Good morning, Mankato.

Margie and Phil Slingsby have pledged $100,000 at Camp Patterson on Lake Washington after camp closes in August 2026 to help match funds and reach a $1.3 million goal for renovating the bathhouse and counselors’ cabin in time for the centennial summer season in 2027.

The Saint Peter Library hosts a mini food shelf + coat drive in its lobby to support residents facing food insecurity.

The service runs this week during holiday hours.

The Kiwanis Holiday Lights display is urging visitors to bring nonperishable food items to support 21 food shelves as long lines form in Mankato, with a recent donation of 900 pounds to the Saint Peter Food Shelf.

Donations will be accepted until New Year's Eve.

A section of Riverfront Drive will close temporarily Friday morning when the Makatoh Reconciliation and Healing Horse Ride departs from Land of Memories Park to head downtown to Reconciliation Park near the Blue Earth County Library.

Lanes will be closed for about two hours for the ride and ceremony.

The Dakota Reconciliation Riders will stay at the New Ulm Community Center tonight and tomorrow while a local volunteer prepares an indigenous five-course dinner.

Arriving after noon today, riders invite horse owners to join them on 5th Street hill for a peaceful ride + reconciliation.

Brooke Wiltscheck’s salon in a busy strip mall now offers a recession menu with flexible pricing and financing options as clients book later due to rising costs, a trend impacting local stylists.

Bookings remain steady today but are not made as far in advance as before the pandemic.

New Year's Eve Celebration at The Venue

7:30 p.m. — The Venue — Check ticket price — Celebrate the New Year with a festive night in Mankato.

January 2026 League Challenge

All day — The Dork Den — $10 entry — Compete in the first League Challenge of 2026 and claim your Pokémon Play Pack and prizes.

Bemidji State Beavers vs Minnesota State Mankato Mavericks Men's Basketball

3:30-5:00 p.m. — Centennial Student Union — Ticket prices vary — Catch the exciting matchup between the Beavers and Mavericks on the court.

Twins Caravan at Mankato Chevrolet

Noon–2 PM — Mankato Chevrolet — Free to attend — Enjoy lunch and meet special guests including Kris Atteberry.

Northern State Wolves vs. Minnesota State Mankato Mavericks Men's Basketball

5:30-7:10 p.m. — Taylor Center — Ticket prices vary — Watch an exciting men's basketball matchup live from Taylor Center.