Good morning, Bowling Green.

On Saturday, October 18th, over 20,000 people attended Bowling Green's Harvest Festival, with downtown streets closed for food trucks, vendors, live music, and family events such as a pumpkin drop and bike rodeo.

Fountain Square Park hosted Fall Fiesta activities centered on Dia de los Muertos—marking a highlight of the day.

Michael Givner Jr. reviewed key local stories this week by noting the Hilltoppers' loss to FIU Football, the upcoming Bowling Green Harvest Festival, WKU alumnus Paul Schuhmann's passing, PCAL hosting award-winning journalist Caitlin Dickerson, and the No Kings protest organized by SOKY Indivisible.

Barry Dye said his grandfather built Bowling Green’s first shopping center in the 1950s on the site now used as a WKU parking lot where his family ran Edgehill Restaurant; the Golden Branding Iron, a well-known eatery, hosted live music and community events until it closed in the 1980s. These memories show how local dining spots helped shape community life—preserving the city’s cherished past.

Local first responders participated in training to remove crash victims safely — the exercise focused on vehicle extrication techniques that boost emergency response skills.

WKU’s 100 Miles of Hope Blood Drives returns today through October 22 at the Preston Center from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.—donors can list their student organizations to compete for prizes while all contributions support the American Red Cross amid a critical shortage.

Cyclists dressed in pink gathered at the parking lot of Anna’s Greek Restaurant on Oct.

18 — BGLOB organized a ride and luncheon to raise funds for Wig Relief Foundation, which makes wigs for cancer patients.

Over 200 bowlers will gather Saturday at Southern Lanes in Bowling Green for the Special Olympics Kentucky Area 5 Bowling Tournament — the event features a morning session for male bowlers starting with opening ceremonies at 8:45 a.m. and a later session for female, ramp-assisted, and unified bowlers, with winners qualifying for the State Bowling Tournament in Louisville in December.

WKU volleyball survived a 3-2 win over Sam Houston at E.A.

Diddle Arena on October 18, reaching 100 straight conference wins with key plays from Faith Young and Izzy Van De Wiele — a milestone that coach Travis Hudson noted was hard fought.

Western Kentucky’s women’s soccer team beat New Mexico State 2-0 yesterday at the WKU Soccer Complex—Georgia Liapis and Makenna Egan led the team to an 8-4-3 overall record and a 5-0-2 mark in Conference USA play.

Western Kentucky will face Conference USA rival Louisiana Tech Tuesday night at 6:30 p.m. in Ruston—both teams are trying to bounce back from recent losses as they aim for a win that could boost their chances at a championship game.

The Western Kentucky men’s golf team moved up three spots and tied for third place at the Furman Intercollegiate in Greenville on Sunday, October 19—posting an overall score of 858 (6-over par).

WKU junior Gage Doyle led the team with an even-par score of 213 and recorded an eagle and 12 birdies during the tournament.

South Warren won a 49-0 football game over Central Hardin on Friday night—its Spartans scored on every drive in the first half.

The team will host Daviess County on Oct. 24.

Kentucky Wesleyan Panthers vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers Basketball

1-4 p.m. — Diddle Arena — Tickets from $45 — Experience the excitement of college basketball and witness future NBA stars in action.

WKU Volleyball vs. UTEP

12:00 p.m. — E.A. Diddle Arena — Free entry — Catch the WKU Volleyball team in action against the University of Texas at El Paso.

Spooky Floral Pumpkin Painting Night

7-9 p.m. — White Squirrel Brewery — $5 drink voucher included — Create a spooky yet chic pumpkin masterpiece while enjoying beverages and the Halloween spirit.

WKU Homecoming Football Game

2:30 – 4:00 PM — Houchens Industries L. T. Smith Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate Homecoming as the Hilltoppers take on New Mexico State, and don't forget to wear red!

WKU Volleyball vs. Delaware

12:00 p.m. — E.A. Diddle Arena — Cost Info not provided — Watch the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers take on the Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens in women's volleyball action.

Lady Toppers vs. Wichita State

5:30-7 p.m. — E.A. Diddle Arena — Ticket prices may vary — Cheer on the Lady Toppers as they take on Wichita State in an exciting basketball showdown.

Lady Toppers vs. Indiana State

6:30 p.m. — E.A. Diddle Arena — Ticket prices vary — Watch the Lady Toppers take on Indiana State in an exciting basketball showdown.

Steven Dowell Live Book Signing Event

12-4 p.m. — Half Price Books Outlet — Free admission — Meet bestselling author Steven Dowell for an afternoon of storytelling and inspiration.

Hilltopper Basketball vs. Tennessee State

2-5 p.m. — E.A. Diddle Arena — Cost info not specified — Catch the exciting match-up as WKU Hilltoppers take on Tennessee State in a spirited basketball showdown.

WKU Hilltopper Basketball vs. Bethel

5:30-7:00 p.m. — E.A. Diddle Arena — Ticket cost varies — Catch the WKU Hilltoppers take on Bethel in an exciting basketball matchup.