There’s nothing like the feeling of the cool, crisps nights and warm September days that invite you to relax, slow down and enjoy the next season.

Unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of our parks, bike trails and Myre-Big Island State Park. Rent a canoe, kayak or rowboat or take a hike on the trails.

Enjoy a beautiful scenic cruise aboard the Pelican Breeze II on Albert Lea Lake. You will see not just one or two pelicans, but literally hundreds of pelicans sunbathing. Listen to the narrator tell stories about the history of Albert Lea and Albert Lea Lake. Call 383-2630 for reservations or visit the Web site at www.pelicanbreeze.org.

The Marion Ross Performing Arts Center is home to the 44th Season of ACT performances running Oct. 2 -11 featuring “Stand By Your Man.” Box office number is 377-4371 for information on tickets.

The Albert Lea Civic Music announces its 2008-2009 concert Series featuring five outstanding concerts held at the Albert Lea High School auditorium. Season tickets are available at Addie’s Floral & Gifts and the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center. or more information call Eileen Ness at 377-2075 or Sylvia Zevenbergen at 889-6341.

The Freeborn County Historical Museum presents Autumn in the Village, Sept. 21 from noon to 4 p.m. Wander through the historical village inhabited by demonstrators, displays and musicians and enjoy some old-fashioned apple pie!

Minnesota’s largest award-winning early America and fur trade reenactment, the Big Island Rendezvous & Festival, will be held Oct. 4 and 5. Demonstrations include Civil War cannon drill shooting live rounds a targets twice each day as well as a Red River cart and oxen in the pioneer camp. Street performers engage you with blacksmithing, woodworking, candle making, spinning, weaving, pottery, and other colonial crafts that all for sale. Musical stage performances throughout the day include folk, bluegrass and old-time country and dance.

Be ready to feast when you visit Big Island Rendezvous food vendors. A variety of ethnic cuisine such as kettle korn, smoked turkey legs, funnel cakes, fry bread, barbecued ribs, buffalo wings, cheese curds, beef stew and homemade root beer and much more to tantalize your taste buds.

Fresh produce and market items await you at the Albert Lea Farmers Market on Wednesdays and Saturdays. And be sure to come hungry on Wednesday nights for grilled foods prepared by organizations to support fundraising.

Visit our redesigned Web site at www.albertleatourism.org. for information on area events.

Did you know?

Myre-Big Island State Park had 13,199 overnight visitors and 89,539 day-use visitors totaling 102,738 visitors in 2007. Revenue to the park was $154,310. Those visitors spending impacted our local economy as well.

Susie Petersen is the executive director of the Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau.