Grants up to $2,500 are available to individuals and small organizations and grants up to $5,000 for large organizations to support efforts that make Mankato a more beautiful place to live, according to a city news release.
Mankato’s Community Grant Program applications are due Friday.
Grant categories are:
• Community Performing Arts and Music: Enhance public performances in various genres of music and performing arts
• Community Beautification and Public Art: Beautify and improve the community and public spaces
• Community Social Services: Provide social services that enhance the quality of life and independence of service to recipients/clients
Individual residents and not-for-profit organizations in Mankato are eligible for consideration.
For application forms and more information, go to: mankatomn.gov.
Minneopa host to candlelight walks
Candlelight walks are slated 5-8 p.m. Saturday through Minneopa State Park’s woods and prairieland in rural Mankato.
Luminaries will provide light along the park’s trails.
Cups of hot chocolate will be served to participants who stop to warm up at a campfire near the trails.
The event is free; however vehicle passes are required for motorists to enter the park.
Lecture to focus on 1876 election
Friends of the Boy in Blue Civil War Memorial will sponsor a free history lecture that commemorates the 150th anniversary of a dramatic presidential election and political crises in America.
“Stolen in State: The Disputed Election of 1876 and the Plot to Steal Lincoln’s Body” is slated 7 p.m. Feb. 11 at Morson-Ario-Strand VFW, 1900 N. Riverfront Drive.
Presenter Bryce Stenzel will discuss the presidential election that brought an end to Reconstruction through the Compromise of 1877. He also will explore a not-well-known Nov. 7, 1876, plot to steal President Abraham Lincoln’s body.
Donations will be accepted and used to benefit the Boy in Blue Civil War Headstone Project.
For more information visit: boyinblue.org.
Nonprofit plans ‘Celebration of Life’ Gala
A benefit for One Bright Star is set for Feb. 28 in downtown Mankato.
The nonprofit provides resources to families grieving children’s deaths.
“City Lights & Country Nights” is the theme for the “celebration of life” gala at Mayo Health System Event Center. Event features include a social hour, dinner, silent and live auctions, as well as live music by The Blue Water Kings.
Tickets start at $100 and may be ordered at: OneBrightStar.org.