A grant from the community foundation allowed citizens from the City of Mankato to purchase a 21' pop-up Christmas tree for City Park during the holiday season.

The first annual event of lighting the tree in the park sparked a positive influence for all citizens of Mankato and Jewell County. This event reminded everyone that Christmas is all about family and community.

"Hundreds of people annually drive by and can't help but have a more positive attitude about the state of our small town," said grantee Jessica Barnes about the Burr Oak mural. The mural welcomes people driving on Hwy 128.

Artist Callum McNichols painted the main body of the mural and invited the rest of the community to paint the accompanying barn quilts.

The City of Jewell installed new welcome signs in their downtown after participating in a "First Impressions," program with Miltonvale.

"The signs will help create a more vibrant, and welcoming downtown area," said grantee Shelby Bohnert.