Good morning, St. Cloud.

St. Cloud hosts a vibrant Fourth of July weekend as Wilson Park holds a community vendor fair from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. with free fireworks later, while Friday brings a $5 music event at Keller Bar featuring three local bands and a music bingo night at 7:30 p.m.

Local residents have kept our parks in good shape through the Adopt-A-Park program, with neighborhood groups caring for historic sites and flower beds at Barden and Eastman parks + a summer concert is scheduled at Barden Park on July 9.

St. Joseph’s JoeTown Rocks takes place Friday and Saturday at the Church of St. Joseph.

The family festival offers carnival games, cake walks, bingo, and Gary’s Pizza (served in triangles) along with live music and a fireworks display that keeps kids happily up past ten.

Melissa Etheridge and Wynonna Judd will perform at the Ledge Amphitheater in Waite Park Sunday night as part of her Raised on Radio tour.

Etheridge will debut songs from her new album Rise with a mix of familiar hits and fresh material for music fans.

The free Summertime by George concert series returns to Lake George tonight, featuring local Americana rock band 200' Away at 5:30 p.m. and headliner Going To The Sun at 7 p.m. (15th annual summer concerts mark the series).

Plan a quirky Fourth of July road trip with stops like the 28-foot Viking in Alexandria and a 2,000-pound walleye in Rush City, plus Treasure City near St. Cloud with unique souvenirs.

Travelers can explore these odd attractions over the holiday weekend & plan their routes.

AAA projects 72.2 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles for the Independence Day holiday as 85% plan to drive; near St. Cloud, gas now costs $3.60 + 6¢ more than Tuesday's price.

St. Cloud economist King Banaian said a recent survey found that 25% of local business leaders reported revenue drops and 15-20% expect declines over the next six months.

He noted gas prices and housing remain stable & local caution contrasts with steadier national trends.

St. Cloud State University is reorganizing its five academic colleges into three to match local workforce needs by grouping related programs into consolidated colleges (Arts and Sciences, Education, Health and Human Sciences, and Business, Engineering and Technology).

Stearns County will tear out and rebuild County Road 169 north of Melrose starting Monday as drivers follow a detour between County Road 13 and County Road 168 until work is expected to continue through September + weather may affect the schedule.

The 4th Annual Golf Fore Awareness Tournament – honoring Eric Tenvoorde – will be held at Wapicada Golf Course on Monday, Aug.

10 to raise funds for local mental health, addiction and suicide prevention programs, with registration starting at 9:00 a.m. and a 10:00 a.m. shotgun start planned.

St. Cloud Area Fireworks

10:00 p.m. — Wilson Park — Free entry — Experience central Minnesota's largest fireworks display lighting up the Mississippi River.

Wynonna Judd at The Ledge Amphitheater

7-8:30 p.m. — The Ledge Amphitheater — Ticket prices vary — Experience Grammy Award winners Wynonna Judd and Melissa Etheridge in a night of unforgettable music.

One-Night Event with Kevin & Kathi Zadai

3-9 p.m. — St. Cloud River’s Edge Convention Center — Registration required — Engage in a night of fellowship and teaching with Dr. Zadai and his wife.

Jay & The Americans Concert

1:30 – 3 p.m. — Paramount Center for the Arts — Tickets available — Enjoy classic hits from one of Rock ‘N Roll’s lasting success stories.

Trace Adkins Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — The Ledge Amphitheater — Get your tickets now — Experience an unforgettable evening with country music star Trace Adkins this summer.

The Parent Trap Screening

7 p.m. — Paramount Center for the Arts — Ticket purchase required — Enjoy a classic film night with 'The Parent Trap' at a local venue.

Mainly Marathons Heartland Series - Day 7

— St. Cloud, Minnesota — Entry fee varies — Participate in a scenic trail run as part of the Mainly Marathons Heartland Series.

Jim Gaffigan Live Performance

7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Ledge Amphitheater — Get your tickets today — Jim Gaffigan brings his comedic flair to Waite Park for an entertaining night.