There’s lots to do in the area this summer

Published 9:33 am Tuesday, May 19, 2015

As the staff here at the Tribune prepare our annual Summertimes publication for print, I am reminded just how great Albert Lea is during the summer.

Whether it’s attending an art or theater event or taking part in an outdoor recreation opportunity, there’s plenty for everybody to enjoy.

For my children, the highlights are going to be Wind Down Wednesday, the Freeborn County Fair and some new events planned this year called Wee Wednesdays and Wednesdays by the Water.

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Wee Wednesdays are organized for children 5 and under at Fountain Lake Park, and Wednesdays by the Water are a chance for children to use the kayaks, canoes and paddle boards from Albert Lea Community Education for free. Sounds like a great opportunity.

For my husband, the highlight without question is going to be Eddie Cochran Weekend, which he looks forward to year-round. Working to restore a 1975 Plymouth Fury, that’s his chance to meet with other like-minded people and to see more of what he is passionate about. He takes off work for this weekend literally six months in advance and wouldn’t miss it for anything.

For myself, the highlights of the summer will be the Third of July Parade and the Fourth of July fireworks show, which give us a lot of time to be together as a family and see lots of people come to Albert Lea. It has always been exciting for me to see Albert Lea bustling with activity.

There’s also the Albert Lea Farmers Market, where I can go to get fresh, healthy foods.

In addition to all of these events, there’s loads of other outdoor recreational opportunities available for people to enjoy.

My family and I have started walking a couple times a week, and what greater views are there than along the Blue Zones Walkway or the Blazing Star Trail?

Interested in canoeing or kayaking? There’s the newly established Shell Rock River Water Trail.

Like camping? There’s Myre-Big Island State Park.

Who says there’s nothing to do in Albert Lea? Surely not in the summer.

Then of course, there are all of the small-town festivals in the cities surrounding Albert Lea.

We usually take part in a few of those during the summer as well. Last year, we attended the parade and fireworks in Alden for the first time, and I was pleasantly surprised.

In addition to the activities I’ve mentioned, there are races, sporting events, fishing, boating and water skiing.

Take advantage of all of these events, and thanks to the community members who make them possible.

 

Sarah Stultz is the managing editor of the Albert Lea Tribune. Her column appears each Tuesday.