Albert Lea’s Beyond the Yellow Ribbon group is hosting its second annual Freedom Festival to give the community a chance to meet and socialize with local veterans.

The event begins at 5:30 p.m. Saturday at the Albert Lea Armory at 410 Prospect Ave. There will be entertainment by guitarist John Steiert, followed by the Lookout Drive band from Mankato. Free food will be served, and the Clarks Grove Pour House will have a cash bar available.

Families and children are welcome. A bean bag tournament will be hosted by the Pour House, and two-person teams can register at the event.

There also will be an open house hosted by the Delta Family Readiness Group that is scheduled for 2 to 4 p.m. that day. There, people can learn more about Delta Co. and meet with soldiers and their families.

Hayward Days will be held this weekend, look to Friday’s Tribune for a story and schedule of events. Wednesday’s Tribune featured a story and events schedule for New Richland’s Farm & City Days event. Last Friday’s Tribune had a story on the July Jubilee in Lake Mills. Turn to Page 7 to find more information about Clear Lake’s Bikes, Blues and BBQ Festival.

 

Friday

• The Conger Volunteer Fire Department hosts its annual pork chop supper from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Menu includes pork chops, potato salad, cole slaw and beans. Cost is $9 for adults and $6 for ages 12 and younger.

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

• Albert Lea Community Theatre presents “Happy Days, a New Musical” at 7:30 p.m. at the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $18 for adults and $10 for children.

 

Saturday

• The April Sorensen Memorial Half Marathon starts at 7:30 a.m. near Country Inn & Suites and ends in Hayward.

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

• The Albert Lea Municipal Airport will hold a grand opening celebration at 11 a.m. As part of the ceremonies, a 1929 Ford Tri-Motor, owned by the Experimental Airplane Association, will be on hand. Rides will be $75 per person, or $70 if reserved in advance. Rides in the co-pilot seat are $125. There is no charge to view the aircraft from the ground. Also, six college-age students who are flying around the country with Cessna will be on hand to share their experiences.

• The Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce and its members will host Downtown Saturdays each Saturday, continuing through Aug. 24. Complimentary hot dogs and water will go to the first 100 downtown shoppers at a featured location. 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 Pelican Breeze II will have a cruise hosted by naturalist and humorist Al Batt at 1:30 p.m. Cost is $15, and reservations are needed by 4 p.m. Friday by calling 377-4370.

• Albert Lea Community Theatre presents “Happy Days, a New Musical” at 7:30 p.m. at the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $18 for adults and $10 for children.

• Albert Lea’s Beyond the Yellow Ribbon group hosts a Freedom Festival at 5:30 p.m. at the Albert Lea Armory.

 

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 a beverage. Cost is $7.

• 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.

• Brian Arnold performs for a Senior Center fundraiser show at 2 p.m. at the Albert Lea High School auditorium. Call 1-800-280-9757 for tickets or more information.

• Albert Lea Community Theatre presents “Happy Days, a New Musical” at 2 p.m. at the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $18 for adults and $10 for children.

• The Freeborn County Historical Museum will hold a ribbon cutting and open house for the new Marion Ross exhibit from 5 to 7 p.m. Ross will be present to visit with attendees. Cost is $3 for nonmembers.