In celebration of the Fredericktown Tomato Show, our hosts have a special Friday Favorite – their favorite ways to eat tomatoes!
2025 Fredericktown Tomato Show Underway
The 2025 Fredericktown Tomato Show runs Wednesday through Saturday.
WNZR’s Eric Brown spoke to various members of the board about some of the events at the show.
Click HERE to hear all the conversations.
- Chris Well has been with the Fredericktown Tomato Show for 48 years. She oversees the little Miss Tomato Show and the Plate Auction, and she shares a bit of info about what that is as well as what she does with them. She goes into detail about the plate auction, its theme this year is America’s pastime, and how important it is for the continuation of the Tomato show.
- Lesley Ruggles has been a board member for the tomato show for 12 years; she is the director at large for the show. She is also in charge of the Baby Crawling contest and shares a bit about the fun event.
- Michael Maggard oversees the big wheel races and bathtub races. She talks about why it’s important for you to have a driver’s license.
- Todd Lindeman has been with the tomato show for 4 years. He is one of two directors in charge of the parade, and he talks about some of the logistical challenges to run a parade; he also talks about the 1.6 mile route for the parade. He talks about what he’s most looking forward to during the show this year
- Cale Grubb also talks about the rides and the fact that a recent project opened up the possibility of bringing bigger rides to the event.
Click HERE to find out more about the Fredericktown Tomato Show.
There is still time for summer!
Today, on The Morning Thing, we shared some great ideas for a late summer picnic! There is still time to get outside while the weather is good, so take this opportunity, grab some food, and have some fun!
There is 100+ great ideas for creative and classic food!
Click HERE to view the full list!
Some of the wackiest foods you’ll ever hear about!
Today on The Morning Thing, we celebrated National State Fair Food Day! We detailed some of the wildest and wackiest foods that are offered at state fairs across the country!
From pickle juice popsicles to chocolate covered scorpions, there is definitely some foods you would try… and wouldn’t try!
If you want to learn some more about the day and the history of it, click HERE!
To read about the crazy foods and see the pictures that go along with them, click HERE!
071125 Friday Favorites – Our favorite fair foods!!
Today for our Friday Favorites, we are celebrating National State Fair Food Day! The Morning Thing Hosts share their favorite food of choice when at the fair!
Life Does Not Have an Easy Button!
However, it would make life a lot easier right?
Life hacks are basically clever tips or tricks that make everyday tasks easier and help you manage your time better. They’re all about making life run a little more smoothly.
On the Morning Thing Thursday, Eric shared a number of lifehacks that don’t require memorizing a Tik Tok, Reel or watching a 500 step video on YouTube. 😊
- Use Binder Clips to Organize Cables
Clip them to the edge of your desk and thread cables through the metal arms to keep them tangle-free and within reach.
- Put Wooden Spoon Over Boiling Pot
Placing a wooden spoon across a boiling pot prevents it from boiling over. The spoon breaks the surface tension and keeps the foam down
- Dryer Sheets in Shoes or Luggage for Freshness
Slip a dryer sheet into your shoes, suitcase, or gym bag to keep them smelling fresh.
Click HERE for more life hacks!
Today is World Chocolate Day! Let’s celebrate!
Do you love chocolate? 🙂 WE DO!
Today, we celebrated the history of this sweet treat and shared some tips on how to make your chocolate habit healthier.
The history of chocolate goes back around 2,500 years. The Aztecs loved their newly discovered liquid chocolate. Cocoa seeds even acted as a form of currency.
Chocolate took a turn and went sweet in a 16th Century Europe.
Cadbury began in England by 1868. And then 25 years later Milton S. Hershey, purchased chocolate processing equipment at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, he is now one of the biggest and world-known chocolate creators in the world.
Click HERE to see a more complete history of Chocolate and some fun facts to share with other chocolate lovers.
Did you know that chocolate can be good for you? We found 10 Ways to Make Your Chocolate Habit Healthier from AARP. Click HERE to access the full article. You should be intentional about your choices, but hey! Let’s eat some chocolate and feel good about it!
1. Pay attention to ingredients
2. Look for at least 70 percent cocoa or cacao
3. Be aware of good — and bad — additions
4. Opt for lower sugar
5. Seek out higher fiber
6. Pay attention to serving sizes
7. Know the buzzwords
8. Consider the origin of your chocolate
9. Learn to love dark chocolate
10. Go beyond the bar
The Morning Thing Friday Favorites for Independence Day
Today for our Friday Favorites, we are celebrating Independence Day. The Morning Thing Hosts share their favorite ways to celebrate the 4th of July holiday.
July First Friday is tonight! Join WNZR and kick-off a great Independence Holiday weekend!
The Morning Thing talked with Lacey Filkins, Executive Director for Experience Mount Vernon about July’s First Friday. It IS happening on a Thursday (7/3/25).
Click HERE to hear the full conversation, or click the link below.
Lacey shares the details about this exciting event for families. She gives us highlights of the schedule, entertainment, food choices, parking and the theme – Red, White, & Blue Party! The event happens tonight from 6pm – 9pm in downtown Mount Vernon. We hope to see you there to celebrate our Independence Holiday.
What are you making for the 4th of July?
Tomorrow is Independence Day! Are you looking for something to take to your picnic? Or family reunion?
The Morning Thing crew found 6 easy and festive recipes that are perfect for your 4th of July. These are simple to prepare, crowd-pleasing, and full of summer flavor! Check them out!
If you try one of these recipes, let us know what your family thinks and share their reviews. Email us at wnzr@mvnu.edu Also, send us a picture! 🙂
Have a wonderful 4th of July!
1. Red, White & Blue Fruit Skewers
Ingredients:
- Strawberries (halved)
- Blueberries
- Marshmallows (or banana slices)
- Wooden skewers
Instructions:
Thread strawberries, blueberries, and marshmallows onto skewers in a red-white-blue pattern. Serve chilled for a refreshing and patriotic snack.
🌭 2. Grilled Hot Dog Bar
Ingredients:
- Hot dogs & buns
- Assorted toppings: ketchup, mustard, relish, diced onions, sauerkraut, shredded cheese, chili
Instructions:
Grill hot dogs until heated through and lightly charred. Set up a toppings bar so guests can customize their own!
🥔 3. Easy Ranch Potato Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs baby red potatoes (boiled & quartered)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients together and chill for at least 1 hour. Garnish with extra green onions or bacon bits if desired.
🍔 4. Mini Cheeseburger Sliders
Ingredients:
- Slider buns
- Ground beef patties (small)
- Cheese slices
- Pickles, ketchup, mustard
Instructions:
Grill or pan-cook small beef patties. Assemble with cheese and toppings on slider buns. Serve warm with toothpicks to hold together.
🍉 5. Watermelon Feta Salad
Ingredients:
- 4 cups cubed watermelon
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions:
Toss watermelon with feta and mint. Drizzle with lime juice and chill before serving.
🍰 6. No-Bake Berry Icebox Cake
Ingredients:
- 1 box graham crackers
- 2 cups whipped topping
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- 1 cup blueberries
Instructions:
Layer graham crackers, whipped topping, and berries in a 9×13 dish. Repeat layers. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight to set.