Community Ed canoes, kayaks will be free to use

The Albert Lea community is invited to attend a celebration Saturday of the new canoe and kayak launch on Albert Lea Lake.

Called Albert Lea Floats, the celebration will allow people to check out the newly restored Golden Point Launch along the shoreline of Frank Hall Park between the Department of Natural Resources fishing pier and the Pelican Breeze boat dock. The area has been designated as a soft-launch for nonmotorized boats through a $50,000 grant awarded from Michelob Golden Draft Light.

Albert Lea Floats kicks off at noon and goes until 6 p.m. At 12:30 p.m., there will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Other activities available are the following:

• Free use of Community Education canoes, kayaks and paddleboards. Instruction and life vests will be provided.

• Beer tasting provided by Anheuser Busch representatives.

• Helicopter rides.

• Pelican Breeze II cruises.

• Children’s nature education opportunities provided by Seeker’s Wild.

• The 112 on Broadway and Merles Popcorn will serve food and beverages.

• Pickle ball from 2 to 4 p.m.

Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Susie Petersen said a disc jockey will also be on hand throughout the day.

“It’s a celebration for the lakes and also a celebration for our Lake Foundation because we have a membership drive going on too,” Petersen said.

She said organizers hope to make the celebration an annual event.

The launch will also be a featured stop on the state water trail, which will allow the public to enjoy the beauty of the lake.