Good morning, St. Cloud.

The Stearns County Fair Association received up to $4,000 from Compeer Financial’s Fund for Rural America to install fans in the Heritage Barn — a move to keep the building cool for the fair that will open at the end of July in Sauk Centre.

The fair draws about 30,000 to 35,000 visitors each year.

Pantown Brewing Company's Coffee Cream Ale won Gold in the coffee beer category at the World Beer Cup in Indianapolis on Thursday — co-owner Mary Czech said the local brew made with help from Muggsy Lauer is now seen as the best in its class.

Several other Minnesota breweries also earned awards at the event.

Pantown Brewing in St. Cloud won gold at the 2025 World Beer Cup in Indianapolis—its Coffee Cream Ale beat 69 entries with a unique blend of local coffee beans.

The award marks the brewery’s second national honor, and the ale is available year-round in their taproom.

Interact Club, a youth branch of St. Cloud Rotary, is hosting a Battle of the Bands fundraiser at the Paramount Center for the Arts on May 7 to help fund Project 37’s efforts to convert the former Oblivion Coffeebar and Mercantile into a live music venue with a stage, coffee bar, offices, and music classrooms—six bands with ties to a local music program will compete while a celebrity panel and a special 30-minute set by Slip Twister add to the event.

On April 30th, St. Cloud PD warned that online sources such as FamilyWatchdog.com may post inaccurate details about the Minnesota Predatory Offender Registry.

The department said it monitors registered offenders closely and advises residents to use official websites — ensuring they receive correct information.

A central Minnesota truck stop—Love’s Travel Stop in Rockville—is set to get one of 12 new EV charging stations along Interstates 90 and 94 as the Minnesota Department of Transportation uses $10 million from a federal program to boost electric vehicle infrastructure.

Stations will be installed in Barnesville, Fergus Falls, Lake Elmo and along I-90 in Luverne, Worthington, Jackson, Blue Earth, Albert Lea, Austin, Stewartville and St. Charles.

Stearns County Parks closed Quarry Park on Friday morning while crews performed a prescribed burn in the prairie area—this measure aims to reduce unwanted plants and boost soil nutrients; the park reopened Friday afternoon.

Wild turkey hunting is underway in Minnesota as Outdoor News's Glen Schmitt reported that season 1 had only a 75 bird difference from last spring and season 2 totaled 3,649 birds — numbers that indicate ongoing success through May 6.

Schmitt also advised local anglers to fish early and late on May 10 — a recommendation given warmer water and ample bait supply for the walleye opener.

Song of Wisdom: Old Turtle in Concert

The St. John's Prep Orchestra, Band, and Choir present "Song of Wisdom" based on the book "Old Turtle" and narrated by the author, Douglas Wood. This free show is Monday, May 5th at 7:00 at the Stephen B. Humphrey theater on the campus of St. John's University.

Battle of the Bands featuring Slip Twister

6:30 p.m. — Paramount Center for the Arts — Tickets available — Enjoy a night of local high school bands competing and a special performance by the legendary Slip Twister.

Magic The Gathering - Commander League

7-10:30 p.m. — Sneak Attack's Games — $10 — Compete in Commander League and earn points towards exclusive Magic The Gathering rewards.

Mother's Day Lunch Celebration

12-2 p.m. — Millner Heritage Vineyard & Winery — $39.95 per person plus tax — Treat Mom to a gourmet buffet with live music and handcrafted drinks.

Somali Dance Musical

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Paramount Center for the Arts — Experience the beauty of Somali culture through vibrant dance, music, and storytelling.

The Everly Set Concert

1:30-7:30 p.m. — Paramount Center for the Arts — Check event page for ticket information — Celebrate the iconic harmonies of The Everly Brothers with an afternoon of classic hits performed by Sean Altman and Jack Skuller.

Eagles Tribute Concert by The Fabulous Armadillos and Collective Unconscious

7:30-10 p.m. — Pioneer Place On Fifth — Cost varies — Enjoy an unforgettable Eagles tribute performance featuring exceptional harmonies and musicianship from local favorites.

SAFe® 5.1 Lean Portfolio Management Training

9 AM - 1 AM — St. Cloud, Minnesota — Early Bird Price $1299, Regular $1899 — Gain practical tools for implementing Lean Portfolio Management functions.

Bingo Night at Moose Lodge

6:30-9 p.m. — Moose Lodge 1400 — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of Bingo and community fun every Wednesday.

Bingo Night at Lincoln Depot

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Lincoln Depot — Prizes up to $1000 — Enjoy a fun-filled evening of bar bingo with great jackpots.