Good morning, St. Cloud.

The Stearns County Fair has begun today in Sauk Centre with a reduced schedule; a flagpole ceremony started at 11:00 a.m., the 4-H Building opened at noon, and non-livestock check-in began at 3:00 p.m. Rides, game booths, and concession stands opened at 5:00 p.m. (access to rides requires a wristband) while music played on the stages in the afternoon and bingo took place at 4:00 p.m. (the Ranch Rodeo is set to begin at 5:30 p.m.).

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud added a food rescue truck to pick up extra food from local restaurants and stores and deliver it to families in need.

The truck was partly funded with grants from Hunger Solutions — the Minnesota Food Shelf Program and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

A Clear Lake couple has opened a new shop in downtown St. Cloud that sells skincare products and coffee supplies—after seven years at farmers’ markets, they now offer their own line at a brick-and-mortar location.

The shop held its soft opening last week and will have its grand opening on Friday, August 15.

Due to wild weather, the free concert series Summertime by George is extending its season with a makeup show set for Tuesday, September 2nd—St. Cloud Rotarian Troy Fitz announced this on KNSI after rainouts forced two cancellations.

Performers will be announced later this week.

On August 6, local favorite The Fabulous Armadillos headlined the Summertime by George concert at Eastman Park along Lake George with a 7:00 p.m. performance and Groovy Shoes opening at 5:00 p.m.—the event also featured a Midtown Market, beer garden, & kids’ activities.

The St. Cloud EDA approved $551,000 in grants for four downtown projects—one renovating a 1958 bank and others fixing damaged buildings—to attract over $2.1 million in private investment.

The work will be completed by the end of June next year and create 24 new jobs in the area.

Stearns County officials are updating road projects this summer, with crews improving highway lanes in Waite Park and St. Cloud and a planned 6-hour lane closure on southbound Highway 15 this Friday—resurfacing and pavement work should continue through September.

County leaders are also preparing for the new Justice Center, with upcoming cost estimates and plans to buy two land plots for the facility.

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.

Movie Under the Stars

6:30-9 p.m. — St Cloud City Offices — Free entry — Enjoy a family-friendly film under the stars with fun activities and treats!