Good morning, Cape Girardeau.

SEMO Athletics will host a free Halloween Trunk-or-Treat Tailgate (Saturday, Oct.

31, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) at the Wehking Alumni Center parking lot. Children in costumes will collect candy from decorated vehicles while the Cape Girardeau Kiwanis Club serves free hot dogs.

SEMO Pets will host its annual Gourmet Food Auction on Nov.

15 at Montgomery Bank Training Center, 526 N Main St. Doors open at 1 p.m. for hors d’oeuvres and refreshments — the live auction starts at 2 p.m., with donations due by Nov. 6 to support shelter pets.

Cape Girardeau Parks and Rec has launched Pitch in for Parks, a beautification program offering free clean-up kits with items (trash grabbers, bags, vests, gloves) to local volunteers.

Community groups may sign up online or call the Parks and Rec Office to help improve city parks.

Boot Barn opened its doors at West Park Mall today with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce, adding a new retail spot for western-style clothing, boots and accessories.

The event features giveaways, live music + refreshments from Lemon Bean Mobile Coffee Cart.

The Haunted Hall of Horror celebrated 35 years by launching its season (The Final Showing) on Oct.

9 and remains open today in the A.C. Brase Arena until Oct. 31 with haunted mazes, a 3D freak show, and special student discounts on Oct. 31; admission is $12 per person.

More than 2,300 students from Southeast Missouri will explore construction careers at the Build My Future Southeast Missouri event on Tuesday, Oct.

13 at the Show Me Center (1333 N. Sprigg St). Hosted by the Associated General Contractors of Missouri, the event offers hands-on activities and equipment demonstrations.

Safe House of Southeast Missouri answered over 1,000 crisis hotline calls this year — about 200 more than last year — and is providing vital resources like shelter and outreach services to those in need.