Summer activities kicked off last week with Albert Lea Floats and Plays at Frank Hall Park and the weekly Thursdays on Fountain in Fountain Lake Park.

With temperatures warming up and the sun shining bright, it was the first of several great weekends ahead for the Albert Lea area.

We encourage residents to take advantage of all there is to offer this summer. Many of the events planned for the next few months will be published in the Tribune’s Summer Times special section that is inserted into the daily newspaper on Friday.

Whether you like running in races, attending car shows, listening to live music, shopping, camping or some other activity, there’s plenty to do each week of the summer — not to mention all the area festivals taking place.

If you don’t plan to attend one of the scheduled events, make sure to enjoy one of Albert Lea’s assets on your own, such as the lakes, the walking and running paths and the beautiful parks.

Summer is the Albert Lea area’s chance to shine.