1. Kernel Days

Wells’ annual celebration runs Friday through Sunday. Friday events include a triathlon and 5k, a sand volleyball tournament, petting zoo and fireworks, among others. Saturday continues with more activities, including human foosball, a three-on-three basketball tournament, a parade and street dance. Sunday wraps up the weekend, with such events as a firefighter’s tournament, an Abraham Lincoln impersonator and a Bell of Honor ceremony. A 10-day military exhibit in conjunction with Wells turning 150 years old will also run concurrently with the festival. For a detailed schedule of Kernel Days events, go to albertleatribune.com or look to the Aug. 9 Tribune.

 

2. Summer Sizzler

The annual Summer Sizzler pickleball tournament returns this weekend. The tournament takes place Saturday and Sunday on the pickleball courts near Frank Hall Park in Albert Lea. Men’s doubles start at 9 a.m. and ladies’ doubles at 1 p.m. Saturday, with mixed doubles starting at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. Over 90 players are reportedly involved in the tournament, and food and beverages will be available to purchase from 112 on Broadway at the tournament. Spectators are advised to bring lawn chairs to sit on.

 

3. Country Legends

The Gordy and Debbie Show will bring its Country Legends show to Albert Lea this weekend. The show, which looks to “bring the songs and the faces who made them famous to life” in country music, according to a press release, will be at 6:30 p.m. Friday at American Legion Post 56 in Albert Lea. Food will be available before the show.

 

4. Benefit for Dave Villarreal

There will be a benefit for Dave Villarreal from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Moose Lodge at Skyline Plaza in Albert Lea. The benefit is looking to raise money for Villarreal’s ongoing medical expenses, as he is currently battling pulmonary fibrosis and hoping to receive a transplant, according to a press release. A pulled pork sandwich dinner for $8 will be available, and there will be a silent auction, bake sale and gun and cash raffles. Those interested in donating to the silent auction can call Jolene Svendsen at 507-473-0064.

 

5. Alden Fire Department open house

The Alden Volunteer Fire Department Relief Association annual open house will be from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Alden fire station. There will be a pork chop and sweet corn feed for $10 with pork chops, all-you-can-eat sweet corn, beans, salad and a beverage. Proceeds will be used to update and maintain current equipment at the station.