There’s no such thing as “summertime blues” in Albert Lea. Summer is here and it’s time to enjoy, simplify and relax. Have you had a chance to take a bike ride or a leisurely walk among the beautifully groomed parks and trails around our lakes? Savor these moments and take the time to spend with your family and friends.

Summer means time on the lake and don’t miss the annual Take a Kid Fishing Day in Edgewater Park on Saturday, sponsored by the Fountain Lake Sportsman’s Club. The Make A Wish Foundation RV tour bus will be there as part of their Minnesota Outreach Tour offering free givewaways as well as information on how to grant a wish to children with life-threatening medical conditions.

You are cordially invited to the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center dedication ceremonies at 3 p.m. Saturday. Actress Marion Ross will perform “Love Letters” with actor Paul Michael at 7:30 p.m.

Cruise into the annual Eddie Cochran Weekend on June 13 and 14. Join the festivities with the cruise-in and free drive-in theatre on that Friday night. Saturday activities include a Hospice Walk/Run, Eddie Cochran Exhibit at the Freeborn County Historical Society, Car Show and Car Cruise followed a Free Street Dance at the Broadway Avenue parking lot featuring Bob & the Beachcombers. The Freeborn County Historical Museum will have a special church service at 9:30 a.m. and a rock ’n’ roll service at 10:45 a.m. at the United Methodist Church.

Outside community events include Freeborn Days — June 14, Morin Lake Days — June 19-22. Kiester Days will have an antique tractor pull, horse show and swap meet on June 20-22.

Music continues with the Hambone Blues Jam a two-day event June 27 and 28 will be held at Holiday Park Golf Course. Experience live music performances featuring a mix of musical styles.

New special events aboard the Pelican Breeze II tour and dinner boat with Sunday brunch, pirate and princess kids party, pirate-themed dinner cruise, beer tasting and DJ, Al Batt, wine tasting, Kick Back with the Breeze, Ben Olsen, Business After Hours, Karaoke by Lori, fireworks and pizza cruise, Rally Ride, Labor Day Wine Tasting & Mexican Fiesta Night. Call 383-2630 or visit the Web site at www.pelicanbreeze.org.

Join in the fun at the Northbridge Mall as they host a Back Yard Barbecue Contest on June 22.

Travel Industry Association Facts:

Did You Know?

Travelers rate their overall health one full point higher (on a scale of 1 to 5) while on vacation. They also get three times more deep sleep after their vacation and sleep almost 20 minutes longer after their vacation.

An annual vacation can cut a person’s risk of heart attack by 50 percent.

More than half of employed Americans say they come back feeling reconnected with their family after vacation (53 percent).

24 percent of American leisure travelers would be willing to trade an increase in pay for an increase in vacation time.

8.1 is the average number of vacation days American workers receive after a year on the job, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Americans get the least amount of vacation time among countries in the industrialized world.

Susie Petersen is the executive director of the Albert Lea Convention and Vistors Bureau.