove Golf Club.

The event includes a dinner, live and silent auction, bake sale and golf event.

Donations and proceeds will go toward medical expenses for the Stripes. James was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2010, but with surgery and chemotherapy was doing better. Then a little more than a year later, Tina was diagnosed with breast cancer, and a scan showed a spot on James’ lung. Both received care again, and Tina is now a cancer survivor. Another scan showed James has small tumors in several areas of his body, and he is unable to work while undergoing chemotherapy. James and Tina have three children, Carlton, Karina and Chole.

Donations can be sent to City and County Credit Union, 1719 W. Main St., Albert Lea. Call 507-383-0975 for more information on the benefit.

Kiester Days will be celebrated this weekend. Turn to Page 5 for a story and schedule of events.

 

Friday

• The Albert Lea Art Center’s “Celebrating the Lakes of Freeborn County” art show is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the art center, 224 S. Broadway Ave.

• The Pelican Breeze II will hold a pizza cruise. The cruise leaves at 6 p.m., and reservations are needed by 4 p.m. by calling the Albert Lea Parks and Recreation Department at 377-4370. Cost is $20, and Green Mill will be serving food and beverages.

 

Saturday

• The sixth annual Bikes for Barker scholarship fundraiser starts with a pancake breakfast form 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the Albert Lea Armory. Following is a 100-mile motorcycle ride to Lanesboro and an 11-mile bicycle ride on the Root River Trail. A lunch celebration will be held in Lanesboro, along with a free youth fishing contest. All money raised goes toward the Garth Barker Memorial Scholarship Fund that assists students pursuing careers in chemical dependency counseling. For more information call 507-259-2362.

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

• The Threads of Love Style Show will be held at Albert Lea’s First Lutheran Church. Doors open at 9:30 a.m., and a brunch will be served. Tickets are $15 and will not be available on Saturday. Tickets can be found at the Freeborn County Historical Museum, Mary-Go-Round Shoppe, Addie’s Floral & Gift, the Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce. The style show will feature fashions from the 1920s to the 1990s.

• The Albert Lea Art Center’s “Celebrating the Lakes of Freeborn County” art show is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the art center, 224 S. Broadway Ave.

• The Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce and its members will host Downtown Saturdays starting this Saturday and continuing through Aug. 24, with the exception of July 6. Complimentary hot dogs and water will go to the first 100 downtown shoppers at a featured location each week. Service will be available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., or until the products are gone. Locations will vary week to week based on construction. Call the chamber at 373-3938 or visit its Facebook page to find the location.

• The fifth annual Ride for Hope will pass through Geneva and Freeborn after departing from Owatonna at 10 a.m. A lunch will be held at the Geneva Bar & Grill. The ride raises money for five charities and tours scenic southern Minnesota each year.

• The Pelican Breeze II will have a cruise featuring humorist Al Batt at 1:30 p.m. Reservations are needed before 4 p.m. Friday by calling 377-4370. Cost is $20.

• Aspiring country music artists will compete at 7 p.m. at Austin’s Paramount Theatre. The 32nd annual Texaco County Showdown will be hosted by Ron Hunter with a judging panel of Mike Woitas, Neil Lang, Merle Krause and Sarah Bazey. Local acts competing include Jennifer Ordalen, Dunnell Lenort, Angel Niemeyer, Ashley Willett, All BS band and Charley Fleek. Tickets are $15 at the door.

 

Sunday

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

• The Pelican Breeze II hosts a public cruise at 1:30 p.m. No reservations are needed, and cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children age 5 and younger.

• Albert Lea’s First Lutheran Church hosts the Minnesota All-State Lutheran choir at 7:30 p.m. Donations will be accepted.