The 2009 North Central Regionals Cowboy Mounted Horse Shoot will be held Friday through Sunday at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds.

Cowboy mounted shooting is a multi-faceted equestrian sport.  Contestants compete using two single-action revolvers loaded with blank ammunition. Mounted contestants engage 10 balloon targets while negotiating a specified course of fire on horseback.

On Sunday at 8 a.m., Randy and Heidi Gunn, world and national champions, will share their award-winning music and bring a special cowboy message at this event. 

Also this weekend, it’s time for Borderfest in Emmons. See the story on Page 5.

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

Friday, Aug. 21

The Bonnie Wedge, Heidi Thompson and Sara Aeikens exhibits will be open at the Albert Lea Art Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 The Albert Lea Elks Lodge will hold a fish fry beginning at 5:30 p.m. Cost is $8 per person.

Past and current employees of the Albert Lea Medical Group will hold a social gathering starting at 5:30 p.m. in the banquet room at Wedgewood Cove.

The Pelican Breeze will hold a pizza cruise from 6 to 7:30 pm. Reservations are needed by 4 p.m.; call 383-2630.

Saturday, Aug. 22

Albert Lea High School boys’ soccer will hold a pancake breakfast at Applebee’s from 7 to 10 a.m. Eggs, pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee will be served for $5 per person.

The Albert Lea Farmers Market will be open in the North Broadway Avenue parking lot from 9 a.m. to noon.

 The Bonnie Wedge, Heidi Thompson and Sara Aeikens exhibits will be open at the Albert Lea Art Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 A picnic for all veterans of all eras will be held in Swensrud Park in Northwood, Iowa. Serving will begin at 1 p.m. Those attending are invited to bring salads, side dishes or desserts to share. Burgers, brats, hot dogs, sweet corn and lemonade will be served free of charge.

 The Pelican Breeze will hold a public cruise from 4 to 5:30 p.m. No reservations are needed.

A grilled pork chop supper will be held at the Emmons American Legion Club from 4:30 to 7 p.m. to raise funds for World War II veterans to go on an honor flight to Washington, D.C., in October. Grilled pork chops, beans, potato salad, coleslaw, rolls, lemonade and coffee will be served. Cost is $10 for adults and $6 for children. The event is sponsored by the Emmons Commercial Club and the Emmons Sons of the American Legion.

Sunday, Aug. 23

The fifth annual Sheriff’s Posse Ride to benefit the American Red Cross leaves Bergdale Harley Davidson at 9 a.m. Registration begins at 8 a.m. See the separate story in today’s Tribune for details.

 The Pelican Breeze will hold a public cruise from 1:30 to 3 p.m. No reservations are needed.

The Blue Banners will perform at the Edgewater Park Bandshell at 1:30 p.m.