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Dakota County has approved a property tax levy increase for 2026 to address rising costs and higher demand for services. The move will help maintain core programs like public safety, housing assistance, and infrastructure while also supporting access to federal HUD funding that brings millions into the county each year.

A full house gathered at Emagine Eagan Theatre as the Eagan Community Foundation awarded a record $62,000 in grants to 30 nonprofits. This year’s awards supported housing, youth development, family stability, and the arts — including a boost from the new $1 million Art Works Legacy Fund dedicated to strengthening local arts for decades to come.

The Minnesota Zoo Foundation has been awarded a $200,000 Strategic Grant from the Otto Bremer Trust to expand access programs. Most of the funding supports Free to Explore, which offers free zoo admission to families on public assistance, while $20,000 helps cover busing costs so students from resource-limited schools can attend field trips.

🛍️ Prior Lake Ladies Night Out (Prior Lake Chamber of Commerce)
Forty+ local shops, exclusive specials, giveaways, food trucks, and a selfie robot roaming to capture the chaos, it’s retail therapy with perks. Get tickets.

🌱 Spooky Terrarium Workshop (Curiouser Coffee in Apple Valley at 5:30pm)
Coffee, dirt, plants, and tiny skeletons- craft your own creepy-cute terrarium to kick off spooky season. Secure your spot.

🛍️ Rosemount Fall Shop Hop (A Bushel & A Peck MN in Rosemount at 4pm)
Three boutiques, endless fall essentials, and plenty of “I didn’t plan on buying this, but here we are” moments.

🍺 Sip & Sourdough at Nine Mile Brewing (Bloomington)
Beer in one hand, sourdough starter in the other — learn the magic of breadmaking while sipping a local craft brew. Get tickets.

🍂 Sonnet Montessori Fall Fun Fest (Prior Lake)
Bounce houses, carnival games, and fall treats galore. A free family event made just for little ones (and the young at heart).

🧵 Twisted Stitchers Craft Showcase (Prior Lake Library at 10am)
Shop one-of-a-kind handmade gifts, then pull up a chair and stitch alongside fellow makers if you feel like staying.

🍲 South St. Paul BOOYA Festival (9am)
The town’s biggest pot of stew, a car show, crafts, and a beer garden, it’s the annual fall bash you can smell from blocks away.

🎃 Fleet Farm October-Fest Kickoff (Hastings at 7am)
Free caramel apples, hot dogs, gift cards, and family contests all rolled into one Saturday of fall fun.

⚡ Blissey Pokémon Family Event (Mall of America at 10am)
Meet Pikachu, enter tournaments, win prizes, and let your kids score free swag — basically Pokémon heaven for a day.

🐾 PawPADs Fall Fest (Lakeville, Casperson Park)
Free live music, food, games, and plenty of tail wags, its a fundraiser that feels more like a fall block party.

🎶 Bingo at Rudy’s Redeye Grill (Lakeville)
Good food, music, and a few rounds of bingo, sometimes the classics are exactly what you need.

👻 Spooky Author Event at Niche Books (Lakeville at 11am)
Paranormal authors of Ghosts of the Wild West share chilling stories and haunted history — with book signings for the brave.

⚔️ Viking Festival (Farmington Fairgrounds 10am on the 4th & 6th)
Think Renaissance Festival but with Vikings. Armor, mead vibes (minus the alcohol), and Nordic flair all weekend long.

🔎 Mystery Author Panel (Barnes & Noble Burnsville at 5pm)
Four Minnesota thriller writers (Mindy Mejia, Rebecca Kanner, Wendy Webb, and Joshua Moehling) share their secrets in a lively discussion that might leave you sleeping with the lights on.

🔥 Banya Fest (Prior Lake Lake at 4pm)
Sweat, sip tea, eat Slavic food, and explore saunas galore — it’s a one-of-a-kind wellness fest (no booze, just steam). Secure your spot.

✨ Ladies Day Out (Threads & Co in Lakeville at 12pm)
Fresh boutique finds, handcrafted sweets, and a little caffeine boost, its the perfect excuse for a girls’ day.

🐕 Adopt A Husky MN Fundraiser Walk (Prior Lake, Lakefront Park)
Bring your pup for a walk, raffle, games, and photos — all while raising money to rescue and rehome Siberian Huskies.

Vikings Watch Party at Mystic Lake
Cheer with the Skol Line, win prizes, and catch every big play surrounded by fans who yell just as loud as you do.

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— Brady Greenbush
Publisher & Editor