We, like many others, look forward to Albert Lea’s community events, such as Wind Down Wednesday and Thursdays on Fountain. But when it looks like thunderstorms and severe weather are moving into the area, we understand when these types of events have to be canceled.

Such was the case on Wednesday, when organizers of Wind Down Wednesday made the difficult decision to cancel the much-loved summer event for the month.

These organizers worked with local meteorologists to review the possibility of storms and severe weather for the day, and the risk must have been high enough to push them toward the decision.

We thank these organizers, who are all volunteers, for considering the safety not only of the attendees, but of the vendors as well. If severe weather were to strike during Wind Down Wednesday, it could lead to major problems and potentially even injuries.

Wednesday had heavy rain in the late morning and was expected to bring more rain and possibly hail and damaging wind in the evening.

For those of you who were disappointed at the outcome Wednesday, don’t worry. The next Wind Down Wednesday is slated for Aug. 14, where the theme is “A Salute to Service.”

We hope the weather will cooperate for this event and that everyone will get out and take part in this fun community gathering. Let’s make it the best one yet.