Good morning, Mankato.

Mankato residents enjoyed a busy opening day at Tourtellotte Pool Thursday as families swam and played in high temperatures, and city officials said outdoor swim lessons will begin in July.

North Mankato Taylor Library hosted Sustainable Safari’s animal demonstration on Thursday—featuring a kangaroo, chinchilla and alligator—that delighted young attendees as part of its dinosaur-themed summer reading program; Sustainable Safari will return on July 14 at three library sites to continue the event.

The City of Mankato will begin construction on Hiniker Parkway Monday with a new 1,000-foot road extending from Butterworth Street to West Lind Street along Hiniker Pond - the project will provide permanent access for local businesses until Range Street is replaced by the US Highway 169 improvement project next spring.

The Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial softball team won a walk-off game on Thursday for the Section 2AA title and will head to the state tournament for a third straight season — underscoring their strong efforts on the field.

Mankato East softball defeated St. Peter 5-2 on Thursday to win the Section 2AAA title and will head to its fourth consecutive state tournament next week (a regional milestone).

On Thursday, the United South Central Rebels softball team beat Martin County West in extra innings—winning 3-1 in game one and 7-1 in the winner-take-all game—to secure the Section 2A title and a spot in the state tournament where they will defend their title.

Brit Floyd - Pink Floyd Tribute

8-9:30 p.m. — Vetter Stone Amphitheater — Tickets required — Experience the world's premier Pink Floyd tribute in a celebration of iconic rock albums.

Interactive Training Series in Mankato

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Cemstone Supply — Free entry — Meet experts and explore top hardscape solutions with exclusive event pricing.

BENCHS Plant Sale

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Blue Earth Nicollet County Humane Society — Donations welcomed — Find beautiful plants while supporting animals in need.

Great Northern Viking Festival

3:30 p.m. — ISG Field — Cost info not provided — Celebrate Viking culture with music, storytelling, and delicious food.