Entertainment

Volunteer Snowmobile Trail Groomer In Need of Repair or Replacement

The only groomer tackling trails in East Duluth and up the North Shore is out of service.

DULUTH, Minn.- The only snow groomer working on snowmobile trails in East Duluth is out of commission and in need of repair. While grooming the trails, the Duluth Drift-Toppers Snowmobile Club’s machine encountered an engine failure. Now the motor has to be redone, in order to keep the trails used by snowmobilers, fat-tire bikers, and hikers smooth and clean. The…

Beijing Restaurant Reopens to Chinese-Craving Customers

Restaurant opened nearly two years after fire shut it down.

DULUTH, Minn.- London Road smelled a little more like Chinese food Tuesday as the popular Beijing restaurant finally opened after a fire shut it down in 2018. The place was pretty busy throughout the day. Beijing is known for its big portions at a reasonable price. Longtime customers were all smiles, anxious to try their favorite dishes. “Every two weeks…

The Ups and Downs of Unfrozen Lake Superior

Experts share different effects of the lake's low ice cover, while some Northlanders miss the ice.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Northland has gone through an unseasonably warm winter, eliminating the chance for much ice to form on the surface of Lake Superior. “I was excited for the ice build up and it’s just not coming yet,” Lindsey Ruhnke said. Lapping waves is a surprising sound to hear by the lake at the beginning of February. “I think…

Boys and Girls Club Names Youth of the Year

Annual event highlights young people with exceptional character qualities.

DULUTH, Minn.- Four youth from the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Northland competed to be named Youth of the Year Tuesday. The annual event highlights young people who exemplify the pillars of a healthy lifestyle, good character and citizenship, and academic success. It was established in 1947 to help more youth develop the skills they’ll use throughout life. “It’s…

2nd Annual Northern Pines Sled Dog Race Happening in Iron River

The Northern Pines Sled Dog Race is Happening Saturday, February 15, 2020

IRON RIVER, Wis. – The community of Iron River, Wisconsin, is thrilled to be hosting the 2nd annual Northern Pines Sled Dog Race on Saturday, February 15. The event is happening at the Northern Pines Golf Course and Event Center. It’s free and open to the public. Races will begin around 8:30 a.m. Organizers encourage families in the region come…

Soul and Soul Food Served to Hundreds at UMD

At 240 people the event was sold out.

DULUTH, Minn.- Great smells, great company, and of course great tastes packed the Kirby Ballroom for the Black Student Association’s annual Soul Food dinner. “It signifies black people and unity, honestly,” Black Student Association Treasurer Trina Kwamboka said. “Being brought together to eat by your Grandma, to eat some soul food. It’s a really big thing in the black culture.”…

Celebrating Winter and Community at Carlton Winterfest

25th annual Winterfest featured activities indoors and outdoors.

CARLTON, Minn.- The weather was just right in Carlton for the annual Winterfest. Families enjoyed face painting, animals from Lake Superior Zoo’s Zoomobile, and a chili cookoff. Meanwhile outside they enjoyed “Mini Hook and Slice”: minigolf in the snow with tennis balls. The perfect way to spend a winter day. “People are, at this time of year in Minnesota winters…

City of Duluth Launches New MuniciPals Podcast

First episode received 100 downloads in a day.

DULUTH, Minn.- The City of Duluth is distributing information in a new way with a monthly podcast. The “MuniciPals” podcast started out as a joke according to officials, but has now turned into a new way to give people a behind the scenes look at the city, and distribute information on a wider scale. Following a peaceful guitar riff, Phil…

Hundreds Gather to Love their Local Artists

Superior Public Library's 10th annual event gathers 200-450 people.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior Public Library was packed with hundreds of community members Friday night, who came out to celebrate and love their local artists. The Library hosted the 10th Annual Love Your Local Artists event. About 40 different local artists and craftspeople showed off their pieces to between 250 and 400 attendees, giving them a fun activity to do…

Behind Bars For FUN! Try To Escape This Test

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: Escape Room Parties Brings Mobile Escape Rooms To The Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — In this weeks Active Adventures Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot and Brett Scott are locked up, in “Alcatraz prison”. Find out if they can escape… Join in on the escape room fun THIS WEEKEND ONLY. Thurs Feb. 6, Fri Feb. 7 & Sat. Feb 8th at the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center, 305 E 2nd St, Superior,…

‘The Little Prince’ Comes to Life at Marshall Performing Arts Center

'The Little Prince' is a Production for Audience Members of All Ages

DULUTH, Minn. – A classic children’s story is coming to life inside the Marshall Performing Arts Center on the campus of UMD. The student-run production is taking place February 6 – 8 and 12 – 15 at 7:30 p.m., with a 2:00 p.m. matinee on February 9. The classic children’s story that resonates with adults comes to life on stage…

Potato Skins Pair With A Jamaican Cowboy Cocktail

COOKING CONNECTION: Texas Roadhouse Appetizers & Drinks

DULUTH, Minn. — In this weeks Cooking Connection Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot features Texas Roadhouses potato skin appetizers, paired with a fruity mixed drink. Learn how to cook your own potato skins and mix your own Jamaican Cowboy at home! Categories: Community, Cooking Connection, Entertainment, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News Tags: Cooking Connection, Jamaican Cowboy, Local Appetizers, Meteorologist Brittney…

How Can Northern Minnesota Become a Hub for TV and Film Production?

Local film and TV professionals discuss how to make the Northland a regional center in the media industry

DULUTH, Minn. – Movies like ‘North Country’ and ‘Iron Will’ were shot right here in the Northland. And according to media professionals, more producers want to bring their projects here. “We have some of the most talented people in the United States if not in the world, we have scenery that is unmatched,” said Steven Sanders of Ironbound Studios. In…

Escape the Bong 2.0 Raising Funds for Educational Programs

Five Escape Rooms Will Be Set Up at the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center February 6 - 8, 2020

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Are you feeling extra intelligent or lucky this week? If so, you may want to visit the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center in Superior February 6 – 8. Escape the Bong 2.0 is presented by Heritage Window & Door. The fundraising event is back by popular demand for a second year in a row. The escape…

Apply Now! Chester Creek Concert Series Seeks Local Musicians

The 2020 Chester Creek Concert Series Begins Tuesday, June 9; Musician Applications Now Open

DULUTH, Minn. – Many Northlanders are dreaming of warm weather, green grass, and live music in the park. Registration is now open, inviting local musicians to apply to be part of the 38th annual Chester Creek Concert Series. The application process is open until Friday, February 21 at 4:00 p.m. Interested musicians are encouraged to submit an audio or video…

Mexican Chorizo Skillet Spices Up The Northland

COOKING CONNECTION: Crooked Pint Ale House

DULUTH, Minn. – In this weeks Cooking Connection, Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot has Crooked Pint Ale House in featuring their brunch menu. This spicy skillet heats up the Northland in the dead of winter with flavor and a full belly. Check it out in the video above. MEXICAN CHORIZO SKILLET INGREDIENTS: 1/2 oz 80/20 oil 1/2 oz butter 8oz hasbrown…

40th Annual Northland Figure Skating Competition This Weekend

The Competition Kicks Off Friday, January 31, Running Through Sunday, February 2

DULUTH, Minn. – Starting Friday, January 31, nearly 500 figure skaters will descend on Duluth for the 40th annual Northland Figure Skating Competition and Excel Series. The event runs through Sunday, February 2, with events taking place throughout each day. On Sunday there will be the Showcase Routines including props and costumes in Amsoil from 9:00 a.m. – Noon. The…

300 Mile North Shore Journey Ends at Beargrease Finish Line

Ryan Reddington, Keith Aili, Ryan Anderson first three to cross finish line.

DULUTH, Minn.- An exciting night in Grand Portage, as crowds gathered at the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon finish line to welcome the mushers with cheers and support as they completed their nearly 300 mile journey. “The dogs know when they’re getting close to the end they can smell the smoke in the air,” said Race Marshall Stan Passananti. Around…

Cold Front February Moves to Bayfront Festival Park This Year

The Festival is Taking Place Saturday, February 1, 2020

DULUTH, Minn. – Warmer, spring-like temperatures are headed toward the Northland this weekend, but that’s not stopping the City of Duluth Parks and Recreation Department from hosting the third annual Cold Front February at Bayfront Festival Park. The event is changing venues this year. It was previously held in Canal Park, but organizers wanted to utilize Bayfront this year. “It’s…

Lake Superior Zoo First in State to Be Sensory Inclusive

Zoo received certification, and sensory bags to help special needs children.

DULUTH, Minn.- Those with sensory needs can now enjoy all the sights and sounds of Lake Superior Zoo, without being overwhelmed by the senses. The Zoo is now the first zoo in Minnesota to be certified sensory inclusive. KultureCity certifies more than 350 locations across the nation as sensory inclusive, to help children with special needs who may be sensitive…

Superior Sister City Commission Hosting Free Japanese New Year Celebration

Shinnenkai 2020 is Happening Monday, January 27 at Christ Lutheran Church in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Japanese New Year will be front and center at Christ Lutheran Church in Superior on Monday, January 27. Superior Sister City Commission is hosting the annual Japanese New Year’s Celebration. The event kicks off at 6:00 p.m. and will run though 8:00 p.m. It’s free and open to the public. Participants will enjoy foods, activities, origami, Kimono…

Beargrease Broadcast Internationally for First Time

Over 100 countries can view the race this year.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Beargrease is making history this year, as it is the first year the race is being broadcast internationally. This year the race will be seen in over 100 countries. Mushers on the North Shore trail are competing with mushers in Norway, Russia, and the Iditarod not only with racing, but by the health of their dogs as…

Beargrease Vets on Alert with Warm Temperatures

Dogs more prone to overheating, dehydration in the heat.

DULUTH, Minn.- All the dogs taking mushers along the Beargrease trail, which is softer than usual due to warmer weather, calls for a big team of trained veterinarians. 11 vets and 7 veterinary technicians are stationed at each checkpoint, along with one EMT to check on the human mushers. Vets say while they’re there for medical attention, mushers are usually…

Dogs, Spectators Energetic at Beargrease Starting Line

Mushers prepare for a longer and softer trail, thanks to unseasonably warm temperatures.

DULUTH, Minn.- The excitement was in the air at the starting line of the 40th Annual John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon. “These dogs were meant to run, they were born to run, they’re trained to run,” said Race Spokesperson Monica Hendrickson, the yip of excited race dogs behind her. The dogs’ howls light a flame in everyone’s hearts. “Everything about…

Beer, Food, Bonfires to Kick Off Beargrease Weekend

Brewsheen by Beargrease is Happening Friday, January 24 at Glensheen Mansion in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is partnering with Glensheen Mansion and Canal Park Brewing Company for the annual Brewsheen by Beargrease. It’s taking place Friday, January 24, with a special keg tapping event at 5:30 p.m. At the event, guests will enjoy culinary creations and complimentary beer from Canal Park Brewing. Bonfires galore will be going…

Spicing Up Brunch With A Breakfast Flatbread

COOKING CONNECTION: Crooked Pint Ale House Offers A Brunch Menu On Weekend

DULUTH, Minn. — In this weeks Cooking Connection, Crooked Pint Ale House prepares us a flavorful Breakfast Flatbread. They offer a WEEKEND BRUNCH MENU Saturday and Sunday from 10am – 2pm. BREAKFAST FLATBREAD RECIPE: 1/2 oz butter 3 oz hasbrowns Flatbread 1 oz Hollandaise 1 oz jalepenos loaf 2 oz scrambled eggs 1/2 oz jalepenos 1/2 oz green onion 1…

Renegade Theater Kicks Off 2020 Season with Production of “Bright Star”

"Bright Star" Opens at Renegade Theater Friday, January 24 at 7:30 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – Renegade Theater Company is proud to present the first production of their 2020 season, “Bright Star.” Performers Christina Stroup Manchester and Blake Reistad stopped by FOX 21 Local News from 7 – 9 a.m. to chat about the upcoming production. It’s set to take center stage on Friday, January 24. Other performances will take place January 25,…

Pattison State Park to Host Centennial Celebration with Series of Events

Events Will Kick Off January 25 with a Winterfest Celebration

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Wis. – Pattison State Park becomes 100 year old on January 20th. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is kicking off the centennial year with “Winterfest” on Saturday, January 25th, from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Friends of Pattison and Amnicon Falls State Parks. Winterfest will offer a sledding hill, candlelight hike/ski, and…

Less Than Week Ahead of Beargrease, Fundraiser Helps with Last Minute Expenses

Fundraiser helps accommodate for money lost from stolen bales of straw.

DULUTH, Minn.- Excitement is building less than a week before the 40th annual John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon. A fundraiser was held at Breeze Inn on Jean Duluth Road to help raise money for the race, after 200 bales of straw were stolen back in October. That straw is used as bedding for the dogs. The race raised money in…

Minnesota State Fair to Add Metal Detectors, Other Upgrades This Year

Metal detectors at gates just one of many improvements and maintenance for 2020 Get Together.

MINNESOTA- This year the Minnesota State Fair will be adding metal detectors to their gates, among other upgrades and maintenance projects. According to Fair Officials entrance gates will be changed to accommodate fair-time metal detectors. “We’ve looked at adding metal detectors to our public safety program for a while now,” said State Fair General Manager Jerry Hammer. “We added bag…

MLK Indoor Frisbee Tournament Raises Money for UMD Team

Fundraiser raises about $2,000 every year.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD’s Northern Lights Ultimate Frisbee Team held their annual MLK Indoor Tournament Fundraiser at Ward Wells Fieldhouse Saturday. Teams from as far as Mankato and North Dakota came to the fieldhouse to play. The tournament is how the UMD team raises most of their money for travel expenses, jersey fees, and more for the whole season. According to…

International Athletes Tear Down Red Bull Ice Cross Hill

Riders speed down the hill at 40-50 mph.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Hundreds of athletes from around the world gathered at Mont Du Lac Ski Resort for the 6th Annual Red Bull Ice Cross World Championship. “Maybe we’re a little crazy,” said Alex Mercier, a rider from Quebec. Blink and you’ll miss the riders tearing down the hill. “These guys reach some pretty incredible speeds,” Operations Manager Mike O’Hara said,…

MORE COWBELL, More Calories Burned, More Donations!

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: 11th Annual More Cowbell Fundraiser For Northern Lights Foundation

DULUTH, Minn. — In this weeks Active Adventures Fox 21 competes for the third time in the Annual More Cowbell Event, put on by the Northern Lights Foundation. All proceeds go to helping local kids with serious illnesses. This took place Thursday January 16th, 2020 at Grandma’s Sports Garden in Canal Park. The competitive and fun fundraiser featured 10 teams…

Curlers as Old as 92 Play in Curl Mesabi Senior Curling League

Senior Curlers play for an hour and a half to two hours.

EVELETH, Minn.- On Mondays and Wednesdays at the Curl Mesabi Curling Club, the curlers taking over the ice are more experienced in the game, and in life. Curl Mesabi’s Senior Curling League is made up of 65 curlers. The youngest are 50-55, and the oldest curler sweeping those rocks is 92-years-old. According to organizers, the hour-and-a-half to two-hour sessions are…

Northern Lights Foundation to Host 11th Annual More Cowbell Fundraiser

The Energetic More Cowbell Fundraiser is Happening Thursday, January 16 at Grandma's Sports Garden in Canal Park

DULUTH, Minn. – For folks dealing with a strange fever in the Northland, the Northern Lights Foundation has a prescription — More Cowbell! The 11th annual Northern Lights Foundation Fundraiser supports local children facing life-threatening illnesses. The comical event is happening Thursday, January 16 at The Sports Garden in Canal Park. Doors will open at 5:00 p.m. with the show…

Bearboo Coffee Escape and Car Wash Gets New Owners

Previous employee became owner on New Year's Day.

CLOQUET, Minn.- Cloquet’s only combination coffee shop and car wash is seeing new ownership this year. Natalie and Chris Swanson officially owned Bearaboo Coffee Escape and the adjacent car wash as of New Year’s Day. Natalie had been working at the hangout since February, she said customers warned not to change much and she respects that. So people can still…

Queen Agrees To Let Harry, Meghan Move Part-Time to Canada

SANDRINGHAM, England (AP) – Queen Elizabeth II has agreed to grant Prince Harry and his wife Meghan their wish for a more independent life, allowing them to move part-time to Canada while remaining firmly in the House of Windsor. The British monarch said in a statement Monday that the summit of senior royals on Monday was “constructive,” and that it…

International Falls Community Prepares to Celebrate 40th Annual Icebox Days

Icebox Days Festival is Happening January 16 - 19 in International Falls

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn. – Many in the Northland travel south when temperatures drop below zero, but one community in Northern Minnesota looks to celebrate the cold with a three day festival jam packed with fun events. Icebox Days Festival is happening Friday, January 16 – Sunday, January 19 in International Falls. This will mark the 40th year of the celebration,…

Climbing Cliffs in Snowshoes

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: Bluefin Bay Resort Activites Takes Us Along The Superior Hiking Trail

TOFTE, Minn. — In this weeks Active Adventures Bluefin Bay Resorts on Lake Superior takes Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot on a snowshoe hike up the Superior Hiking Trail Section 13, climbing cliffs to enjoy wonderful views of the Baptism River Valley. Join them as they blaze a trail through deep snow, on an advanced trail that goes uphill 450 feet….

The Noble Pour Cocktail Lounge Features Vita Excelenta

Cooking Connection: The Noble Pour Cocktail Lounge

DULUTH, Minn. – Nearly one month after opening date, Noble Pour Cocktail Lounge in the Lincoln Park Craft District joins FOX 21 Local News for this week’s Cooking Connection. While there are no stovetops or ovens involved this week, the handcrafted beverage is stirred, and strong! The Vita Excelenta cocktail is crafted with tequila, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Bodega Vermouth,…

Explore Latest Trends in Wedding Planning Saturday at the DECC

The Duluth Wedding Show is Happening Saturday, January 11, 2020

DULUTH, Minn. – On Saturday, January 11 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., local brides and grooms to be are invited to stop by the DECC to take part in the 32nd annual Duluth Wedding Show. Kynze Lundeen, Show Coordinator, stopped by FOX 21 Local News from 7 – 9 a.m. to chat about this year’s show. The show features…

Smoking Out Superior’s ‘SOUP-erior’ Soup

All month long you can vote on the best soup in Soup Town.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A new event this month is putting a warm spin on Superior’s nickname, “Soup Town.” SOUP Superior First is a survey open all month long for people to get out and try different handmade soups at any restaurant throughout the city. You can then vote for the restaurant and that specific soup online for it to be declared…

Prince Harry and Meghan to ‘Step Back’ as Senior UK Royals

LONDON (AP) – Britain’s Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, say they plan “to step back” as senior members of the royal family and will “work to become financially independent.” A message from the couple issued Wednesday by Buckingham Palace said they intend to “balance” their time between the U.K. and North America while carving out “a progressive new role…

Mighty Pups Are Ready to Go! PAW Patrol LIVE! at the DECC

PAW Patrol LIVE! is Happening at the DECC Symphony Hall January 7 - 8

DULUTH, Minn. – No job is too big, no pup is too small! PAW Patrol LIVE! is taking place inside DECC Symphony Hall January 7 – 8. The PAW Patrol pups have a mission to accomplish in Duluth. Ahead of the upcoming three performances in the Northland, mighty pup Chase and spokesperson Michael Bartkiewicz stopped by FOX 21 Local News…

Mala Beadmaking Helps People Keep New Year’s Resolutions

Beadmaking workshop aims to keep people in touch with their intentions.

DULUTH, Minn.- If you have some trouble keeping up with your New Year’s Resolutions, Mala Beads may be able to help. It Takes a Village Healing Collective Downtown held its monthly Mala beadmaking workshop Sunday. Malas are strings of 108 beads used as a tool to help meditation practice. No one else is to touch your beads but you, so…

Community Day Brings Hundreds to Glensheen

Free day of admission attracted many to the mansion.

DULUTH, Minn.- Glensheen Mansion saw quite a few people come through Sunday, as it was the next stop on the list of the City’s Community Day destinations. Tourist destinations that benefit from the tourism tax revenue each have a Community Day where special offers are available for anyone to attend. On Sunday Glensheen offered free admission for tours, including the…

Vikings Fans Flood Grandma’s to Watch Wild Card Game

Dozens of fans cheered on the Vikes.

DULUTH, Minn.- Grandma’s Sports Garden was alive with dozens of fans as they cheered on the Vikings to win against the Saints Sunday. Fans whooped and hollered, flooding the Sports Garden floor with purple and yellow. Whether they were cheering wildly or groaning at some bad calls, they were all united in their love of SKOL. “We got a lot…

Ozobots Take Over Duluth Public Library

Families learn how to code with Ozobots.

DULUTH, Minn.- Robots took over Duluth Saturday, as the Duluth Public Library taught families how to code with Ozobots. The little orbs on wheels follow lines drawn on paper with special markers, allowing kids to program what they do. According to library staff, while programming sounds difficult, it isn’t hard at all. “It’s a really easy learning curve. the best…

FIRST Robotics Competition Season Kicks Off

Game reveal held at UMD with teams from across the Northland.

DULUTH, Minn.- The robotics season has officially begun, as Saturday high school robotics teams from across the Northland got a first look at their game for this year’s FIRST Robotics Competition. The Marshall Performing Arts Center Auditorium packed with anxious high school engineers waiting to see how they’ll have to design their robots this year. “Getting that experience and being…