Good morning, Mankato.

At Pillars of Mankato, Parker the 6-year-old golden retriever comforts seniors and helps ease tough mornings for residents like Saundra Daddio.

After an emergency stomach surgery left high costs, staff set up a GoFundMe—currently at $3,520 with matching donations from the parent company—to reach a $9,000 goal.

This weekend, community events feature free Fire Safety Education Day at the Children's Museum — from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday — along with local farmers’ markets, festivals, history programs and music performances at venues including Best Buy Parking Lot and Vetter Stone Amphitheatre. Organizers offer family-friendly activities with both free and ticketed entry options to serve residents across our region.

A 22-year-old man from Vernon Center lost control of his Yamaha Cruiser on Highway 169 at 12:46 p.m. Saturday, was ejected without wearing a helmet, and was taken to St. Mary's Hospital with life-threatening injuries; no one else was involved.

Ryan and James Pedersen—father and son artists—created their new sculpture Ripple Effects for the Mankato CityArt Sculpture Walk and it was installed at the Veterans Memorial Bridge after they built a tradition of shared design work since 2019.

A reader asked if the inventory of erosion-prone areas is complete and inquired about repair priorities after observing worsening landslide signs on Thompson Ravine.

Interim Public Works Director Karl Keel explained that property owners are generally responsible for repairs—though the city can offer reimbursements for municipally owned sites—with no comprehensive ranking in place.

A Lake Crystal couple bought a two-bedroom home with a four-car garage after a careful search in April, and experts say the summer market now favors buyers—giving them more time to decide amid low inventory.

Real estate agents report that while median prices have moderately increased, sellers are getting about 98% of their list price when homes are priced correctly.

Hosanna Golf Outing

12 p.m. — North Links Golf Course and Driving Range — $400 per team — Test your skills in a 4-person scramble to support the Hosanna Music Ministry.

Andy Grammer's Monster Tour

7:00 – 8:30 PM — Vetter Stone Amphitheater — Ticket sales start March 21 — Experience the energetic performance of Andy Grammer live in Mankato.

Emerson Lane Boutique Pop-up Sale

10 a.m. - 6 p.m. — Sibley Park — Free entry — Discover handmade gifts, cards, and home decor at this vibrant boutique sale.

Hairball Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Vetter Stone Amphitheater — Ticket prices from $52 — Get ready for an electrifying performance by Hairball in Mankato's premier outdoor venue.

River Valley 100 Bike Ride

8 a.m. – 3 p.m. — LocAle Brewing Company — Free registration required — Enjoy a scenic bicycle ride through the Minnesota river valley with options for all skill levels.

Bearcats vs. Mavericks Football Game

6:00 – 7:30 p.m. — Blakeslee Stadium — All ticket sales are final — Catch the thrilling college football matchup between the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats and Minnesota State Mankato Mavericks.