Make sure you get over to the Freeborn County Fair this week. It starts today. If you like that sense of community from living in Albert Lea or in one of the small towns near it, you&8217;ll enjoy the display of community pride found at the fair.

And it&8217;s got activities that would appeal to all sorts of people. Here are some highlights we found appealing:

There&8217;s the demolition derby, which starts at 4 p.m. Sunday.

The Grandstand features country music performers nightly at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Bluegrass band Whistle Stop shows off its family of talent at 8 p.m. in the Entertainment Square.

Kids, don&8217;t miss the Mitchell Showboat Marionettes. They will perform at noon and 4 p.m. daily.

Toy collectors will display their toys inside the former fire truck building across from the American Dairy Association&8217;s yummy ice cream stand.

Oh, by the way, don&8217;t eat at home. Come on down and taste the food at the fair. From corn dogs to tenderloins, fair food is classic Americana.

Take the children to the Midway for a carnival ride and a game or two. Show them you can pop balloons with a dart.

Finally, be sure to visit the livestock shows and even watch a judging contest. The 4-H and FFA members pour their time and hearts into their livestock projects.