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To the people who ventured out to the Holiday Bazaar Thursday.

Thursday evening was a chilly one, but that didn’t keep many people in the community from bundling up and heading out to Albert Lea’s Holiday Bazaar.

The Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau moved several of the events indoors because of the temperatures, and one event was canceled. Those who took part still seemed to enjoy themselves as they stopped for photos with Santa, shopped or watched the lighted parade.

We hope next year’s weather cooperates more, but appreciate those who made the best of it and this fun tradition.

To the generosity and support the community shows people in times of need.

When a young person dies unexpectedly, a person becomes sick and is no longer able to work, or a family loses their home in a fire, it’s not uncommon to see a friend or family member start a GoFundMe page to help raise funds to support these families.

That’s what happened this week after the death of Hunter Tim Alan Schwartz in a car crash in Windom. A GoFundMe page went up, and as of Friday afternoon, it had raised more than $11,000 that will go back to support his family.

Time and time again, we have seen where people in the community jump on board to show their financial support or to provide meals and other means of support.

We’re lucky to live in a place where the community comes together to support its members. Thank you for once again doing so.