Parade, window decorating contest aim to bring back Homecoming

Albert Lea Homecoming is returning this year with two new activities brought back from yesteryear.

Monday evening is the culmination of the first activity, a window-decorating contest for Albert Lea businesses, and Thursday brings back the Homecoming Parade.

“It’s been too long since we had the huge community involvement we had years ago,” said Tammy Krowiorz of the Albert Lea High School football boosters.

With the support of the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce and the Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau, the window-decorating contest has garnered over 25 competitors, Krowiorz said.

Businesses in Albert Lea were eligible to sign up, and sign ups closed Friday afternoon. Windows must be decorated by noon Monday and the football varsity captains will judge the decorations after school on Monday.

There will be two winners. The first place winner will win a two-foot-tall traveling trophy that has been all over Albert Lea. The trophy was on display at the CVB, the chamber and Celebrate Albert Lea, and Krowiorz said many people have commented on it.

The second-place winner will receive a 12-person meal from Erbert & Gerbert’s.

The awards will be announced at 6 p.m. Monday at Hy-Vee. Hot dogs and chips will be served, courtesy of Hy-Vee, and Krowiorz said the public is welcome to attend.

Krowiorz said that Hy-Vee, Coldwell Banker and Celebrations Party & Gifts already have their window decorations up.

There are 11 businesses on Broadway that are participating, including 112 on Broadway, Copper Kettle, Expressions Salon & Spa and Between Friends, among others.

Other businesses that are participating are Mrs. Gerry’s Kitchen, Papa Murphy’s, Allure Salon & Spa, KATE Radio and Thorne Crest Retirement Community, among others.

Though the Homecoming Parade is small, Krowiorz said people have been expressing excitement.

“You’ve got to start somewhere,” she said.

The parade begins at 4 p.m. Thursday and runs from the North lot on Broadway to Fisher’s Fine Jewelers on Broadway.

The football team and available members of the Homecoming Court will be in the parade, and the Power 96 van will play the fight song.

Krowiorz said that the band originally wasn’t available as many of the members have sports commitments, but she said some of the members are trying to get together to participate.

She said eventually it would be nice to have class floats, but the excitement is still buzzing in the community.

 

Homecoming schedule

Monday

• Coronation, 2 p.m., Albert Lea High School auditorium

Tuesday

• Homecoming pep fest, 9:30 a.m., Albert Lea High School auditorium

Thursday

• Boat Float, 2 p.m. Albert Lea High School pool

Friday

• Homecoming game, 7 p.m., Jim Gustafson Field

• Homecoming dance, 8 p.m. Albert Lea High School commons

 

Homecoming dress-up days

Monday: Dress like your parent

Tuesday: Class colors

Wednesday: Cowboy/cowgirl

Thursday: Tie dye

Friday: Cherry and blue