Finding Home in Oz: Braelyn Jones Takes on the Role of Aunt Em

We talked with Braelyn Jones, who portrays Aunt Em in MTVArts’ upcoming production of The Wizard of Oz!

Click HERE to hear the conversation!

The 16-year-old Mount Vernon High School junior shares how she prepared for the role and describes Aunt Em as an important influence in Dorothy’s life. She also discusses the experience of working with the production’s double-cast Dorothys and the talented 40-member cast.

Braelyn also takes on the role of an Emerald City Guard and shares some of her favorite musical numbers, including “The Merry Old Land of Oz” and “Jitterbug.” She talks about the contrast between the simple Kansas farm setting and the colorful world of Oz, as well as the fun of working with Toto, who is portrayed by a real dog.

With previous MTVArts performances in The SpongeBob Musical, Beauty and the Beast Jr., and The Little Mermaid Jr., Braelyn hopes to continue acting and singing in the future. She encourages young people to give theater a try, offering advice to be confident, make bold choices, and step outside their comfort zone.

Click HERE to find out more about the show!

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There’s No Place Like Home: Allie and Lanah Share the Role of Dorothy in MTVArts’ The Wizard of Oz

We talked with Allie Vance and Lanah Andrews, who share the iconic role of Dorothy in MTVArts’ upcoming production of The Wizard of Oz!

Click HERE to listen to the conversation!

Allie, a sophomore at Danville High School, and Lanah, a junior at the Knox County Career Center, discuss the unique experience of being double cast and working together to develop the character. Both say the experience has brought them closer as friends while teaching them the importance of flexibility and collaboration.

The actresses also share some of their favorite parts of playing Dorothy, from wearing the iconic blue dress and ruby slippers to performing songs like “Jitterbug” and “The Merry Old Land of Oz.” They also talk about working with Toto, who is being portrayed by a real dog, and the excitement of flying during the production. While some of those experiences were initially intimidating, rehearsals have helped them build confidence and embrace the theatrical magic of the show.

With a 40-member cast bringing the world of Oz to life, Allie and Lanah say building friendships has been one of their favorite parts of the experience. Through Dorothy’s journey, they’ve also learned lessons about appreciating home, relationships and the people who support them while having the courage to embrace new experiences.

Click HERE to find more info about the show!

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Music, Memories and Tradition Take Center Stage at the Fredericktown Tomato Show

We talked with Fredericktown Tomato Show board member and stage manager Kyle Lepley about this year’s entertainment lineup and some of the traditions that make the festival special!

Click HERE to hear the conversation!

Kyle, who has been involved with the Tomato Show for 27 years, helps oversee the stage, sound, and hospitality needs for performers throughout the week. This year’s entertainment includes the Royal Princesses, Michael Mage, The Stepbrothers, Zach Attack, and Saturday night’s featured act, the Red Ball Jets.

Kyle also shares details about the annual Plate Auction, taking place Saturday at 7:30 p.m. before the Red Ball Jets perform. The auction features ten hand-painted commemorative plates, with this year’s design honoring the longtime Porkette sandwich tradition and the Knox County Pork Council’s 50th anniversary. The first plate sold will benefit the Chris Wells Scholarship Fund, while proceeds from the auction help support the Fredericktown Tomato Show.

This year’s theme, “Freedom, Unity, Remembrance,” recognizes America’s 250th anniversary and coincides with the 25th anniversary remembrance of September 11. Kyle says the festival is a special opportunity for families and friends to come together, celebrate their community, and reflect on the freedoms and values that unite us.

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Run, Parade and Community: What to Expect at the Fredericktown Tomato Show

We talked with Fredericktown Tomato Show volunteer Corey Fearn about some of the big events happening during this year’s festival!

Click HERE to listen to the conversation!

Corey, who is in his fourth year volunteering, is helping with the annual 5K Run, Bathtub Races and parade. The 5K begins Saturday at 9 a.m. at the Fredericktown Schools Administrative Building, with awards for overall winners and medals for the top three finishers in each age group. This year’s race will also feature an America 250-themed costume contest.

Corey also shares details about Saturday’s parade, which begins at 12:30 p.m. near the Fredericktown Police Station. Participants can preregister or register the morning of the parade, and a hospitality tent will be available with food and beverages. Beyond the events themselves, Corey says one of his favorite parts of the Tomato Show is watching families and children enjoy activities throughout the week and seeing the community come together.

This year’s theme, “Freedom, Unity, and Remembrance,” celebrates America’s 250th birthday while encouraging reflection on the nation’s history, freedoms and values. And when it comes to Corey’s personal favorite part of the festival, the answer is simple: the fair food!

Click HERE for more info about the Fredericktown Tomato Show!

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A Favorite Family Tradition Returns to the Fredericktown Tomato Show

WNZR recently spoke with Lesley Ruggles, Director-at-Large with the Fredericktown Tomato Show Board, about one of the festival’s most popular family events—the Baby Crawling Contest!

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Lesley has helped coordinate the contest for 13 years and says it remains one of her favorite parts of the Tomato Show. This year’s contest takes place Friday at 6 p.m. in front of Park National Bank, with registration beginning at 5:30 p.m. Babies 12 months old and younger will compete in four age divisions, with cash prizes awarded to the top three finishers in each group.

The contest also includes fun awards such as Best Tomato-Themed Outfit, Best Crier, and Biggest Show-Off. Families are encouraged to bring a favorite toy or snack to help motivate their little ones toward the finish line. Lesley also talks about the excitement of seeing all the babies together, the popular winners’ podium photo opportunity, and the contest’s sponsorship by Ruggles Electric.

During the interview, Lesley also shares what she looks forward to most at the Tomato Show—including enjoying an elephant ear—and reflects on this year’s theme, “Freedom, Unity, and Remembrance.” With the parade falling on September 11, she says the theme provides an opportunity for the community to honor those who have sacrificed for our nation while celebrating the traditions and unity that make the Fredericktown Tomato Show special.

Click HERE for more info on the Fredericktown Tomato Show!

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Little Miss Tomato Takes Center Stage Tonight at the Fredericktown Tomato Show

The Fredericktown Tomato Show gets underway with plenty of family fun, and tonight, all eyes will be on the Main Stage for the Little Miss Tomato Contest! WNZR recently talked with Tomato Show Board President Kim Fearn about this special tradition.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click on the picture link below.

This year, 17 six-year-old contestants will compete for the title, with each girl wearing a red dress and taking part in a two-minute interview on stage. The contest begins tonight at 7:00 p.m. on the Main Stage at Main and First Streets, with one winner and three runners-up selected by out-of-town judges. The interviews are often one of the most entertaining parts of the evening, making this a fun event for the whole family!

Kim also shared details about the official Tomato Show merchandise, including $15 T-shirts, $20 travel mugs, and $20 fleece blankets, available at the Hospitality Tent during the festival. This year’s theme, “Unity, Freedom, Remembrance,” recognizes America’s 250th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of September 11. WNZR will be LIVE “On the Road with Big Blue” throughout the Fredericktown Tomato Show, bringing listeners the excitement, events, results, and community stories from the festival. Tune in to WNZR and visit wnzr.fm for more information and your chance to win great prizes!

Click HERE for more information.

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Rides, Food, Kids Parade & Family Fun at the Fredericktown Tomato Show

The 2026 Fredericktown Tomato Show has something for everyone, including plenty of food, rides, entertainment, and fun for the kids! WNZR recently talked with Fredericktown Tomato Show Director Cale Grubb, who has been involved with the show for 25 years.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click on the picture link below.

Cale says he’s looking forward to seeing the community come together—and he’s making sure no one leaves hungry! Concessions will be available throughout the show, with a variety of returning favorites and new vendors. The rides will be located around the square, including a Ferris wheel, and will open at 5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and 1 p.m. Friday. Ride bands will also be available for a full day of fun.

Kids can join the fun with the Kids Parade on Thursday at 6:30 p.m., beginning near the Brickhouse Grind parking lot. Registration starts at 6 p.m., and children can dress up in different classes for a chance to win prizes. There will also be Disney princesses and entertainment on the main stage! Throughout the week, you’ll find plenty of live music and entertainment, including Michael Mage, Step Brothers, Zach Attack, and Red Ball Jets. WNZR will be LIVE “On the Road with Big Blue” throughout the Fredericktown Tomato Show, bringing you highlights, events, results, and the excitement of the festival. This year’s theme, “Freedom, Unity, Remembrance,” is especially meaningful as the community celebrates America 250 and remembers the 25th anniversary of 9/11. Tune in to WNZR and visit wnzr.fm for more information and prize registration.

Click HERE for more information.

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Follow The Yellow Brick Road With: Vincent Oertel and Briggs Swallow of The Wizard of Oz!

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart recently welcomed two cast members from MTV Arts’ upcoming production of The Wizard of Oz: Vincent Oertel, who plays the Tin Man, and Briggs Swallow, who portrays the Cowardly Lion.

Listen to the entire conversation HERE! Or, click on the picture link below!

Vincent, a 14-year-old homeschooled freshman, says the Tin Man has been a favorite character since childhood and that he connects with the character’s emotional nature. He was thrilled when he learned he had landed the role. Briggs, a 15-year-old Mount Vernon High School sophomore, enjoys the Lion’s dramatic personality and comedic energy. He has studied classic comedians and worked on his vocal techniques to prepare for the part.

The pair also discussed the rehearsal process and the experience of sharing the Lion role with Zayden Luckmeier. Briggs says the double casting has allowed the two actors to learn from each other and strengthen their performances. Both Vincent and Briggs have enjoyed getting to know their fellow cast members and building friendships during rehearsals. They also had the opportunity to connect with previous performers, including Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr, who previously played the Lion. Vincent’s favorite number is “Jitterbug,” which was ultimately not included in the production, while Briggs enjoys “If I Only Had a Heart.”

For Briggs, The Wizard of Oz marks his 18th MTV Arts production, following roles including his appearance in Beauty and the Beast. Vincent is newer to the stage, with this being only his third show and his biggest role yet. Both encourage the community to come see this classic story filled with memorable music, exciting performances and more than 40 talented young performers. They also emphasize the importance of supporting local arts before showing off their characters one final time with a little singing.

Click HERE for information on tickets and showtimes!

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Community, Hospitality & Giving at the Fredericktown Tomato Show

The Fredericktown Tomato Show is all about community, and WNZR recently talked with Tomato Show Board Member Lindsey McGowan about one of the places where that community spirit comes to life—the Hospitality Tent.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click on the link with the picture below.

Lindsey is in her fifth year with the Tomato Show and helps organize volunteers who welcome visitors, answer questions, and sell Tomato Show merchandise. The Hospitality Tent is located on Main Street next to Kokosing Water Park and will be open Wednesday through Friday from 4–10:30 p.m. and Saturday from 2–10:30 p.m. Visitors can stop by for merchandise, enter drawings, and connect with volunteers throughout the festival.

One of Lindsey’s highlights of the week is the Plate Auction, featuring 10 unique plates with all proceeds benefiting the Chris Fearn Well Scholarship Fund. For Lindsey, the auction is another example of how the Tomato Show brings people together to support one another. WNZR will also be right in the middle of the action! We’ll be LIVE and “On the Road with Big Blue” throughout the Fredericktown Tomato Show, bringing you highlights, events, results, and the excitement of the festival. Tune in to WNZR and visit wnzr.fm to learn more and register for prizes!

Click HERE for more information.

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Fredericktown Tomato Show Brings Community, Creativity and Garden Bounty Together

The Fredericktown Tomato Show is gearing up for another celebration of community, gardening and good food. WNZR got to talk with Bernie Douglas, who once again helping make it happen.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click the picture link below!

Now in his 19th year with the show, Douglas oversees the tomato products, tomato classes, baked goods and canned goods exhibits. From ketchup, salsa and tomato pie to more than 40 categories of baked goods, the show offers plenty of opportunities for area residents to showcase their talents and creativity. Vegetable growers can also enter exhibits featuring just about anything from their gardens—including a category for the “most unusual garden vegetable or plant.”

Douglas says one of his favorite parts of the Tomato Show is the opportunity to reconnect with people he doesn’t often see, describing the event as one big community reunion. He also shares his appreciation for the canned goods exhibit, which brings back memories of preserving food with his grandparents. Entries can be brought in Wednesday, September 9, from 2–6 p.m., with judging beginning after the opening ceremonies. Visitors can find the exhibits and Douglas at the vegetable tent near the corner of Main and College Streets by the splash pad, and he encourages everyone to come out, have fun and enjoy everything the Fredericktown Tomato Show has to offer.’

Click HERE for more info on the Fredericktown Tomato Show!

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