Good morning, Appleton.

John and Heather Hoffman were on their anniversary trip in Jamaica when Hurricane Melissa hit the resort in Ocho Rios—trees were down and power and water were lost; now they are waiting for the airport to reopen and have tentative new flights set for Saturday and Sunday to get home.

Today marks the 99th anniversary of Harry Houdini’s death and Appleton has launched The Year of Houdini celebration—kickstarting with a performance at the Performing Arts Center tonight and continuing with a magic conference next summer.

The events honor Houdini’s early ties to the city and his lasting legacy as a famed magician.

The Appleton Area School District approved a budget on Oct.

27 that sends about $9 million—11% of the tax levy—to voucher schools for 2025-26 while lowering the tax rate as overall spending drops to $315 million amid enrollment falling below 15,000. The district plans to freeze department budgets and reduce staff positions to manage a $13 million deficit caused by rising costs such as a 12% increase in employee health insurance.

State and local leaders warned that FoodShare benefits—impacting nearly 700,000 residents including over 260,000 children—will be delayed in November due to the federal shutdown, putting low-income families at risk.

Food banks are calling for donations and volunteers as food pantries brace for a surge in demand.

Houdini 10k Race

9:00-11:30 AM — Jones Park — For a registration fee — Celebrate the life of Harry Houdini while enjoying a scenic 10k run through Appleton's beautiful fall landscape.

2025 Geriatric Conference

8 AM-5 PM — Hilton Appleton Paper Valley — $449.99 — Enhance your expertise with cutting-edge strategies in geriatric care over two impactful days.

Fox Valley Symphony Concert

3:00 – 4:30 PM — Fox Cities Performing Arts Center — Ticket information required — Experience an afternoon of musical collaboration and expressive arts.

Ronan Donovan: A Journey Through Exploration

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Fox Cities Performing Arts Center — Tickets required — Explore unique perspectives through the stories of modern-day adventurers.

Weekend Jam Camp

5:30-8 p.m. — Heid Music — $225 tuition — Learn to jam in a hands-on bluegrass camp under expert instruction.

Grateful Groove Holiday Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Fox Cities Performing Arts Center — Ticket required — Celebrate the season with a festive holiday concert featuring local performers.

Foxy Writer's Club

5-7 p.m. — The Tardigrade's Bookshelf — Free entry — A lively writing group for local authors to share ideas and gain feedback across all genres.

The Unteachables Comedy Show

4:00–5:30 p.m. — Skyline Comedy Club — Tickets available — Experience the uproarious antics of a unique group of educators turned comedians.