Good morning, Rochester.

Ronald McDonald House will open a new family room at Mayo Clinic's St. Marys Campus in February with three sleeping rooms and a family room stocked with food, water, showers and laundry services.

Construction will begin in November and a fundraiser called Give to the Max Day will help cover costs with a $30,000 matching grant from community partners — according to CEO Nick Mueller.

Quarry Hill Nature Center is hosting Creatures of the Night, a guided Halloween nature walk where kids meet a bat, a raccoon, and a skunk who share their nighttime tales—attendees must bring a real flashlight as cell phone lights are not accepted.

Tickets cost $10 per person and the event runs today and October 18 with a self-guided I-Spy hike after the program.

Goodwill in Minnesota has launched a rewards program that gives shoppers points for every dollar spent+ the program offers exclusive promotions and birthday surprises to enhance the thrifting experience.

A National Retail Federation survey says Halloween spending will reach a record $13.1 billion this year, with 79% of shoppers expecting higher prices because of tariffs — candy purchases are estimated at $3.9 billion.

Local Chocolaterie Stam reported that foot traffic stayed strong despite rising cocoa costs.

Fall colors are beginning to change in Rochester and nearby areas like Altura (home to Whitewater State Park) and Lanesboro, while towns such as Red Wing (with its Memorial Park) and Winona add to the region's seasonal beauty, with peak colors expected in the next week according to the Minnesota DNR Fall Color Finder map. Residents can plan day trips to enjoy nature when the weather improves.

RPU sticks with its plan to meet 100% of the city’s electrical power needs with renewable sources by 2030—Tim McCollough explained on Rochester Today that the utility will use wind and solar credits to offset nonrenewable use and adjust its strategy to meet future demands.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced a recall of several Ben's Original Ready Rice products due to small stones that may cause injury—items were sold at Target, Amazon, HEB, and other stores from August through September.

Consumers with these products should contact Ben’s Original Consumer Care for return instructions.

A Rochester mother polled her teenagers by text for ideas on how to spend MEA weekend and they suggested a mall trip, a hotel water park stay, a corn maze adventure at Northwoods Apple Orchard, and axe throwing at a local venue — the ideas also include visits to apple orchards and pumpkin patches for a fun family outing.

Cans for Kids

8 AM – 12 PM — Ronald McDonald House Charities Midwest MN, WI, IA — Donations accepted — Bring aluminum cans for recycling to support children and families in need.

Rochester Hot Cider Hustle

Half Marathon, 10K, & 5K — — Rochester, Minnesota — — Participate in a festive race with sweet swag and hot cider at the finish.

Floral Shadow Box Workshop

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Art Heads Emporium — All materials included — Create your own floral arrangements in shadow boxes while enjoying time with friends.

Keller Williams Trunk Or Treat

9-11 p.m. — 2765 Commerce Dr NW, Rochester, MN — Free entry — Enjoy a safe and fun Trunk or Treat event with decorated trunks and candy for the whole family.

iLuminate: A Dazzling LED Dance Experience

7-8:30 p.m. — Mayo Civic Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a mind-blowing fusion of music, dance, and technology in a unique, illuminated performance.

Kids Moonrise Paint Class

1-3 p.m. — Art Heads Emporium — All materials provided — Create a unique painting with customizable colors and stencils in this fun class for ages 6 and up.

Vintage Flea Market & Toy Show

9 AM – 2 PM — Graham Park — Admission varies — Discover vintage treasures, toys, and holiday décor at this charming local market.

Rochester Female Entrepreneurs Networking Meet-Up

2:30-3:30 p.m. — Collider Foundation — Free entry — Connect with local female entrepreneurs in a supportive, structured networking environment.

National Philanthropy Day Celebration

8 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Empire Event Center — Registration Fee Required — Celebrate philanthropy in the community with workshops and awards honoring outstanding contributions.

The Princess Bride: An Inconceivable Evening with Cary Elwes

7:30-9 p.m. — Mayo Civic Center — VIP packages available — Discover behind-the-scenes tales from the beloved film with Cary Elwes, featuring a screening and exclusive stories.