Albert Lea Community Education would like to thank the following organizations for making The International Paddle Film Festival a success on May 31 at the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center.

An evening of short films with water as a common element was enjoyed by 73 people. While paddling was involved in some aspect of each film, these were stories of people and adventures that were both personal and adventurous.

All proceeds from this event are going to support The Community Boathouse at the Brookside Boat Landing.

Thank you to the Shell Rock River Watershed District and the Albert Lea Lakes Foundation as major sponsors for bringing films to Albert Lea; ACT and the Marion Ross theater for hosting event; raffle prizes were donated by Shell Rock River Watershed District, Dunham’s, Broadway Bikes, ipaddleport and Tyrol Sport & Ski and Community Education.

Park and Rec, the Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Albert Lea Tribune and our local radio stations helped get the word out about event — thanks.

We are looking forward to making this event even bigger and better next year.

In 2011, there were 384 people who went kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddle boarding with Community Education. In 2017 that number has grown to 3,196. Hope to see you at The Boathouse this summer for our water experiences and ever-growing land options. The Boathouse is open seven days a week.

Chris Chalmers

director

Albert Lea Community Education