Good morning, Springfield.

Runners in costumes gathered downtown today for the Halloween Hustle—an event benefiting Harmony House with 5K and 10K races and a one-mile Candy Dash that raises funds to provide shelter and support to survivors of domestic violence and their children.

Wire Road Brewing Company hosted the first 417 Food Truck Throwdown Saturday in Battlefield where hundreds braved the rain to sample dishes from 11 food trucks around the Ozarks.

Judges including Jesse Inman picked Joebird's BBQ for People’s Choice, Koji Kitchen for Best Overall, and Elorine’s Island Kitchen for Best Use of a Wire Road Beer—officials said the eight-hour event brought fresh flavors to the area.

In business news, 7 Brew opened its Republic location on Oct.

16 and donated $12,435 to Convoy of Hope while radio host Kevin Howard celebrated 30 years on Springfield airwaves on Oct. 15 and SRC Holdings promoted Elizabeth Wente to general counsel on Oct. 9—Visit Springfield earned a Tourism Award for its Route 66 campaign that generated $12.7 million in economic impact. United Way Ozarks Region is launching a strategic planning process that pauses new grant cycles, OATS Transit will honor driver Donna Short on Nov. 1 for 40 years of service, and the Springfield Toastmasters Club will host a Halloween open house on Oct. 27—bringing key local business and community updates together.

On Saturday, the Stand Against Trafficking Coalition partnered with A21 at its Global Freedom Summit to focus on online childhood exploitation—educating students at different grade levels and engaging an international audience from 83 countries to empower communities against trafficking.

Consumers planning to buy a new car before year-end should check their credit reports, set budgets and get pre-approved by a local bank—Arvest Bank recommends these steps to help buyers secure better financing as dealerships clear out models for next year.

This advice will help shoppers take advantage of fall deals.

Federal employees picked up free groceries from Ozarks Food Harvest on Oct 23 as the government shutdown that began on Oct 1 left many workers, including an air traffic controller’s wife, without pay.

She noted the help is a kind act—while others reported feeling stress as they await retroactive pay.

Missouri Department of Transportation said the West Sunshine Bridge project in Springfield will finish several weeks later than early December, causing delays that are hurting local businesses.

Business owners at establishments like Jade Dragon Boba and Sofa City reported a drop in customer traffic and confusion about operations—forcing them to adjust their business models.

Week nine of high school football in the Ozarks took place on Oct.

24, and a video attached shows the key plays from the season’s kickoff & highlights the action on the field.

Local high school teams wrapped up the regular season with key wins that set up district playoff matchups.

Kickapoo won 32-31 over Ozark with a last-second field goal to earn a bye and will face Joplin on Nov. 7—Parkview beat Rolla 18-16 to reach the playoffs and other teams, including undefeated Nixa, secured their playoff spots.

On October 24, Fair Grove defeated Strafford 35-7 in a game where quarterback Thomason and receiver Hill made key plays that helped the team overcome injuries—head coach Voorhis said the win secured their winning record and built momentum for the district playoffs.

MPO Concert: Fall into the Magic of Music

7:30-8:30 p.m. — The Barley House at Moon Town Crossing — Free entry — Experience enchanting orchestral melodies in the vibrant heart of Springfield, MO.

Springfield Business Journal Pancake Breakfast

7-9 a.m. — Garbo's Pizzeria — Donations appreciated — Enjoy pancakes and support domestic violence awareness efforts in Greene County.

The Soft Surrender Red Carpet Premiere

6:30-11 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Discover the beauty and resilience in the journeys of hospice patients and their caregivers through film.

Buckcherry Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — The Regency Live — Tickets available — Rock out with Buckcherry as they bring high-energy music to Springfield.

KDK Concert Series

5:30-11:30 p.m. — The Riff — $20 cash at the door — Enjoy headlining bands Sound The Alarm & Outlaws Reloaded alongside local artists.

Speed Dating for Adults

2-5 p.m. — Arris Pizza Springfield — Entry fee optional — Meet new people and spark connections while enjoying a relaxed atmosphere on the patio.

Haley Mae Campbell Live Performance

7:30-9:30 p.m. — The Riff — Ticketed event — Experience the soulful sounds of Nashville country artist Haley Mae Campbell on her 'Next Chapter' tour.

Candlelight Concert: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons

8:45-9:45 p.m. — Stone Chapel — Tickets required — Experience the music of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons in a stunning candlelit setting.

The Band Feel

7-8:30 p.m. — The Regency Live — Cost not specified — Experience a musical journey with a band reviving the sounds and passion of the past.

Movie Matinee: Swingtime Screening

2-7 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — Ticket & Concession Voucher combo available — Enjoy a classic 1936 film featuring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers in a delightful dance and romance tale.