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The Fourth of July holiday is a good example of what can be achieved when people who care about the community come together for a common cause.

Promoted in Albert Lea as the July Jamboree, the days surrounding the holiday are filled with not only the parade and the fireworks planned by the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce, but also a car show, the Bayside Waterski Team show, Thursdays on Fountain, a block party, a boat cruise, a street dance, a Community Band concert, a boat parade, food vendors and even a big flea market.

Many of these individual events are planned by smaller groups of people, and because of the timing of when they will take place, they are incorporated into the larger celebration.

We thank these groups for their dedication in planning these events each year and recognize that the planning of a community event is no small task.

If you’re out and about at one of these events and see the organizers, please take a minute to thank them for their efforts.

These events are a big part of what makes our community a great place to live in the summer. Also thank the other volunteers who set aside time with their family and friends to bring these fun events to the community.

And if you’re looking to be a part of a fulfilling effort to bring these events to the community, we encourage you to jump on board.