A full year of planning goes into one weekend in downtown Mount Vernon.
WNZR’s Daniel Russell spoke with Joe Rinehart, Board Chair for the Mount Vernon Music and Arts Festival, about what it takes to organize the event and what visitors can expect this year.
Rinehart said planning begins almost immediately after the previous festival ends. The board is made up entirely of volunteers, so much of the work comes down to finding time throughout the year to coordinate music, vendors, artists, sponsors, activities and all of the other pieces that make the event possible.
One of the biggest changes this year is the return to a three-day festival. Thursday will no longer be part of the event, which Rinehart said helps reduce the amount of time downtown streets are closed.
Music remains a major part of the weekend. Saturday night will feature Preston Cooper as the headliner, with 615 Collective opening the show. Friday night will have more of a classic rock feel, beginning with Phil Dirt and the Dozers at 6:30 p.m., followed by Forever Seger, a Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band tribute act.
The festival also continues to bring thousands of visitors into downtown Mount Vernon. Rinehart said about 9,300 people came through the downtown area during the event, creating opportunities for local businesses while giving visitors a chance to experience the community.
Several family-friendly attractions are returning. Kidsfest will run from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Sunday.
A new addition this year is BrickFest, giving visitors a chance to build and create with LEGO. It will be held on the second floor of the Woodward Opera House from 3 until 8 p.m. Friday and from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. Saturday.
Other returning favorites include the Car and Motorcycle Cruise-In on Saturday, the Kiwanis Pie Auction, the Wood Challenge, the flower show and the chalk competition.
Rinehart said much of the work happens behind the scenes, from coordinating with artists and vendors to arranging food trucks, local media, promotions, websites and business partnerships. He said the effort is worth it when people come downtown, enjoy themselves and support local businesses.
For anyone who has never attended, Rinehart emphasized that the festival is free. Visitors can come downtown, find something to eat, listen to live music and enjoy the community atmosphere without needing a ticket.
The festival is also still looking for volunteers, especially on Thursday and Sunday, to help welcome visitors, answer questions and support the event.
Rinehart thanked the board of directors and volunteers who have worked throughout the year, along with the City of Mount Vernon, the Woodward Opera House, the Mount Vernon Grand Hotel, Joann and Audry for organizing the flower show, and Sweet Street Candy Shop for hosting the chalk competition.
He also thanked presenting sponsor Ariel Corporation, along with Park National Bank and the Mount Vernon Arts Consortium.
Click HERE to learn more about the Mount Vernon Music and Arts Festival!
Three longtime community volunteers were honored during August First Friday as Mount Vernon’s 2026 Volunteers of the Year.
WNZR Station Manager Marcy Rinehart, Randy Cronk and Jerry Scott were recognized Friday night for the many ways they have given their time and talents to Mount Vernon and Knox County.
WNZR’s Eric Brown spoke with Mayor Matt Starr about the history of the award and how the recognition has changed over the years. Starr explained that what once focused primarily on volunteers serving city boards and commissions has expanded to recognize people making a difference throughout the community.
This year’s recipients represent three very different areas of service.
Jerry Scott has spent decades involved with organizations across Knox County. WNZR’s Ethan Hershberger talked with Scott about his work with Scouting, local churches, Food For The Hungry and more than 40 years of service with The Salvation Army.
Scott also serves with the Mount Vernon Association of Police Chaplains. He explained how chaplains remain available around the clock to respond during some of the most difficult moments families face, including death notifications and other emergencies.
His 51 years in law enforcement helped prepare him for that work. Scott said prayer and his faith play an important role in helping him face difficult situations, including body recoveries and delivering devastating news to families.
He also encouraged others to find a way to become involved in the community. Outside of his chaplain work, Scott is also well known for his longtime role as emcee of the Mount Vernon Music and Arts Festival.
For Randy Cronk, much of his volunteer service can be found along the Kokosing Gap Trail.
Cronk told WNZR’s Ethan Hershberger that he first became involved with the trail in 1988 and eventually became president of the organization.
The 13-and-a-half-mile trail requires year-round work from volunteers who maintain the property, clear storm damage and respond when problems arise. Cronk said that teamwork has helped the trail grow into an important recreational resource and part of a larger transportation network.
A major project is also ahead. The entire trail is scheduled to be repaved for the first time in 35 years, an effort Cronk said has been made possible through several community partnerships.
He also pointed to the trail’s role in bringing visitors into Mount Vernon and encouraged people who enjoy outdoor work to consider volunteering. Trail users can also help by reporting problems through the Kokosing Gap Trail’s Facebook page.
WNZR Station Manager Marcy Rinehart was recognized for more than 30 years of service in Knox County.
Rinehart told WNZR’s Eric Brown that her parents taught her the importance of using her gifts to help others, something that became an important part of both her life and her faith.
Her volunteer work has included longtime involvement with Food For The Hungry, United Way, the Knox Network of Christian Ministries and the OSU Extension Advisory Committee.
Rinehart said volunteering has also led to lasting friendships and encouraged others not to underestimate what even a small amount of time can accomplish when people work together.
She also reflected on how community service has become part of WNZR’s mission, giving students opportunities to learn while serving organizations throughout Knox County.
Together, Rinehart, Cronk and Scott represent different forms of volunteerism, but each has spent years finding ways to serve where they are needed.
Click HERE to find out more about the City of Mount Vernon!
Several members of TAC of Knox County talked with WNZR about their annual Color for a Cause Race. This very colorful event is held every year to raise awareness of the Teen Advisory Council and their initiatives. Indra, Amaiyah, Madelyn and Truth shared their passion for reaching their peers throughout the year.
Click HERE to hear their conversations or click on the picture below.
TAC is a Knox County youth-led prevention team powered by passionate high school students committed to empowering their peers, engaging their schools and communities, and encouraging healthy choices, respectful relationships, and positive change. TAC members raise awareness, spark conversations, and lead initiatives to prevent dating violence, substance misuse, and suicide—before they begin. As ambassadors of healthy lifestyles, TAC youth use their voices, creativity, and leadership to influence their peers and promote safety, respect, and wellness. TAC is where teens build confidence, plan events, advocate for change, and prove that young people aren’t just the future—they are leaders right now.
Enjoy the conversations and see how these young leaders are living out these 3 goals – Empower. Engage. Encourage. TAC – Teens Leading Positive Change in Knox County. Click HERE to find out more about TAC and stay connected to their activities.
Lacey Filkins, Executive Director for Experience Mount Vernon, stopped by The Morning Thing to talk about tonight’s exciting event – August First Friday.
She shared a highlight of all the fun activities and how the downtown business district will celebrate this theme – Paws On Parde!
Lacey shared details on parking, food, entertainment, the Experience Mount Vernon Passport and how your family can have fun tonight. We also shared all the details of WNZR’s Annual Costumed Paws on Parade.
WNZR will be there tonight! Look for Big Blue near the Dog Fountain on South Main Street. Don’t miss your chance to register for some amazing prizes. We have prizes for humans and DOGS!
Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click on the picture below.
Click HERE to find all the details about tonight’s event.
For our Friday Favorites, The Morning Thing hosts are celebrating DOGS – in honor of our annual Dog Costume Parade at August First Friday. The hosts share their favorite memories with their family dog.
Click HERE to hear stories from Marcy, Olivia, Eric, Daniel and Ethan.
Or click the picture below.
We hope to see you and your 4 legged friends in downtown Mount Vernon tonight! Click HERE for all the details about August First Friday and our Costume PAWS on Parade!
School may be around the corner, but there’s still time to squeeze in one more adventure! No need to be anxious about your summer bucket list. There is still time to enjoy the sunshine! The Morning Thing shared their top 15 last-minute summer adventures for you to squeeze in. Take a peak!
Grab takeout, a blanket, and head to a local park or lake.
Visit a State Park You’ve Never Explored
Hike, take photos, or just enjoy God’s creation.
Spend a Day at the Beach
Take a Scenic Sunday Drive
Go Camping (Even in Your Backyard!)
Roast marshmallows, tell stories, and look at the stars.
Attend a County Fair
Visit a Nearby Small Town
Have an Ice Cream Adventure
Visit three different ice cream shops in one afternoon and rate them.
Take a Family Bike Ride
Watch an Outdoor Movie
Take a “No Phones” Day Trip
Visit a Zoo or Nature Center
Thanks for listening to The Morning Thing! We’ll see you next time!
WNZR was honored to share Knox County Fair conversations throughout this week. We talked with many 4H Miscellaneous Project winners. We talked about their projects, their experiences with 4H and how they felt about representing Knox County at the Ohio State Fair. We also talked about the other projects and shows they were involved with at this year’s Knox County Fair. The 4H Winners shared about their lessons learned in 4H and the memories they have made.
Click HERE to hear the conversations or click on the picture below.
We wish you all GOOD LUCK at the State Fair! We are proud of you!
WNZR was honored to talk to the 2026 Junior Fair Ambassadors. These young leaders talked about the process of becoming an ambassador and what this title means to them. They shared about their responsibilities during Knox County Fair week and how they plan to help younger exhibitors. We also talked about lessons learned and memories made during their time in 4H. Enjoy the stories of these outstanding students. They are a living example of service for all of us!
Click HERE to hear the conversations or click on the picture below.
WNZR was proud to broadcast live at the Knox County Fair Sale of Champions Did you miss WNZR’s broadcast of the 2026 Sale of Champions? Good News! You can find the full broadcast HERE or click on the link below. Listen in as WNZR’s Joe Rinehart talks with the Grand Champions and Reserve Champion winners from this year’s Knox County Fair. You can also hear Marcy Rinehart give results from each animal sold. Thanks to all the buyers that participated. You can find an album of pictures on our Facebook page and on the Scrapbook Page of our website wnzr.fm
The unofficial total from the Sale of Champions was over $89,500!
Market Beef
The Grand Champion Market Beef Steer was shown by Kellen Algire of Fredericktown. Kellen is part of the Country Critters 4H Club.
Alumni Roofing bought the animal for a price of $6,000.
The Reserve Champion Market Beef Steer was shown by Kayleen Small of Fredericktown. She is part of the Boots and Banners 4H Club. Kayleen also won 3rd place Overall Carcass.
Small’s Asphalt Company bought the animal for a price of $9,000.
Dairy Market Feeders
The Grand Champion Dairy Market Feeder was shown by Ethan Swendal of Danville. Ethan is part of the Creative Kids 4H Club. Ethan is also the Age 18 Skillathon Winner for Dairy Market Feeders.
Alumni Roofing bought the animal for a price of $3,000
The Reserve Champion Dairy Market Feeder was shown by Gage Robinson of Fredericktown. Gage is part of the Knox Cattle Kids 4H Club. Gage is also the Age 14 Skillathon Winner for Dairy Market Feeders.
Knox Community Hospital bought the animal for a price of $3,750.
Pen of 3 Market Lambs
The Grand Champion Penof 3 Market Lambs was shown by Berta Gomez-Sica of Danville. Berta is part of the Better Livestock 4H Club.
JDC Livestock LLC bought the animals for a price of $3,000.
The Reserve Champion Pen was shown by Joseph Ball from Danville with Better Livestock 4H Club.
Kari Ball Agency purchased the animals for a price of $5,000
Market Lambs
The Grand Champion Market Lamb was shown by Mason Reynolds of Mount Vernon with the Animals R Us 4H Club. Mason was also the Champion Senior Showman and the Age 16 Skillathon Winner for Market Lambs.
A group of buyers bought the animal for a price of $5,000
They included: All Weather Systems Inc., Granville Milling Company, United Producers Inc. and Xtreme Asphalt and Sealcoating
The Reserve Champion Market Lamb was shown by Kinsley Prosser of Fredericktown with the Blue Ribbon Livestock 4H Club. Kinsley is also the Reserve Champion 1st Year Showman.
TK’s Ice Cream bought the animal for a price of $4,500
Turkeys
The Grand Champion Turkey was shown by Brynley Kirkpatrick from Butler with the Clear Fork FFA.
Adena Corporation bought the animal for a price of $2,750
The Reserve Champion Turkey was shown by Carl Dickerson from Fredericktown with the Smokin’ Spurs 4H Club.
Raine Aesthetics bought the animal for a price of $3,750
Market Dairy Steers
The Grand Champion Market Dairy Steer was shown by Ethan Swendal of Danville with Creative Kids 4H Club. Ethan is also the Age 18 Skillathon Winner for Market Dairy Steers.
Didinger Crop Services bought the animal for a price of $3,500
The Reserve Champion Market Dairy Steer was shown Ethan Swendal of Danville with the Creative Kids 4H Club. Ethan was also 4th Place Overall Carcass.
A group of buyers bought the animal for a price of $5,500
They included: Killbuck Savings Bank of Danville and Howard, The Magers Family and Swendal and Son Trucking.
Market Goats
The Grand Champion Market Goat was shown by Nash Stull of Fredericktown. Nash is part of the Country Critters 4H Club. He is also the Reserve Champion Intermediate Showman.
Knox Community Hospital bought the animal for a price of $3,500
The Reserve Champion Market Goat was shown by Taylor Meade of Warsaw. Taylor is part of the Danville FFA.
Nick Blanchard bought the animal for a price of $3,500
Broilers (Chicken)
The Grand Champion Broilers (pen of 3) were shown by Daisy Cline of Howard with the Contender’s 4H Club. Daisy was also the Reserve 1st Year Showman.
Park National Bank bought the animals for a price of $4,500
The Reserve Champion Broilers were shown by Abigail Untied of Walhonding with the Clinton Clovers 4H Club.
Trillium Farms bought the animals for a price of $3,500
Market Hogs
The Grand Champion Hog was shown by Carder McConachie of Mount Vernon with the Blue Ribbon Livestock 4H Club. Carder was also the Light Weight Division Champion.
TD Landscape purchased the hog for a price of $4,250
The Reserve Champion Hog was shown by Addison McGuire of Centerburg with the Animals R Us 4H Club. Addison was also the Heavy Weight Division Champion, Showmanship Winner for Age 14, and Master Showman.
A group of buyers bought the animal for a price of $9,000
They included: Fredericktown Chevrolet, Fox Swim Solutions, Barb Family Farm, KN Excavation, Forman Realtors, and Forman Realtors-Jennifer Fielding
Market Rabbits
The Grand Champion Rabbits (Market Fryers) were shown by Macy Miller of Mount Vernon with the Down On The Farm 4H Club.
Smithhisler Meats bought the animals for a price of $3,750
The Reserve Champion Market Rabbits were shown by Annalia Wolf of Mount Vernon from the Down on the Farm 4H Club.
THR Creekside Home Inspections bought the animals for a price of $2,750
There was one 4H member with MULTIPLE ANIMALS in the Sale:
Ethan Swendal had the: 1. Grand Champion Dairy Market Feeder – sold for $3,000 2. Grand Champion Market Dairy Steer – sold for $3,500 3. Reserve Grand Champion Market Dairy Steer – sold for $5,500 Ethan’s Sale Total: $12,000
Congratulations to these special award winners that were announced at the Sale of Champions:
The Junior Fair Sales Committee presented a Hall of Fame Award this year. This award recognizes individuals and organizations that go above and beyond normal efforts to benefit the sale, the Junior Fair and most importantly the Knox County Youth involved in 4H and FFA. The 2026 recipient is: Larry Hall, long-time 4H Educator with the OSU Extension Office of Knox County
David Greer Award from Mount Vernon Kiwanis Club: Presented in honor of David Greer and his legacy of serving the community. He has served as a trustee and Vice President of the Knox County Historical Society and secretary for the Knox County Ag Museum. His background is in teaching including 16 years at Danville High School. He served for many years as a volunteer with many 4H programs in Knox County. The scholarships were presented by Wendi Fowler, Mike Copley, and Crystal Snell-Tomes from Kiwanis. $500 scholarship – Lane Dugan $250 scholarship – Austin Frazier
2026 Knox County Fair Royalty:
2026 Junior Fair Queen – Sophie Wolf
2026 Junior Fair King – Will Stokes
2026 Little Miss Knox County – Hallie Johnson
2026 Little Mr. Knox County – Karsten Tedrow
2026 Horse Queen – Luci Byler
2026 Horse Prince – Michael Carpenter
Knox County Junior Fair Outstanding Exhibitors:
Market Beef – Bailey Smith
Beef Feeder – Cade Strausbaugh
Dairy Market Feeder – Taylor Tyson
Market Dairy Steer – Ethan Swendal
Market Goat – Brock Mason
Rabbit – Blake Hegemier
Sheep – Sutton Reynolds
Swine – Addison Parker
Poultry – Bristol Hegemier
Turkey – Kennedy Black
Knox County Junior Fair Ambassadors:
Junior Poultry – Teegan Riddle
Senior Poultry – Adysson Gerhart
Senior Rabbit – Sophie Wolf
Junior Goat – Isabel Lewis
Senior Goat – Meira Bryant
Junior Swine – Priscilla Smith and Matilda Sulzer
Senior Sheep – Isabella Byler
Senior Dairy – Sierra Shields
Senior Beef – Lane Dugan
Junior Beef – Zoey Shelley
Horse Queen – Luci Byler
Horse Prince – Michael Carpenter
Knox County Cattleman’s Awards: The Knox County Cattlemen’s Association presented a $500 scholarship to a student pursuing college or technical school education. The recipient is a current cattle exhibitor at the Knox County Fair pursuing their field of study in a post-secondary institution, preferably studying agriculture, specifically Animal Science. The applicant’s family will be current members of the Knox County Cattlemen’s Association. 2026 Scholarship Recipient: Lane Dugan from Fredericktown
Cattleman’s Awards:
Dairy Beef Herdsman: Austin Robinson
Beef Herdsman: Lane Dugan
Market Dairy Steer Grand Champion Carcass: Austin Robinson
Beef Feeder – Born, Bred and Raised Grand Champion Award Winner: Malia Goodwin
Beef Feeder – Born, Bred and Raised Reserve Champion Award Winner: Cade Strausbaugh
Dairy Market Feeder – Born, Bred and Raised Grand Champion Award Winner: Gage Robinson
Dairy Market Feeder – Born, Bred and Raised sed Reserve Champion Award Winner: Austin Robinson
Market Beef – Born, Bred and Raised Grand Champion Award Winner: Austin Frazier
Market Beef – Born, Bred and Raised Reserve Champion Award Winner: Malachi Goodwin
Market Dairy Steer – Born, Bred and Raised Grand Champion Award Winner: Austin Robinson
Market Dairy Steer – Born, Bred and Raised Reserve Champion Award Winner: Gage Robinson
Senior Fair Board Scholarships: The Senior Fair Board presented two $200 scholarships. These scholarships are for 2026 graduates and had an essay-driven application. 2026 Winners: Raegan Blanchard and Kenlee Fairall
Gage Moody Heart and Soul Award: This award is sponsored by JDC Livestock and is dedicated to Gage Moody’s memory. It aims to recognize individuals who demonstrate the following qualities:
Daily effort and commitment
Setting a positive example for others
Showing passion for their project despite being perceived as the underdog.
Kinsley Prosser and Haley Unger each were recognized with the Gage Moody Heart and Soul Award, and each received a $750 scholarship.
The Junior Fair Board also received a check for $500 from Farm Credit Mid-America. This check was given for their Stock the Trailer collection for a local food pantry. They are still collecting non-perishable food and monetary donations. You can drop off donations at the main Fair Board Office. Our Knox County Junior Fair Board is competing against other Junior Fair Boards across Ohio.
Love Like Linda Scholarship: The family of Linda Dowalter is pleased to announce the establishment of the “Love Like Linda Scholarship.” “Love Like Linda” is an inspiring concept encouraging individuals to embrace a life filled with compassion, kindness, and selflessness. It embodies the idea of living with an open heart, much like Linda – she was a mom, sister, aunt, and grandma, who was known for her unwavering love and generosity. Loving like Linda means actively listening to others, showing empathy, and offering support without expecting anything in return. It’s about positively impacting the lives of those around you, whether through small acts of kindness or significant gestures of support. By adopting this mindset, we can cultivate deeper connections and create a more compassionate world, one interaction at a time. The Dowalter Family is honored and pleased to present this scholarship to someone who embodies the personality Linda exhibited every day of her life and encouraged others to exhibit as well.
This nonrenewable scholarship will be issued to one individual meeting the following criteria.
• 2026 High School Graduate OR • Exhibitor that 2026 is their last year of eligibility • Good Standing 4H or FFA Member • Will be or is currently attending a two- or four-year technical school or university/college
The applicant was required to write an essay answering the following prompt: “What the characteristic selflessness means to me”.
They were also required to submit two (2) letters of recommendation from non-family members explaining how the applicant exhibits selflessness.
Taylor Thorne was recognized with the “Love Like Linda Scholarship” and received a $1,000 scholarship.
NEW FOR 2026 – POMONA GRANGE SCHOLARSHIP The Pomona Grange gave two $200 scholarships for qualified individuals who attend a technical school and have the intention of continuing their education and/or occupation in the agricultural industry.
2026 Scholarship Winners: Kenlee Fairall and Raegan Blanchard
Another NEW Scholarship was awarded based on this year’s theme for the Knox County Fair. The Building for a Stronger Tomorrow Award was presented to Will Stokes, this year’s Junior Fair King.
Thanks to our partners for helping us bring you live results from this year’s Sale of Champions.
