Good morning, Mankato.

Kato Bike Fall Fest will take place on Sept.

27—28 at Mount Kato and will offer a village atmosphere with a cyclocross race, family-friendly gravel and road rides near Sibley Park and at the new Rockwell Adventure Bike Park ending with a sunset bonfire. The event will allow food trucks — alcohol sales as it builds on the legacy of the discontinued Mankato River Ramble.

Today, Farmfest Forums begin in Morgan at the Wick Building Farmfest Center as experts talk about artificial intelligence in agriculture, sustainable fuel, and crop insurance — sessions include Minnesota lawmakers discussing the agriculture safety net and trade policy while the festival runs through Thursday at the Gilfillan Estate in Redwood County.

North Mankato’s council approved a $5,000 preconstruction contract on a 22-acre site at Timm and Rockford roads to replace an outdated public works building with one growing from 12,400 to 70,000 square feet — a sixfold increase in capacity.

Design work will complete by November, with construction beginning in March and the facility expected to finish by Sept. 1.

The North Mankato City Council approved a conditional use permit for a cannabis retail store at 300 Belgrade Avenue as zoning and buffer requirements from schools and daycares were met — the store, run by Madeline Peck and Preston Perreault of Cornflower Blue Properties, must follow state licensing rules and will be one of two allowed in the city.

At a national lawmakers’ conference in Boston, state Sen. John Hoffman—recovering from gunshot wounds sustained in a June shooting that killed House Leader Melissa Hortman—urged his peers to reduce harsh rhetoric that can lead to more violence while Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy and House Speaker Lisa Demuth called for a respectful, careful tone in politics.

After their NCAA semifinals appearance, the Mavericks began fall camp and will hold 15 more practices before their season opener on August 28th — when they will face Northwest Missouri State.

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.