On Thursday, Aug. 1, a summertime campus tradition continues as Minnesota State Mankato welcomes back alumnus Pat Nelson of Big Boned BBQ of Charleston, N.C., in town to compete at the annual Mankato Rib Fest.

Nelson again offers a Big Boned BBQ lunch and sampling from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the Fountain Mall. The $8 Maverick Meal Deal includes a choice of a beef brisket or pulled pork sandwich, a side of coleslaw, and a side of cornbread. Meals must be pre-ordered by noon on Tuesday, July 30.

Baseball, books and BBQ ribs were among summertime fun planned by Student Activities at Minnesota State Mankato for the campus and Mankato community.

Summer fun began Saturday, June 1, with a month-long MAVHunt. This virtual scavenger hunt using the Goosechase app invites participants to complete challenges, explore Mankato and win prizes. Weekly random winners will receive a $50 gift card and other prizes.

On Wednesday, June 5, the first of two Summer Book club sessions were hosted by the Maverick Involvement Team, the June read will feature The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods.

Thursday, June 13, provided an evening of baseball with the Mankato Moondogs. Minnesota State Mankato students, alumni and staff purchased discounted ticket package for $20. Admission included a reserved seat ticket, and a free concession buffet through the fourth inning.

Heavy June rains initially postponed plans for a June 20 community service project on Thursday, June 20, inviting participants to join a roadside clean-up effort sponsored by the Student Activities Office of Community Engagement. The rain date was also canceled as continuing rains caused regional flooding damage that made national news as the raging Blue Earth River threatened the century-old Rapidan Dam.

The Summer Book Club continued on Tuesday, July 9, from 2 to 3 p.m. in CSU 204 with I Respectfully Disagree by Justin Jones-Fosu which offers a five-part framework for having honest and enlightening conversations despite deep and fundamental disagreements.