Pets in need of homes will be strutting their stuff on a runway Saturday.

Maurices in Northbridge Mall will host a Rescues & Runways fashion show at noon Saturday at the mall.

“This is a fun way to bring attention to a very serious issue in our community,” said store manager Julie Hove. “The tough economy is forcing some families to surrender their pets to animal shelters, while at the same time shelters are seeing decreased financial support.”

The unique Rescues & Runways fashion show will feature models walking the runway with the latest fall looks from Maurices, along with a pet that is available for adoption. There will be 20 models and 20 pets.

“We’re partnering with the Humane Society of Freeborn County, so they’ll be bringing in pets to showcase and also be on hand to answer questions people have about adoption or volunteering at the shelter or to learn about other ways they can help,” Hove said.

Maurices has launched Rescues & Runways nationwide to support local shelters and the animals they help. More than 700 Maurices stores in 44 states will host pet-themed fashion shows, partner with the local animal shelter, sponsor pet supply drives and sell a special Friends for Life charm to benefit the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

While Hove and staff hope people will stop by the fashion show to see the animals and the latest fashions, they also encourage people to bring a pet supply donation.

Admission to the fashion show is free. A silent auction to benefit the Humane Society will be held from 10:30 a.m. to noon near Maurices.

Also this weekend, the Big Island Rendezvous & Festival will be held at Bancroft Bay Park. There will be live cannon rounds, entertainment, food, music and shopping. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $10 per person, $6 for kids ages 6 to 11 years and $25 for a family pass. Festival-goers should park at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds and take the free shuttle to the park.

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

Saturday, Oct. 3

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

 A tractor ride fundraiser for the Winnebago Honor Flight organization will leave the Emmons Legion at 9:30 a.m. It will travel to Joice, Iowa, and stop for coffee around 10:30 a.m. Then the route goes to Lake Mills, with lunch at Silverado’s about 11:30 a.m. to noon. The ride is scheduled to arrive in Scarville, Iowa, at approximately 3 p.m. and end at the Emmons Legion for dinner. All times are approximate except for the start time. Any tractor that runs 12 mph is eligible. Trailers with riders are welcome. The cost is $35 per driver and $10 per rider. All funds will be donated to the Winnebago Honor Flight. This organization provides no cost tours to Washington, D.C. for World War II veterans to visit their new memorial and to see other significant memorials and sites in the nation’s capital city. The public is welcome to participate, especially tractor owners. The Honor Flight group is asking for a donation for all meals.

 A fundraiser supper for the Glenville Beach will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Glenville American Legion Club. A grilled chicken, potato salad, French bread and dessert supper will be served for $7.50 per person. A kids’ meal, with hot dogs, potato salad and dessert will be available for $3.

Sunday, Oct. 4

 The Emmons Volunteer Fire Department will hold a pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Emmons Fire Hall. Pancakes, eggs, sausage, juice, coffee and milk will be served for a donation.