Daisy Fest!

We had a delightful time today at Central Park for the seventh annual Daisy Festival (sponsored by Daisy Blue Naturals). Charles had a booth, promoting his candidacy for Albert Lea City Council, offering "swag," and Charles asked attendees to write down what wanted to see (or not see) in Albert Lea.

Here are the results to "I want Albert Lea to..."

+Businesses that can afford to stay

+Be happy

+More kid-friendly activities

+Community event

+Animals (pets) need to stay in their own yard

+Home-free healthcare

+More bike paths

+Upgrade parks

+Be kinder to landlords

+More mental health services (2 times)

+No data centers

+Help for the homeless (3 times)

+Be kind

+Bring in more retail businesses

+Get more clothing stores (3 times)

+Be amazing

+Help animals

+Service/companion dogs, all are welcome!

+Mountains

One year and counting!

Thursday on Fountain

Charles took some time this afternoon to check out the community event, Thursdays on Fountain. It was fun seeing everyone coming together to enjoy music and a terrific venue!

Latest batch of paintings

Where the magic happens

"Dale's Salute"

"Puuruska" 
(the change of tree leaves to colorful hues)

"Höstkväll" (Autumn Evening)

Charles received four requests for paintings from Thorne Crest staff and another he offered to paint for a member of the Glenville UMC who moved into a long-term care facility. There are still two more painting on the docket - stay tuned for updates!

Happy Black Cat Day

In honor of Black Cat Day, here is a picture of B.K. (Black Kitty), a daily visitor to our back deck.

Art on the go

Charles shared the news of his blue ribbons from the fair at the Monday morning staff meeting. By Thursday, he had given away seven of his paintings to staff and one resident. By Friday, Charles had requests for three new paintings! 

Wind Down Wednesday

The action heats up

Building name recognition

Having fun on Broadway

Working at the HRC booth

 

The final Wind Down Wednesday of the summer took part today and Charles was on the scene. He was there first as a candidate, wearing his campaign gear up and down Broadway. Then he went back, helping out at the Human Rights Commission booth.

First time voting in Minnesota

We did our civic duty today, voting for the first time in the Minnesota primary. Charles isn't on the ballot today but will be on the general election ballot in November.

Hunting around Fountain Lake

Charles has two medallions are featured in today's edition of the Albert Lea Art Center medallion hunt by Fountain Lake. Each day, members of Art Center board have these discs that were decorated by the board members placed around the lake. People who find a disc, bring the disc to the Art Center and can choose a piece of art from the collection.

Day five of fair week

Enjoying the antique tractors

Amazing walk through history

Bob & Gloria at the veteran's barn

A variety of entertainment at the fair

Getting around the fairgrounds in style

Charles made his last foray into the Freeborn County Fairgrounds this afternoon, an enjoyable day made better by the slightly cooler weather!

A dog show in Albert Lea?

Charles attended his very first dog show this morning, the annual Kennel Club of Freeborn County dog show right here in Albert Lea. The Dog, Trails, and Tails event at the Albert Lea City Center was fascinating to take in and very educational.

4-H'ers are up early!

We were up early this morning (at the fairgrounds before 7am), helping to set up for 4-H Breakfast. There were a lot of hungry people, gathered around the table ahead of the 4-H auction.

Day four of fair week

4-H barn has a celebratory feeling!

Chickens, geese, ducks, pigeons, & turkeys!

VFW, DAV, & Am. Legion offer hospitality

Charles spent more time at the fair this afternoon, doing some "soft campaigning" by walking around with his campaign shirt, speaking with vendors and fairgoers. He enjoyed spending time in the 4-H, poultry, and veteran's barns.
 

Day two of fair week

Enjoying animals large and small

A very talented artist

Residents enjoying fair day

Charles went back for the second day of the fair today, this time to accompany residents from Thorne Crest.

It's fair time in Albert Lea!

Getting started with cheese curds!

Nice assortment from the DFL

First day crowds

Two blue ribbons this year!

Charles had his first outing to the Freeborn County Fair this afternoon and had a nice time. He's going to be there today - Saturday, wearing his campaign shirt and hat, doing some "soft campaigning" to try and drum up some name recognition.

Time in the market

Albert Lea has a lot to offer including a twice-weekly Farmer's Market. We had fun this morning, strolling through the market and picking out some treats for the coming week. We try to wear Charles' campaign t-shirts when we are out and about in the community.

Fore!

Belinda assists the Chamber Ambassadors

Charles sponsored one of the greens

Thorne Crest also was a green sponsor

Thorne Crest team pauses during the afternoon 

The Chamber of Commerce's annual golf outing took place today on a blistering afternoon at Green Lea Golf Course.

On the town this morning!

We ventured out for some errands this morning, making time for breakfast at B&B Cafe'. They have a custom of taking photos of dinners each morning, and today, we joined the fun and appeared on the B&B Facebook page.