Downtown business owners and other area merchants are making last-minute preparations this week for an inaugural fall festival planned for Saturday.

Called Fall Festival on Broadway, it aims to not only bring people to the downtown but also to raise awareness of what the community has to offer, organizers said.

“Fall is beautiful in Albert Lea, and we just wanted to celebrate it,” said Tami Staker, a downtown business owner who is also part of the Albert Lea Downtown Association.

Events are slated to begin at 9 a.m.

Starting at this time, the Albert Lea Farmers Market vendors will take to the sidewalks of Broadway Avenue between Main Street and Fountain Street, instead of being in its usual spot at the North Broadway Avenue parking lot. Fresh produce, meat, jellies, jams, baked goods, crafts and other items will be for sale as supplies last.

Most of Broadway Avenue between this span will also be closed to allow for other activities, including children’s games and activities, such as face painting and train rides. Hay rides will be available for all age groups.

Staker said at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Bob Tewes of Crescendo will offer cooking demonstrations, which she said she thinks will be a big hit.

The Albert Lea Art Center is offering an art and architecture event.

Classic cars and antique tractors will also assemble on the street, along with local vendors including Bruno’s corndogs, Merrill’s popcorn, Papa Murphy’s, the Great American Dawg Wagon, among others.

On top of these activities, downtown business owners will also have special sales and promotions for the day as well.

“It’s just a great event for Albert Lea as a whole,” said Linda Knudsen, also of the Downtown Association. “We’re hoping this is the start of something big for Albert Lea.”

Knudsen said there’s something for all ages.