The Big Island Rendezvous hosts the 13th Annual Historical Faire at Northbridge Mall this weekend.

New exhibitors include: The New Ulm Battery (civil war re-enactment group) who will be also attending the Rendezvous this fall with their cannon; the Highland Regiment; beadworker Randy Meyer of Sheild Wolf; Rawhide Justice; an Iowa military group from Charles City, Iowa; Jim Kimball from Fort Dodge, Iowa; and Ron Brauer from Wisconsin.

Attending again this year are Jon Bera, the Freeborn County Historical Society, Clan Tartan, Big Island Voyageurs, REACT, Bud Hebert, Dave Ditmer, Dave (Snake) Lorton and Eloise Adams.

Items for sale will be woodworking, clothing, pottery, artwork, blacksmith ironwork, spoons and carvings, beadwork, blackpowder supplies and accoutrements.

The Albert Lea Art Center will be hosting an art contest with live models drawn from the participants. The finished works will be on display later this year. The Knights of Columbus will be selling kettle korn at the entrance. Local musicians will be performing each day.

Hours are from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and from noon-4 p.m. Sunday. There is no admission charge.

Following is a roundup of other events happening in the area this weekend.

Friday, Feb. 7

– The wood show continues at the Albert Lea Art Center. Gallery hours are from noon-4 p.m. Exhibiting are Bonnie Felt, Julie Sorenson, Jon Bera, Dean Honsey, Luis Chamizo, Ed and Cathy Cook and family, and Vern Breamer. Admission is free, but donations are accepted to help defray art center expenses.

– Albert Lea Community Theatre presents &uot;Talley’s Folly.&uot; Curtain time for the romantic comedy is 7:30 p.m. For ticket information, call 377-4371.

Saturday, Feb. 8

– Tom Hegg, author of “A Cup of Christmas Tea” and “Peef — The Christmas Bear,” as well as numerous other books, will speak, answer questions and sign books at a brunch Saturday, Feb. 8, at First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. The brunch starts at 9:30 a.m. and benefits the House of Hope. Tickets for the brunch are $10 for adults and $5 for children under 10. They are available at all three Andersen Hallmark Stores and at the door. The menu includes French toast lasagna with ham, cheese and apple filling, fruit garnish, cranapple juice, coffee and milk.

– The wood show continues at the Albert Lea Art Center. Gallery hours are from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Exhibiting are Bonnie Felt, Julie Sorenson, Jon Bera, Dean Honsey, Luis Chamizo, Ed and Cathy Cook and family, and Vern Breamer. Admission is free, but donations are accepted to help defray art center expenses.

– Freeborn County Public Health will offer a car seat clinic in conjunction with a family safety day at Lyons Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep in Albert Lea from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Certified Child Passenger Safety technicians will be on hand to inspect each car seat or booster seat, show how to correct any problems with the seat and then demonstrate the correct way to install it. The child needs to be present. If you are expecting a baby, you can bring your car seat and the technicians will show you how to properly install it. Appointments are required. To set up an appointment or for more information, call Freeborn County Public Health at (507) 377-5271.

– A Valentine soup, salad and dessert luncheon will be held from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 204 Fountain St. Cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children. There will also be Valentine gifts to purchase. Proceeds will help benefit Dean Briones, a cancer patient.

– The Albert Lea Township Fire Department will hold its annual soup and pie supper from 2-6 p.m. at the Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services banquet hall. Cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children. The menu includes chicken noodle, wild rice, chili, ham and bean and oyster stew soups and cream and homemade pies. Proceeds go toward the purchase of new firefighter safety and rescue equipment. TIckets are available at the door.

– Minnesota Festival Theatre will hold an all-you-can eat fish fry from 5-8 p.m. at the American Legion, 142 N. Broadway Ave., Albert Lea. Tickets are $7 and are available from MFT board members or at the door.

– Albert Lea Community Theatre presents &uot;Talley’s Folly.&uot; Curtain time for the romantic comedy is 7:30 p.m. For ticket information, call 377-4371.