Friday’s luau party, the latest installment of Summer Fun 2001, could attract hundreds of area teens to the city beach for music and dancing, organizers say.

Thursday, July 26, 2001

Friday’s luau party, the latest installment of Summer Fun 2001, could attract hundreds of area teens to the city beach for music and dancing, organizers say.

And this time the weather should cooperate.

Summer Fun 2001 planner Jackie Abrego, said Friday’s weather should be perfect for the event, unlike the last dance at the Fountain Lake Gazebo last month. That event was cut short by rain, she said.

&uot;We’re always at the mercy of the weather. We have our fingers crossed that the forecast will hold up,&uot; Abrego said. &uot;It should be ideal.&uot;

The luau includes refreshments, music by the Uptown Sound, volleyball, games and cash prizes. Arm bands will be given to help ensure security. Teens in grades 9-12 from throughout the area, including recent graduates, are welcome, Abrego said.

The dance begins at 8 p.m. Admission is $3.

Abrego hopes all who attend will wear festive, floral outfits to add to the Hawaiian flavor of the event. Leis, the traditional Hawaiian neckwear, will also be available as a fundraiser for ALHS cheerleaders.

&uot;We really want to encourage the luau theme. We want the kids to be prepared to dance in the sand so they feel like they’re in the tropics,&uot; she said.

Summer Fun 2001 is sponsored by Albert Lea Park and Recreation and the YMCA.