Eight members were present for the November Mankato Chamber of Commerce meeting.

President Jason Ortman called the meeting to order.

Haley Nelson gave an update on the 2023 birthday calendars. Most of the calendars have been picked up or delivered. Fifteen of the extra calendars will be given to Jason Ortman for welcome bags for new residents. The remainder of the calendars will be sold for $5 at Mankato Plumbing and Hair & More. 

The Downtown Trick-or-Treat and Pumpkin Decorating Contest took place from 3:30 to 5 p.m., Oct. 31. This year there were reported to be more than 200 trick-or-treaters. There were more pumpkins entered in the contest this year with 14 pumpkins. The winners were Kannon Shulda-first place, Kieran Shulda-second place, Meili Ost third place. There was discussion about doing age groups for next year’s contest. 

Christmas in Mankato will take place Nov. 26. The shopping portion of the event will take place from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. The third Annual Christmas Tree Lighting will take place at 7 p.m., at Mankato City Park. Jason Ortman will serve hot chocolate and candy canes during the tree lighting again this year. 

Haley Nelson gave an update from Sara Reiter about Santa’s Workshop. The event is from 1 to 6 p.m., Saturday Dec. 10. Set up will begin at 8 a.m. The committee will see how they like trying to put it all into one day on a weekend instead of a weeknight. The committee is still looking for volunteers. Sign up is available online on the Santa’s Workshop Facebook page or contact a committee member. Preregistration is required again this year. The fundraisers were successful this year with $2,950.63 raised from three fundraisers. They still need men’s gifts and gift wrap for the event. 

The next regular monthly meeting will take place Dec. 14, at Bob’s.