Entertainment

Ely’s Winterfest Draws People from Across the State and Canada

The Event Celebrates All Things Winter.

ELY, Minn.- The pick of a shovel, the grind of a saw, and bitter cold temperatures of a February day welcomes the winter festival in Ely Minnesota. Teams of people are carving away at 12 foot snow blocks in Whiteside Park, turning each of them into unique sculptures. It’s Jodi Pratt‘s second year building snow sculptures with 3 of her…

18th Annual ALS Blizzard Tour Kicks Off From Proctor

Hundreds of Riders will Travel Many Miles, Raising Awareness for Lou Gehrig’s Disease

PROCTOR, Minn. – Two-hundred and twenty-five snowmobile riders took to the trails Thursday morning in Proctor. The below zero cold didn’t stop hardy folks from fighting for a special cause. “I started with it because one of my friends died of it, that’s why a lot of us here in Duluth got involved. Of course we’ve got our celebrities, Kent…

Local Bakery Offers Specialized Baked Goods for Holidays

Cooking Connection: Johnson's Bakery

DULUTH, Minn. – A romantic holiday is just around the corner and a local bakery is preparing. Johnson’s Bakery is offering cookies, cakes, mini cakes, cookie cakes and cupcakes for Valentine’s Day. Lakeside Branch Manager Megan Spitzley suggests ordering early so customers don’t miss out on what they want. The bakery will also be making football cookies for the Super…

Fans Flock to 2017 Beargrease Finish Line

Ryan Anderson Wins First Place in 2017 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon

DULUTH, Minn – Shortly after 10:00 a.m., the winning team of the 2017 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon mushed through the finish line. Ryan Anderson from Ray, Minnesota, used the annual race to help qualify and train his team to run the upcoming 1,000 mile Iditarod race. “Racing is an art; it’s not just taking a dog team and going fast,”…

Ryan Anderson Wins Sled Dog Marathon

Mushers Cross Finish Line at Billy's Bar

DULUTH, Minn. – The winner of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon has made his way to Duluth. Ryan Anderson is the first musher to cross the finish line of the 34th annual race. Anderson making it to Billy’s Bar and Grill after two days, 23 hours and 10 minutes on the trail. Race officials tells FOX 21 this is…

Three Actors Take on 37 Plays at UMD

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)

DULUTH, Minn. – Actors with the University of Minnesota – Duluth Department of Theatre have been working hard for their next production. Three actors will be taking on roles to perform 37 plays in less than two hours. It’s all for The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) directed by Jenna Soleo-Shanks. The play is described as fast-paced with a…

Cow Moose Rescued After Fall into Idaho Basement

KETCHUM, Idaho (AP) – Authorities say a female moose is safe after she fell through an unlatched window into the basement of an Idaho home. The Idaho Mountain Express reports that the moose spent about three hours in the basement early Sunday morning. Law enforcement officers and those form the Idaho Department of Fish and Game tried to get the…

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…

New Duluth Officer Turns the Tables During Swearing-In Ceremony

Girlfriend gets a swearing in of her very own

DULUTH, Minn. – Today, eight new officers joined the Duluth Police force. The new officers and their families gathered for the swearing in ceremony at the Duluth Police Department. Chris Beekmann, Beau Hughes, Dakota Juarez, Ben Kneeland, Chris Olson, Andrew Park, Luke Renier, and Manuel Matos all took their oaths today. Officer Manuel Matos did more than just take his…

Becoming a Mascot at UMD

Active Adventures: Champ the Bulldog

DULUTH, Minn. – Champ the Bulldog is a staple at University of Minnesota Duluth athletic events and community gatherings. This week, FOX 21 got the chance to gear up with Champ. UMD Senior, Taylor Korum, is the lead Champ and has been a mascot at the university for five years. Korum is graduating this year and tells FOX 21 he’s…

Twin Ports Tonight Taping More Shows

Episodes 10-12 will be Taped Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. –  This weekend you have a chance to be part of a local late night talk show. Twin Ports Tonight is taping episodes 10-12 at Teatro Zuccone on Saturday, January 27. The show is hosted by Andrew Kirov who has been producing his own late night show since he was in high school. The taping begins at 7:00…

Making Valentine’s Day Gifts on a Budget

Do-It-Yourself Crafts with Pure Event Planning

DULUTH, Minn. – Valentine’s Day is just a couple weeks away, so Mary Carlson, owner of Pure Event Planning, stopped by FOX 21 to help Northlanders prepare. Instead of putting off getting a gift until the last minute, why not work on some do-it-yourself gifts? Carlson gave two ideas for romantics to stay on budget. The first is a giant,…

18th Annual Step To The Future Powwow

Native American Cultural Celebration at Myers-Wilkins

DULUTH, Minn- For nearly 20 years children and families in Duluth have come together to honor Native American traditions at the annual steps to the future Powwow. The gathering allows kids and young adults from all backgrounds a chance to experience American Indian culture in a fun and familiar environment. Executive Director of the Myers-Wilkins Community School Collaborative, Jen Eddy…

Frozen Fun with Furry Tails

2nd Annual Fitger's Frozen Fundraiser this Friday

DULUTH, Minn. – Furry friends are getting some help from their human counterparts this weekend. On Friday, January 27, Animal Allies is hosting their Fitger’s Frozen Fundraiser from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. At the event, Northlanders can enjoy appetizers, beer, wine and raffles. All proceeds go back to Animal Allies. This is taking place on the third flood of Fitger’s….

Animal Answers: Mushing with Endurance Kennels

Endurance Kennels Specialize in Sprint Sled Dog Racing; Teaches Community Members about the Sport of Mushing

DULUTH, Minn. – The 34th running of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon will kick off this weekend, after months of hard work and preparation from mushers and their dogs. But what is it like for sled dogs that prefer to mush a shorter distance? In this week’s Animal Answers, we’re mushing with Endurance Kennels. “I usually start my morning…

St. Luke’s Hosts Laughing Yoga Class

Experts Say to Find Time to Laugh Throughout the Day

Duluth, Minn While children laugh nearly 300 times a day, adults only laugh about 20 times a day. Experts say five minutes of laughter a day can put you in a good mood for up three to five days after. St. Luke’s Medical Clinic in West Duluth is bringing another way via laughing yoga. “We’re here for a good time…

Marathon Honors Work of John Beargrease

Northland Uncovered: John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon

DULUTH, Minn. – The John Beargrease Sled Dog Mararthon is just around the corner. The annual race takes off from Two Harbors on Sunday, January 29. Race Director Jason Rice visited FOX 21 to talk about the story behind the event. John Beargrease carried mail from Grand Marais to Two Harbors once a week. He and his brothers made this…

Rock On! Climbing Competition Attracts Athletes from Around Region

Funds Support UWS Climbing Program

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Climbers from all over the country, and even Canada, will be harnessing up at UW-Superior this weekend for the annual Rock On! Climbing Competition. This is the 13th year of the event. Rock On! was started by a group of students hoping to support their rock climbing program. All money raised through the competition goes back to…

Beargrease Starting Point Chosen

Group Met to Discuss Trail Conditions

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – A sign of winter is the annual John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon and recent warm weather had organizers discussing an alternate starting point. Marathon officials met last night and solidified Two Harbors as the race start for 2017. The trail crew, Chief Veterinarian and mushers who have been practicing on the trails all contributed to this…

Duluth Library Keeps Northlanders of all Ages Reading in Winter

Cabin Fever Reliever Program

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Public Library is working to keep Northlanders entertained this winter through their Cabin Fever Reliever program. The program is for readers of all ages. Children and teens will be tracking the amount of time spent reading and will receive a book to keep when they reach 10 hours. For every five hours read, they will…

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…

Armory Dance Party Commemorates Visit of Legends

Dance Party Benefits Historic Building and Music Program

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend folks will be dancing the night away to remember an historic event, fund raise for a couple good causes and have some good, old-fashioned fun! The 2017 Armory Dance Party is taking place on Saturday, January 28 from 7-10 p.m. at Sacred Heart Music Center. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. This is all to remember…

Winter Reading Program Kicks Off at Duluth Library

The Programs Encourage Kids to Read More Books

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Public Library’s Cabin Fever Reliever Winter Reading Program kicks off. Children and teens track the amount of time they spend reading, and receive a book when they reach 10 hours. For every 5 hours read, they earn an entry into the prize drawing of their choice. The goal of the program is to encourage kids…

Ice Racing Comes to Duluth

Local Pro Talks Thrilling Sport

DULUTH, Minn. – An extreme ice sport is coming to Duluth! The World Championship ICE Racing Series will be at AMSOIL Arena on Friday, January 20. There will be motorcycles and ATVs racing across the ice on studded tires. The competition kicks off at 7:30 p.m. For more information head to www.icespeedway.com. Categories: Community, Entertainment, News Tags: atv, ice racing,…

Medical History on Display at Karpeles Manuscript Museum

Display to be shown through April

DULUTH, Minn. – Throughout history medical discoveries have changed the lives of thousands. For the next few months, some of these medical miracles will be on display at the Karpeles Manuscript Museum in Duluth. “This diskette was assembled by Alexander Fleming,” said Museum Director Doris Mulkmus, “this is one of only five disks from his original 1928 experiments.” The diskette…

Registration Opens for Boulder Lake Ski Race

14th Annual Ski & Snowshow Race

BOULDER LAKE, Minn. – An annual race is getting winter sport enthusiasts out on the trails. The Boulder Lake Ski Race hosts competitive Nordic skiers and snowshoers. For the 14th annual event, organizers are doing things a little differently. This year, registrations is opening just a week before the race using a method called “flash” registration. Race Director, Clayton Keim,…

Youth Poets Given Stage to Tell Stories

2017 Be Heard MN Youth Poetry Slam Series

DULUTH, Minn. – Youth throughout Minnesota are sharing their stories through a slam poetry series. Be Heard MN is giving the young artists a platform. This is through TruArtSpeaks as the poets compete with other teens across the country. Through eight poetry slam events, six youth poets will be chosen to compete in San Francisco this summer. This weekend, on…

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…

Girls Youth Hockey Tournament Begins in Duluth

One of the Largest Youth Hockey Tourneys in the Nation

DULUTH, Minn. — Girls hockey is alive in Duluth this weekend – sixty teams from all around the region are here for the “Icebreakers Invitational.” Games began at 11:00am Friday morning; the tournament pits teams from Minnesota, and as far away as Wisconsin, Illinois, and Canada, in a round-robin style tournament. Girls ages 8 to 16 have the opportunity of…

Governor Walker Declares Jan. 13 Green and Gold Day

In anticipation of the Packers playoff game against the Cowboys

Courtesy: Green Bay PackersMADISON – Governor Walker has issued a proclamation declaring today, January 13, 2017, as “Green and Gold Day” throughout Wisconsin in anticipation of the Green Bay Packers playoff game versus the Dallas Cowboys this Sunday, January 15. Walker’s statement: Travel to any state in this great nation, and chances are you’ll find some Green Bay Packers fans,…

Winter Fun on the Snowy Trails

Active Adventures: The Duluth Experience

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Active Adventures FOX 21 hit the snowy trails with The Duluth Experience. Dave Grandmaison, Co-Owner and CEO, took FOX 21’s William Seay snowshoeing for the first time. Grandmaison says they have tours for every season, including snowshoeing, fat tire biking, brewery tours, mountain biking tours and more. For more information on The Duluth Experience…

Bill Would Allow Another 2 Hours of 2018 Super Bowl Drinking

Bars would stay open until 4 a.m. Super Bowl Weekend

ST. PAUL (AP) – Fans attending next year’s Super Bowl in Minneapolis could squeeze in an extra two hours of celebratory drinking. A bipartisan group of Minnesota lawmakers introduction a bill, Thursday, that would allow bars to stay open until 4 a.m. on Super Bowl weekend. Local governments would have to approve the extra hours of sales between February 2-5,…

Essentia Helps Provide New Service at Chester Bowl

Snowboards Are Now Available for Rent at Chester Bowl, Thanks to a Generous Grant

  DULUTH, Minn. – The Chester Bowl Ski Hill in Duluth is now home to a brand new service this season, thanks to a generous grant from the Essentia Health Community Contributions Fund. Fifty new snowboards and seventy-five sets of boots are now available to be rented out for those looking to hit the slopes. The snowboard rental program goes along…

Fairlawn Mansion Offers Flashlight Tours for Friday the 13th

Touring the Mansion in a Different Light

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Friday the 13th is just around the corner and Fairlawn Mansion is ready to celebrate. There will be flashlight tours offered on Friday to see the mansion in a different light. It’s not your typical Fairlawn tour. Guides will talk about ghost stories and superstitions throughout the tour. Additionally, the garden talks offered at Fairlawn mansion will…

No Tipping At The Delta Diner

Customers and Employees Liking The Delta Diner's New Policy

DELTA, Wis. – How much do you tip at a restaurant? 15? Even 20 percent? Well one Wisconsin restaurant says zero tipping necessary. The Delta Diner, recently implemented a new no tipping policy. Although no tipping is far from an industry standard, the decision at the Delta has been popular with both staff and customers. Todd Bucher, owner of the…

Vote Now: Reader’s Best In The Northland Poll

Polls Close at Midnight

DULUTH, Minn. – The “Duluth Reader” is looking for your vote for the 2016 Best of the Northland poll. There are more than 80 categories to vote on. They range from best car dealership, TV station, and dance club to the best kept secret restaurant. “There’s a great new place nobody has ever heard of and they win best kept…

Zero Hour Escape Rooms Unveils “Lake Superior” Themed Challenge

Players take the role of an engineering team trapped aboard a sinking cargo vessel

DULUTH, Minn. – Zero Hour Escape Rooms unveiled a new challenge today called “The Wheelhouse”. Players take the role of an engineering team trapped aboard the sinking “Bill E. Irvin” Lake Superior cargo vessel. The room took about a couple months to build and test out before it was ready for the public to take on. “We thought it would…

The Boat Club Restaurant Opening At Fitgers

New Restaurant Coming To The Fitgers Mall

There’s a new place to eat is coming to the Fitger’s building. The Boat Club restaurant will soon be featured in the basement of the Fitger’s building,  replacing the old Midi restaurant. The new spot will specialize in fresh seafood and steaks, as well as other options. Fitger’s Mall Manager Tami Tanski Sherman says, “The Boat Club is actually not…

Organ Recital Performed Ahead of Major Renovation

Historic Organ to be Refurbished in February

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend historic music will fill Sacred Heart Music Center as an organ recital takes place. On Saturday, January 14, resident organist Rev. Dr. David Tryggestad, Dr. Jason Branham, Director of Music Ministries at First Lutheran Church, and Parker Hinnencamp, one of the organists at First Covenant Church and First United Methodist Church, and a recipient of…

Duluth Offering Free Winter Recreation Fun at Bayfront Park

Free fires, hot chocolate, marshmallow roasting, and outdoor music

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Parks and Recreation division invites the public to experience the best of nature and winter recreation. The Bayfront skating rink is open and reportedly in excellent shape for user 7 days a week, weather permitting. The Bayfront Family Center also provides a place to warm up after skating or to try out any of the…

UMD Theatre Gives Encore Performance in Fundraising Effort

"One River" Heads to Regionals

DULUTH, Minn. – University of Minnesota-Duluth theater students are being recognized for their work. The production “One River,” written and directed by UMD Professor Tom Isbell, has been selected as one of six in the region to be performed at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival at the Region V Festival in Des Moines, Iowa. The regional competition runs…

Banff Mountain Film Festival Comes To Duluth

Festival Features Over 30 Outdoor-Themed films

DULUTH, Minn. – The Banff Mountain Film Festival world tour came to the DECC this weekend. The touring film festival features over 30 outdoors-themed films about a wide variety of outdoor subjects like climbing, biking, skiing and the environment. This is the 12th year the Duluth Cross Country Ski Club has brought the festival to Duluth. “We enjoy bring this…

Banff Film Festival Visits Duluth This Weekend

Exteme Adventures Featured in Film Festival World Tour

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend the outdoors is coming to the big screen in Duluth. The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour will be at the DECC Symphony Hall January 7-8. The festival features films with extreme outdoor activities, environmental messages, or humor. Doors open at 5 p.m. for dinner and films begins at 7 p.m. both nights. Tickets are…