From staff reports

While some Albert Leans may prefer to ring in the millennium quietly at home, there’s plenty going on around town.

Friday, December 31, 1999

While some Albert Leans may prefer to ring in the millennium quietly at home, there’s plenty going on around town.

New this year is a fireworks display.

A city fireworks show to celebrate the coming of the new millennium is planned Friday at Northbridge Mall.

The fireworks will begin at 11:40 with a finale exactly at midnight, said Stephanie Brand of the Albert Lea Chamber of Commerce. Parking is available at the mall and at Hammer Field, she said.

The fireworks are being sponsored by local radio stations KCPI and KATE, and will be fired from a field east of the mall, she said.

Free rides

Many of the restaurants and bars are hosting their own celebrations. Those going to a bar to celebrate might want to consider taking advantage of a free cab ride. For the third year, Joe T Taxi will offer free rides home for people at five local establishments that will be celebrating the millennium and needing &uot;designated drivers.&uot;

Those drivers will be operating nine taxi cabs that will be put into service on New Year’s Eve, according to Joe T. Anderson, the firm’s owner.

Anderson said the free rides by taxi will go from the establishments to the rider’s home.