In about a week and a half, the Albert Lea Tribune will publish its annual Summertimes special section.

Tribune staff have worked on this publication, which is one of our largest of the year, for the last several weeks, and we are excited for you to use this section to help you keep track of all of the summer events happening in the area.

Albert Lea is a great place to live year-round, but during the summer months it really comes alive. The community builds on its natural assets of its parks, lakes and other outdoor amenities to create events that young and old alike can enjoy together.

Some of my favorite summer events are Wind Down Wednesday, Eddie Cochran Weekend and the Third of July Parade.

What are your favorites?

We asked readers in an online poll what summer event they were most looking forward to, and as of Monday night, the results were as follows:

• Freeborn County Fair, 164 votes

• Eddie Cochran Weekend, 92 votes

• Wind Down Wednesday, 75 votes

• Fourth of July fireworks, 59 votes

• April Sorensen Half Marathon, 43 votes

• Third of July Parade, 25 votes

• Relay for Life, 15 votes

• Wee Wednesdays, 6 votes

• Albert Lea Floats, 5 votes

• Just Play Festival, 3 votes

These are only a few of the summer events taking place. If you can’t find something to do in town on the weekends, we challenge you to look a little further.

In addition to events, there are many resources the city has to offer including the Myre-Big Island State Park, numerous trails and, of course, the lakes. Take advantage of all that Albert Lea has to offer and get involved in the community.

You won’t regret it.

 

Sarah Stultz is the managing editor of the Tribune. Her column appears every Tuesday.