Good morning, Waco.

The Speegleville Volunteer Fire Department began building a new station next to the Saddle Club Riding Arena on Sept.

13 to boost emergency response. Officials said the project, funded by the club’s land donation and anonymous contributions, will not affect the existing arena or clubhouse — protecting local community assets.

September is National Preparedness Month and residents are urged to do one small action to get ready for emergencies—by signing up for alerts, securing important documents, and assembling emergency kits.

The campaign outlines steps like storing water and food and preparing a grab-and-go bag to help everyone in Waco stay safe.

A downtown Hyatt Place hotel has about six to eight months of work left — delays may extend construction up to a year with an expected opening early next year.

Neighborly hired Gagan Sinha as its chief information officer to boost its tech platform, AXIO Real Estate rebranded from Re/Max Centex to improve service for agents, Cinemark now delivers snacks to homes, the Waco Convention Center will host the fourth Green Communities Conference, and Waco Brewing Co. is planning a new 17,000-square-foot entertainment center.

The Heart O' Texas Fair and Rodeo will open in two weeks with new acts and old favorites, and organizers explained they will leave what works untouched—sticking with tradition.

Waco STEAM Center remains on track to open later this year with planned programs from Discovery and AARP—a SpaceX Dragon capsule was spotted on-site to highlight the center's focus on technology.

Home for the Holidays - Waco

9 a.m.-5 p.m. — Waco Convention Center — First Call Shopping: $10 | General Admission: $6 — Enjoy three days of festive holiday shopping with over 130 vendors offering unique gifts.

5th Annual Oktoberfest Celebration

5-11:59 p.m. — Southern Roots Brewing Co. — Check for entry fees — Celebrate Oktoberfest with exciting activities, delicious food, and plenty of beer!

Herbal Incense Crafting Workshop

6-8:30 p.m. — Wild Thistle Herbs & Alchemy — $34 — Craft your own herbal incense while connecting with nature in a creative workshop led by a skilled herbalist.

Family Fun Day and Pickleball Tournament

Enjoy highly discounted day passes to enjoy all Camp Fimfo amenities and enter a Pickleball tournament to win cash and prizes, competitive and recreation divisions available.

Randy Travis - More Life Tour

7-9 p.m. — Waco Hippodrome Theatre — Tickets available — Celebrate the legacy of country music legend Randy Travis with heartfelt performances featuring guest vocalist James Dupré.

Jeff Dunham's Artificial Intelligence Tour

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Foster Pavilion — Ticket details available — Legendary comedian Jeff Dunham brings laughter with his new North American Tour.

Running With The Bulls Fun Run and 5K Race

8-11 AM — Extraco Events Center — Registration fees apply — Challenge yourself with a fun one-mile run or a competitive 5K at this thrilling event.

IRONMAN 70.3 Waco

11 AM — Indian Spring Park, Waco, TX — Registration fees apply — Experience the thrill of an IRONMAN race through the heart of Texas with a scenic swim, bike, and run course.

10 Years in The Backyard

8-11 p.m. — The Backyard Bar Stage and Grill — Tickets available — Tennessee alt rockers 10 Years make their Backyard stage debut.

Diamond Rio Concert

6-9 p.m. — The Backyard Bar Stage and Grill — Cost info not provided — Country legends DIAMOND RIO return to the Backyard Stage, with special guests VOTH.