Thousands of Freeborn County residents are expected to converge at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds this weekend for the American Cancer Society’s local signature event.

The Freeborn County Relay for Life will kick off at 6 p.m. Friday with opening ceremonies at the Grandstand, followed by a survivor lap and a silent auction.

The luminaria lighting ceremony will be at 9 p.m. The event goes through 6 a.m. Saturday.

From 1 to 5 a.m. will be themed walks. The themes are as follows: 1 a.m. pirate, 2 a.m. anything goes, 3 a.m. ugly sweater and 4 a.m. is celebrity costumes. Prizes will be given away for the best dressed.

The event aims to draw survivors and the community together to raise awareness about cancer and support for research. Money raised goes to support cancer research, clinical trials, a call center for cancer patients, a visitation program for breast cancer patients and free lodging for patients undergoing treatment at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, among others.

Local officials hope to raise $193,500 this year.

 

Friday

• The Pelican Breeze II will host a brats and burgers night. The cruise leaves at 6 p.m., and reservations are needed by 4 p.m. by calling the Albert Lea Parks and Recreation Department at 377-4370. Cost is $20 for adults and $5 for children 5 and under.

• The Freeborn County Relay for Life begins at 6 p.m. at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds.

 

Saturday

• The Albert Lea City Golf Championship begins at Wedgewood Cove Golf Club at 8 a.m. Entry fee is $60 for all flights.

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

• The Community Sew Day will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Senior Center at Skyline Plaza. Participants can go all day or for however long they choose.

They are encouraged to bring sewing machines, scissors, pins and a sack lunch. Sewing kits for various projects will be provided.

For questions, contact 383-8977.

Community Sew Day is part of the local ShineFest activities.

• The Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce and its members will host Downtown Saturdays this Saturday and continuing through Aug. 24. Complimentary hot dogs and water will go to the first 100 downtown shoppers at a featured location each week. Service will be available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., or until the products are gone. Locations will vary week to week based on construction. Call the chamber at 373-3938 or visit its Facebook page to find the location.

• The Glenville Fire Department will have a fish fry from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Glenville American Legion. Cost is $9 for adults and $5 for children older than preschool through age 12. Children preschool and under are free.

 

Sunday

• The American Legion Leo Carey Post 56 will host a pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. To be served are pancakes, scrambled eggs, plain or with diced ham, sausage, potatoes, fruit cup, juices, milk and coffee. Cost is $7.

• The Albert Lea City Golf Championship will continue at Green Lea Golf Course at 8 a.m.

• The Pelican Breeze II will host a public cruise at 1:30 p.m. Cost is $10 per adult and $5 for children 5 and under, and no reservations are needed.

• Freeborn County 4-H will host a pasta dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Cloverstand at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds. Cost is $6 per person. For children 5 and under, a donation will be accepted.