Nose for News by Sarah Stultz

 

It has been almost a year since the announcement in Willmar that Albert Lea would be the location for the 2019 Governor’s Fishing Opener.

Albert Lea has never hosted the opener before, so this is an especially exciting time for our community and its residents.

Not only are the governor, lieutenant governor, legislators and other guests slated to come to the area as part of the event, but also media members and social media influencers from all over the region.

This is Albert Lea’s chance to shine.

I have been a part of the committee planning a media event taking place Friday morning and have witnessed a portion of all the work happening behind the scenes.

There have been numerous businesses that have stepped up to the plate to donate goods, services and funds, and many volunteers in Albert Lea have sacrificed countless hours to make sure this weekend goes smoothly, along with the staff of Explore Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Aside from the actual fishing opener kickoff on Saturday morning that the public is invited to attend, there are lots of fun things planned both for the guests and media members and for the community.

Here are a few of the events that I think sound especially interesting:

• Ever wonder where the fish fry and fingerlings come from that are used to stock Albert Lea’s lakes? Take a short trip to the Waterville Hatchery from 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday to find out more.

• Want to socialize and come together for a free meal and some music? Check out the “Hooked on Broadway” community dinner and dance from 4:30 to 10 p.m. Friday. Gov. Tim Walz will likely attend.

• Want to wish the governor good luck as he heads out to fish Saturday?

Attend the opening ceremony led by Walz at 8 a.m. in south Edgewater Park.

• Keep an eye on the fishing in Fountain Lake while getting in some exercise at the same time during the Blue Zones Walk/Run from 9 a.m. to noon along the Blue Zones Walkway.

I am proud our community gets to host these great events and that other media from around the region can highlight not only our lakes but also our parks, our restaurants, our amenities and our successes.

Whether you like to fish or not, come out and use this event as a chance to celebrate our community.

We know there are many wonderful things about living here, and this is our opportunity to help others see that, too.

Sarah Stultz is the managing editor of the Tribune. Her column appears every Tuesday.