It’s a big weekend for being able to help your friends and neighbors in need. Two benefits are scheduled.

The first is the Joe Mueller benefit on Saturday at Crossroads Evangelical Free Church, 3402 Hoeger Lane. There will be a sloppy joe lunch, live and silent auction and bake sale. Lunch begins at 11 a.m. and the auction at noon. The event ends at 3 p.m.

Mueller, of Clarks Grove, was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia in April 2007. The benefit will help cover medical expenses. Mueller is a mechanic at Dave Syverson Auto Mall. His wife’s name is Deb, and they have two children.

The second benefit is Sunday at the Albert Lea Moose Club in Skyline Plaza for Dellan (Julio) and Annette Hagen. A breakfast and bake sale run from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and an auction will begin at 1 p.m. After two previous heart attacks, Annette suffered a series of strokes in March 2007. These left her with lasting health complications and legally blind. Multiple hospital and care facility stays, as well as ongoing medical expenses, have put a financial strain on the couple. Proceeds will go toward medical expenses.

This is also the weekend for Ellendale Days. See the On the Road feature for a complete schedule.

Following is a roundup of other events happening in the area this weekend.

Friday, July 18

The Dustin DeBoer photography show exhibit will be open at the Albert Lea Art Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are accepted to help defray Art Center expenses.

The Albert Lea Art Center will hold its Art & Garden Tour from 4 to 7 p.m. There are seven gardens on the tour. Tickets, complete with a map, are $8 each and available at the Art Center, Addie’s Floral & Gifts, Celebrations, Ben’s Floral & Frame Designs and Doyle’s Hallmark.

The Pelican Breeze will hold a pizza cruise at 6 p.m. Reservations are needed by 4 p.m.; call 383-2630.

Saturday, July 19

Freeborn County Farm Bureau will hold its farm-city breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds. Chris Cakes will make the pancakes. The cost is $3.50 per person. Representatives from the local dairy, corn and soybean associations will be on hand.

The Albert Lea Art Center’s Art & Garden Tour continues from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. On this day, participants can also attend a garden party hosted by the St. John’s Lutheran Home Garden Club.

The Pelican Breeze will hold a narrated cruise at 4 p.m.

Sunday, July 20

The Pelican Breeze will hold a narrated cruise at 1:30 p.m.

The Blue Banners will provide the free concert in the Edgewater Park bandshell at 1:30 p.m.