Music, Memories and Tradition Take Center Stage at the Fredericktown Tomato Show

We talked with Fredericktown Tomato Show board member and stage manager Kyle Lepley about this year’s entertainment lineup and some of the traditions that make the festival special!

Click HERE to hear the conversation!

Kyle, who has been involved with the Tomato Show for 27 years, helps oversee the stage, sound, and hospitality needs for performers throughout the week. This year’s entertainment includes the Royal Princesses, Michael Mage, The Stepbrothers, Zach Attack, and Saturday night’s featured act, the Red Ball Jets.

Kyle also shares details about the annual Plate Auction, taking place Saturday at 7:30 p.m. before the Red Ball Jets perform. The auction features ten hand-painted commemorative plates, with this year’s design honoring the longtime Porkette sandwich tradition and the Knox County Pork Council’s 50th anniversary. The first plate sold will benefit the Chris Wells Scholarship Fund, while proceeds from the auction help support the Fredericktown Tomato Show.

This year’s theme, “Freedom, Unity, Remembrance,” recognizes America’s 250th anniversary and coincides with the 25th anniversary remembrance of September 11. Kyle says the festival is a special opportunity for families and friends to come together, celebrate their community, and reflect on the freedoms and values that unite us.

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Run, Parade and Community: What to Expect at the Fredericktown Tomato Show

We talked with Fredericktown Tomato Show volunteer Corey Fearn about some of the big events happening during this year’s festival!

Click HERE to listen to the conversation!

Corey, who is in his fourth year volunteering, is helping with the annual 5K Run, Bathtub Races and parade. The 5K begins Saturday at 9 a.m. at the Fredericktown Schools Administrative Building, with awards for overall winners and medals for the top three finishers in each age group. This year’s race will also feature an America 250-themed costume contest.

Corey also shares details about Saturday’s parade, which begins at 12:30 p.m. near the Fredericktown Police Station. Participants can preregister or register the morning of the parade, and a hospitality tent will be available with food and beverages. Beyond the events themselves, Corey says one of his favorite parts of the Tomato Show is watching families and children enjoy activities throughout the week and seeing the community come together.

This year’s theme, “Freedom, Unity, and Remembrance,” celebrates America’s 250th birthday while encouraging reflection on the nation’s history, freedoms and values. And when it comes to Corey’s personal favorite part of the festival, the answer is simple: the fair food!

Click HERE for more info about the Fredericktown Tomato Show!

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A Favorite Family Tradition Returns to the Fredericktown Tomato Show

WNZR recently spoke with Lesley Ruggles, Director-at-Large with the Fredericktown Tomato Show Board, about one of the festival’s most popular family events—the Baby Crawling Contest!

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Lesley has helped coordinate the contest for 13 years and says it remains one of her favorite parts of the Tomato Show. This year’s contest takes place Friday at 6 p.m. in front of Park National Bank, with registration beginning at 5:30 p.m. Babies 12 months old and younger will compete in four age divisions, with cash prizes awarded to the top three finishers in each group.

The contest also includes fun awards such as Best Tomato-Themed Outfit, Best Crier, and Biggest Show-Off. Families are encouraged to bring a favorite toy or snack to help motivate their little ones toward the finish line. Lesley also talks about the excitement of seeing all the babies together, the popular winners’ podium photo opportunity, and the contest’s sponsorship by Ruggles Electric.

During the interview, Lesley also shares what she looks forward to most at the Tomato Show—including enjoying an elephant ear—and reflects on this year’s theme, “Freedom, Unity, and Remembrance.” With the parade falling on September 11, she says the theme provides an opportunity for the community to honor those who have sacrificed for our nation while celebrating the traditions and unity that make the Fredericktown Tomato Show special.

Click HERE for more info on the Fredericktown Tomato Show!

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Little Miss Tomato Takes Center Stage Tonight at the Fredericktown Tomato Show

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.

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Rides, Food, Kids Parade & Family Fun at the Fredericktown Tomato Show

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.

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Follow The Yellow Brick Road With: Vincent Oertel and Briggs Swallow of The Wizard of Oz!

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!

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Community, Hospitality & Giving at the Fredericktown Tomato Show

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.

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Fredericktown Tomato Show Brings Community, Creativity and Garden Bounty Together

The Fredericktown Tomato Show is gearing up for another celebration of community, gardening and good food. WNZR got to talk with Bernie Douglas, who once again helping make it happen.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click the picture link below!

Now in his 19th year with the show, Douglas oversees the tomato products, tomato classes, baked goods and canned goods exhibits. From ketchup, salsa and tomato pie to more than 40 categories of baked goods, the show offers plenty of opportunities for area residents to showcase their talents and creativity. Vegetable growers can also enter exhibits featuring just about anything from their gardens—including a category for the “most unusual garden vegetable or plant.”

Douglas says one of his favorite parts of the Tomato Show is the opportunity to reconnect with people he doesn’t often see, describing the event as one big community reunion. He also shares his appreciation for the canned goods exhibit, which brings back memories of preserving food with his grandparents. Entries can be brought in Wednesday, September 9, from 2–6 p.m., with judging beginning after the opening ceremonies. Visitors can find the exhibits and Douglas at the vegetable tent near the corner of Main and College Streets by the splash pad, and he encourages everyone to come out, have fun and enjoy everything the Fredericktown Tomato Show has to offer.’

Click HERE for more info on the Fredericktown Tomato Show!

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Three Roles, Three Costumes, One Big Adventure: Meet Andrew Petersen of The Wizard of Oz!

WNZR talked with eleven-year-old Andrew Petersen, a seventh-grade student at Mount Vernon Middle School, is taking on three different roles in MTVArts’ production of The Wizard of Oz.

Click HERE to listen to the full conversation or click on the picture link below!

Petersen plays the Winky General, a member of the Lollipop Guild and an Ozian. He says each role brings something different to the stage, from protecting the Wicked Witch as the Winky General to singing with the Lollipop Guild and helping introduce Dorothy and the other main characters to the city of Oz.

Petersen also talks about the challenge—and fun—of quickly changing between characters, costumes and personalities throughout the show. A veteran of several MTVArts productions, including A Christmas Story, Petersen says some of his favorite parts of theater are spending time with friends and having fun on stage. He encourages others to get involved in local theater and enjoy the experience. He even gives listeners a taste of the Lollipop Guild with a short performance during the interview.

Click HERE for info on tickets and showtimes!

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Knox County Foundation Awards $482,600 in Latest Grant Cycle

The Knox County Foundation has awarded $482,600 in grants to support organizations and programs throughout Knox County. WNZR talked with Lisa Lloyd, Senior Program Director with the Foundation.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation.

The largest award, a $300,000 grant to Interchurch Social Services, will help develop a new food pantry at 156 Howard Street in Mount Vernon. The renovated facility will provide additional storage for fresh and perishable foods while strengthening Interchurch’s ability to distribute food to other local pantries with limited storage.

Additional grants will support a wide range of community needs, including education and workforce development, health services, youth programs, recreation, facility improvements and nonprofit operations. Among the recipients are Habitat for Humanity, Fredericktown Local Schools, Knox Public Health, the YMCA of Mount Vernon, Knox Technical Center and several other local organizations. The Foundation also allocated $20,000 for Career and Technical Education scholarships. The next Small Grant cycle opens with an Expression of Intent deadline of September 15, followed by an application deadline of October 15.

Picture – The future home of Interchurch Social Services’ new food pantry at 156 Howard Street in Mount Vernon. Knox County Foundation awarded $300,000 to support renovations to the building.

Full Press Release:

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio (August 21, 2026) — The Knox County Foundation Board of Directors awarded $482,600 at its August board meeting. 

The largest award is a $300,000 grant to Interchurch Social Services to support the development of a new food pantry at 156 Howard Street in Mount Vernon. The building, donated by the Knox County Land Bank, will be renovated to create additional storage for fresh and perishable foods and increase Interchurch’s ability to distribute food to other area pantries with limited storage capacity.

“We are excited to partner with Interchurch Social Services on this important project and support their vision for expanding food access in our community,” said Lisa Lloyd, Senior Program Director at Knox County Foundation. “This new facility will not only help serve more local families, but also strengthen the network of food pantries across Knox County.”

The Foundation also approved funding to support education and workforce development, health and human services, youth programs, community improvements and nonprofit operations throughout the county.

Other grants awarded through the July cycle include:

  • Habitat for Humanity — $35,000 to purchase a forklift to safely and efficiently move ReStore donations and construction materials used for new home builds and repairs.
  • Fredericktown Local Schools — $23,000 to help establish a three-booth welding lab as the district expands its Agriscience pathway to include welding instruction and industry-recognized certifications.
  • Knox Public Health — $20,000 to replace the emergency backup generator at its main facility, helping protect temperature-sensitive vaccines and maintain essential health services during power outages.
  • Freedom Center — $20,000 for sidewalk and drainage improvements at its South Main Street facility, including concrete replacement, drainage repairs and basement waterproofing.
  • YMCA of Mount Vernon — $15,000 to provide financial assistance for memberships and programs, including childcare, summer camp, swimming lessons, youth sports and other activities.

  • Danville Athletic Boosters — $15,000 toward improvements to the Danville High School baseball field, including work to improve field conditions, drainage and player safety.

  • Knox Technical Center — $10,000 to support its OTC+ program, which expands access to career and technical education opportunities for area students.

  • Advocates for Families — $8,000 to support Youth Intervention Services, providing mentoring and individualized support to Knox County youth.

  • Place 4 Grace — $8,000 to support the expansion of p4g THRIFT into a new location within the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, helping generate revenue for maternity housing and support services.

  • Civil Air Patrol 299th Cadet Flight — $4,000 toward startup costs for the newly chartered Knox County squadron, which provides aviation and leadership experiences for youth ages 12–18.

  • Knox Health Planning Partnership — $2,500 to help provide transportation assistance for qualifying Knox County residents traveling outside the county for non-emergency medical care.

  • Kno-Ho-Co-Ashland Community Action Commission — $2,100 to purchase an automated external defibrillator (AED) for its Mount Vernon clinic.


The Foundation also allocated $20,000 for Career and Technical Education scholarships.

“The projects supported through this grant cycle reflect the wide range of work happening every day to make Knox County a stronger community,” said Lloyd “From expanding access to food to creating opportunities for students and supporting local organizations, we’re grateful to be able to invest in work that will make a meaningful difference for Knox County residents.”

Knox County Foundation accepts Small Grant applications four times each year and Major Grant applications twice annually. The next Small Grant cycle begins with an Expression of Intent deadline of September 15, followed by an application deadline of October 15. Grant decisions will be announced in November.

For more information about Knox County Foundation grant opportunities and application requirements, visit knoxcf.org.

Knox County Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in Knox County through charitable giving.

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