Meet the new Children's Theatre Company director

The Children's Theatre Company has a new director. Rick Dildine comes to Minnesota after several seasons serving as the Artistic Director of the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. He replaces Peter C. Brosius, who departed CTC on at the end of June after 27 years leading the organization.

Burnsville donut shop adds 2nd spot in Lakeville

Donut Star first opened in Burnsville during the 70s. In 2022, new owners purchased it, did a full renovation and brought a new approach to donuts. Everything is made by hand in-house and they focus on the classics. Now they’ve added a second location in Lakeville at 7656 160th St W. It’s open Wednesday through Friday 6 a.m. - 12 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday from 6 a.m. - 2 p.m.

FOX 9 Good Day: July 3, 2024

Do you decorate for 4th of July? You might be surprised to learn how many people are flaunting their red, white, and blue. Plus, would you eat a sandwich that uses a pickle as the bun? Also, how to keep up with the shifting generational differences in the workplace. A leader in the business world joins us with advice. Also, some easy recipes to cut through the summer smells that take over your house.

Inflatable park experience opens outside the Mall of America

A gigantic bounce park has moved into Bloomington for the summer. FunBox is now open in the east lot across the street from Mall of America. It’s hard to miss since it’s 25,000 square feet of bright colored jumping zones. There are obstacles, games and challenges including a ninja wall, battle beam, obstacle course and 23-foot slide. Right now, it’s open Wednesday through Sunday and will be in place through Sept. 8. For more information visit FunBox.com

Dachshund races coming to Canterbury Park

The horses will be galloping at Canterbury Park on July 3 and July 4 for special race days. On Wednesday there will be live racing, live music and Fireworks. On Thursday there will be wiener dog races in between horse races along with a hot dog eating contest and inflatable pig races. The top four dogs from each heat advance to the Best In Show races on Sept. 1 that will feature all five breeds that will race over the summer.

Little Shop of Horrors on stage now

A florist and a plant with a thirst for blood, what could go wrong? The Little Shop of Horrors is a mashup of science fiction, horror and comedy. It's on stage through August 18th at the Guthrie Theater. Cast members Will Roland and China Brickey joined FOX 9 Good Day to chat about this unique take on the cult-classic.

Reports give a pulse check on the economy

A new sign that inflation is continuing to ease. A Commerce Department report shows that consumer prices were flat from April to May. Meantime data shows spending was up 5% year over year. Patrick Rehkamp, a senior financial writer from 1834, A Division of Old National Bank, joined the FOX 9 Morning News to breakdown what the latest data means for consumers.

‘Back to the Fifties’ weekend underway at the MN State Fairgrounds

Rain didn’t stop the colorful street rods, custom and classic cars from rolling into the state fairgrounds for the 50th annual MSRA Back to the Fifties weekend. 10,000 cars from across the country will be on display at the fairgrounds on Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on Sunday from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. There is live music and many state fair food vendors are open for the event.

Farmington Dew Days preps for 45th year

In 1979, Pepsi announced the citizens of Farmington drank more Mountain Dew per capita than any other city. That was the beginning of the Dew Days festival. It no longer centers around Mountain Dew, but has been going strong for 45 years. The festival kicks off on June 20 and runs through June 23. You can see the full schedule of events on the Dew Days Facebook page.

Pianos on Parade in Minneapolis

Don't be surprised if you hear live piano music the next time you're walking in downtown Minneapolis. More than two dozen pianos are on the streets as part of Pianos on Parade. Stop by for piano performances from 12-1 pm on Thursdays throughout the summer. Amanda Leger-Harewood joined FOX 9 Good Day to share a quick tune.

American Gothic exhibit at MIA

As the United States marks Juneteenth, a local woman continues her mission to inspire young people to think of Juneteenth as more than just a one-day event. Robin Hickman is the great niece of nationally-recognized photographer Gordon Parks. Parks' work is the center of an exhibit at the Minneapolis Institute of art called American Gothic: Gordon Parks and Ella Watson. The gallery is on display through June 23rd.

Juneteenth: A Family Celebration in St. Paul

The Anika Foundation is gearing up for a big party this weekend in St. Paul. Saturday they're hosting Juneteenth: A Family Celebration at the State Capitol Building. Founder Anika Robins joined the Fox 9 Morning News to talk about the big event.

Seward Neighborhood to host garden party

The term backyard oasis definitely applies to the ten featured gardens on the Seward Garden Tour. It takes place on Thursday, June 20, from 6 to 8 p.m. followed by a garden party with refreshments and homemade gluten-free cookie bars. The tour is a fundraiser for the Seward Neighborhood Group. It is $15 to attend if purchased ahead of time or $20 on the day of the event. The tour is a fundraiser for the Seward Neighborhood Group. You can buy tickets at sng.org.

Backyard oasis’ on display in historic Minneapolis Neighborhood

Ten stunning urban gardens in the Seward Neighborhood will be open to explore Thursday, June 20, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. with an after-party in one of the featured backyards. The event is $15 per ticket if purchased ahead of time, $20 on the day of the event. The tour is a fundraiser for the Seward Neighborhood Group.

Flashy new pickleball club opens in Eagan

There’s no shortage of pickleball facilities across the Twin Cities metro, but how many of those have an official rap music video? Chip’s Pickleball in Eagan does, plus a fitness center, sauna and cold plunge, a coffee shop, café and full bar. Chip’s opened in June and has 12 tournament-sized courts and is located at 980 Discovery Road in Eagan. They’re open seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Pet-friendly plants

Garden Guy Dale K. lends a helping hand at a local pet rescue. Pet Haven Rescue moved into their new physical location in St. Paul. Volunteers were on hand to help spruce the place up.

Easy recipes from a Midwestern mom

Minnesota food blogger Julie Evink is taking her favorite family recipes and bringing them to the masses. Her new cookbook is called Julie's Eats & Treats. Its available online and in stores now. She joined FOX 9 Good Day to share an easy recipe for "cruffins".

Podcast spotlights life after limb loss

How do you handle a crisis? Life's toughest moments can teach us a lot about ourselves. A local podcast is spotlighting the story of Fox 9 Reporter Courtney Godfrey and how she handled the crisis of a severe leg injury that led to the amputation of part of her leg. The 100th episode of "The Crisis Files" is called "Breaking Views". Courtney and podcast host Roshini Rajkumar joined FOX 9 Good Day to talk about the latest episode.