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.
Check out these FUN Ideas for some Family Fun this Independence Day!
🎆 Outdoor Activities
Watch a Fireworks Show – Find a local display or do a small, safe one at home.
Backyard BBQ or Picnic – Grill out classic American favorites.
Decorate Bikes for a Parade – Host a mini neighborhood bike parade.
Play Lawn Games – Cornhole, horseshoes, sack races, or a water balloon toss.
Go to a Local Festival – Many towns host 4th of July events with food and games.
Camp Out in the Backyard – Stargaze, tell stories, and enjoy s’mores.
Host a Water Day – Sprinklers, slip n’ slide, kiddie pools, or a water balloon fight.
🎨 Creative Fun
DIY T-Shirts or Tie-Dye – Use red, white, and blue to make festive shirts.
Patriotic Face Painting – Stars, stripes, and sparkles!
Make 4th of July Crafts – Flags, pinwheels, or paper fireworks.
Decorate the Yard or House – Let the kids help with flags and streamers.
🍓 Food-Focused Fun
Bake Patriotic Treats – Star-shaped cookies, flag fruit pizza, or red/white/blue Jello cups.
Create a Hot Dog or Ice Cream Bar – Let everyone build their own.
Make Homemade Lemonade or Snow Cones – Perfect for hot weather.
🧠 Quiet or Indoor Options
Watch an Independence Day-Themed Movie – Ideas: National Treasure, The Sandlot, or Liberty’s Kids for younger viewers.
Read Books About America – Great for young kids to learn about history.
Play Patriotic Music and Sing Along – Teach classic American songs.
🏃♂️ Get Moving
Do a Family Walk or Bike Ride – Explore a park or trail.
Join a Fun Run or Parade – Many towns host family-friendly events.
Scavenger Hunt with a Red, White & Blue Theme – 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.
Today marks the 182nd day of the year—a unique midpoint milestone that’s come to be known as Second Half of the Year Day.
Whether it’s reassessing your budget, committing to healthier habits, revisiting your career aspirations, or simply deciding to be more present and intentional—today is the perfect day to reset.
Click HERE for more background and tips to get your second half of the year to a great start!
Friday, 6/27/25, was a special day at the Knox County Career Center. Ellis Brothers made a special presentation of a partnership with KCCC and the Building Trades Program. (See the pictures below)
WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart had a chance to talk with Jordan and John Ellis about this valuable partnership in training, financial support and hiring employees to serve the community. Marcy also talked with several KCCC graduates – Catherine Colopy, Class of 2022. She talks about her great experience with Ellis Brothers and how this partnership helped pave her career path. We also talked with 2025 graduates: Blake Green and Aiden Kennedy about their experience in the program. They are both now working for Ellis Brothers. Kathy Greenich, Knox County Career Center Superintendent shared her thoughts and excitement about this special partnership.
The KCCC logo is part of a special design featured on an Ellis Brothers cement truck. The design reflects the company’s investment to the future and their pride in partnerships in the community. The company also made a $2,000 donation to the Building Trades Student Activity Account. This donation will contribute to program needs, including drug free programming and job related needs for students, including boots, tools, and more. Ellis Brothers will also donate 50 cents per yard for every concrete job done by this special truck. These donations will help purchase tools for the Building Trades Program.
We got the chance to talk with Candy McCracken, a Board Member and President for the Centerburg Heart of Ohio USA Days Festival! She shares with us all the information regarding this years 20th anniversary event! Including the rundown of the event schedule, how they have been fundraising, and then what she is excited for!
We got the chance to talk with Patrick Loudermilk, a Board Member and Vice President for the Centerburg Heart of Ohio USA Days Festival! He shares with us all the information regarding this years 20th anniversary event! Including the schedule, where the event is, how parking will work, and so much more!
WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talked with Katie Ellis, Executive Director and Kristina Hagemann, Program Coordinator for the United Way of Knox County. The ladies shared exciting news about two new bike programs happening in our community. They also shared a report about the recent Power of the Purse Event. Katie and Kristina also shared highlights of their summer calendar, how to stay connected to the United Way and how to get involved with Women United.
New Directions of Knox County is doing something very exciting this year, and Callie Pillow, from New Directions, got to tell us all about it! They are having their first ever Family Block Party Fundraiser and it is going to be an exciting night.
Come out and enjoy live music, food trucks, activities, and more!
Callie tells us about everything happening at the Block Party and also shares background information on their shelter.
Rise and Shine 