Community observances are planned Thursday in conjunction with the Makatoh Reconciliation and Healing Horse Ride and the Dakota Exile Ride’s arrival in downtown Mankato, and volunteers are being sought to help.
Informal activities are slated between 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Reconciliation Park and Blue Earth County Library, 100 E. Main St. Organizers of the event suggest participants “look back, forward and within as we honor those lost and acknowledge the history of our nation’s darkest day” Dec. 26, 1862.
Riders will arrive at Reconciliation Park sometime Thursday morning. A ceremony in the park is slated 10-11:30 a.m.
Volunteers are needed to help with vehicle parking and meal service throughout the day. For more information, or to sign up to volunteer, visit: signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4AADA62CA3F5C52-53592124-makatoh#/.
Also planned are “Remembering Dec. 26: A Healing Circle” 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. in the library’s auditorium and Community Read for the Riders is slated 1 p.m. at library.
Monetary donations also are requested. To donate to the Makatoh Reconciliation and Healing Horse Ride, visit: gofundme.com/f/2vgx5-makatoh-reconciliation-and-healing-horse-ride.
To donate to Dakota Exiles Ride, visit: gofundme.com/f/dakota-exiles-ride-2024-be-part-of-our-journey
Pathfinder nominations due soon
Community members and organizations that exemplify the ideas of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will be honored at the 2025 Pathfinder Award ceremony Jan. 20.
Nominations for the Greater Mankato Diversity Council honor are due by Jan. 1.
Pathfinders are initiators or action takers in the struggle for equal treatment, human rights and nonviolence. Their contributions and actions represent the ideal that all people should be treated fairly and equally without the fear of discrimination on any basis.
Award categories are:
• The Pathfinder Award honors individuals or organizations that are initiators or action takers in the struggle for equal treatment, human rights and nonviolence.
• The Young Pathfinder Award recognizes an area youth’s commitment and courage to achieve fair and equal treatment for all, healthy communities and peaceful resolution to conflicts.
• The Business Pathfinder Award recognizes area businesses that strive for equal treatment, human rights and nonviolence in the workplace.
Nominees must be located in the Greater Mankato-North Mankato area.
To contact the Pathfinder Award Committee or to submit a nomination, go to: facebook.com/GreaterMankatoDiversityCouncil.
Blood donors needed during holiday season
With just two weeks left in 2024, the American Red Cross asks donors to give blood now to help those in need enjoy the rest of the holiday season.
All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. Donors with type O negative blood are especially urged to give blood.
Local drives are slated before the year’s end at various sites in Mankato, Cleveland, Le Sueur, Montgomery and Waseca. To schedule an appointment, use the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit: RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).