Category: Local

“Once Upon a Holiday” Brings a Fairytale Winter to Downtown Mount Vernon

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.

  • The Holiday Parade begins at 4 PM, running north and ending at Public Square.
  • With 52 entries—including floats, trucks, and of course, horses—it’s shaping up to be one of the biggest parades yet.
  • Parade judges will be out selecting winners for several award categories, each supported by local sponsors.

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:

  • Sunday, after the lighting ceremony until 7 PM
  • Wednesday, December 10, from 5:30–7 PM, both at the Mount Vernon Grand

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.

  • Registration to participate is open until December 8.
  • Community voting happens December 12–14.
  • You can vote and view the full map of participating homes and displays at: experiencemv.org/2025-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!

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Austin Swallow talked with us about the second pop up food distribution that happened on Saturday!

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!

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We talked with Jim Riggle from the Knox County Career Center!

We got the chance to chat with Jim Riggle, the Principle of Academics, Attendance, and Discipline at the Knox County Career Center.

He shared that they had over 400 new students apply to be in their program at the first chance application night last Thursday.

He also talked about the canned food drive, and change drive they are doing to support Food For The Hungry.

To learn more about the Career Center click HERE!

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Traditions are a major Centerpiece of Thanksgiving!

From cheering on parade floats and football games to watching A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving and cooking up family favorites, everyone has their own way of making Turkey Day feel special.

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, the WNZR staff thought it’d be fun to share some of their favorite traditions.

Click HERE to hear the staff’s traditions!

Have a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving!

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Pop-up food distributions are happening!

We sat down with Austin Swallow, the Food For The Hungry Board President! They are getting started early this year by helping families with some pop-up food distributions in our community.

Austin tells us the motivation behind these events and he gives us the details on one happening very soon! He also talks about the upcoming Food For The Hungry Drive happening in December.

To learn more about FFTH click HERE!

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It is collection week for Operation Christmas Child!

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!

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MVNU’s performance of Handel’s Messiah is this Sunday!

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!

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We got the chance to talk with John Chidester about the library’s collection for Food For The Hungry!

We spoke with John Chidester, Director of the Public Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County, about their collection for Food For The Hungry.

He shared a brief history of their involvement with the drive, and he tells us which branches they accept donations at.

John also explains why he believes it is important to support Food For The Hungry.

To learn more about the library’s collection click HERE!

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The Knox Community Jazz Orchestra is benefitting FFTH for the 4th year!

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!

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Madeline Grace Banta takes on the role of Sara Crewe!

Madeline Grace Banta from Orange Barrel Productions is acting in The Little Princess, and she plays Sara Crewe.

She tells us all about her acting history and she gives us the scoop on her role. Madeline highlights the production as well by telling us about the story and her favorite moments.

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