Good morning, Springfield.

The 27th annual Cider Days festival, held on historic Walnut Street, attracted between 10,000 and 20,000 visitors—more than 5000 tickets sold in one day.

Local businesses like Oh, Fudge and Fried Design Company celebrated the boost in sales, and they will attend upcoming shows across the Ozarks.

Kevin Nolasco, a special education paraprofessional at Parkview High, enrolled in Missouri State University's Pathways for Paras program—allowing him to work full-time while earning his teaching certification.

The program has already filled four special education vacancies at Springfield Public Schools and will add five more paras this fall.

The Springfield City Council will choose a contractor tonight to tear down and rebuild the Scenic Bridge over Wilson’s Creek north of Sunshine Street—this project will add multi-use sidewalks and begin once the Sunshine Bridge project is completed, with work expected to finish by summer. It will improve both structural and pedestrian safety.

Chase Branham, a junior guard from Logan-Rogersville, committed to Indiana after visiting the campus Saturday evening — he had offers from Tennessee, Iowa, Missouri and Purdue.

He averaged 19.2 points last season and led his team to the Class 4 state semifinals as he prepares for his future with the Hoosiers and the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions in January.

Missouri State defeated UT Martin 44-10 at Plaster Stadium on Saturday—Dash Luke recorded nine receptions for 110 yards and a 17-yard touchdown that built a 35-0 halftime lead.

Coach Ryan Beard praised Luke for stepping up and helping end a closely contested series in a resounding win.

The Springfield Cardinals lost their Texas League Championship opener 6-3 to Midland at Hammons Field Sunday—manager Patrick Anderson had said baseball can change with one pitch.

The series will shift to West Texas for Game Two on Sept. 23 with a possible deciding game the next night.

VIP Fall Classics Package

8 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — $75 — Enjoy exclusive VIP experiences for classic films with early entry and raffle opportunities.

BEATrio with Bela Fleck

7:30-9 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — Ticketed event — Enjoy an innovative collaboration featuring banjo, harp, and drums that promises captivating melodies and rhythms.

Cindy Ausilio Benefit Concert

6-10 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — Tickets support a worthy cause — Enjoy an evening of live music while benefiting a beloved local figure in need.

Route 66 Paddle Battle Pickleball Tournament

8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. — Meador Park — $320 per team — Compete in the innovative Minor League Pickleball format with teams of four in a fun and social event.

Iam Tongi Live Performance

7-11 p.m. — The Regency Live — Ticketed event — Experience the soulful sound and infectious smile of Iam Tongi in a vibrant live setting.

Night of Valor Gala

5:30 PM — Oasis Hotel & Conv. Center — Support veterans through a night of dinner, entertainment, and inspiring stories with service dogs.

Mystery Masquerade Ball

7 PM – 12 AM — Chateau Charmant — VIP tickets available — Experience a night of mystery and elegance at this enchanting Halloween masquerade.

Speed Dating for Single Parents

2-5:30 p.m. — Arris Pizza Springfield — Limited seating — Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with fun speed dating rounds designed for single parents to connect.

Movie Matinee: To Catch A Thief

2-4 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — $0 to $10 — Watch Cary Grant in the classic 1955 film about a retired cat burglar accused of a series of robberies.

Pets & Pumpkins Family Festival

11 AM – 4 PM — All About Dogs & Cats — $2 entry — Enjoy a fun-filled day with costume parades and activities for pets and families while supporting local charities.