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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Three Roles, Three Costumes, One Big Adventure: Meet Andrew Petersen of The Wizard of Oz!

WNZR talked with eleven-year-old Andrew Petersen, a seventh-grade student at Mount Vernon Middle School, is taking on three different roles in MTVArts’ production of The Wizard of Oz.

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

Petersen plays the Winky General, a member of the Lollipop Guild and an Ozian. He says each role brings something different to the stage, from protecting the Wicked Witch as the Winky General to singing with the Lollipop Guild and helping introduce Dorothy and the other main characters to the city of Oz.

Petersen also talks about the challenge—and fun—of quickly changing between characters, costumes and personalities throughout the show. A veteran of several MTVArts productions, including A Christmas Story, Petersen says some of his favorite parts of theater are spending time with friends and having fun on stage. He encourages others to get involved in local theater and enjoy the experience. He even gives listeners a taste of the Lollipop Guild with a short performance during the interview.

Click HERE for info on tickets and showtimes!

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Knox County Foundation Awards $482,600 in Latest Grant Cycle

The Knox County Foundation has awarded $482,600 in grants to support organizations and programs throughout Knox County. WNZR talked with Lisa Lloyd, Senior Program Director with the Foundation.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation.

The largest award, a $300,000 grant to Interchurch Social Services, will help develop a new food pantry at 156 Howard Street in Mount Vernon. The renovated facility will provide additional storage for fresh and perishable foods while strengthening Interchurch’s ability to distribute food to other local pantries with limited storage.

Additional grants will support a wide range of community needs, including education and workforce development, health services, youth programs, recreation, facility improvements and nonprofit operations. Among the recipients are Habitat for Humanity, Fredericktown Local Schools, Knox Public Health, the YMCA of Mount Vernon, Knox Technical Center and several other local organizations. The Foundation also allocated $20,000 for Career and Technical Education scholarships. The next Small Grant cycle opens with an Expression of Intent deadline of September 15, followed by an application deadline of October 15.

Picture – The future home of Interchurch Social Services’ new food pantry at 156 Howard Street in Mount Vernon. Knox County Foundation awarded $300,000 to support renovations to the building.

Full Press Release:

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio (August 21, 2026) — The Knox County Foundation Board of Directors awarded $482,600 at its August board meeting. 

The largest award is a $300,000 grant to Interchurch Social Services to support the development of a new food pantry at 156 Howard Street in Mount Vernon. The building, donated by the Knox County Land Bank, will be renovated to create additional storage for fresh and perishable foods and increase Interchurch’s ability to distribute food to other area pantries with limited storage capacity.

“We are excited to partner with Interchurch Social Services on this important project and support their vision for expanding food access in our community,” said Lisa Lloyd, Senior Program Director at Knox County Foundation. “This new facility will not only help serve more local families, but also strengthen the network of food pantries across Knox County.”

The Foundation also approved funding to support education and workforce development, health and human services, youth programs, community improvements and nonprofit operations throughout the county.

Other grants awarded through the July cycle include:

  • Habitat for Humanity — $35,000 to purchase a forklift to safely and efficiently move ReStore donations and construction materials used for new home builds and repairs.
  • Fredericktown Local Schools — $23,000 to help establish a three-booth welding lab as the district expands its Agriscience pathway to include welding instruction and industry-recognized certifications.
  • Knox Public Health — $20,000 to replace the emergency backup generator at its main facility, helping protect temperature-sensitive vaccines and maintain essential health services during power outages.
  • Freedom Center — $20,000 for sidewalk and drainage improvements at its South Main Street facility, including concrete replacement, drainage repairs and basement waterproofing.
  • YMCA of Mount Vernon — $15,000 to provide financial assistance for memberships and programs, including childcare, summer camp, swimming lessons, youth sports and other activities.

  • Danville Athletic Boosters — $15,000 toward improvements to the Danville High School baseball field, including work to improve field conditions, drainage and player safety.

  • Knox Technical Center — $10,000 to support its OTC+ program, which expands access to career and technical education opportunities for area students.

  • Advocates for Families — $8,000 to support Youth Intervention Services, providing mentoring and individualized support to Knox County youth.

  • Place 4 Grace — $8,000 to support the expansion of p4g THRIFT into a new location within the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, helping generate revenue for maternity housing and support services.

  • Civil Air Patrol 299th Cadet Flight — $4,000 toward startup costs for the newly chartered Knox County squadron, which provides aviation and leadership experiences for youth ages 12–18.

  • Knox Health Planning Partnership — $2,500 to help provide transportation assistance for qualifying Knox County residents traveling outside the county for non-emergency medical care.

  • Kno-Ho-Co-Ashland Community Action Commission — $2,100 to purchase an automated external defibrillator (AED) for its Mount Vernon clinic.


The Foundation also allocated $20,000 for Career and Technical Education scholarships.

“The projects supported through this grant cycle reflect the wide range of work happening every day to make Knox County a stronger community,” said Lloyd “From expanding access to food to creating opportunities for students and supporting local organizations, we’re grateful to be able to invest in work that will make a meaningful difference for Knox County residents.”

Knox County Foundation accepts Small Grant applications four times each year and Major Grant applications twice annually. The next Small Grant cycle begins with an Expression of Intent deadline of September 15, followed by an application deadline of October 15. Grant decisions will be announced in November.

For more information about Knox County Foundation grant opportunities and application requirements, visit knoxcf.org.

Knox County Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in Knox County through charitable giving.

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Ready, Set, Splash! The Fredericktown Bathtub Races Are Back!

Get ready for one of the most unique events at the 2026 Fredericktown Tomato Show—the Bathtub Races! WNZR recently talked with Fredericktown Tomato Show Board Member Mike Smith, who has been involved with the event for more than 20 years.

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

Teams take cast-iron bathtubs, revamp them, add wheels, fill them with water and ice, and then race down the course with one person riding in the tub while another pushes. This year’s classes include a Church Challenge, First Responders, School Organizations, and Businesses, with teams competing for prizes and the rotating championship plaque.

The Bathtub Races take place Saturday at 5:30 p.m. on the north end of Main Street, with registration beginning at 5 p.m. Participants will need to sign a waiver and present a driver’s license; those under 18 will need a parent’s signature. First place in each class wins $90, second place wins $60, and the fastest overall time earns an additional $60. Mike says the race is harder than it looks, but it’s all part of the fun—and for him, this year’s theme of community and fellowship is what makes the Tomato Show so special. Come cheer on the racers and enjoy the food, fun, and fellowship of the Fredericktown Tomato Show!

Be sure to stay connected with WNZR for complete coverage of the 2026 Fredericktown Tomato Show! We’ll be LIVE and “On the Road with Big Blue” throughout the week, highlighting the exciting events, sharing results, and bringing you the fun from the festival. Visit wnzr.fm to learn more and register for your chance to win great prizes!

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Showcasing Creativity through Flowers & Photography at the 2026 Fredericktown Tomato Show

WNZR recently talked with Fredericktown Tomato Show Board Member Carrie Levering about the flower, horticulture, and photography shows happening during this year’s Tomato Show.

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

If you enjoy flowers or gardening, bring your entries to the Thrall Masonic Lodge on Wednesday, September 9, from 2–6 p.m. There are a variety of flower and horticulture classes, with judging beginning at 6:15 p.m. Entries and winners will be available to view later that evening and remain on display through Saturday at 6 p.m., with flower pickup beginning at 4 p.m.

Photography enthusiasts of all ages are invited to participate, too! Photos can be submitted Wednesday, September 9, from 2–6 p.m. at the Mayor’s Office. There are categories for kids, teens, and adults, along with special awards for Best Use of Color and Best Use of Light. Carrie says you don’t have to be a professional—just bring your photos and join in the fun! For her, one of the best parts of the show is seeing the creativity and talent the community brings. She hopes this year’s theme will shine through in the flowers and photographs and encourages everyone to be part of this special Fredericktown tradition.

Be sure to stay connected with WNZR for complete coverage of the 2026 Fredericktown Tomato Show! We’ll be LIVE and “On the Road with Big Blue” throughout the week, highlighting the exciting events, sharing results, and bringing you the fun from the festival. Visit wnzr.fm to learn more and register for your chance to win great prizes!

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Mount Vernon Nazarene University joins a night of School Spirit at September First Friday

WNZR shared conversations all this week with several Faculty Members from Mount Vernon Nazarene University.

Click HERE to hear the conversations.

We talked about the exciting and interactive activities that each department is bringing to downtown Mount Vernon for September First Friday. MVNU is part of an Education Department and Activity Fair on the Public Square from 6pm – 9pm.

They also shared exciting news about their departments including developments for the 2026 Fall Semester. Each professor shared what they are most excited for in this new school year.
Enjoy the conversations and plan to join us tonight at First Friday! Wear your blue and green! GO COUGARS!

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