MCGA’s mascot Maizey will be at Kernel Nation in Albert Lea on June 30. Come get a high-five and a selfie!

Who: Minnesota’s corn farmers

What: Kernel Nation

Where: Edgewater Park in Albert Lea; several fueling stations in Albert Lea

When: 3-6:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 30, 2016

Why: Because we all enjoy a farm-themed good time as part of Kernel Nation.

Minnesota’s corn farmers are bringing a piece of the farm to Edgewater Park in Albert Lea as part of its inaugural Kernel Nation event on June 30.

Get ready for Kernel Nation!
Join the Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA) from 3-6:30 p.m. at Edgewater Bay Pavilion, Edgewater Park, for family fun, food, music, prizes and more. Tractors and other farm equipment will be on display for kids to explore and climb behind the wheel. Kernel Nation attendees can also walk through the 45-foot long Biofuels Mobile Education Center, which is packed with information and activities about homegrown ethanol.

“We’re all part of Kernel Nation, whether you farm or not,” said Noah Hultgren, who farms near Willmar and serves as MCGA President. “Agriculture touches all of our lives, so we wanted to put together a fun event where families can learn a little bit more about life on the farm and where their food and fuel comes from. Most importantly, we want people to come out and have fun.”

In addition to family fun at Edgewater Park, Kernel Nation also features flex-fuel promotions at local fueling stations sponsored by the American Lung Association in Minnesota’s Clean Air Choice Team. From 4-6 p.m. on June 30, E85 fuel – a blend of 85 percent homegrown ethanol and 15 percent regular gasoline – will be discounted by 85 cents per gallon at the following locations in Albert Lea:

• Freeborn County Coop (302 E. Clark St.)
• Freeborn County Coop (1840 Margaretha Ave.)
• Kwik Trip (2611 Bridge Ave.)

Once your vehicle is filled up with E85 and you’ve had your fill of Kernel Nation fun at Edgewater Park, stick around for the Bayside Ski Show at 7 p.m.

All activities are free and open to the public. Additional details are available at www.kernelnation.com.

Kernel Nation is also coming to Willmar on July 7. Check back next week for complete details.