All about the Johnny Appleseed Festival here in Mount Vernon!

Lacey Filkins came in to update us on everything happening with the Johnny Appleseed Festival! It is taking place tonight in downtown Mount Vernon. They will have everything from food to a petting zoo and Lacey will tell us much more!

Come out for an amazing family event tonight.

For more information click HERE!

The best fall activities in our area!

Today on The Morning Thing, we highlighted Fall! We shared some of the best fall festivities from Knox, Richland, and Ashland counties. All of these are great for spending time with the family!

Not only are these fun ideas, but the list shares specific events that you and your family can attend this fall!

To view the full list click HERE!

More information about the Mount Vernon Music and Arts Festival!

Xander got to talk multiple members of the Mount Vernon Music and Arts Festival Board! They tell us about their involvement with the MVMAF and give us details on different events that are going on this year. They also tell us some advice and what they are looking forward to. This is going to be an amazing event and a special year!

Come on down to the MVMAF and see all these great events!

For more information click HERE!

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! ๐Ÿ™‚

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.


๐ŸŒญ 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!


๐Ÿฅ” 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.


๐Ÿ” 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.


๐Ÿ‰ 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.


๐Ÿฐ 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.

Are you ready for some Family Fun this 4th of July?

The Morning Thing is here to help!

Check out these FUN Ideas for some Family Fun this Independence Day!

๐ŸŽ† Outdoor Activities

  1. Watch a Fireworks Show โ€“ Find a local display or do a small, safe one at home.
  2. Backyard BBQ or Picnic โ€“ Grill out classic American favorites.
  3. Decorate Bikes for a Parade โ€“ Host a mini neighborhood bike parade.
  4. Play Lawn Games โ€“ Cornhole, horseshoes, sack races, or a water balloon toss.
  5. Go to a Local Festival โ€“ Many towns host 4th of July events with food and games.
  6. Camp Out in the Backyard โ€“ Stargaze, tell stories, and enjoy sโ€™mores.
  7. Host a Water Day โ€“ Sprinklers, slip n’ slide, kiddie pools, or a water balloon fight.

๐ŸŽจ Creative Fun

  1. DIY T-Shirts or Tie-Dye โ€“ Use red, white, and blue to make festive shirts.
  2. Patriotic Face Painting โ€“ Stars, stripes, and sparkles!
  3. Make 4th of July Crafts โ€“ Flags, pinwheels, or paper fireworks.
  4. Decorate the Yard or House โ€“ Let the kids help with flags and streamers.

๐Ÿ“ Food-Focused Fun

  1. Bake Patriotic Treats โ€“ Star-shaped cookies, flag fruit pizza, or red/white/blue Jello cups.
  2. Create a Hot Dog or Ice Cream Bar โ€“ Let everyone build their own.
  3. Make Homemade Lemonade or Snow Cones โ€“ Perfect for hot weather.

๐Ÿง  Quiet or Indoor Options

  1. Watch an Independence Day-Themed Movie โ€“ Ideas: National Treasure, The Sandlot, or Libertyโ€™s Kids for younger viewers.
  2. Read Books About America โ€“ Great for young kids to learn about history.
  3. Play Patriotic Music and Sing Along โ€“ Teach classic American songs.

๐Ÿƒโ€โ™‚๏ธ Get Moving

  1. Do a Family Walk or Bike Ride โ€“ Explore a park or trail.
  2. Join a Fun Run or Parade โ€“ Many towns host family-friendly events.
  3. Scavenger Hunt with a Red, White & Blue Theme โ€“ Use household or nature items.

Want to know WHERE and WHEN to see fireworks this year?
Thanks to Knox Pages for this very informative list of Fireworks Displays and events happening around the Knox County Area! Click HERE to see their list of events for the 4th of July Weekend.

Father’s Week on WNZR – Thursday!

Today on The Morning Thing, we shared some great messages that you can give to a father figure in your life this Father’s Day. They have all kinds of messages from funny to sappy! Whether your saying this out loud or writing it in a card it is sure to make your dad feel special!

To see the entire list, click HERE!

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