Good morning, St. Cloud.

At the Benton County Fairgrounds yesterday, Handshakes with Heroes offered a free event from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. that let community members interact with first responders and view a live helicopter landing, while kids enjoyed axe throwing, an inflatable bounce house and rides in SWAT trucks + free food and at-will donations supported the Greater St. Cloud Public Safety Foundation.

St. Cloud’s Munsinger and Clemens Gardens offer riverfront views with unique fountains, shady paths, and wildlife including chipmunks, peacocks, monarch butterflies, and geese.

The gardens, inspired by European designs and built in part by the Works Progress Administration in the 1930s, also let visitors enjoy a treat from Jupiter Moon Ice Cream — a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike.

ZZ Top and The Wallflowers performed at the Ledge Amphitheater in Waite Park on June 12th in light rain that did not stop the bands from energizing the crowd.

ZZ Top played for about an hour and fifteen minutes featuring classics such as Sharp Dressed Man and Legs — the audience stayed on their feet until the show ended.

The Paramount Center for the Arts in downtown St. Cloud will host a nostalgic summer series with films and live performances, and movies cost $5 with tickets available at the door.

The schedule includes Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark this Monday at 7 p.m.—Magic Carpet Ride on Tuesday at 1:30 p.m., Empowered Stars on June 26 at 11 a.m., a free Red Bull Band event on July 1 with reserved seats, Moana on July 22, and Jumanji on August 14.

St. Cloud State University will use $12.8 million in state funds to replace the chiller at the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center as the current unit has been in use for 20 years—officials plan to start construction in summer while hoping the old chiller lasts one more season.

St. John's Prep speller Emmaline Bushman returned from Washington, DC after the Scripps National Spelling Bee and is planning a relaxed summer at home with more reading.

She finished 41st after missing oxter and took a trolley tour to see landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial — a trip that highlighted the support from family and friends.

The Family Achievement Center opened its doors on Monday at 2904 Roosevelt Road to offer occupational, physical and speech therapies for children and to help cut long waitlists for care—local owners Sara and Jed Meyer already serve about 20 patients and will host a grand opening on June 20 from 4—6 p.m. with free ice cream and a bounce house.

Baseball state tournament games took place at Joe Faber Field and Dick Putz Field Wednesday—drawing teams from near and far—and boosted local business by an estimated $200,000.

Class A winners will meet Saturday morning at Target Field while Class AA games continue at local fields.

Mark Boyle, a well-known voice from St. Cloud, is calling the NBA Finals as the Indiana Pacers lead the Oklahoma City Thunder 2-1 and brings 37 years of experience from work in Minneapolis, St. Louis, and New York.

He began broadcasting in 1988 and continues to serve fans today—his career marks a long tradition in local sports broadcasting—adding energy to each game.

No Kings Rally

Gather together and make some noise! Let your voice be heard as you celebrate American freedoms forged over 250 years! This public event is family-friendly.

No Kings Rally

Gather together and make some noise! Let your voice be heard as you celebrate American freedoms forged over 250 years! This public event is family-friendly.

Magic Carpet Ride

1:30-3 p.m. — Paramount Center for the Arts — Ticketed event — Experience the musical magic of the Summer of Love with classic hits and captivating light shows.

St. Cloud's 28th Annual Juneteenth Celebration

12-7 p.m. — Lake George Municipal Complex — Free entry — Celebrate freedom with games, music, food trucks, and family activities at this vibrant community festival.

Breakthrough Basketball Essential Skills Camp

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Whitney Recreation Center — $97 fee to attend as observing coach — Improve your basketball skills and gain confidence at this intensive youth camp for aspiring players.

St. Cloud State University Lemonade Concert & Art Fair

11 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. — Atwood Mall — Free entry — Enjoy over 100 art vendors and live music with family-friendly activities concluding with a St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra performance.

Patio Sounds of Summer at Legends Bar & Grill

7-10 p.m. — Legends Bar & Grill — Enjoy the Summer vibes with live music on the patio, weather permitting.

St. Cloud ROX Baseball Game

6:00-8:00 p.m. — St. Cloud Rox Baseball Club — Ticket prices vary — Cheer on the St. Cloud ROX as they take to the field for an exciting game.

Historic Home Tour & Tea

10 a.m. — Mansion on the corner — $35 — Discover captivating stories from the past while enjoying a delightful tea service in a magnificent mansion.

Rock the Riverside Live Music Event

5:30-9:30 p.m. — The Clearing — Free admission — Enjoy live music at Rock the Riverside in Sauk Rapids.

St. Cloud 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular

10-10:30 p.m. — Wilson Park — Free entry — Celebrate Independence Day with a grand fireworks display over the Mississippi River, complemented by live music and tasty food vendors.