Robin McClay organizes much of the entertainment at the Fredericktown Christmas Walk.
She shared with us the schedule for this year. She also told us she is most excited for the Scrumptious Food Auction!
To find more information about the Fredericktown Christmas Walk click HERE!
Jim Riggle, the Principal of Academics, Attendance, and Discipline at the Knox County Career Center, recently chatted with WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart about this year’s big event.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation!
Jim has been involved with the basket auction for seven years and shared why it’s such a highlight for the community. The auction officially kicked off at midnight on Cyber Monday, and bidding will wrap up on December 12th.
Jim Riggle shared some insights about the Food for the Hungry Basket Auction. He explained how easy it is to check your bids and get involved, and he made sure to give a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who helps make the auction possible.
He also talked about why these baskets are such a big deal. They give students in different Career Center labs a chance to showcase their skills, gain hands-on experience, and have some fun in the process. Jim highlighted how incredible the students are and shared a special moment from the first Chance Application Night, where former students returned to make the evening truly memorable.
Wrapping up, Jim expressed his gratitude for the community’s support. He said he feels especially blessed this year and is excited to celebrate 44 years of the Food for the Hungry program. He also reflected on what FFTH’s slogan means to him, emphasizing the sense of community and shared purpose behind the auction.
Click HERE to find out more about Food For The Hungry!
If you’ve spent any time around Fredericktown during the holidays, you’ve probably heard the name Ann Trudell—and for good reason. She’s responsible for the Fredericktown Annual Christmas Walk Online Auction, which is currently in full swing and runs through December 3rd and recently spoke with WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation!
Ann is also the one coordinating donations, which can be dropped off at the Fredericktown administration building between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. through Tuesday. This year’s auction features an impressive lineup of themed baskets packed with gift certificates, local services, and all kinds of surprises. Ann happily shares what’s inside and how everyone can get involved.
She also breaks down how the bidding works, how to check if you’ve won, and when winners can pick up their items. One of the best parts? All the money raised stays right here in Fredericktown, supporting community members who need a little extra help. It’s a fun, festive way to give back.
This year’s Christmas Walk theme is “Country Christmas,” and Ann gives a sneak peek at the events planned along the route. She’s especially excited to meet the auction winners—and she may have mentioned she’s looking forward to the food auction, too.
Ann also reflects on what being involved in the Christmas Walk means to her personally. She shares where everything will be located, the best places to park, and how to stay connected with all things Fredericktown throughout the season. And when asked what’s on her own Christmas list? In true Ann fashion: world peace, plus plenty of time with family and friends.
Click HERE to view all the items listed for Fredericktown Christmas Walk Online Auction!
Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr shared updates on the City with The Morning Thing on Friday, 11/28/25.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation.
Topics included:
To stay in touch with the City, go to:
WNZR’s Holly Jolly 25 kicks off on Monday, 12/1. For our Friday Favorites today, The Morning Thing hosts shared their favorite Christmas songs.
Today on the Morning Thing we got the chance to talk with many of our fellow staff members!
The Big Blue Crew shared what they are thankful for on this special holiday. We are thankful for YOU! Thanks for listening and supporting WNZR! Happy Thanksgiving!
WNZR shared the amazing totals of the 2025 Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Collection. Thanks to everyone that packed a shoebox. The goals for Knox County and the Central Ohio Team have been met this year!
Downtown Mount Vernon is getting ready to sparkle—fairytale style. Lacey Filkins, Executive Director for Experience Mount Vernon, recently sat down with WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart to share everything we can expect from this year’s Winter in Downtown theme: “Once Upon a Holiday.” Think whimsical storefronts, magical parade floats, and that cozy, storybook feeling that only small-town holidays can deliver.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation!
Small Business Saturday: Shop Local, Find Treasures
The celebration kicks off with Small Business Saturday, which Lacey describes as part shopping event, part treasure hunt. The goal is simple: support the heart of Mount Vernon—our small businesses and local shop owners. Many stores downtown will be open and offering surprises throughout the weekend.
Sunday’s Holiday Parade & Downtown Festivities
Sunday’s schedule is packed with charm and activity.
For safety, visitors are asked not to park downtown due to the number of horses, vehicles, and people involved. The best viewing spots? South Main Street and around the Square.
Free Photo Booth Fun
From 1–6:30 PM, stop by the lower level of the Mount Vernon Grand for a free photo booth experience—complete with themed props provided by community sponsors. It’s a great chance to capture those holiday memories with friends and family.
Lighting of Public Square & Santa Sightings
Immediately after the parade—around 5 PM—the community will gather for the lighting of Public Square. Santa himself will help flip the switch to kick off the season.
You can also snag free photos with Santa:
If you’d like to give back, you can bring Food for the Hungry donations to designated collection points downtown. FFTH will also be represented with a parade float.
Festival of Lights Returns
Another much-loved tradition is back: the Festival of Lights.
Lacey also explained a few voting guidelines to keep things fair and fun for everyone.
Rain Plan
If Sunday’s parade gets rained out, it will be rescheduled to the following weekend. However, the lighting ceremony will still take place Sunday night, rain or shine.
A Look Ahead
Before wrapping up, Lacey shared gratitude for Experience Mount Vernon’s partners and team members whose work makes all these events possible. She also hinted at big things coming in 2026, including First Fridays and celebrations tied to America’s 250th birthday.
To stay connected, follow Experience Mount Vernon on social media or visit their website for updates, volunteer opportunities, and event announcements.
This season, Mount Vernon isn’t just celebrating the holidays—it’s stepping right into a storybook. And you’re invited to be part of every chapter.
Click HERE to learn more about Winter in Downtown!
Today on the Morning Thing we got the chance to talk with many of our fellow staff members!
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, the WNZR staff thought it’d be fun to share some of their favorite foods that they will be eating!
Food For The Hungry Board President Austin Swallow shared details about the second pop up food distribution that took place on Saturday 11/22!
He explained what each family received at the distribution. He also shared that around 150 families were blessed!
Austin also gave thanks to all involved with this pop up food distribution and talked a little about the upcoming 44th annual Food For The Hungry Drive.
To learn more about Food For The Hungry click HERE!
Rise and Shine 