Brandon Schroepfer is the Natural Resource Manager for the Knox County Park District.
He shared details about Fire and Ice which is happening this Saturday at Millwood Church of Christ and Honey Run Park.
This event helps support Food For The Hungry and Brandon explained how you can help!
For more details about the event click HERE!
For more details about the Knox County Park District click HERE!
Jamie Sanders is in charge of the Christmas tree decorating competition at the Fredericktown Christmas Walk.
He shares details about the contest and talks about the prizes. Jamie also highlights some of the other events that are happening!
To find more information about the Fredericktown Christmas Walk click HERE!
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!
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.
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!
We spoke with Jill Haught who is part of the Operation Christmas Child Central Ohio Team and oversees church relations in Knox County.
Jill shared a little about her role with the ministry and why it is special to her. She also gave some advice for packing shoeboxes and told us where to take them.
Lastly, she listed some goals that they have for this year’s collection and told us how we can be praying for Operation Christmas Child!
This years goals for our local collection points:
Brandon Baptist Church – 4,457 Boxes
Faith Baptist Church – 1,201 Boxes
To learn more about Operation Christmas Child click HERE!
To find local collection points click HERE!
We got the chance to speak with Dr. Bob Tocheff, MVNU Professor of Music, about their upcoming performance of Handel’s Messiah!
This is MVNU’s 57th performance and Bob has been directing for the past 35 years.
He shares with us an overview of the program and dives a little into each of the three parts. He also explains how this event helps MVNU students and how important it can be.
To learn more about the performance click HERE!
Eric Brown got to speak with the Knox Community Jazz Orchestra Director, Ted Buehrer! Ted talks about their partnership with Food For The Hungry and talks about the concert. It is more than just a concert so he also details the entire event and lets you know what to bring!
To learn more about the KCJO click HERE!
It’s Christmas Eve on The Morning Thing! Today we shared some special Christmas Eve prayers from imom.com that can help us re-center our hearts and re-focus our eyes on the true importance of this season.
Each prayer is based around a specific verse, and they’re beautiful reminders of why we need to slow down, pause and reflect on our priorities this Christmas.
We also shared Christmas Eve traditions! Our family’s was always watching Claymation Christmas, an animated holiday special, on the night of Christmas Eve…what’s yours?
We hope you have a merry and blessed Christmas this year! Thanks so much for listening, we’ll see you on Thursday!
Rise and Shine 