Coffee Conversation

Coffee Conversation: Summer Food Access Program

The Summer Food Access Program is Organized by the Duluth Area Family YMCA

  The Duluth Area Family YMCA is once again participating in the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), providing students across the community with nutritious meals while school is out. Organizers say meals will be provided to all enrolled children (18 years of age and younger) without charge. Meals will be provided on a first come, first serve basis at the sites…

Coffee Conversation: 2018 Chester Creek Concert Series

The 36th Annual Chester Creek Concert Series Kicks Off Tuesday, June 12 at 7:00 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – Northlanders will have the chance to start rocking out every Tuesday evening (weather permitting) at Chester Bowl in Duluth. The 36th Annual Chester Creek Concert Series starts Tuesday, June 12, 2018. The concert series is ten weeks from June 12 through August 21. The concerts will run every Tuesday from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Organizers ask concert attendees to bring a…

Annual Rummage Sale to Take Over Park Point This Weekend

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth tradition is continuing this weekend. The Park Point Rummage Sale is taking place Friday, June 8th, and Saturday, June 9. This sale is four miles long on Duluth’s Park Point. There is expected to be about 125 yards of bargains with food available throughout the event. The sales run from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m….

The True Meaning of Memorial Day

Captain of Duluth Honor Guard, John Marshall, Shares the Importance of Memorial Day, West Duluth Memorial Day Parade

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s a holiday many use to grill, connect with family and friends or travel to kick off the summer season. But for Captain of the Duluth Honor Guard John Marshall, Memorial Day is a time to educate and share knowledge of why we honor the day annually. Marshall says it’s important to honor Memorial Day every day, not…

Local Art Gallery Prepares for New Exhibition, Collaboration with Arts District

Coffee Conversation: Joseph Nease Gallery

DULUTH, Minn. – The Joseph Nease Gallery in Duluth is gearing up for Summer with several new exhibitions and a new collaborative effort for the arts. The exhibition “Sweep,” along with a photography exhibit by Tim White and an art installation by Allen-Killian-Moore will be on display at the gallery for the next two weeks, until the end of May….

Twin Ports Walleye Association Promotes Fishing & River Restoration Through Tournament

Coffee Conversation: Walleye Fishing Tournament

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Fishing Opener just took place this past weekend and thousands of fishermen and women took to the lakes to reel in a big one. A group of walleye lovers is also feeling that enthusiasm. The Twin Ports Walleye Association (TPWA) will be hosting its 6th Annual Walleye Fishing Tournament on the St. Louis River May…

Bent Paddle to Celebrate Five Years with Annual Festival

Festiversary Takes Over West Michigan Street on Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. – Bent Paddle is celebrating their fifth anniversary and they want the public to join. Their annual Festiversary is taking place on Saturday, May 12 from 2 – 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door and $10 for those under 21 or the designated driver. Kids 14 and under are free. This is a…

Chmielewski Polkafest to Celebrate 40 Years

Coffee Conversation: Polkafest Preparations

HINCKLEY, Minn. – The polka tradition is continuing in Minnesota with the 40th Annual Chmielewski Polkafest this year. The long-standing weekend event is taking place Friday, May 18 – Sunday, May 20 at Grand Casino Hinckley. Florian Chmielewski describes polka as “happy music.” This year, there will be ten bands, 30 hours of dancing, polka dance lessons, door prizes, a…

Junior League of Duluth Introduces Inaugural Spring Fundraiser

Coffee Conversation: Festival of Spring

DULUTH, Minn. -A new tradition is starting this Spring with the Junior League of Duluth. The inaugural “Festival of Spring” event will celebrate the season. More than 40 local artisans, gift and outdoor-themed vendors will be selling goods, along with six topics for learning sessions on gardening. Additionally, there will be a Q&A table to ask questions of Duluth Master…

Annual Bike Swap to Kick Off Spring and Support Local Organizations

Coffee Conversation: 12th Annual Bike Swap

DULUTH, Minn. – As we transition slowly into Spring, many Northlanders are ready to get on their bikes and go for a ride. If you need a new bike or are looking to sell your old one, you can do so this weekend for a good cause. The 12th Annual Bike Swap is taking place on Saturday, April 21 and…

Education, Resources Provided at Community Wellness Day

The 2018 Northland Community Wellness Day is Happening Saturday, April 14, 2018

DULUTH, Minn. – On Saturday, April 14, you’re invited to the Essentia Health Duluth Heritage Center for Northland Community Wellness Day 2018. The event runs from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. with free admission and parking. Northland Community Wellness Day is an annual event providing education and resources that promote healthy families and communities. There will be over 80 exhibits…

Annual Rummage Sale to Fill Heritage Sports Center

Coffee Conversation: 3rd Annual Arena Rummage Sale

DULUTH, Minn. – One man’s trash may become another man’s treasure this weekend. The 3rd Annual Arena Rummage Sale is taking place on Saturday, April 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Heritage Sports Center. This is considered the largest indoor rummage sale in Northeastern Minnesota. For more information head to www.arenarummagesale.com. Categories: Business, Coffee Conversation, Community, Features,…

Taste at Fitger’s Fights Hunger in the Northland

Coffee Conversation: Taste at Fitger's

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend Northlanders can sample some good food and wine while supporting the local food bank. In this week’s Coffee Conversation, FOX 21 sat down with Fitger’s Mall Manager Tami Tanski Sherman to chat about the 24th Annual Taste at Fitger’s. The event is taking place Friday, March 30 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. in the Fitger’s…

Cool Cars to Fill DECC for 50th Motorhead Madness

Coffee Conversation: Arrowhead Autobody Motorhead Madness

DULUTH, Minn. – Classic cars, hot rods, trucks, race cars, remote-controlled cars and more will fill the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center this weekend. The 50th Annual Arrowhead Auto Body Motorhead Madness is taking place Saturday, March 24 and Sunday, March 25. Danielle Colby from History Channel’s ‘American Pickers’ will be holding a Meet and Greet Saturday from 11 a.m. –…

Economic Outlook for Northland to be Discussed at Annual Forum

Coffee Conversation: REIF Breakfast

DULUTH, Minn. -Next month Northlanders will have the chance to learn about the area’s economic outlook. The National Bank of Commerce is hosting the annual REIF Breakfast on Tuesday, April 3. The Regional Economic Indicators Forum gives local business owners an opportunity to network and receive information on current business trends. Students from local colleges, The University of Minnesota –…

Good Meals for a Deal in Duluth this Week

Coffee Conversation: Eat Downtown

DULUTH, Minn. – This week more than a dozen restaurants in Duluth are cooking up meals for a deal. The restaurants have created multi-course lunch and dinner menus for folks to enjoy throughout the week. The lunches will be $10, with dinners costing $25. Eat Downtown runs Monday, March 5 through Saturday, March 10. For a full list of restaurants,…

Drone Photographs of FOX 21 Photojournalist to be Featured at Vanilla Bean

Coffee Conversation: Drone Art Gallery

DULUTH, Minn. -The Northland provides the beautiful landscape for any artist to portray. A local photographer is showing the sites through drone work. Adam Jagunich will be presenting a drone photo gallery at The Vanilla Bean – Two Harbors through March. An art opening is being held Thursday, March 1 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Adam will be at the…

Family Fun and Bonding is Goal of Annual Dance

Coffee Conversation: 4th Annual Mother-Son Super Hero Dance

DULUTH, Minn. – Father-daughter dances are common bonding moments for families, but what about mothers and their sons? One Northland group is ensuring they have their special time, too. A Sweet Event is hosting the 4th Annual Mother-Son Super Hero Dance in Duluth. The event is being held Saturday, February 24 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Clyde Iron Works….

UMD Students Create Art to Support Duluth NAACP

Coffee Conversation: Freedom Fund Dinner

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth NAACP’s upcoming Freedom Fund Dinner is getting some support from UMD graphic design students. Those students are designing pieces to be sold as a fundraiser for the Duluth NAACP at the annual Freedom Fund Dinner. This is taking place on Friday, Feb. 23. There will be an art show from 5 – 6 p.m. and…

Duluth Edison Charter Schools to Create Alumni Program with New Celebration

Coffee Conversation: DECS Alumni and Third Decade Celebration

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Edison Charter Schools is celebrating several years in the Northland. While marking that milestone, they’re hoping to build school spirit through alum. Bonnie Jorgenson, the Head of Schools, says this is important in order to build a school community that lasts a lifetime. This past year, the school is entering its 21st year, so the new…

After Years of Work, Duluth’s NorShor Theatre Reopens This Week

Coffee Conversation: Mamma Mia! Kicks of NorShor Entertainment

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s a big week for the city of Duluth as the highly-anticipated opening of The NorShor Theatre is taking place this week. After several years of work to make this a reality, performers will once again be on the stage. “It’s incredibly exciting, it’s stressful, it’s such a momentous moment. There’s so much leading up to this…

Saturday Morning Races Aim to Keep Kids Active

Coffee Conversation: Saturday Morning at the Races

DULUTH, Minn. – Grandma’s Marathon may be six months away, but that isn’t stopping some events from starting up to prepare for the big day. The Young Athletes Foundation is offering free youth races on Saturday mornings. The races are for children 14 and under. The next event is Saturday, January 20 at the University of Minnesota-Duluth in the Ward…

Northern Lights Foundation Calls for “More Cowbell”

Annual Fundraiser Takes Place Thursday Night

DULUTH, Minn. – A night of music, dinner, and drinks is supporting a worthy cause this week. The 9th Annual More Cowbell fundraiser is taking place on Thursday, January 11. The event is once against supporting the Northern Lights Foundation. The foundation gives grants to families who have children with life-threatening illnesses. Several groups will perform on stage with The…

Life Coach Presents Tips on Being the Best “You” in 2018

Coffee Conversation: New Year's Resolutions

DULUTH, Minn. – As 2018 begins, many Northlanders will be looking to improve themselves in different ways. For this week’s Coffee Conversation we talked with Executive Coach Pam Solberg-Tapper about ways to ensure you fulfill these resolutions. To learn more about Solberg-Tapper and her business, you can contact her at pam@coachforsuccess.com , 218-729-0772 or www.coachforsuccess.com. Here is her blog post…

St. Luke’s Cardiologist Gives Heart Health Tips for Winter Months

Avoiding Heart Attacks in the Snow

DULUTH, Minn. – With recent snowfall and more in the forecast, doctors are giving warnings for those headed outside. Without previous exercise, many bodies aren’t ready for snowy conditions. Dr. Disha Mookherjee with St. Luke’s Cardiology Associates says some elderly patients can find themselves shoveling 16-20 pounds of snow as they take on the responsibilities of being a homeowner. Dr….

Coffee Conversation: Zenith Bookstore Offers Icelandic Holiday Tradition

In This Week's Coffee Conversation, Zenith Bookstore Owner Angel Dobrow Chats About the Jolabokafloo, or "Yule Book Flood"

DULUTH, Minn. – In this week’s Midwest Roasters Coffee Conversation, Angel Dobrow, Owner of Zenith Bookstore, stopped by FOX 21 Local News to chat about their ongoing holiday event. The Icelandic tradition is traditionally called Jolabokafloo. The Zenith Bookstore in Duluth is bringing it to you by pairing books with chocolate. It’s a tradition done before the holidays and it’s…

Strength in Community Scholarship Supports Northland Education

FOX 21 Offers $21,000 Worth of Scholarships

DULUTH, Minn. – FOX 21, along with partners, is once again giving back to students in the Northland. This is through Fox 21’s Strength in the Community Scholarship. It aims at educating students in the Northland who are looking for jobs in the Northland. If you’re a high school senior with a GPA between 2.5 and 3.5, be sure to…

Local Knitters to Distribute “Yarn Bomb” for Good Cause

Warm up the City Takes Place Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. – A group of knitters in Duluth is hoping to keep some folks warm this winter through their drive “Warm up the City.” Yarn Harbor is collecting hats, mittens, and scarves to distribute throughout the city this weekend. They’ll place the donations around town so people in need can pick them up. They’ll all have a tag reading…

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…