Good morning, Mankato.

The Little Green Wagon pumpkin patch is now open two miles north of Mankato on highway 22 for free play and fresh produce (including over 100 varieties of squash and pumpkins) while a full day of fun with a magician and food vendors will be held on September 26.

Three painters, Stephanie Drago, Jean Mannion and Tracy Murphy, will compete for People’s and Juror’s Choice Awards at the Twin Rivers Best in Art Series event on Thursday, Sept.

10 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Shared Spaces at Emy Frentz on Second Street in Mankato as they offer demos.

Veterans Memorial Bridge is on track to reopen in about 7 weeks, with final concrete work, new railings, and repainting underway so it can serve both drivers and pedestrians between downtown and North Mankato.

Riverfront Drive is closed for 2–3 weeks as work above continues—aiming for a pre-Nov. 1 finish.

Theresa Calsbeek’s family has enjoyed apple picking at Welsh Heritage Farms near Lake Crystal for years; visitors can taste Honeycrisp apples and apple donuts at tasting stations as the season lasts until late October.

The tradition brings local families outdoors this fall.

Wagner Brothers Orchard and Bakery started its apple picking season strong over Labor Day weekend and will remain open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. throughout September until the Thanksgiving holiday, offering 15 apple varieties for picking + assorted pumpkin and honey products.

Sands Country Cove Campground near Butterfield welcomed families on Labor Day weekend as repairs continue after storm damage from early July — local cleanup efforts are still underway and a few storm reminders remain.

Ardent Mills has listed its 51,000 sqft industrial and office property—featuring the iconic Hubbard Mill mural at 324 N.

Riverfront Drive—for sealed bid auction; prospective bidders must submit offers by Oct. 15 with a minimum bid of $995,000.