By Henry Rohlf

The Meraki Studios will host an Art and Healing Day for Sophie on Saturday in memory of the late Sophie Stultz. The event will be scheduled in two parts. To start off the event, there will be a grief group portion from 1 to 2 p.m. that requires registration in advance, and can be done at www.themerakistudios.com. Following the grief group, anyone in the community is invited to stop by between 2 and 4 p.m. for an afternoon of arts and crafts at the studio. The Meraki Studios is at 115 N. Newton Ave. in Albert Lea.

Eight-year-old Sophie Stultz, the daughter of Jason and Sarah Stultz, died after being hit by a car while riding her bicycle July 2 at the intersection of Frank Hall Drive and East Eighth Street. Sophie Stultz was said to have enjoyed art and music, and the Art and Healing Day for Sophie has been described as a positive, healthy way to both celebrate Sophie Stultz’s life and to help others — especially those around her age — go through the grieving process.

The following is a list of other events going on in the area this weekend.

 

Friday

• The Albert Lea Art Center continues its display of its “Barns are Noble” exhibit. The Art Center is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

• The American Red Cross Blood drive will be from 1 to 7 p.m. at Bridge Community Church.

• The American Cancer Society Relay For Life will take place starting at 4 p.m. This fundraiser will be located at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds and contestants can walk until 4 a.m. on Saturday.

• The Pelican Breeze pizza cruise will be from 6 to 8 p.m. and leaves from Frank Hall Park. Pizza is provided by Green Mill. Tickets cost $20, include both pizza and the cruise, and can be purchased by calling 507-383-7273.

• A movie in the park will be from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Hosted at the Edgewater Park band shell, the event is free to the public and it is suggested that attendees bring a lawn chair or a blanket. “Shaun the Sheep” is the scheduled movie.

 

Saturday

• The Albert Lea Farmers Market will offer local produce, baked goods, meats, crafts, gluten-free goods, flowers, bedding plants and more from 9 a.m. to noon in the Northbridge Mall parking lot.

• Party in the Park will be at Memorial Park from 4 to 7 p.m. The free, family event is put on by Hope Church and will include free food, bounce houses, face painting, a bean bag toss, music and more.

 

Sunday

• The Sunday cruise on the Pelican Breeze will be from 1:30 to 3 p.m. No reservation is needed for the $10 cruise that leaves from Frank Hall Park.

• Music in the Park will be from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Fountain Lake Park. Music will be provided by the Community Band of Albert Lea.