Weekend Planner

In the midst of an Indian summer with a sunny forecast on the radar for the entire weekend, it may just be the perfect weekend to enjoy a country drive to Farmer John’s Pumpkin Patch.

Jan and John Ulland grow more than 25 different varieties of pumpkins, offering an abundance of pumpkins in unique shapes, sizes and colors. Gourds, corn shocks and bales of straw are also available for the picking, perfect for autumn-themed centerpieces and home decor.

Homemade jams and jellies made with berries grown on their farm are popular with the adults.

A new barn built to look old along with vintage farm equipment, fall colors popping on the trees and the fields of fall produce make it a popular place for fall photography, as well.

“Part of the charm is the freedom and laid back wonderful country atmosphere, especially for the children,” said Jan. “The children can go into the field to pick pumpkins, they can help weigh pumpkins and we try to give them a lot of personal attention.”

The biggest attraction for the children, Jan said, is the large silo which children tour and exit by slide. While the horse-drawn wagon rides have also been a fan favorite, this will be the last Sunday of the season for those.

Farmer John’s Pumpkin Patch is open from noon until 6 p.m. daily through Oct. 31 and is located at 90537 273rd Street, 3/4 miles south of Highway 251 off Mower Freeborn Road.

Friday

• The Albert Lea Community Theater presents the comedy “Alone Together.” The curtain opens at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $14 for adults and $10 for students. Season tickets are still available, with the first choice of seats and four shows for the price of one. Box office hours are Monday through Friday from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., on show nights until 7:30 p.m. and on Saturdays from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
• Beth Tostenson’s original art, Albert Lea past and present water color landscapes and florals, is on display at the Albert Lea Art Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The display will remain open for viewing at the Art Center each Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Nov. 6.
• Enjoy music of the ’60s and ’70s with a live performance by Cool Britannia at TB3’s Bar and Grill in Freeborn. Show begins at 8:30 p.m. Donations accepted at the door.
• Come for the pumpkins, stay for the fun at Farmer John’s Pumpkin Patch. Open daily from noon until 6 p.m. through Oct. 31. Located at 90537 273rd Street, three-fourths of a mile south of Highway 251 off Mower Freeborn Road.

Saturday

• The Albert Lea Community Theater presents the comedy “Alone Together.” The curtain opens at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $14 for adults and $10 for students. Season tickets are still available, with the first choice of seats and four shows for the price of one. Box office hours are Monday through Friday from 3:30 to 6 p.m., on show nights until 7:30 p.m. and on Saturdays from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
• Enjoy fresh garden produce, fall produce, baked goods, locally-created arts, crafts and more at the Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to noon in the North Broadway Avenue parking lot.
• Come for the pumpkins, stay for the fun at Farmer John’s Pumpkin Patch. Open daily from noon until 6 p.m. through Oct. 31. Located at 90537 273rd Street, three-fourths of a mile south of Highway 251 off Mower Freeborn Road in Austin.
• Discover the message in the maze at the Prairie River Camp Corn Maze, open from 1 to 5 p.m. Located at 52792 80th St. in Bricelyn. Take Interstate 90 exit 134 and go three miles south on Highway 253.
• Oktoberfest at the Knights of Columbus will feature a German menu of brats, sauerkraut, potato salad and German beer starting at 6 p.m. Enjoy polka and dancing with a musical performance by the Alley Katz Band from 7 to 10 p.m. The public is welcome to attend.
• Beth Tostenson’s original art, Albert Lea Past & Present water color landscapes and florals, is on display at the Albert Lea Art Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The display will remain open for viewing at the Art Center each Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Nov. 6.

Sunday

• Come for the pumpkins, stay for the fun at Farmer John’s Pumpkin Patch. Open daily from noon until 6 p.m. through Oct. 31. Horse-drawn wagon rides from 1 to 4 p.m. Located at 90537 273rd St., three-fourths of a mile south of Highway 251 off Mower Freeborn Road in Austin.
• Discover the message in the maze at the Prairie River Camp Corn Maze, open from 1 to 5 p.m. Located at 52792 80th Street in Bricelyn. Take I-90 exit 134 and go three miles south on Highway 253.
• The Southeastern Minnesota Chamber Orchestra begins its second full season with a concert at 7 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church of Albert Lea. Cost is $8 in advance and $10 at the door.
• The Albert Lea Alano Society will hold a pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. until noon at 1005 North Ulstad Ave., Albert Lea. Breakfast includes pancakes, french toast, hashbrown potatoes, eggs, patty sausage, coffee and juice. Cost for adults is $5, children 10 and under is $3, and the public is welcome to attend.