1. Fourth of July in Albert Lea

It almost feels like the weekend came early with Albert Lea’s schedule of events this week for the nation’s birthday.

The annual Third of July Parade is set to kickoff at 6 p.m. Wednesday from the Freeborn County Fairgrounds, ending at Central Park.

Thursday boasts day-long activities for Independence Day, including a Bayside Ski Team show at 1 p.m. along Edgewater Bay, the 10th annual car show from 2 to 6 p.m. along North Broadway Avenue in downtown Albert Lea, the Community Band performing at 7 p.m. at the Fountain Lake Park gazebo and, of course, fireworks after the sun goes down over Fountain Lake.

For a full list of activities this week in honor of the Fourth, look to albertleatribune.com or the most recent weekend edition of the Tribune.

 

2. Independence Day wine celebration

Three Oak Vineyards and Winery will host a summer wine celebration from 2 to 7 p.m. Saturday at the winery, 73505 225th St. in Albert Lea. The outdoor event will have live music by Easy Heart starting at 3 p.m., along with food and wine for sale. The event is $5 per person and those going are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. For more information call 507-383-1273.

 

3. Northwood Fourth of July festivities

Northwood will continue its tradition of a weekend full of Fourth of July events. The celebrating starts the Fourth of July with a parade, food, games, Miss Northwood, a horseshoe tournament and — of course — fireworks.

Friday will be filled with a pool party, a root beer garden for children and a beer garden for adults, music and more food and games. Festivities wrap up Saturday with a softball tournament, the Tune run/walk, a golf tournament, more food and games and the continuation of the root beer and beer gardens, and music provided by The Dweebs. For a detailed schedule, go to albertleatribune.com. For more information, visit www.northwoodchamber.org or the Northwood Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page.

 

4. Live music

The Bend in the Road will host Ron & Steve Unplugged from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the establishment, 25483 Minnesota Highway 13 in Manchester. The duo performs a wide variety of songs from ’50s oldies, to the British invasion of the ’60s, classic rock of the ’70s and on to the pop rock and hair metal of the ’80s. There is no cover charge for the show.

 

5. Golf tournament

There will be an all-day four-person best shot golf tournament Sunday at Wedgewood Cove Golf Course, 2200 W. Ninth St. in Albert Lea. There is a shotgun start at 9 a.m. Season pass holders can enter the tournament for $35, while non-pass holders can play for $60. All fees include skins game, cart and range balls. Call the pro shop at 507-373-2007, extension 1 to sign up.