Walking moai kicks off

The 2011 Walking Moai Competition kicks off at 6 p.m. Thursday at the boathouse at Brookside Park on Richway Drive. Moai teams will register at the boathouse.

Community members will have the opportunity to learn more about programming offered at the boathouse — including the Sample Saturday Series, a string of classes on various walking activities. At 6:30 p.m., participants will walk as a group to the Freeborn County Fairgrounds for the kickoff, which will begin at 7 p.m.

The moais with the most steps at the end of the competition will be awarded a prize at the wrap-up celebration on Aug. 18.

Bands perform tonight

The concert, symphonic and tiger bands will perform their spring concert at 7 p.m. tonight at Albert Lea High School. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students at the door.

Farmers market to open

The Albert Lea Farmers Market will open for its first day of the season from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday in the North Broadway Avenue parking lot. After Saturday it will also be open on Wednesdays from 4 to 6 p.m.

Big Nine’s best clash

Two of the top three teams in the Big Nine Conference play Tuesday in a doubleheader at Hayek Field. Albert Lea (10-2) and Owatonna (8-3) begin at 4:30 p.m. and a sweep by either team would put them into prime position to win the conference title. Albert Lea was swept in a late-season doubleheader at Owatonna last season.

Vikings are coming

Members of the Minnesota Vikings organization are coming to Classic Reflections Salon & Spa in the Northbridge Mall Tuesday at 6 p.m. for a Fan Destination Spot. Legendary players, cheerleaders and Viktor the Viking will meet with fans, sign autographs and take photos. There will also be a discussion on the Vikings stadium drive.