By Sarah Kocher

1

Autumn Blaze festival

Head downtown from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday to enjoy activities, merchandise vendors, music and food at the Autumn Blaze festival. Vendors will sell a selection of arts, crafts and home-based items, and children can enjoy activities such as train rides and juggling demonstrations. Additionally, regional artists will be performing throughout the morning and afternoon. In the evening, you can bring a table, chairs and decorations for dinner on Broadway.

2

Big Island Rendezvous and Festival

Travel back through Minnesota’s history Saturday and Sunday at Bancroft Bay Park. Meet famous historical characters and watch demonstrations of traditional skills like blacksmithing and candlemaking. Bands will play throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday, and you can also enjoy a slew of foods popular then and now.

Gates open at 9 a.m. each day.

Tickets are $12 for adults, $7 for ages 6 to 11 and free for children 5 and under. Family passes are $25.

3

Pumpkin patch

As of last weekend, the Albert Lea pumpkin patch is open for pumpkin picking. On weekends from noon to 5 p.m., there are activities for children, a rope maze and of course, a variety of squash and pumpkins.

4

“Norma”

The sixth season of The Met: Live in HD will open this weekend with “Norma” at 11:55 a.m. Saturday at the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center. Set in a Druid forest during Roman occupation, “Norma” follows the marital and political tensions between Norma and her husband, Pollione. Pollione, a Roman official, has fallen out of love with Norma in favor of a young priestess. As the opera continues, the multifaceted relationships between Norma, Pollione and the young priestess Adalgisa come to a head as the women wrestle with what is best for family and community.

5

Blessing of the Animals

Pet owners of all ages are encouraged to bring their animals to be blessed at 10 a.m. Saturday at Frank Hall Park.

The Rev. Kurt Farrell of St. Theodore Catholic Church will officiate.