By Henry Rohlf

The Albert Lea American Legion will host its first-ever Independence Run starting at 8:30 a.m. Saturday. The run will start at the Legion and will end at Soldier’s Walk Memorial Park in Arcadia, Wisconsin. Following the beginning of the race, there will be various activities going on, including a silent auction from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., a motorcycle show from 5 to 8 p.m., and from 8 p.m. to midnight in the North Broadway parking lot The Wicked Renegades will perform.

Children’s activities will be available all day, including a dunk tank, rock climbing wall and inflatable obstacle course. Food and drinks will be provided by the American Legion, with all proceeds from the event being donated to the Legacy Scholarship, Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, and local veterans funds.

The run will be open to the public and all registered street vehicles. Registration is $20 per bike, $10 per passenger and $20 per car. For more information contact Duane Thomas at 507-402-3006.

The following are a list of other events this weekend in the area:

 

Friday

The Albert Lea Art Center will display its “Barns are Noble” exhibit from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  The exhibit highlights noble family barns through works of art from local artists, along with a short description of the history and location.

The Marion Ross Performing Arts Center presents “Wizard of Oz” at 7:30 p.m. Purchase tickets on the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center website.

The Pelican Breeze Pizza Cruise will be from 6 to 8 p.m. and will leave 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.

 

Saturday

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

The Marion Ross Performing Arts Center presents “Wizard of Oz” at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Purchase tickets on the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center website.

 

Sunday

The American Legion will host a pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Admission is $7.50, with $1 going to the youth group or church of your choice.

The Sunday cruise on the Pelican Breeze will be from 1:30 to 3 p.m. No reservation is needed for the $10 cruise. Leaving from Frank Hall Park, those attending are asked to make sure to show up 15 minutes early.