One of the pre-parade activities now taking place in Albert Lea and other localities is to place chairs of all types next to the street curbs along the known parade routes a day or two prior to the annual events.

This may appear to be a fairly recent phenomenon. However, credit for this pre-parade preparation could go to a local artist who suggested that folks should have been placing chairs next to the curbs 52 years ago.

In 1957, Tribune Artist Irv Sorenson prepared a Hi-Lites and Shadows illustrated feature based on a parade that year which actually had a triple theme and some problems with the crowd that had assembled to watch this special event.

Local parades always have a theme based on a holiday like the Fourth of July, an organization such as the VFW or Legion, and a very special event. And on June 11, 1957, the city’s parade actually involved all three theme factors. First, this was the centennial year celebration of Freeborn County. Second, the state’s firemen were having their convention in Albert Lea. The third factor was based on the annual June Dairy Days observance.

A prelude to this three-day observance with three themes came on June 7, 1957, when the Tribune issued a special edition with six large sections.

The first day of this event took place on Monday, June 10. On that day a butter cookie contest was held at the high school auditorium in the morning, followed by a dairy cooking school in the afternoon. In the evening the Freeborn County Centennial Pageant was held at the fairgrounds. Preceding the pageant was a whisker judging contest. After the pageant, Mrs. J.E. Murtaugh was crowned as Pioneer Queen, followed by fireworks. During that same evening the Belles and Beaus of Hollandale presented a program of square dancing at Morin Park.

On June 11, the first major event was an Old Settlers’ noon picnic at Edgewater Park. The second day of this local celebration also featured a special guest: Minnesota Gov. Orville Freeman.

What has to be the highlight of this entire event with its three themes was the Freeborn County Centennial Parade. This parade left the fairgrounds at 3 p.m. that Tuesday. The route was on Bridge Avenue to Newton Avenue, then south to East Main Street, west to Broadway Avenue and north on Broadway to Fountain Lake Park.

An article in the Tribune reported that there were 15 bands in this parade. The high school bands listed were from Albert Lea, Waseca, Alden, Waterville, Ellendale, Kiester and New Richland. Ray Gustaveson served as the parade marshal.

This particular parade inspired Sorenson to create his “Hi-Lites and Shadows” artwork and commentary for the Tribune. What he saw in the city’s central business district obviously resulted in his suggestion for spectators to bring their own chairs for seating while watching a parade.

That evening the second Freeborn County Centennial Pageant was presented at the fairgrounds. This event was preceded by a speech by Governor Freeman and followed by the crowning of the county’s new Dairy Princess. She was Jacqueline Ann Olson, 19, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Orville Olson of Bath Township.

Other events taking place that evening included a baseball game at Hayek Field and more square dancing by the Hollandale club at Morin Park. A special event for the state’s firemen was a dance at the Palm Garden on South Washington Avenue with music by Fezz Fritsche and his Goosetown Band of New Ulm.

The third day of this local celebration, Wednesday, June 12, was mostly intended for the younger generation, plus racing car fans.

A children’s parade was held in the afternoon, followed by an ice cream eating contest at several city parks. Making special appearances at the parade and eating contests were Little Miss Sunbeam and Sir Clacky Wack.

Albert Lea’s three day celebration in 1957 with its triple themes ended with evening stock car races at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds.