Good morning, St. Cloud.

At the Benton County Fair on Wednesday, visitors enjoyed a busy day with main buildings opening, pony rides running until 9:00 p.m., Ag in the Classroom sessions and history presentations by Doug Ohman.

Midway fans got wristbands for unlimited rides until 5:00 p.m.—while live performances, Bingo, a 4H Livestock Auction at 7:00 and a Demolition Derby at 7:30 added to the excitement.

Tri-County Humane Society and the City of St. Cloud are partnering on a low-cost microchip clinic in conjunction with National Night Out.

The clinic will take place Tuesday, August 5 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at 1010 Park with a fee of $10 plus tax and no appointment needed.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota is hosting its summer benefit on August 7 at the River's Edge Convention Center in downtown St. Cloud from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., where over 15 local restaurants will donate food to help raise $180,000 for youth programs.

Tickets are available at $100 per person or $150 per couple.

Rae Kurtz was rescued from the Crow River near Litchfield on Tuesday after strong currents pulled her while tubing with a friend; deputies received her 911 call at 4:45 p.m. and used her phone’s GPS to locate her and pull her to shore (her friend reached safety earlier).

Danique Beauty and the Beans, a new store at 710 West St. Germain Street, will have a soft opening tomorrow and hold its grand opening on August 15 during the Summer Art Crawl+ the shop will offer handcrafted soaps, lotions, creams, and locally roasted coffee along with items from nine local crafters.

Starting today, Lincoln Avenue Southeast will be closed to through traffic from Highway 23 to 7th Street Southeast for construction—detour routes remain available for local access and the closure is expected to continue until late October.

CentraCare St. Cloud Hospital was named one of the Best Regional Hospitals by U.S. News — placing it second to Mayo Clinic Rochester — after earning high ratings in at least eight procedures and conditions.

The hospital offers a full range of general medical and surgical services.

On Tuesday night, a St. Cloud family visited VFW Granite Post 428 and enjoyed six soft shell beef tacos for $12, leaving with a $19.75 bill—excited to return for more fresh, made-to-order tacos.

Butterfly Release Event

2:30–3:00 PM — Munsinger Gardens — Donations appreciated — Watch the beauty of butterflies take flight in a serene garden setting while supporting a great cause.

KC & the Sunshine Band with The Village People

7-8:30 p.m. — The Ledge Amphitheater — Ticket information available — Dance the night away to the infectious grooves of two legendary bands.

Summertime by George!

5:30-9 p.m. — Lake George Municipal Complex — Free entry — A festive evening featuring live country music and family-friendly activities.

I Am He Said - A Celebration Of The Music Of Neil Diamond

1:30-4:30 p.m. — Paramount Center for the Arts — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the timeless classics of Neil Diamond with The Killer Vees, featuring beloved hits spanning five decades.