For this week’s Friday Favorites, The Morning Thing hosts are celebrating the 49th Fredericktown Tomato Show! The hosts share their favorite ways to enjoy the tomato.
Listen to The Morning Thing hosts’ Friday Favorites HERE, or click the image below!
More information about the 49th Fredericktown Tomato Show can be found HERE!
The Fredericktown Tomato Show gets underway with plenty of family fun, and tonight, all eyes will be on the Main Stage for the Little Miss Tomato Contest! WNZR recently talked with Tomato Show Board President Kim Fearn about this special tradition.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click on the picture link below.
This year, 17 six-year-old contestants will compete for the title, with each girl wearing a red dress and taking part in a two-minute interview on stage. The contest begins tonight at 7:00 p.m. on the Main Stage at Main and First Streets, with one winner and three runners-up selected by out-of-town judges. The interviews are often one of the most entertaining parts of the evening, making this a fun event for the whole family!
Kim also shared details about the official Tomato Show merchandise, including $15 T-shirts, $20 travel mugs, and $20 fleece blankets, available at the Hospitality Tent during the festival. This year’s theme, “Unity, Freedom, Remembrance,” recognizes America’s 250th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of September 11. WNZR will be LIVE “On the Road with Big Blue” throughout the Fredericktown Tomato Show, bringing listeners the excitement, events, results, and community stories from the festival. Tune in to WNZR and visit wnzr.fm for more information and your chance to win great prizes!
Click HERE for more information.
The 2026 Fredericktown Tomato Show has something for everyone, including plenty of food, rides, entertainment, and fun for the kids! WNZR recently talked with Fredericktown Tomato Show Director Cale Grubb, who has been involved with the show for 25 years.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click on the picture link below.
Cale says he’s looking forward to seeing the community come together—and he’s making sure no one leaves hungry! Concessions will be available throughout the show, with a variety of returning favorites and new vendors. The rides will be located around the square, including a Ferris wheel, and will open at 5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and 1 p.m. Friday. Ride bands will also be available for a full day of fun.
Kids can join the fun with the Kids Parade on Thursday at 6:30 p.m., beginning near the Brickhouse Grind parking lot. Registration starts at 6 p.m., and children can dress up in different classes for a chance to win prizes. There will also be Disney princesses and entertainment on the main stage! Throughout the week, you’ll find plenty of live music and entertainment, including Michael Mage, Step Brothers, Zach Attack, and Red Ball Jets. WNZR will be LIVE “On the Road with Big Blue” throughout the Fredericktown Tomato Show, bringing you highlights, events, results, and the excitement of the festival. This year’s theme, “Freedom, Unity, Remembrance,” is especially meaningful as the community celebrates America 250 and remembers the 25th anniversary of 9/11. Tune in to WNZR and visit wnzr.fm for more information and prize registration.
Click HERE for more information.
WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart recently welcomed two cast members from MTV Arts’ upcoming production of The Wizard of Oz: Vincent Oertel, who plays the Tin Man, and Briggs Swallow, who portrays the Cowardly Lion.
Listen to the entire conversation HERE! Or, click on the picture link below!
Vincent, a 14-year-old homeschooled freshman, says the Tin Man has been a favorite character since childhood and that he connects with the character’s emotional nature. He was thrilled when he learned he had landed the role. Briggs, a 15-year-old Mount Vernon High School sophomore, enjoys the Lion’s dramatic personality and comedic energy. He has studied classic comedians and worked on his vocal techniques to prepare for the part.
The pair also discussed the rehearsal process and the experience of sharing the Lion role with Zayden Luckmeier. Briggs says the double casting has allowed the two actors to learn from each other and strengthen their performances. Both Vincent and Briggs have enjoyed getting to know their fellow cast members and building friendships during rehearsals. They also had the opportunity to connect with previous performers, including Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr, who previously played the Lion. Vincent’s favorite number is “Jitterbug,” which was ultimately not included in the production, while Briggs enjoys “If I Only Had a Heart.”
For Briggs, The Wizard of Oz marks his 18th MTV Arts production, following roles including his appearance in Beauty and the Beast. Vincent is newer to the stage, with this being only his third show and his biggest role yet. Both encourage the community to come see this classic story filled with memorable music, exciting performances and more than 40 talented young performers. They also emphasize the importance of supporting local arts before showing off their characters one final time with a little singing.
Click HERE for information on tickets and showtimes!
The Fredericktown Tomato Show is all about community, and WNZR recently talked with Tomato Show Board Member Lindsey McGowan about one of the places where that community spirit comes to life—the Hospitality Tent.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click on the link with the picture below.
Lindsey is in her fifth year with the Tomato Show and helps organize volunteers who welcome visitors, answer questions, and sell Tomato Show merchandise. The Hospitality Tent is located on Main Street next to Kokosing Water Park and will be open Wednesday through Friday from 4–10:30 p.m. and Saturday from 2–10:30 p.m. Visitors can stop by for merchandise, enter drawings, and connect with volunteers throughout the festival.
One of Lindsey’s highlights of the week is the Plate Auction, featuring 10 unique plates with all proceeds benefiting the Chris Fearn Well Scholarship Fund. For Lindsey, the auction is another example of how the Tomato Show brings people together to support one another. WNZR will also be right in the middle of the action! We’ll be LIVE and “On the Road with Big Blue” throughout the Fredericktown Tomato Show, bringing you highlights, events, results, and the excitement of the festival. Tune in to WNZR and visit wnzr.fm to learn more and register for prizes!
Click HERE for more information.
Get ready for one of the most unique events at the 2026 Fredericktown Tomato Show—the Bathtub Races! WNZR recently talked with Fredericktown Tomato Show Board Member Mike Smith, who has been involved with the event for more than 20 years.
Click HERE to hear the entire conversation or click on the link with the picture below.
Teams take cast-iron bathtubs, revamp them, add wheels, fill them with water and ice, and then race down the course with one person riding in the tub while another pushes. This year’s classes include a Church Challenge, First Responders, School Organizations, and Businesses, with teams competing for prizes and the rotating championship plaque.
The Bathtub Races take place Saturday at 5:30 p.m. on the north end of Main Street, with registration beginning at 5 p.m. Participants will need to sign a waiver and present a driver’s license; those under 18 will need a parent’s signature. First place in each class wins $90, second place wins $60, and the fastest overall time earns an additional $60. Mike says the race is harder than it looks, but it’s all part of the fun—and for him, this year’s theme of community and fellowship is what makes the Tomato Show so special. Come cheer on the racers and enjoy the food, fun, and fellowship of the Fredericktown Tomato Show!
Be sure to stay connected with WNZR for complete coverage of the 2026 Fredericktown Tomato Show! We’ll be LIVE and “On the Road with Big Blue” throughout the week, highlighting the exciting events, sharing results, and bringing you the fun from the festival. Visit wnzr.fm to learn more and register for your chance to win great prizes!
WNZR recently talked with Fredericktown Tomato Show Board Member Carrie Levering about the flower, horticulture, and photography shows happening during this year’s Tomato Show.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click on the link with the picture below.
If you enjoy flowers or gardening, bring your entries to the Thrall Masonic Lodge on Wednesday, September 9, from 2–6 p.m. There are a variety of flower and horticulture classes, with judging beginning at 6:15 p.m. Entries and winners will be available to view later that evening and remain on display through Saturday at 6 p.m., with flower pickup beginning at 4 p.m.
Photography enthusiasts of all ages are invited to participate, too! Photos can be submitted Wednesday, September 9, from 2–6 p.m. at the Mayor’s Office. There are categories for kids, teens, and adults, along with special awards for Best Use of Color and Best Use of Light. Carrie says you don’t have to be a professional—just bring your photos and join in the fun! For her, one of the best parts of the show is seeing the creativity and talent the community brings. She hopes this year’s theme will shine through in the flowers and photographs and encourages everyone to be part of this special Fredericktown tradition.
Be sure to stay connected with WNZR for complete coverage of the 2026 Fredericktown Tomato Show! We’ll be LIVE and “On the Road with Big Blue” throughout the week, highlighting the exciting events, sharing results, and bringing you the fun from the festival. Visit wnzr.fm to learn more and register for your chance to win great prizes!
WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart is joined by Lacey Filkins, the Executive Director for Experience Mount Vernon here to talk about September First Friday.
Click HERE to listen to the entire conversation!
Lacey talks about how time flies and how summer just flew by and the theme for September First Friday and its called, “School Spirit Night”. They don’t have any special costumes, but they did make some First Friday School T-Shirts for the team. Tonight is the last night to complete the passport, you can stop at their table and sign up for their “Smore Fun” prize basket. They have the Teen Advisory Council coming to do Tie-dye, they’re focusing on kids and medium sizes and only one color. They have plenty do to for school spirit night and she highlights all the things coming tonight for free at first Friday.
Tonight at September First Friday, they have schools coming at the public square, they have MVNU, COTC, Knox County Career Center, and Kenyon University to talk about their programs and helping promote their schools; Lacey talks about some of the things they’ve had in the past and might have tonight. They have some entertainment coming tonight, they have the band, “Room 201” playing tonight, they have the cast for the Wizard of Oz cast, they also have their “Are you smarter than an Educator” game show, and so much more!
Tonight, they have 11 different concession stands, Lacey highlights what they have and where you can find it. They have downtown closed areas closed, Lacey highlights what streets will be closed, parking downtown will be closed to parking by 2 and closed to all by 3. You can park at Gay and Mulberry street, they also have the bike valet, during the event.
Lacey also wants to thank the parents support initiative of Knox County, their food truck sponsor is ariel cooperation, Knox DD to help with the photo booth, they also have a huge thank to volunteers who help make this possible. Coming up in October is Jonny Appleseed, this event will be a bit different than last year, its all at Ariel Foundation park this year. Winter in downtown is coming, shop small Saturday, and holiday events. You can stay connected on their social media at Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. You can find their monthly newsletter on their website at experienceMV.org. The mission of experience mount Vernon is through first Fridays, beautification, and other flower planting in downtown, and just getting people to come in Mount Vernon and build the community feel in Downtown. She talks about a lot of the different events and ways that Experience Mount Vernon helps the community; they also want you to go to local shops and enjoy mount Vernon.
Check out more information about September First Friday on our website, wnzr.fm!
Today on The Morning Thing, the co-hosts talk about their favorite school spirit memory in honor of September First Friday!
You can listen to this week’s Friday Favorites HERE!
September First Friday’s theme is School Spirit Night! The Big Blue Crew is excited to broadcast in Downtown Mount Vernon!
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WNZR is saying goodbye to Assistant Station Manager Eric Brown as he, his wife Jenn and step daughter Maddie, who is a sophomore in high school, prepare for a new chapter in Florida.
Eric’s adult son William and his younger son Jonathan, who is also a sophomore in high school, are staying with their mom in Newark while Jenn’s adult sons Alex and Jaden are staying in Zanesville.
As part of Friday’s edition of The Morning Thing, WNZR Station Manager Marcy Rinehart joined Eric for a special Friday Favorites conversation, asking him to look back on five of his favorite memories from his time at the station.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation!
Eric’s connection to Mount Vernon Nazarene University goes back much further than his time at WNZR. He is an MVNU alumnus, earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the university.
Before joining the WNZR staff in December 2024, he spent nearly eight years working in MVNU’s College of Adult and Professional Studies (CAPS) as an Academic Services Specialist and Adjunct Professor teaching communications classes.
During Friday Favorites, Eric reflected on several moments that stood out during his time at WNZR.
One involved student Isabel, whose singing could sometimes be heard from the neighboring studio. Eric recalled having to ask her to sing just a little more quietly so he could get his own recording work done.
Another favorite memory came almost immediately after he started at WNZR. Just days into the job, Eric helped host the station’s Food For The Hungry broadcast. He said the experience gave him an early chance to meet people, learn more about the community and understand how important the annual campaign is to WNZR and Knox County.
Eric also looked back on covering the Hartford Fair with WNZR students and on the memorable moments that came with taking the station on location.
Two of his favorite memories came from the Christian Music Broadcasters University conference in Nashville. Eric traveled with WNZR students for the event, giving them the opportunity to learn more about Christian broadcasting while also spending time together outside the station.
The trip itself created plenty of stories, including a cold wait for food and an eventful drive home through winter weather.
Looking back, Eric said what has made leaving WNZR especially difficult is the people. He thanked listeners for the support they have shown him and said the connection between the audience and the WNZR team is unlike what he has experienced elsewhere in broadcasting.
He also reflected on how meaningful it has been to serve the community while helping spread the message of Jesus through WNZR’s ministry.
Although Eric is leaving his full-time role and moving to Florida, listeners will still hear his voice on WNZR. The station plans to continue working with him remotely through a contract arrangement for news coverage. He will also return to teaching as an Adjunct Professor in the CAPS program for MVNU.
Marcy thanked Eric for his leadership, experience and time with WNZR and said the station will continue praying for him as he makes the move and begins a new chapter.
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Click HERE to learn more about Mount Vernon Nazarene University!
Rise and Shine 