We are around the halfway point of summer, so we wanted to check in and see how your summer bucket list is looking. The big blue crew shared what they checked off and what they are still itching to do. There are so many more opportunities to have fun this summer, so don’t worry if you still have a lot on your list.
Sometimes a to-do list can be daunting, so remember to rest this summer in the midst of all the fun. Here a few simple ideas to rest while still having fun this summer:
Watch a movie while cuddled up with some popcorn
Have a self-care night
Go for an evening walk and play I-Spy
Play a board game
Listen to music
Read your favorite book while watching the sunset
Click HERE to listen to the Big Blue Crew’s summer bucket list check-in
From classic pairings like French fries dipped in a milkshake to more unexpected favorites like potato chips on a sandwich or peanut butter on a hamburger, everyone had a unique combination they enjoy.
The conversation also invited listeners to share their own unusual food favorites. Whether it’s something you’ve eaten since childhood or a combination you discovered by accident, everyone seems to have that one food pairing that makes other people raise an eyebrow.
As the week wrapped up, it was a fun reminder that when it comes to food, sometimes the strangest combinations become the tastiest traditions.
Click HERE to see some WEIRD food combos from Live Eat Learn!
Today (Wednesday) is Be a Kid Again Day, a lighthearted reminder to slow down, have fun, and reconnect with the simple joys of childhood.
The annual observance encourages adults to embrace their inner child and enjoy the carefree moments that often get lost in the busyness of everyday life.
On The Morning Thing, the Big Blue Crew took a trip down memory lane by sharing some of their favorite summer memories.
Click HERE to hear comments from the Big Blue Crew!
From long days spent riding bikes around the neighborhood to catching lightning bugs, swimming until sunset, and enjoying family vacations, it was a reminder that some of life’s best moments are also the simplest.
Whether it’s flying a kite, eating a popsicle on the front porch, playing catch, or simply watching the clouds roll by, today is a great opportunity to set aside your to-do list—even for a few minutes—and enjoy life through the eyes of a kid again.
Today (Tuesday) is World Chocolate Day, making it the perfect excuse to enjoy your favorite chocolate treat.
On The Morning Thing, we heard from the Big Blue Crew as they shared some of their favorite chocolate desserts, and we had some fun imagining what belongs in the ultimate chocolate creation. Whether you prefer brownies, chocolate chip cookies, fudge, cake, or a classic candy bar, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate.
Chocolate has been enjoyed for more than 3,000 years. The ancient Maya and Aztecs prized cacao, using it to make a bitter drink that was considered a valuable part of their culture.
Milk chocolate is America’s favorite. While dark and white chocolate have plenty of fans, milk chocolate continues to be the most popular choice in the United States.
Chocolate begins with cacao pods. The pods grow on cacao trees, and each one contains dozens of cacao beans that are fermented, dried, roasted, and processed to create the chocolate we enjoy today.
Whether you’re reaching for a candy bar, baking your favorite dessert, or sharing a sweet treat with friends, World Chocolate Day is a great reminder to enjoy one of the world’s favorite flavors. Happy World Chocolate Day!
Click HERE to learn more about World Chocolate Day!
The WNZR Staff had some fun today playing a special July 4th Lightning Round Game! Take a listen and see if you agree with their choices. How will you be celebrating this special Independence Day? Happy 4th of July to you and your family!
Click HERE or on the link below to hear from our staff.
Lacey Filkins, Executive Director for Experience Mount Vernon, stopped by The Morning Thing to talk about tonight’s exciting event – July First Friday.
She shared a highlight of all the fun activities and how the downtown business district will celebrate this theme – Party Like it’s 1776!
Lacey shared details on parking, food, entertainment, the Experience Mount Vernon Passport and how your family can have fun tonight.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click on the link below.
WNZR will be there tonight! Look for Big Blue near the Dog Fountain on South Main Street. Click HERE for more details about tonight’s event and our prize basket for tonight.
Knox County is already looking ahead to America’s 250th birthday, and the celebration is bringing together history, art, and community in some creative ways.
WNZR’s Eric Brown recently spoke with Olivia Toth, Executive Director of the Knox County Convention and Visitors Bureau, about several projects designed to celebrate both the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary and Knox County’s rich history.
One of the newest initiatives is the Common Thread project, which combines art and history while highlighting the unique character of Knox County and its communities. Toth says the project is inspired by traditional Americana quilts, using the idea of a common thread to connect the people, places, and stories that make the county special.
Each installation includes QR codes that allow visitors to learn more while also connecting directly to the Knox County events calendar. Toth says the goal is not only to encourage people to explore multiple communities throughout the county but also to inspire them to stay longer or plan another visit.
Another initiative is the Knox Voices Project, a collaboration between the Knox County Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Knox County Public Library. The project is collecting personal stories from residents to help preserve the everyday history of Knox County as the community prepares to celebrate its 225th birthday.
Toth says history isn’t just found in textbooks—it’s found in the memories and experiences of the people who have lived, worked, and raised families here. Residents are encouraged to submit their own stories through the Convention and Visitors Bureau’s website, creating a living collection of local history for future generations.
The America 250 celebration also includes new street banners appearing throughout Knox County communities. Toth says the banners help share local history, celebrate America’s freedom, and build excitement for the national celebration.
Looking ahead to the summer, Toth also highlighted the new Picnic in the Park events taking place throughout July. She says the gatherings give families and friends another reason to get outside, enjoy local parks, and spend time together while exploring different communities across Knox County.
Click HERE to learn more about the Knox County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau!
WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart is joined by Austin Swallow Chairman of the Board of Directors and Tanner Cooper Risser Annual Drive and Community Relations Director, both working for Food For the Hungry.\
Austin shared about their annual drive and how there is always a need for community support when it comes to hunger. Tanner shared about the responsibilities of his new title and how excited he is to serve.
How to get Involved
Austin talks about how you can get involved with Food For the Hungry by going to their website, foodforthehungrycares.org or go to their facebook page and look there. There is also a form to allow food for the hungry to help promote an event and get you involved. Tanner talks about how you never know when you’ll be in need for food for the hungry. You can get in by emailing him at director@foodforthehungrycares.org or call at 330-521-8474.
Prayer
Tanner asks you pray for him as he adjusts into his new role, he asks you pray for them to get to know each other and have the community to hear about their ministry and get involved. Austin asks you pray for continued support and get involved as help with the food security issue in Knox county.
Click HERE for more information on Food for the Hungry!
