Wow. Not often do government entities actually give organizations more money than they request, but the Albert Lea City Council did this week.

We applaud the council for approving $20,000 instead of $15,000 for the city’s sesquicentennial celebration.

The funds will cover some initial costs such as engaging entertainment, ordering merchandise and producing a commemorative calendar.

The council also granted the city manager authority to address the use of barricades, police, street sweepers, parks and park personnel, theatre use, public music and parking as related to the celebration, rather than wait until the council would meet. Certainly these are issues the city manager can address with good common sense.

Our community’s 150th birthday only comes around once, and it should be something to remember for at least 50 years.

The celebrations planned throughout the year will be an economic shot in the arm as people come into the community to take part, eat in our restaurants, shop in our stores and purchase gasoline from our pumps.

Committees have been working hard for some time to make the yearlong celebration a success. It’s good also to see our city council behind the movement to celebrate in high fashion.