1. Annual lakes cleanup

Help keep your lakes in good shape by pitching in to clean them up. The Lakes Foundation of Albert Lea and the Shell Rock River Watershed District are hosting this year’s annual cleanup from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, starting at Frank Hall Park. Volunteers will meet to receive cleaning supplies and then fan out to target specific areas.

 

 

2. Open mic night

The Freeborn County Arts Initiative is teaming up with Caribou Coffee to present an open mic night. Participants can come with comedy, improv, poetry or music to share, or just to listen. Freeborn County Arts Initiative President Elisha Andrew Marin will host. Sign-up for performers begins at 5:30 p.m., and the open mic runs from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Caribou Coffee.

 

3. Mardi Gras in May

This year’s Mardi Gras in May is embracing its date with a Cinco de Mayo-themed event. In addition to United Methodist Church’s annual live and silent auction fundraiser, there will be walking tacos and nachos, a gourmet baked goods section and baskets. Proceeds from the silent and live auction go to the church’s youth missions, which are headed to Rapid City this summer to serve in the area. Mardi Gras in May begins at 3 p.m. Saturday at United Methodist Church.

 

 

4. Open house

As you prepare to vote on Tuesday in the special election, go see what you’re voting about. The Albert Lea school district is hosting an open house at Hammer Complex for people to check out some of the facilities affected by the proposed referendum, which looks at changes to be made to soccer, softball and football fields as well as the field house and stands. The open house runs from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.

 

5. Samantha Bertelson fundraiser

A silent auction, bake sale and $8 burger baskets are on the agenda Friday as part of a fundraiser for Samantha Bertelson, who has undergone multiple and unexpected surgeries recently. The benefit, from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Moose Lodge, will go to support the Bertelson family in paying for medical bills and time off work.