The sheriff’s pancake breakfast fundraiser will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday in the Fairlane Community Building on the Freeborn County Fairgrounds.

This year is the seventh year the fundraiser for emergency management causes has been held. This year, organizers hope to raise $4,500 for REACT and another $1,000 for Project Lifesaver.

Southern Minnesota REACT is migrating from the CB radio communications traditionally used and is moving toward amateur radio communications similar to what the Albert Lea Amateur Radio Club uses.

The goal is to purchase 11 amateur radios for REACT members to use for event coordination. In addition to working at the Bike-A-Thon for rider and traffic control and coordination, REACT also assists with many local events each year, including Big Island Rendezvous,  H1N1 health clinics, March of Dimes walk, Eddie Cochran car cruise, April Sorensen half-marathon, Fourth of July safety break at interstate highway rest areas, Big Island Barbecue, Freeborn County emergency training, local flooding and snow emergencies, searches for missing people and more.

Alliant Energy and Minnesota Masonic Charities have awarded grants to support this fundraiser.

Project Lifesaver is a project of the Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office and with Albert Lea city firefighters to provide search and rescue services for people with memory loss. This may include autism or Alzheimer’s or anyone with memory problems susceptible to wandering away from caregivers. Project Lifesaver provides wrist bands that have transmitters built into them for patients to wear. If lost, the transmitter can be tracked and rescue attempts have been very successful.

Transmitters, batteries and equipment cost about $100 per month. It is hoped the fundraiser will raise $1,000 for start-up costs for people who need the services and are not able to pay for them.

There are two trained trackers (one deputy and one firefighter) at this time. Three more sets of tracking equipment were recently acquired and the team of trackers will be expanded to five as soon as training can be implemented.

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

Saturday, April 10

 The Noon Kiwanis Club of Albert Lea will fulfill their Kiwanis One Day commitment from 9 a.m. to noon by cleaning up Frank Hall Park and the basketball courts across the street.

Northbridge Mall will host a motorcycle show from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Arc of Freeborn County will hold its 11th annual Bowl-a-thon on from 1 to 3 p.m. at Holiday Lanes in Albert Lea. This event is open to the public. Grand prizes are: portable DVD player, movie passes, tickets to Adventureland, Chanhassen and Nickelodeon Universe. The event is sponsored by Nancy VanderWaerdt, State Farm Insurance, Hy-Vee Food Store and KATE Radio. Anyone who collects $45 or more in pledges is eligible for the grand prize drawings. Lots of other prizes will be awarded throughout the day. The cost to bowl two games is $6 plus at least one pledge. Bowling is free with $25 in pledges. Pledge forms can be picked up at the Arc office (407 E. William St.) or at Holiday Lanes.

 The Glenville Legion Honor Flight pork chop supper will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Glenville American Legion. Cost is $8 per person.

Bar Games in Northwood, Iowa, will feature bands including Screaming Mechanical Brain, Pink Gorilla vs. Panda Bear, Embrace the Ending, Caustic Vision and 12 Seconds of Silence.

There is a $5 cover charge. Doors open at 8 p.m. with music to start at 9 p.m.

Sunday, April 11

 The Walters Firefighters annual ultimate firefighters feast will be held from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Walters Fire Hall. Made-to-order omelets, pancakes, french toast, toad in the hole, sausage and eggs made any way will be served. Cost is $8 per person.

A pancake breakfast to held send kids to camp through Youth for Christ’s The Rock will be held from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. at the Moose Lodge. Pancakes, sausage and eggs will be served. Cost is $6 per person. Children 5 years and younger eat free.

Northbridge Mall will host a motorcycle show from noon to 5 p.m.

 The Sawtooth Bluegrass Band will perform at 5 p.m. in the social hall of Albert Lea United Methodist Church. Supper will follow the program.