For the Tribune

The Albert Lea Sesquicentennial celebration will kick off Dec. 31, with family activities at Northbridge Mall from 2 to 5 p.m. There will be crafts, caricatures for the kids and entertainment by Pogo the Clown. Al Batt will serve as master of ceremonies.

&8220;(These events) will be great for families, kids, grandmas and grandpas and anyone looking for something fun to do,&8221; said Kelly Schultz.

At 2:30 p.m., the Albert Lea High School Show Choir will perform. Perpetual Vaudeville, a magician, will perform at 3 p.m.

Demonstrations by Laura Mae’s Gymnastics students will start at 3:45 p.m. Jordon Elleby performs at 4:05 p.m. A kids’ parade starts at 4:45 p.m.

The kickoff will end with a fireworks show at 6 p.m. from the city beach.

January kicks off Albert Lea’s sesquicentennial with a celebration of Albert Lea’s military past. The month’s events were organized by Dave Mullenbach, John Petersen and Arnie Mulso.At 2 p.m., there will be appearances by Col. Albert Lea and Father Time.