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To everyone who came out to the downtown  Holiday Bazaar this week.

Thanks to all those who came out to check out the festivities during Albert Lea’s Holiday Bazaar on Thursday night.

We’re sure most will agree that it was fun to see the streets buzzing with a lot of activity, and particularly to see young families out enjoying the beautiful downtown.

The bazaar included visits from Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Grinch; hot chocolate stands; a lights parade; caroling; the lighting at Central Park; sales in downtown stores; and special sales by some of Albert Lea’s youngest entrepreneurs.

We hope people were able to peek in the windows — or even stop in — at some of the stores while they were out and about or take note of some of the businesses to come back to in the near future.

Thanks to all of the organizers who continue to make this a fun holiday tradition for families. We hope it will only continue to grow in the coming years.

To people sharing cheer and goodwill with others this season.

It’s the season of giving, and we’re delighted to hear about many people who are stepping up to make a difference in the lives of their friends and neighbors.

Whether it’s donating clothes, coats, toys or other items; ringing the Salvation Army bell; bringing Christmas cookies to a neighbor; or some other act of service; it’s great to see these kind deeds happening in the community.

While we know these acts of service happen to some degree throughout the year, they are more pronounced during this season.

We hope it’s something that continues in the coming months.

Remember, there are always people out there who could use some kindness in their lives, whether it’s a smile, a hug, holding open the door for them or even taking the time for a conversation.

To the new eagle camera at St. John’s.

St. John’s Lutheran Community announced Friday they have installed a camera near the eagle’s nest on the organization’s Fountain Lake campus.

The live-stream camera overlooks the nest, which hosts a pair of American bald eagles.

The eagles have been a popular mainstay at the campus since before it was built and have continued to amaze community members in the time since. The camera will provide even more detail into the day-to-day life of the majestic birds.

We’re sure the footage will be widely followed by residents near and far, as was the EagleCam through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources previously.

To Albert Lea High School students who raised money and food in a recent food drive.hat deser

Hats off to those at Albert Lea High School who took part in a recent food drive and collected an equivalent of 13,584 pounds of food, between food and cash donations.

The donations will be distributed in the community and also to students in need during the winter break.

This is a great opportunity for youth to learn the value of service to the community, and we appreciate those who helped organize it.

We hope students who participated feel good about their contribution and go on to do more service in the community.

We encourage additional projects like this in the future.