The citizens and leaders of Albert Lea can be very proud of their achievements with the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center. Having a theater in downtown Albert Lea came about because someone had a dream — now we are inviting an even larger audience to experience our dream! With the remaining of the theater to the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center, we have name recognition you cannot put a price on. The dedication of the theater on June 7 — Marion Ross Day — drew statewide attention and media coverage that we could not buy.

As the guest speaker at the 2008 Albert Lea High School commencement ceremonies, Marion Ross attributed her strong determination to “making it big” to her Albert Lea upbringing and encouraged the graduates to follow their dreams. Later this summer, she will be the recipient of the first star in the Minnesota Walk of Fame.

Ms. Ross has supported the community and museum through donations of many kinds through the years. The Freeborn County Historical Museum has seen increased visibility, and traffic is up by 49 percent since 2007 by visitors from all over the United States coming to see the Marion Ross and Eddie Cochran exhibits. You, the citizens and businesses, have encouraged them to come and have welcomed them. Visitors pay for admission to the museum, eat at our restaurants, stay in our hotels and shop in our stores.

As we work together to promote our attraction, and achiever future growth for the community, we want to say thank you to Albert Lea for your past and future support. We are to work with you and proud to call Albert Lea home!

Susie Petersen

Marion Ross Dedication Committee

Albert Lea