Tickets are now available for the 2011 Dancing with the Freeborn County Stars, an annual fundraiser for the Freeborn County chapter of the American Red Cross.

With less than a month to go until this year’s event — on March 19 — dancers are putting in hours of practice to learn and then polish their performances, said local Red Cross Director Jeannie Opdahl. Performers started preparing in January, getting to know their partners and the dances.

This is the fifth year for the fundraiser in the Albert Lea High School auditorium, in which participants compete in a dance competition.

Included in the program this year are:

• Maddi Dickey and Tom Delano dancing the East Coast swing.

• Todd Utpadel and Heather Allen dancing the nightclub.

• Tanner Shaft and Dru Opdahl dancing the cha-cha.

• Mike Walker and Deb Koenigs dancing the foxtrot.

• Barb Engebretson and Orrion Roisen dancing the waltz.

• Lisa-Ann Wuermser and Joey Ray dancing the salsa.

• Jay Romer and Sherry Jensen dancing the merengue.

• Jacob Abrego and Roberta Grahn dancing the tango.

After each couple performs, winners will be decided based on judges’ scores and votes from the audience.

Attendees will vote for their favorite couple by donating money during the intermission.

In the previous four years of the event, donations have exceeded at least $25,000 per year.

All money raised will stay in Freeborn County and fund local Red Cross programs.

The Red Cross provides immediate needs for people impacted by disasters, including house fires and weather-related problems.

It also provides training and education for first aid, CPR, baby-sitting, preparedness, pandemic and flu-related topics.

Likewise, it serves as a link between people serving in the Armed Forces and their family members at home.

Opdahl encouraged people to get their reserved tickets as seats are going quickly.

For questions, contact the Red Cross at 507-373-4544.

If you go

What: Dancing with the Freeborn County Stars
When: 7 p.m. March 19
Where: Albert Lea High School auditorium
Tickets: Reserved tickets $15 and $20, general admission tickets $10. Tickets can be purchased at the Red Cross office, Doyle’s Hallmark and Ben’s Floral & Frame Design.