Good morning, Rochester.

Gochnaur Farms in West Concord converted part of its store into a food pantry offering free groceries to families amid the federal shutdown, investing about $300 and supplementing it with approximately $200 in community donations.

In Rochester, the Boyer family’s annual Halloween display with 162 inflatable figures raised over $9,000 for Channel One Food Bank and was open for its final day on Friday from 6 to 10 p.m.

Lisette James of Francisco's Caribbean Restaurant has started a GoFundMe campaign to raise $10,000 for Hurricane Melissa recovery in Jamaica after her husband was stranded in Montego Bay—he reported severe shortages of water, trees, and power.

The funds will purchase essential supplies that will be shipped with help from a partner in Florida.

First Alliance Credit Union launched its 40-foot Mobile Branch on Oct.

29 to bring personal banking services with live tellers and private offices to rural areas in southeast Minnesota. It will travel to 14 counties and partner with local organizations (nonprofits) to expand access to financial services.

On Friday, Mayo Clinic and city leaders celebrated key construction milestones and previewed plans for 2026.

City officials said work will span 30 square blocks downtown—Link Rapid Transit is about 20% complete and new parking ramps are expected next year—and a 'Name the Crane' contest will launch next month.

Olmsted County is lighting the government center green as part of Operation Green Light to honor veterans, and residents can add green lights from Nov.

4 to 11. A Veterans Day breakfast will be held at the Rochester International Event Center on Nov. 11 from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.—officials say it shows strong veteran support.

The Olmsted County Parks Department hosted a special archery deer hunt at Oxbow Park for disabled American veterans starting October 31; the event will run until November 30 — it aims to control the deer population while honoring veterans’ service.

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.

RHCSA Exam Preparation Training

8 a.m. — Huntington Learning Center Rochester — $2250 — Get ready for the RHCSA certification with this intensive five-day training course focusing on essential Linux system administration skills.

Spanish Conversation Meeting

6:30-7:30 p.m. — Rochester Public Library — Free entry — Engage in lively Spanish conversation in a friendly library setting.

Here Comes Santa Claus

2:30-7 p.m. — Historic Chateau Theatre — Free entry — Celebrate the holiday season with festive activities, Santa's rescue, and tree lighting.