The Family Fun Festival will be held at Northbridge Mall on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The free event offers many crafts, prizes, fun and more for young children. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Also on Saturday, the Albert Lea Knights of Columbus will have their annual Tootsie Roll drive. Ninety percent of donations received of will go to Arc of Freeborn County for its programs. The other 10 percent will go toward the Minnesota Special Olympics Fall Bowling Classic. 

Following is a roundup of other events happening in the area this weekend.

Friday, April 17

The Albert Lea Art Center’s Norwegian exhibit and secondary school art exhibit will be open from noon to 4 p.m.

 Albert Lea High School will present “The Nerd” at 7:30 p.m. in the Albert Lea High School Auditorium. Tickets are available at Doyle’s Hallmark, Addie’s Floral and at the door before performances. Cost is $5 for students and $8 for adults.

Saturday, April 18

 The Albert Lea Art Center’s Norwegian exhibit and secondary school art exhibit will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 The United Way of Freeborn County will hold a book signing of its eighth book, “Attack of the Snot-Nosed Kid,” at the Albert Lea Public Library from noon to 4 p.m.

 The Albert Lea Public Library will host the Zooman with shows at 1 and 2 p.m. in the children’s library. Admission is free. The event is held in conjunction with National Library Week.

 The Wild Olives, First Presbyterian Women’s Ministry, will host “Come and Laugh With Karla Heeter” from 2 to 4 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 308 Water St. Tickets are $10 per person and can be purchased at Cup of Faith, Doyle’s Hallmark or Ben’s Floral & Frame Designs. Childcare is available. For more information, call 373-2035.

 St. Casimir School of Wells will hold its biggest fundraiser, Celebrate with the Saints. The doors to Dulas Gymnasium at St. Casimir’s School open at 4 p.m. The school is located on Highway 22, south of St. Casimir Church. There is off-street parking west of the school building. Bidding on items at the silent auction begins immediately. For those who want to eat first, a meal featuring pulled pork sandwiches and pork on a stick will be served. The live auction will begin at 6 p.m.

 Terry Tripp will speak at the Albert Lea Senior Center in Skyline Plaza at 7 p.m. Tripp is an author and teacher of the word of God. All are welcome. The event is sponsored by Albert Lea Aglow.

 Albert Lea High School will present “The Nerd” at 7:30 p.m. in the Albert Lea High School Auditorium. Tickets are available at Doyle’s Hallmark, Addie’s Floral and at the door before performances. Cost is $5 for students and $8 for adults.

 The Mankato Area Solo Parents & Singles will hold a 40th anniversary dance at 7:30 p.m. at the Waseca Eagles Club. Music is by Buck Hollow. Tickets are available at the door. All members and past members are invited. The Mankato club was organized in April 1969.

Sunday, April 19

 The Walters Fire Department will hold its annual Ultimate Firefighters Feast from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Walters Fire Hall. Made-to-order omelets, french toast, pancakes, toad in the hole, any type of eggs, sausage and beverages will be served. Cost is $8 for adults and $5 for ages 8 and younger.

 The Albert Lea Alano Society, 1005 N. Ulstad Ave., will hold a pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon. Pancakes, french toast, hashbrowns, eggs, sausage, coffee and juice wil be served. Cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children 10 and younger.

 The annual sheriff’s pancake breakfast fundraiser will be held in the Fairlane Community Building on the Freeborn County Fairgrounds from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Donations are accepted. The goal is to cover expenses for the Albert Lea Amateur Radio Club (volunteer ham radio operators) who assist with public safety communications, community events, severe weather or disaster response. The club’s antenna was lost in the Clarks Grove elevator fire two years ago. About half of the replacement expenses have been raised and the hope is to finish the project this year. There will also be displays by: Albert Lea Amateur Radio Club, REACT, Salvation Army, American Red Cross, Sentence to Service, Partners in Prevention, Freeborn County Public Health, Freeborn County Sheriff and affiliated agencies and Freeborn County Emergency Management.

 The Albert Lea Elks Club will hold a pancake breakfast from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pancakes, eggs, hash browns, sausage, juice and coffee or milk. Cost is $5 per person.

The Carpenter Community Club will hold a dance at the Carpenter, Iowa, Community Center from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Malek’s Fishermen will play.