Nose for News by Sarah Stultz

 

Do I dare think about winter with summer finally here?

A few weeks ago, the committee raising money for downtown holiday lights in Albert Lea did just that as we officially began another year of fundraising.

Last year, we had great success in fundraising and were able to complete a large portion of our project, and this year, we are hoping to finish a few more elements.

While we have already raised enough funds for decorations at the splash pad area, along with new banners, wreaths and lighted garlands across a few intersections, we still hope to raise money for decorations at the Fountain Lake Park gazebo, garland wraps on the light poles on Broadway and other year-round accent lighting for downtown.

So far, we have talked about a few fundraising projects to go toward this cause, including a collaboration with the Daybreakers Kiwanis Club on selling kettle corn at some of the Thursdays on Fountain events at Fountain Lake Park.

We were out with this group at the Thursdays on Fountain the same week as Eddie Cochran Weekend and plan to be there again July 18 and Aug. 15.

A big thanks to the club for being willing to work with us on this fundraiser.

We’re also planning a burger basket fundraiser later in the summer and will publicize that event once it comes closer.

We heard a lot of nice comments once the lights and decorations ordered last year arrived, and we’d love to add even more to that this year and make the downtown an even more festive place where people want to go during the holidays.

Personally, I’d like to see more lights all over several parts of the community, but we have to start somewhere.

Donations, like last year, can be dropped off or mailed to the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce at 1725 W. Main St. in Albert Lea.

Donations are tax-deductible.

Thanks to everyone who has contributed to this project. If your business is looking for a way to give back to the community, this would be a great project to consider that will provide light and holiday spirit for many years to come.

Also, if anyone else would like to get involved in volunteering for this project or has other ideas on raising money, please reach out to me. We’d love to hear your ideas.

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