Coffee Conversation

Bentleyville Remains Nation’s Largest Free Lighting Display

Coffee Conversation: Bentleyville Tour of Lights

DULUTH, Minn. – With the holidays right around the corner, giant lighting displays are beginning to take over Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth. This is for Bentelyville Tour of Lights. Nearly four million lights fill the nation’s largest free walk through lighting display. Through the walk, there are stops for complimentary hot cocoa, cookies, popcorn and roasted marshmallows. Children will…

Christmas Lighting Challenge Begins this Week

Twin Ports Area Christmas Lighting Challenge Starts Wednesday

DULUTH, Minn. – It may be Halloween on Tuesday, but registration for the Twin Ports Area Christmas Lighting Challenge begins this week. Families and business owners are encouraged to decorate their buildings in Christmas lights and enter them in the competition. Once the establishments are entered, families can see the list online, tour the displays and vote for their favorites….

Hartley Nature Center Hosts Outdoor Halloween Event for Families

Coffee Conversation: Howl-O-Ween

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend superheroes, cartoon characters, witches and many more costumed kiddos will be filling Hartley Park. It’s all for the nature center’s annual Howl-O-Ween event. Families will look for animals along the trails on Saturday, October 28. There are two sessions for fun. The first is from 10 a.m. to noon and the second is from 1:00…

Train Ride Leads to Hidden Pumpkin Patch

Coffee Conversation: Pumpkin Patch Express

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend the Pumpkin Patch Express at the North Shore Scenic Railroad will be bringing families to a secret field to find the perfect pumpkin. There will be narration during the train ride and a chance to pick out a pumpkin at the destination. At the depot there will be magic shows, coloring, movies, bounce houses and…

Local Businesses Offer Specials for “Get Downtown Week”

Coffee Conversation: Get Downtown Week

DULUTH, Minn. – Local business owners are hoping patrons shop local this week for Get Downtown Week in Duluth. It’s a week developed to highlight the shops in Duluth’s downtown waterfront area. The participating stores will be featuring specials and Buy One Get One deals. More than 30 businesses are taking part in the bi-annual event. Get Downtown Week specials…

Lake Superior Research Institute Celebrates 50 Years at UW-Superior

Coffee Conversation: 50 Years of LSRI

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Lake Superior Research Institute is honoring 50 years at UW-Superior. They are celebrating with a free conference open to the public featuring keynote speaker Alexandra Cousteau. The LSRI was created in 1967 and formally recognized by the University of Wisconsin’s Board of Regents in 1969. LSRI’s mission is to conduct environmental research and provide services that…

Annual Festival Takes Duluthians Hundreds of Years Back in Time

Annual Lester River Rendezvous

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend Duluth is going back in time 200 years for an annual festival. The Lester River Rendezvous is Saturday, September 30 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The festival shows what life was like over 200 years ago and is described as being “a living history attraction devoted to recreating the days of the fur trade.”…

Upcoming Fundraiser Supports Free Dental Care for Students

8th Annual Sips & Slices

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Just Kids Dental is continuing its campaign of providing free dental care to children and an upcoming fundraiser will support that mission. The 8th Annual Sips & Slices is Thursday, September 21 from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. at the Superior Curling Club. This is a pizza and beer tasting fundraiser. There will also be raffles featuring items…

Food Banks Seek Donations in September

Coffee Conversation: Hunger Action Month

DULUTH, Minn. – This month people across the country are doing what they can to help the hungry. September is annually recognized as Hunger Action Month. This is meant to encourage people to donate to their local food banks. Shaye Moris, the Executive Director of Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank, says monetary donations go the farthest. The food bank…

Boat Tour Offers Fun, Educational Ride Along St. Louis River

Coffee Conversation: St. Louis River Alliance

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis River Alliance is once again heading out on the water to educate Northlanders about the estuary. There will be a boat tour on the Vista Star Thursday, September 7 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Boarding will begin at 5:30 p.m. The river alliance will highlight clean-up projects, successes and future vision of the estuary….

Emergency Pig-Out Raises Funds for Volunteer First Responders

Iron River Community to Host "Emergency Pig-Out"

IRON RIVER, Wis. – This weekend a Wisconsin community is banding together to support several projects in Iron River. White Winter Winery is once again hosting the Annual Emergency Pig Out. The event raises funds for Iron River’s Emergency Services to purchase and maintain EMS equipment. Also, this year some money will be going to the Iron River Lions Club…

Family Event Supports Superior Police and Fire Museum

Coffee Conversation: Superior Public Museums

SUPERIOR, Wis. – This evening the annual mini-golf fundraiser for the Old Firehouse and Police Museum is taking place. The family event runs from 5:00-8:00 p.m., Monday, August 21. There will be mini-golf, hot dogs, drinks and chips for $7.00. Local firefighters and police officers will be onhand to talk with kids and show vehicles. This is all taking place…

Local, Regional Artists to Show Work at Annual Festival

Coffee Conversation: Art in Bayfront Park

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend art will be filling a park in Duluth. The 7th Annual Art in Bayfront Park Festival starts up Saturday, August 18 and runs through Sunday, August 19. The art fair features local and regional artists. Work includes jewelry, painting, photography, ceramics, metal work, glass and more. The event is free. Saturday, the festival is open…

30 Acts Expected for Bayfront Blues Festival

Coffee Conversation: 29th Annual Bayfront Blues Festival

DULUTH, Minn. – Music will be filling Bayfront Festival Park this weekend for the 29th Annual Bayfront Blues Festival. Cyndee Parsons, the Media Relations Director, says out of the 30 acts expected there will be something for everyone. The festival starts up on Friday, August 11 and runs through Sunday, August 13. Following the performances on the main stages, a…

Tourists Flood Duluth for Summer Season

Coffee Conversation: Visit Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – The Summer tourist season is well underway in Duluth and several events have brought thousands to the city already this year. This week several free events, like the Chester Creek Concert Series and Concerts on the Pier at Glensheen, are followed by the annual All Pints North Brewfest in Bayfront Festival Park. Visit Duluth Media Communications Manager…

St. Louis River Alliance Celebrates River Restoration Funding

DULUTH, Minn. – In May the Minnesota Legislature passed their $988 million bonding bill Among the projects included in the bill is $25.4 million in funding for the St. Louis River Estuary Restoration Project. These funds will trigger $47.2 million in federal funds made available through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to accelerate the cleanup efforts of the St. Louis…

NRRI Receives Recurring Funding

Coffee Conversation: Natural Resources Research Institute

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s big news and big funding for the Natural Resources Research Institute. The institute was granted an additional $2 million in recurring funding from the Minnesota State Legislature. This almost doubles the previous state funding they were receiving and was the first funding increase since the 1980s. According to June Breneman, External Affairs Manager for the NRRI,…

Movies in the Park to Start Friday

It's Going to be a Wild Summer at Movies in the Park, Hosted by the Greater Downtown Council

DULUTH, Minn. -The Greater Downtown Council along with other fine sponsors are excited to invite the community to Leif Erikson Park for the 2017 Movies in the Park series. Every Friday evening from July 7 to August 4, gather the family and head to the park for free featured films. Darlene Marshall with the Greater Downtown Council stopped by FOX 21 to chat with…

New “Taste of Duluth” Festival to Provide Local Entertainment

Festival Encourages Family-Fun

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend a first-of-its-kind festival is coming to Bayfront Festival Park. The Taste of Duluth is Saturday, July 1 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. There will be more than 60 vendors of food, beer, crafts and more. There will also be live music throughout the entire festival. The event is aimed at highlighting all the great…

CHUM Rhubarb Festival Happening Saturday

Thousands will Crowd London Road in Duluth on Saturday, June 24

DULUTH, Minn. – Come for the food, stay for the fun this Saturday, June 24 as CHUM hosts the 2017 Rhubarb Festival from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00p.m. The festival will take place at 1100 London Road and inside First Lutheran Church. Admission is free and the event is open to the public. Plenty of tasty rhubarb treats will be offered…

One-Woman Show Remembers Laura Ingalls Wilder

Coffee Conversation: Douglas County Historical Society History Theatre

SUPERIOR, Wis. – This weekend a famous pioneer is being remembered through a one-woman show. The Douglas County Historical Society History Theatre is presenting “Laura Ingalls Wilder.” Jessica Michna is starring in the play. “Laura Ingalls Wilder” will be presented for one performance only; Saturday, June 17 at 7 pm. Tickets are $15 and are now on sale, by phone…

Superior Downtown Farmer’s Market Opens for Season

Farmer's Market Moves Location Due to Construction

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Spring is here, Summer is around the corner and farmer’s markets are back in the Northland! The 2017 Superior Downtown Farmers Market is every Wednesday through October 25, 2017. The market will be open from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. The Downtown Market has moved due to Belknap Construction. The market is in the 1200 block of…

Summer Camps Educate Children as School Closes for Season

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Children's Museum

DULUTH, Minn. – The end of the school year is nearing and many children will soon be home for the summer. The Duluth Children’s Museum is hosting several summer camps to keep children busy throughout the season. These camps aim to educate children without them realizing as they have fun with friends and activities. Topics will cover STEM, art, and history…

Promotion Aims to Support Downtown Local Businesses

Coffee Conversation: Get Downtown Week

DULUTH, Minn. – Spring tourism season is starting and more folks will be heading to downtown to get some shopping done. Get Downtown Week, put on by the Greater Downtown Council, is running through May 20. More than 30 businesses are teaming up to offer special BOGO deals this week. This is the second year for this promotion and it’s a…

Book Options for Spring Reading

Coffee Conversation: Books Sparking Discussions

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Midwest Roaster’s Coffee Conversation we’re highlighting some books perfect for Spring reading. Shari Illig, Community Business Development Manager for Barnes and Noble, gave a couple recommendations. Illig says both books would make great book club books because they spark conversations. The first recommendation is titled, “The Stranger in the Woods” by, Michael Finkel. This…

Rally Reminds Drivers to Watch for Motorcycles

May is Motorcycle Awareness Month

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Although the wintry weather has some folks thinking otherwise, Spring is upon us and with that brings more motorcycles on the roads. May is Motorcycle Awareness Month and is supported by ABATE of Wisconsin. Throughout the state, awareness day events are held to inform drivers the motorcyclists are back on the road. A rally is being held in…

UW-Superior Continues Tradition of Supporting Military Veterans

Coffee Conversation: 4th Annual Veterans Expo

SUPERIOR, Wis. – UW-Superior has been named a military-friendly school many times over the last several years. This week the school is proving just why that is. On Thursday, April 27, the school is hosting the 4th Annual Veterans Expo. The free event will run from 4:00-8:00 p.m. in the Great Room at the Yellowjacket Union. The Yellowjacket Union is…

Annual Bike Swap to Support Two Charities this Year

Coffee Conversation: Continental Ski & Bike

DULUTH, Minn. – Spring is here and Summer is quickly approaching, getting many Northlanders excited for the bicycling season. The 11th Annual Continental Ski and Bike Swap is coming up on April 21st-23rd. Discounted retail bikes and gently used bikes are available for purchase. Free bike helmets will be provided for those who purchase a children’s bike. Anyone can donate a…

City of Duluth Prepares for Tourist Season

Coffee Conversation: Spring Brings Visitors to Town

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth experienced a record number of tourists in 2016 due to major events like The Tall Ships Festival, the 40th Anniversary of Grandma’s Marathon and the Duluth Airshow. Although the summer of 2017 won’t be quite as busy, the Media Communications Manager for Visit Duluth, Bob Gustafson, says to expect many fun events. Things…

Day Dedicated to Supporting UW-Superior

Coffee Conversation: UWS Day of Giving

SUPERIOR, Wis. – This week there’s an opportunity to give back to a local university. The University of Wisconsin-Superior Foundation will host its third annual “Superior Day of Giving” on Wednesday, April 5. This is a 24-hour fundraising drive for alumni, parents, friends, community partners, local businesses, faculty, staff and students. Donors can choose where they’d like the money to…

Finding the Perfect Home with One Roof Housing

Coffee Conversation: One Roof Housing

DULUTH, Minn. – With Spring officially here, many Northlanders will have house-searching on the brain. Representatives from One Roof Housing visited FOX 21 to chat about important things to know when looking to move. Jackie Kemp, Education and Counseling Director for One Roof Housing, says there are education seminars to help future homebuyers. Noah Hobbs, Lending Director, says anyone looking…

Wellness Advocate Promotes Essential Oils

Coffee Conversation: Doterra Essential Oils

DULUTH, Minn. – For thousands of years, people have healed with nature’s touch. Essential oils are used around the world and found in the seeds, bark, stems roots, flowers, and other parts of plants. They have been used historically for food preparation, beauty treatment, and healthcare practices. This morning, doTERRA Wellness Advocate, Linda Carrillo, explained how essential oils have changed…

Sign-Up Date Approaches to Invest in CSA Farming

On Sunday, March 19, the 5th Annual Local Community Supported Agriculture Farm (CSA) Open House will Take Place

DULUTH, Minn. – Happening Sunday, March 19, from 2:00 – 5:00p.m., more than 200 people will be gathering in Duluth to choose a local farm to grow their vegetables this summer. Event organizers are hoping more Northlanders will choose to invest and buy local in 2017. The 5th Annual Local Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Farm Open House will take place…

Women’s Expo Returns to DECC

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Women's Expo

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Women’s Expo is back in Duluth. The annual event will be taking place Saturday, March 11 at the DECC. This year there will be more than 100 exhibitors. Women Rock, a fundraising organization benefiting breast cancer, will also have a presence at the event this year. Doors will be open for the expo from 9…

Abraham Lincoln, Civil War Reenactors Perform for President’s Day

Coffee Conversation: President's Day at Duluth Depot

DULUTH, Minn. – In celebration of President’s Day, the Duluth Depot is welcoming a famous guest. Abraham Lincoln, played by Fritz Klein, is making an appearance today. Klein will be performing the “Last Full Measure” which chronicles the time between when he was shot and when he died. Additionally, Klein will give “Lincoln Talks” throughout the day. The Lincoln Funeral…

Buzz Frenzy Software Promotes Local Businesses on Facebook

Coffee Conversation: Buzz Frenzy

DULUTH, Minn. – A new tech company, Buzz Frenzy, is offering a software to help small businesses propel their marketing on Facebook. This new tool Buzz Frenzy created allows businesses to add a specific hashtag anywhere in their Facebook post and when posted, the post will spread over Facebook. Founder and CEO, Dan Stocke, came up with the idea to…

Local Authors Featured at Barnes and Noble

Good Reads for Cold Weather

DULUTH, Minn. – Local authors were featured in this week’s Coffee Conversation. Shari Illig, Community Business Development Manager for Barnes & Noble, brought in four books to feature. The first is “Locally Laid” by, Lucie B. Amundsen. This book has been chosen as the One Book Northland for the community read. It’s coming out in paperback on February 28. Illig…

Adventuring through Hartley Park by Candlelight

Coffee Conversation: Candlelight Ski, Skate & Snowshoe

DULUTH, Minn. – Winter is back in the Northland and Hartley Park is filling up with outdoor enthusiasts. To celebrate the season, Hartley Nature Center is hosting their annual Candlelight Ski, Skate & Snowshoe event. It’s being held on February 11 from 4-7 p.m. There will be naturalist-led snowshoe hikes, cross-country skiing by candlelight, ice skating on Hartley Pond, dessert…

2017 Sees Expansion of Lake Superior Ice Festival

Coffee Conversation: Winter Fun on Barker's Island

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Lake Superior Ice Festival is expanding in 2017. The winter festival has added more events for the whole family. The fun kicks off on Friday, January 27 and runs through January 29. The festival takes place on Barker’s Island with many businesses throughout town hosting sales in honor of the event. On Friday, Northlanders can enjoy…

Beating Cabin Fever with a Disco Party

Coffee Conversation: Renegade Theater Season Kick-off

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend Northlanders can beat their cabin fever by dancing at Zeitgeist Arts. Renegade Theater is celebrating the season kick-off with a disco dance party. Proceeds from this event support the theater company. The fun gets underway at 8:00 p.m. with dancing starting up at 9:30 p.m. Before the dance, there will be a fire, cookies, board…

29th Annual Duluth Wedding Show to Feature Nearly 150 Exhibitors

Coffee Conversation: Planning Your Special Day

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center will be filled with brides and grooms as they plan their special day. The 29th Annual Duluth Wedding Show is Saturday, January 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be nearly 150 exhibitors to give advice and assist on the wedding day of many couples. A fashion show…

Life Coach Speaks on Making 2017 a Success

Coffee Conversation: New Year's Resolutions

DULUTH, Minn. – Last year, 2016, is now in the past and 2017 is underway. With a new year comes new resolutions from many folks across the Northland. While goals differ, the actions to make them stick are the same. This morning, Pam Solberg-Tapper, President of Coach for Success, visited FOX 21 to gives tips on the best way to…

Coffee Conversation: New Year’s Safety

Duluth Police Department Offers Tips on Staying Safe While Ringing in the New Year

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department is offering a few reminders to Northlanders who are looking to ring in the New Year. Office Ron Tinsley says he wants everyone to have a good time and have fun, but reminds folks to be safe, plan ahead, and use caution. Utilize the Duluth Transportation Authority (DTA) and their free ride system…

Coffee Conversation: Salvation Army Crosses Half-way Mark in Red Kettle Campaign

Salvation Army Hopes to Raise $295,000 by Christmas Eve

DULUTH, Minn. – The Salvation Army is reporting they are half way to their Red Kettle Goal. The Christmas Red Kettle Campaign started on November 19 and will run until Christmas Eve on December 24 at 3:00p.m. The goal of the Salvation Army this year is to raise $295,000 dollars. Major Bill Cox, Corps Officer, is reporting they are at…