Entertainment

Bockfest Begins at Fitgers Brewery

The beer festival is a celebration of spring, that brings people together to welcome the changing of the season from cold to warm

DULUTH, Minn. – Hundreds of years ago the tradition of Bockfest began in Germany. Tonight, that tradition continued in Duluth. The 23rd annual Bockfest kicked off at Fitgers with the blessing of the bock. The beer festival is a celebration of spring, that brings people together to welcome the changing of the season from cold to warm. The Split Rock…

Minnesota EagleCam Captures Hatching

First Eagle Chick Born on Camera This Year

TWIN CITIES, Minn.-The bald eagles on the Minnesota DNR’s EagleCam, had their first chick born today. It’s expected two others will be born by this weekend. Biologists were concerned that the first egg might not hatch, as it was left in the cold for quite a while.   To view the EagleCam, visit http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/features/webcams/eaglecam/index.html Categories: Entertainment, Environment, News, News – Latest…

New Online Reservation System Rolls Out for Duluth Parks

The New System is Now Entirely Online, Allowing Park Users to Easily Access Information

DULUTH, Minn. – Next time you’re looking to make reservations at a Duluth Park location, things will be a little easier thanks to a new system being rolled out by the Duluth Parks and Recreation Department. Duluthians and visitors from all over will now be able to see what parks are available, look at pictures, read information, select a date,…

Sen. Franken Hosts Annual Hotdish Competition

Many Minnesota Politicians Participated

WASHINGTON, D.C.-Sen. Al Franken hosted his seventh annual hotdish competition in Washington D.C. today, with many noted Minnesota politicians participating. Democrat Rep. Collin Peterson from western Minnesota won the top prize this year with his “Right to Bear Arms” hotdish. It had actual bear in it. Despite Peterson’s win, Franken said he’s not bitter. “If I don’t win it’s fine,” he said….

102-Year-Old Rochester Man Honored with High School Diploma

(Post Bulletin/ Scott Jacobson) ROCHESTER, Minn. (AP) – A 102-year-old Rochester man can finally call himself a high school graduate. Leon Swendsen received an honorary diploma Tuesday, from Rochester Public Schools, in a ceremony that saw him don a cap and gown, and march to the front of the room while a small student orchestra played the traditional graduation song…

Duluth Airshow, DARE2B to Provide Free Airshow Tickets to Students

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Air & Aviation Expo, presented by St. Luke’s and Twin Ports D.A.R.E.(DARE2B) held an event today to announce that tickets to the most anticipated event happening this summer, will be free for more than 7,500 elementary school students in grades K-5, thanks to underwriting from DARE2B. Judy Weber, the founder of Twin Ports DARE Inc,…

Local Heroes to Battle on Ice

Hockey Game Supports Northern Lights Foundation

DULUTH, Minn. – Local heroes will soon be battling on the ice for a good cause. The Duluth Police Department and Duluth Fire Department are preparing for a hockey game for a good cause. Proceeds from the hockey game will go to The Northern Lights Foundation. The foundation provides grants to Northland families with children battling life-threatening illnesses. These grants can…

Pierre The Voyageur Takes A Hit During Wind Storm

20 Foot Statue Loses Arm And Large Paddle

Two Harbors, Minn Pierre, the 20 foot tall Voyageur in Two Harbors needs a hand, literally. A victim of today’s vicious winds, Pierre lost his arm and giant canoe paddle. He’s the first thing you see when you’re traveling north into Two Harbors and was created 57 years ago. One employee at the Earthwood Inn tells us that she just hopes…

Dayton Repeals Old Sunday Liquor Sales Ban

Sales will begin in July

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – It’s official, come July, Minnesotans can begin buying liquor on Sundays. Governor Mark Dayton signed a bill on Tuesday repealing the decades-old ban. Minnesota liquor store can open their doors on Sunday between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. beginning in July. His signature is the final chapter in years of efforts to repeal the Prohibition-era…

Bockfest Ushers in Spring at Fitger’s

Blessing of the Bock Taking Place Thursday

DULUTH, Minn. – An annual event ushering Spring is getting underway this week.   The 23rd Annual Fitger’s Bockfest starts up Thursday. Throughout the three-day celebration there will be authentic German food, nightly music and local beer. Things get underway on Thursday, March 9 at 5:00 p.m. with the annual blessing of the bock. On Friday, March 10 the beer…

Local Musicians Perform at Glensheen this March

Northland Uncovered: Glensheen Unplugged

DULUTH, Minn. – Music will soon be filling the halls of Glensheen Mansion. Local musicians will be performing inside the historic estate for their Glensheen Unplugged concert series. Marketing Manager Jane Pederson tells FOX 21 museum officials have been working on this project for more than a year. The performances will be on the lower level of Glensheen from 7-9…

Brewery Coming to Downtown Grand Rapids

Rapids Brewing Company will include a restaurant, taproom, and live entertainment

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – A new brewery is expected to open up by the end of this year in Grand Rapids. Rapids Brewing Company recently got the green light to move forward with plans to build a brewery downtown, at the site of the old Rialto Theater on Pokegama Avenue North. The $3 million dollar project will keep most of…

Duluth Violinist Striking a Chord with Fans, Critics Alike

DULUTH, Minn. (KMSP) – Gaelynn Lea is a violinist whose music and performances can defy description, and after a year of touring practically nonstop, she’s achieving critical and commercial success. Born and raised in Duluth, Lea has been performing music for more than a decade, but her musical breakthrough came a year ago, when she won National Public Radio’s Tiny…

Savory Meals for a Good Deal

Eat Downtown: Duluth Restaurant Week

DULUTH, Minn. – This week Northlanders can experience a delicious dish at many restaurants in the city. Eat Downtown: Duluth Restaurant Week is running Monday, March 6 through Friday, March 10. Participating restaurants are offering $10 lunch and $25 dinner deals. For a full list of restaurants participating, and to view the menus, head to the Greater Downtown Council website….

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…

Star Gazing At UMD

Travel Through The Galaxy

Duluth, Minn It was a good night for star gazing both outside and in tonight. UMD hosts a number of stargazing shows weekly in the Allworth Planetarium. The show takes visitors on a journey through the galaxy for a memory that will last a life time. “It’s something that sweeps you off your feet and takes you to another place….

Mentor Duluth Seeking 31 Mentors in 31 Days

March into Mentoring

DULUTH, Minn. – An organization is seeking help from Northlanders to give local children a chance to spend time with a positive role model. Mentor Duluth pairs adults with children between the ages of 5-18. The mentors are asked to be a role model, guide, resource and a friend to their mentees. Every year they host “March into Mentoring” during…

Students Art Work On Display

Art Work Displayed At Whole Foods Denfeld Location

Duluth, Minn For months students from Duluth, Cloquet and Hermantown have put their artistic skills to the test. Now the Duluth Art Institute has recognized their artistic achievements by placing some of the best artwork in Denfeld’s Whole Foods location for all to see. They hope by students seeing their own art on display their imagination won’t stop growing. “It’s…

Recreational Park Could be Coming to Silver Bay

Would Have Zip Line and Climbing Wall

SILVER BAY, Minn.-Phil Huston, owner of the Silver Bay Spur on Highway 61, has plans to build a recreational park behind his gas station. City officials told us today, the park would include a climbing wall and a zip line. The city of Silver Bay currently owns the three acres, the park would sit on. Huston has made an offer of…

Regional Robotics Competition at the DECC

DULUTH, Minn. – Robotics action is happening in Duluth this weekend. The Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center is hosting two regional robotics championships on Friday and Saturday. Over 120 teams from around the region will be in town to compete to see who has built the best robot. Participants say that getting involved in robotics is a good way to…

Minnesota state parks get 2 new campgrounds for 2017

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – New campgrounds, a new water trail and a new chance to see bison are coming to the Minnesota State Parks and Trails system this year. The Department of Natural Resources says two new campgrounds will open this summer at the Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park in northeastern Minnesota and Whitewater State Park in the…

Ski Club to Host Celebration of the Sport and Season

Duluth Cross Country Ski Club Holds "Tour Duluth"

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend is the 12th running of DXC’s Tour Duluth, a celebration of the ski trails in Duluth and all the people who make it all happen. Duluth Cross Country Ski Club members tell us the club had a very successful year in 2016. The club is hoping to celebrate that success with this year’s Tour Duluth…

Huge Toy Collection on Display at Depot

Will Run Through April 8th

DULUTH, Minn.-A massive toy collection is about to go on display at the Depot. Tomorrow Minnesotan David Barnhill will open up his collection to the public. It will feature toys focused on monsters, super heroes, and villains. Barnhill has a collection of 200,000 items – one of the largest in America. “Everyone that comes through either had it, wanted it,…

Bent Paddle Set to Release New Beer With Eastern European Inspiration

DULUTH, Minn. — Craft breweries are known to be creative with their beers from time to time, and Bent Paddle is doing just that with its new series of beers called “Valve Jockeys.” Named after the brewers that work day in and day out making the flagship beers that Duluthians currently enjoy, these beers are from the brewers themselves. Brewer…

Renegade Theater Presenting “Hand to God”

Performance Taking Place at Teatro Zuccone

DULUTH, Minn. – Renegade Theater Company is currently presenting their latest production at Teatro Zuccone. In “Hand to God” mild-mannered Jason unhappily has to participate in a Jesus-themed puppet show at his church and he soon discovers that his puppet, Tyrone, has a mind of its own. “Hand to God” is running Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights through March 11. All…

IRRRB to Privatize Skiing Operations

Much of Facility Already Privately Run

ST. PAUL, Minn.-A private management firm will take over skiing operations at Giants Ridge. The Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board approved that plan on a 5-4 vote today in St. Paul. Much of the Biwabik resort is already privatized, including the golf course. IRRRB Commissioner Mark Phillips believes some employees will now take an early retirement option. Giants Ridge…

Amazon Server Failure Causing Website Errors and Outages

Noticing a slow down with your internet? Web pages not loading? Photos or videos not loading? Apps on your phone not working? As you can see with our website, we’re experiencing it here at FOX 21 too. Amazon’s S3 web-based storage service is experience widespread issues, which is affecting services across the globe, causing errors in websites, apps, and devices…

Bush Promotes New Book, Reflects on Painting and the Press

  NEW YORK (AP) – Former President George W. Bush says he didn’t intend to criticize President Donald Trump when he recently said that a free press is essential to democracy. Speaking by telephone Tuesday with The Associated Press, Bush said he was simply responding to a reporter’s question about the role of journalism. Trump has referred to the press…

Grand Portage Lodge Gets Makeover

The Grand Portage Lodge and Casino Finished with Phase Two Renovations

GRAND PORTAGE, Minn. – One popular place along the North Shore is now prepared for played to try their luck once again. The Grand Portage Lodge and Casino is undergoing a three-phase project, opening a fresh chapter for its guests. It’s a popular place for thousands of visitors each year, no matter what season it is. Now, visitors will have…

Fat Tire Bike Festival Back for Second Year

Coffee Conversation: Frosted Fatty Fat Bike Festival

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend winter sport enthusiasts will be filling the hills at Spirit Mountain. It’s all for the 2nd Annual Frosted Fatty Fat Bike Festival. Competitors from around the country will be coming into town on March 4 and 5 for two days of fat bike races, events, silent auction and more with over 300 participants expected. New…

Despite Cancelled Race, Businesses In Hayward Still Saw Revenue

Birkebeiner May Have Been Cancelled But People Still Supported Local Businesses

This year’s Birkebeiner was different, due to the race being cancelled. With the race being cancelled for only the 2nd time in 44 years, many were celebrating. ‘Birkie Fever’ is what they call and some businesses say this weekend was one of the best. The Birkebeiner brings thousands of people to the small town of Hayward every year. Birkie or…

Birkebeiner Shortened To 5K Of Trail

Birkebeiner May Have Been Cancelled But The Party Wasn't

CABLE, Wis. – This year’s 44th annual Birkebeiner will be known to those who attended as “Birkiefest 2017”. The race being cancelled didn’t take away from the spirit of having fun. The normal distance for the North American Birkebeiner is 51 kilometers, this year Mother Nature decided otherwise, shortening the race to a 5 kilometer fun run. Some embraced the…

American Birkebeiner, Kortelopet, Prince Haakon Races Cancelled

  HAYWARD, Wis. – After unseasonably warm weather and rain, and the predicted snow missing the Hayward and Cable area, the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation announces the cancellation of the 2017 American Birkebeiner, Kortelopet, and Prince Haakon cross-country ski races. Instead, BirkieStock 2017 will take place as an inaugural celebration of the American Birkebeiner Trialhead and start area. Skiers, spectators,…

UMD Students Act in Magical and Funny Drama

School of Fine Arts Presents Marvin's Room

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota – Duluth School of Fine Arts is opening up a new show next week. “Marvin’s Room” features the character Bessie coping with her biggest challenge yet, exploring how and who we love, especially when aging and sickness get in the way. The show will be performed March 2-4 & 14-18 at 7:30pm and March…

Mont du Lac Still Open Despite Warm Weather

Could go to Weekend-Only Schedule Soon

MONT DU LAC, Wis.-Despite the recent string of rain and warm temperatures, Mont du Lac is still buzzing along with many winter sports enthusiasts enjoying the hills. Preparation are key this year for outlasting an unusually warm trend. Management of the resort told us that current conditions are “variable,” as the weather is acting more like spring then winter. “Winter…

Barkie Birkie Skijor Race Took Place As A Running Race

American Birkibeiner Events Kicked Off Today

HAYWARD, Wisc. – Today was an opportunity for dogs to show off their “barkie fever” this morning, as the American Birkibeiner events kicked off today in Hayward Wisconsin. Despite the lack of snow cover on the ground this year, it didn’t stop the Barkie Birkie Canicross that is usually a skijor race from competing. Today it was turned into a running…

Birkie Trail and Race Updates

Snow Is In The Forecast

HAYWARD, Wisc. – Over 40,000 people are expected to arrive in the Northland tonight in anticipation for the 2017 American Birkibeiner Race. With the recent warm week melting nearly all of the snow pack from this winter, trail conditions are on everyone’s mind. Right now only the north half of the trail from Cable, Wisconsin to Trailhead OO is possibly ski-able on…

‘She Persisted’ Phrase Inked on Dozens of Minneapolis Women

A fresh “nevertheless, she persisted” tattoo is wiped clean inside Brass Knuckle Tattoo Shop. Evan Frost | MPR NewsMINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Women have packed at least one tattoo studio in Minneapolis to get a permanent reminder that there’s solidarity in ink. Minnesota Public Radio reports Minneapolis residents Chelsea Brink, Nora McInerny and Kate O’Reilly started a fundraiser in which people…

All-Girls Camp Takes over Animal Allies Humane Society

During Winter Break, A Group of Eight Girls Have the Chance to Learn and Have Fun at the Local Shelter

DULUTH, Minn. – Even though it’s beginning to feel like spring across the Northland, Duluth School District students are enjoying winter break this week. A group of eight girls, ages 10 to 14, are taking part in the first even all-girls camp at Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth. It’s a chance for the girls to engage in art projects,…

Another Catch-and-Release Season Expected on Mille Lacs Lake

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Walleye anglers face another year of catch-and-release fishing on Mille Lacs Lake. The Star Tribune reports that the Department of Natural Resources officials told the Mille Lacs Fisheries Advisory Committee last week to expect a second consecutive catch-and-release season as it tries to rebuild the popular lake’s struggling walleye population. Central region fisheries manager Brad Parsons says…