Good morning, Mankato.

Ribfest returns downtown as organizers announce the first round of food vendors, including 3rd Street Tavern and Boons Backyard Barbeque, at Civic Center Plaza on Friday, Aug.

7 and Saturday, Aug. 8. Additional details on the schedule and a new beer garden will be shared later.

Mankato Area Public School District approved Arts and Letters as a new reading curriculum for K-5 to start next school year; officials will train teachers and cover costs partly with a state grant + district funds.

Area college seniors display artwork and projects at campus galleries; Gustavus’ 'Surface Tension' exhibit opens today at the Hillstrom Museum of Art (in the lower level of Jackson Campus Center) and Bethany Lutheran College hosts 'Second Chances' through Monday, featuring diverse media from creative capstone projects.

The Mankato boys lacrosse team is preparing for the 2026 season as they get ready for their opener against Hutchinson.

MSU softball lost two games to Augustana Friday, with scores of 7-3 and 8-0.

The team will face Wayne State on Saturday at the diamond.

Free Oral Cancer Screenings in Mankato & Rochester

In honor of Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month, Southeastern Minnesota Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery will offer free oral cancer screenings on April 16 from 2 pm to 4 pm at: 2519 Commerce Drive NW, Suite 110, Rochester, Minn., 55901; and 1410 Madison Avenue, Mankato, Minn., 56001. To participate, arrive at one of the clinics during the designated times and ask for a free cancer screening.

Toy Stories on Ice

7-9 p.m. — All Seasons Arena — $10 adult, $5 youth/senior/student — Experience a charming retelling of Toy Story featuring local skaters portraying beloved characters.

Toy Stories on Ice – 51st Annual Ice Show

7-9 p.m. — All Seasons Arena — $10 adult, $5 youth/senior/student — Experience the beloved characters of Toy Story brought to life through local figure skating talents.

Micro Wrestling Federation Show

7-10 p.m. — Kato Ballroom — All-ages show — Experience thrilling micro wrestling action with body slams, brawls, and the chance to meet the wrestlers post-event.