Good morning, Colorado Springs.

VASA Fitness will renovate the long-vacant former King Soopers at 3175 Jet Wing Drive to open its fifth gym in mid-December to serve members between the Cheyenne Mountain and North Powers Boulevard locations (this project supports the area’s commercial revitalization).

Venetucci Farm, celebrating its 90th birthday, will host its fall pumpkin and harvest festival every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in October at 5210 U.S. 85 (starting Oct.

2), offering themed weekends and a pumpkin giveaway for 2,000 kindergartners to learn about food growth.

The Pikes Peak region Arts Month launches with a free opening reception Sunday from 1-4 p.m. at COPPR, 287 E.

Fountain Blvd, featuring the 'Stronger Together' exhibit by 21 local artists and about 250 events through October; attendees can sign up for a Digital Bingo Passport to earn prizes.

Joseph Freyre of The Penrose Room received the Michelin Outstanding Service Award on Sept.

14 after a 40-year career in hospitality, and local diners can vote for their favorite establishments in the HOSPY Awards until Oct. 30 with winners to be announced on Nov. 16.

Concrete Couch nonprofit will host its second annual Concrete Couchella at Concrete Coyote Community Park from Friday to Sunday.

The three-day fundraiser features about 20 bands from the Pikes Peak region, family activities like a kids’ talent show, art projects, family yoga, and food trucks (timing varies).

Five live music shows are energizing Colorado Springs this week.

ChoralSong celebrates state composers at Broadmoor Community Church on Friday, Colorado Springs Philharmonic honors pop legends at Pikes Peak Center on Friday and Saturday, and The Martini Shot plus Carrie Nation and The Speakeasy perform engaging concerts at local venues.

Pikes Peak Waterways has kicked off neighborhood meetings through October to gather input for the COS Creek Plan, which aims to revitalize downtown creeks and guide a federal funding process for environmental improvements.

The project (developed jointly with the city and utilities) will help restore natural creek functions while enhancing local recreation.

Colorado Springs Fire Chief Randy Royal will retire on March 9, marking his 40 years of service with the department.

The long-serving chief advanced from paramedic to chief roles and earned awards (including two Medals of Distinguished Service) during his career.

Sheriff Joe Roybal lifted fire restrictions in El Paso County on Wednesday after recent rainfall improved conditions.

He urged residents to remain cautious with campfires and grills — warning that wildfire risk still exists.

Colorado Springs Fire Chief Randy Royal will retire March 9 — marking 40 years with the department — after a career filled with awards and key advancements in emergency services.

His departure leaves a lasting impact on community public safety.

The United Football League announced Rick Neuheisel (former head coach at CU, Washington and UCLA) as head coach of Colorado Springs' franchise scheduled to begin play in April next year.

Neuheisel led the Dallas team last year.