Summertime is full of festivals

Published 2:28 pm Monday, August 8, 2016

By Ed Shannon

: Albert Lea’s American Legion Post 56 honor guard was a prominent part of the nation’s Bicentennial Parade on July 4, 1976. This photo was taken near the corner of North Broadway and Fountain Street. - Photo courtesy of Freeborn County Historical Museum

: On Aug. 2, 1977, a group of men gathered at the Bridge Avenue entry to the Freeborn County Fair on opening day. Incidentally, the small merry-go rounds are still a part of the present archway entry during fair time. – Photo courtesy of Freeborn County Historical Museum

: One of the most unusual floats in a local parade was a real handcar on rails sponsored by the Chicago Rock Island and Pacific Railroad. – Photo courtesy of Freeborn County Historical Museum

: One part of the 1940 Colonel Albert Lea Days parade provided proof that oxen could also be used to pull wagons back in pioneer days. This photo was taken near the corner of South Broadway and Main Street. – Photo courtesy of Freeborn County Historical Museum

: One of the first units in the Minnesota Territorial Centennial Parade on June 1, 1949, was the Albert Lea High School band. – Photo courtesy of Freeborn County Historical Museum

: A 1940s parade featured two symbols based on the Hollandale-Maple Island area. One was a huge potato, and the other was a small windmill to emphasize the locale’s strong Dutch heritage. – Photo courtesy of Freeborn County Historical Museum

: Albert Lea’s American Legion Post 56 honor guard was a prominent part of the nation’s Bicentennial Parade on July 4, 1976. This photo was taken near the corner of North Broadway and Fountain Street. – Photo courtesy of Freeborn County Historical Museum

Summertime for Albert Lea and area residents provides many opportunities to participate in or enjoy watching various festivals, especially parades.

These festivals represent two different types of events. Some are special and may take place just once in a lifetime. Two prime examples are the Colonel Albert Lea Days in 1939 and 1940 and the nation’s bicentennial celebration on July 4, 1976.

Other festivals take place on a regular basis during the summer months each year. These annual events include the Bayside water ski shows, the Fourth of July fireworks, Eddie Cochran Weekend and Car Show, Wind Down Wednesdays, the Sparky and Short Stop golf tournaments, Freeborn County Fair and the Third of July Parade.

This last event has been a part of local life since 1992, according to Tribune files.

The change in dates for the local parade reportedly came about because several musical groups, political candidates and various organizations and business firms wanted to also be a part of the Austin parade on the morning of the Fourth of July, and maybe even the Blooming Prairie parade during the afternoon of Independence Day. Also, some folks could be spectators at two or three of these area parades.