Dayton937

Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More

Lisa Grigsby

Celebrate National Ice Cream Day with These Freebies

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Thousands of years ago, people in the Persian Empire would put snow in a bowl, pour grape-juice concentrate over it and eat it as a treat.  They did this when the weather was hot and used the snow saved in the cool-keeping underground chambers known as “yakhchal”, or taken from the snowfall that remained at the stop of mountains by the summer capital.

Luckily today, there are many more flavors and it’s a little easier to get ice cream year round.  In 1984, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed July as National Ice Cream Month and established National Ice Cream Day as the third Sunday in the month of July.

Here’s a roundup of places you can get free ice cream to celebrate National Ice Cream Day, today July 16th:

Baskin Robbins-Get a free samples of its popular Polar Pizza from Noon – 5:00 p.m. at participating Baskin-Robbins locations on 7/14. In addition to the Polar Pizza Sampling on July 14, Baskin-Robbins is giving its guests several ways to enjoy National Ice Cream Month. For starters, guests who download the Baskin-Robbins Mobile App will receive exclusive offers on National Ice Cream Day (Sunday, July 16) and throughout the month.

Dippin’ Dots: Get one free mini cup at  Dippin’ Dots at The Mall at Fairfield Commons today from 12-2pm.  This store recently moved from the first floor to the 2nd, across from the food court

McDonald’s: Use the McDonald’s mobile app to redeem the offer for a free vanilla soft serve cone. If you participate in the promotion from 2 to 5 p.m., you’ll have the possibility of being the one lucky winner of a lifetime supply of McDonald’s soft serve.

Not free, but still a deal:

Graeter’s– Wants to thank their loyal fans, for keeping them in business for over 147 years with $1.47 single dip sugar cones on Sunday, July 16th!

Wendy’s – Get a classic Wendy’s Vanilla or Chocolate Frosty for only 50 cents through Aug. 25

Whole Foods: Get all Ben & Jerry’s pints for two for $6. There will also be in-store “Sundae Fundae” sampling events and make-your-own sweet treats in select stores nationwide, so check your location for details.

And even dogs get to celebrate National Ice Cream Day:

PetSmart:  This pet store is handing out free Doggie Ice Cream Sundaes — dog-safe vanilla ice cream topped with a dog biscuit sprinkle — at its PetSmart PetsHotel locations nationwide.

Sad News From Arcanum

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Chef Jeff Besecker opened this restaurant in the quaint village of Arcanum in spring of 2014.  Known for their from scratch, rustic recipes and bringing live entertainment, cooking classes and more to this rural location in Darke County, this 38 seat eatery became destination dining.  “At The Old Arcana, we believe in food and music that nourish the body and the soul,” says Chef Besecker.

But like all good things, it’s coming to the end.

Here’s the message he sent out today:

Our beautiful historic building has recently been sold and will soon have a brand new use. We’d like to send a heartfelt thank you to all of you who have visited with us, championed us and allowed us to feed you. Your patronage and friendship has been greatly appreciated. 

The last day of business for at The Old Arcana will be this Sun, July 16th.

Jeff goes on to say he’s always heard from people that “if this place were only in (Dayton, Troy, Cinci, Columbus, Pheonix, insert your more urban, traffic-heavy foodie location here), it would be KILLING IT!”  He agrees and says this may be the perfect business opportunity for someone to continue the business.  Contact him if you’re interested.

 

He also hints that he’ll  be serving up some amazing food and recipes ONLINE and suggests we stay tuned for more info.  We sure will!

Dayton Blues Festival

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The best blues bands and performances this side of the Mississippi takes place Sunday, Jul 16, 2017 at Riverscape Metropark.

The rhythms flow freely as the blues runes and belted out by fantastic artist. Food and Merchandise Vendors will be on site. Bring your blankets or event chairs; but no tents, pets, outside food or beverages please.

Miami Valley Medals at U.S. Open Beer Championship

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Breweries from Vermont to Vietnam sent in more than 6,000 beers representing over 100 different styles for the 2017 U.S. Open Beer Championship, which announced winners today.
“We’re also excited that one of newest breweries in the U.S. and one of the oldest breweries in the world took home  medals,” said Dow Scoggins, director of the U.S. Open Beer Championship. “Cincinnati’s Brink Brewing, which opened in February, won a bronze medal in the golden ale and a gold for its cream stout. The oldest brewery in the world, Weihenstephan, founded in 1040 out of Freising, Germany, won a gold for its Hefeweissbier.”
The competition includes professional breweries and award-winning home-brewers, with judges from England, Canada and the United States.
The complete winner’s list can be found at U.S. Open Winners List.
Our local winner included two in the Wood/Barrel-Aged Scotch Ale Category:
Fifth Street Brewpub, Gold Medal 
Dayton’s Coop brewery, which unfortunately were posted as  listed as “5th Street Brewing” in the results won for their  Barrel Aged Scottish Reign.
This Vandalia brewery’s Kings Reserve made the cut.
“Mike and I couldn’t be happier to see the Dayton breweries doing so well in the competitions this year and to be a part of that. Big thanks to all the Dayton craft beer drinkers that support the local breweries. Drink Local Drink Dayton Craft Beer. Cheers from the Hare,” says Hairless Hare owner Matt Harris
Other medals went to:
FigLeaf Brewing Company, Silver Medal- Brown Porter category
This rookie brewery in Middletown medaled with Ponderous.
Crooked Handle Brewing Co., Bronze Medal, Peanut Butter/Nuts Beer
This suburban brewery’s much talked about Roadside Peanut Butter Porter  brought home a bronze.

Marion’s Piazza’s 52nd Anniversary Sale Starts Today!

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On August 19, 1965, after investing his life savings, Marion Glass opened a pizza restaurant at 460 Patterson Road in Dayton Ohio called Marion’s Piazza.

Marion’s Piazza

When Marion opened his restaurant, it was a first for pizza establishments in Dayton, as he offered seating for over 200 customers in his dining room (all other pizza parlors at that time only offered carryout service with no inside dining).

Marion selected the name Marion’s Piazza because he liked the idea of an outdoor cafe but realized that this concept would not be successful in Ohio’s climate.

Marion therefore, successfully brought the outdoors inside with an Italian piazza, or courtyard, and thus the name Marion’s Piazza was born.

Marion developed a thin crust pizza (now often referred to as “Dayton Style” pizza). conversationGlass-314x400By using only the finest ingredients on his pizzas, sandwiches, pastas and salads, Marion’s Piazza soon became a Dayton favorite!

To date, Marion’s Piazza has been voted “Dayton’s Best Pizza” in over 37 local newspaper and magazine surveys and has been rated “Second In The Nation of Independent Pizza Establishments” in Pizza Today Magazine.

 

Over the years, Marion’s Piazza has grown to nine locations in the Dayton area. Since dine-in has always been king at Marion’s Piazza (the nine locations seat between 275 to over 500 each), the restaurants have been a gathering place for sports teams, birthday celebrations, reunions, graduation parties and anniversary celebrations.

A longstanding relationship with Kenley Players Summer Theater from 1966 through 1995 brought many of Hollywood’s best known stars to Dayton and to Marion’s Piazza; stars like Frankie Avalon, Mickey Rooney, Joel Gray and Sally Field to name a few.

Daytonians Rob Lowe and Martin Sheen still frequent Marion’s Piazza when in Dayton. Of the over 250 Hollywood Stars to dine at Marion’s Piazza, Henry Winkler drew the largest crowd in 1975 when over 2,000 people made reservations to see him.

Marion’s Piazza has shipped thousands of its pizzas throughout the United States to former customers who have moved from the Dayton area. Even actress Pam Dawber, author John Jakes and singer Phyllis McGuire have had pizzas sent to them.

Although Marion’s Piazza founder Marion Glass, passed away in 2006 at the age of 92, the business continues to be owned by the Glass family and run by Marion’s son Roger Glass. Today, Marion’s Piazza is still serving its award winning pizzas the way it has for the past 52 years!

To celebrate their 52nd anniversary, Marion’s will be offering 52% off pizza’s with a coupon on July 9th- 13th.   According to Marion’s website you can get the coupon in the Dayton Daily News and also on the Local Flavor app and in the local reach magazine

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Get Free Chick-fil-A for Cow Appreciation Day

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Tuesday, July 11, 2017 is Cow Appreciation Day and Chick-fil-A is celebrating by giving away a free entree to any customers dressed up like a  cow!

The definition of this look is really quite liberal.  It can be cow-spotted accessories to a full cow suit!

So sport some spots and head to your nearest Chick-fil- A on Tuesday from open until 7pm and enjoy a free breakfast sandwich, fried chicken sandwich or even their new Smokehouse BBQ Bacon sandwich, really any entree, for free!  But you’ll still have to pony up for waffle fries and your drink!

Find the Chick-fil-A near you with the location guide on their website.

 

Dayton Eateries Make the Best Places For Mac and Cheese List

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Here’s another one of those lists put together by a National Media Company that specializes in content solution that empowers brands to connect with local consumers or Click Bait, if you will.  This company based in Westport Connecticut has published over 80 Best xxx in Ohio lists, and I just imagine it’s newly graduated young professional sitting at a desk googling to find places to fit the criteria of the the list they are working on today, who gets really excited when he/she also finds a listing with a picture.  But no matter where they come from, we all seem to get excited when we say a place we know on the list.

And with that said, please enjoy this list from AmericanTowns Media:

 

The 10 Best Places for Mac and Cheese in Ohio!

1. Mac N’ Melts, Perrysburg and Toledo, OH

Macs N’ Melts – Facebook

Mac N’ Melts prides itself on high-quality mac and cheese in a fast, casual, and comfortable environment. With always fresh ingredients in every dish, and a delightful array of unique spins on the classic, Mac N’ Melts will have you coming back again and again.

2. Noodles and Company, Beavercreek, OH

Noodles & Company – Facebook

Noodles and Company knows noodles. They’ve been in business for over 20 years, and since day one, their mission has been to provide real food without any preservatives or artificial ingredients. Just fresh, delicious food that the whole family can enjoy.

3. Keystone’s Mac Shack, Cincinnati, OH

The Mac Shack – Facebook

Mac Shack is a fast-casual dining establishment that only started last year, but they’re fast becoming a big name for fantastic mac and cheese. With nine different varieties of the signature award-winning dish, every one is made to order, from scratch, with locally-sourced fresh ingredients.

4. Lucky’s Cafe, Cleveland, OH

Lucky’s Café

Lucky’s Cafe is more than just the local diner where you can get a great bowl of mac and cheese, although that is undeniably true! It’s also been featured on Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” and multiple Food Network shows.

5. Press Grill, Columbus, OH

The Press Grill is, at heart, the Short North’s casual neighborhood bar and restaurant, serving drinks until 2:30 a.m., and delicious food until 1 a.m. So no matter what time you get a craving for the best mac and cheese around, Press Grill has you covered.

6. Corner Kitchen, Dayton, OH

At the Corner Kitchen, every dish they make, including the renowned macaroni and cheese, is prepared with love, made entirely from scratch with locally-sourced, fresh, and delicious ingredients every time that will have you coming back again and again!

7. Romano’s Macaroni Grill, Cincinnati, OH

Romano’s Macaroni Grill – Facebook

Romano’s Macaroni Grill has a trick up their sleeve for creating delicious macaroni and cheese among other dishes. That trick is sourcing all of their ingredients from small, family-owned Italian farms, and the difference is clear in the taste!

8. Bullwinkle’s Top Hat Bistro, Miamisburg, OH

Bullwinkle’s Top Hat Bistro opened its doors in 1986, and it wasn’t long before they became the premier location for great food in the Miami Valley, with some of the best macaroni and cheese you’re ever likely to experience. Try the mac and cheese with a side of award-winning barbecue for a winning combination!

9. Harrison’s, Tipp City, OH

Harrison’s Restaurant in Tipp City takes pride in providing great service and expertly prepared food. The delicious mac and cheese is a crowd favorite that brings families and individuals coming back again and again.

10. Fahrenheit, Cleveland, OH

Fahrenheit was created to provide the pinnacle of contemporary American regional cuisines, and the cornerstone of that is macaroni and cheese prepared in imaginative and distinctive ways that you’ll never find an equal to anywhere else

Masquerage Theme Release Party — Ticket Giveaway

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Since 2002, Masquerage has earned the reputation as Dayton’s Party of Parties, attended by hundreds of costumed guests for a an evening of dancing, drinking and decadence to benefit Equitas Health (formerly ARC Ohio).
Decor, costumes and entertainment for this extravaganza center around a theme each year, and that curiosity about the theme spawned an annual theme release party staring back in 2010.  The first Masquerage in 2002 , was dubbed A Celebration of Truth, Beauty, Freedom & Love.  It wasn’t until 2005 that specific themes shaped the masks required ball.

 

Here are to the best of my recollection the themes of Masquerage past:

Masquerage 2006

2015:  Viva Las Vegas
2014:  Dirty Little Secrets
2013: Once Upon A Time
2012: Vixens & Villains
2011:  A Decade of Decadence
2010:  Heavenly Pleasures & Sinful Delights
2009: An Evening of Fantastical Oddities and Astonishing Wonders!
2008:  A Sexy intergalactic Adventure
2007: A Glam Rock Odyessy
2006: An Evening of Divine Pleasure
2005:  Tribal

 

You can be amongst the first to find out the theme for the 2017 event on Wed, July 12th as The Dayton Racquet Club sponsors the reveal party from 6-8pm.  You’ll even get inspiration for costumes from the Runway Show produced Mary Kathryn Burnside of Clash Dayton.  Tickets are $25 and include light appetizers and a complimentary cocktail/beverage.

 

DMM TICKET GIVEAWAY: We’ve got 2 pairs of tickets for the theme release party (a $50 value).  You can enter the drawing for our giveaway by liking and sharing this post and leaving a comment below on why you should win.

Welcome cocktail from 2012 Masquerage

Party guests will also have the opportunity to get a $10 discount on tickets for the 2017 Masquerage, which will be held on Saturday, Oct 21st at the Roundhouse at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds.

Masquerage Tickets:

General Admission tickets — $65 presale/$75 @ door includes specialty welcome cocktail, complimentary appetizers, entry into the main event with night-long dancing and entertainment on the Main stage.

Red Ribbon Lounge tickets — $150 presale/$175 @ door includes all the benefits of the main event ticket PLUS exclusive VIP lounge with open bar, specialty food, VIP SWAG bag, and entertainment throughout the venue.

This year’s event represents one of the largest public opportunities to raise awareness and critical fund for HIV/AIDS medical care and treatment, HIV prevention (which includes PrEP), and a variety of other services like primary care, behavioral health counseling, and dental care – one of the highest unmet needs for those living with HIV.

Full Disclosure:  From 2009-2014 I was the Special Events Director at ARC Ohio and produced Masquerage. 

Nigerian Artist Showcases his Jazz Series

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Ben Ibebe is an internationally known African artist based in Nigeria. His works are held in major museums and private collections around the world.

Ben focuses on images of West Africa using vibrant, captivating and very tactile paintings in oil and mixed media. Featuring everyday scenes of Nigerian life, Ben’s unique impasto technique give each art work an almost three-dimensional surface, adding character to bright colors and geocentric composition.

Ben has returned to Dayton for the third straight year with 18 new works, including the first six pieces from his powerful “Jazz” series. You can catch a preview of the exhibit tonight, Thurs, July 6th from 5-8pm at The Front Street Building

 

 

 

 

Local Personalities Lip Sync For SICSA

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Inspired by the popular Spike TV show Lip Sync Battle, SICSA Pet Adoption Center  is staging a 3 round battle on Wednesday, July 12th at The Dublin Pub. As a part of the fundraiser, Pub owner Steve Tieber has agreed that the restaurant will generously donate 20% of sales all day long, just write SICSA on your receipt and that will signal the Pub to include your sales in the donation.

Local personality’s have agreed to take the stage at 6pm and lip sync to their favorite tunes as a fundraiser for the local animal shelter. Competitors will start the first round with a song selection of their choice.  The audience will buy their votes, starting at $2, and thereby pick the winners advance to the second round, where they’ll spin the song wheel for their selection, perform and  again the audience will vote two performers on to the finals. In this last round, both finalists will be give the same song to perform, the audience will again vote and the winner will be declared by 8pm.

Signed up to compete:

From Left to right:  Gina Ferraro  from Channel 99.9, local stand-up comedian Keith Irvin and Dayton.com’s own Amelia Robinson

Rodney Veal, host of Think TV’s “The Art Show, Steve Milano aka “The Big Ragu” food blogger and Zac Pitts, host of WDTN’s Living Dayton

 

And we still have two spots open!  If you’d like to compete send us an email.

How you can help SICSA:

Dine at Dublin Pub – 20% of lunch, dinner and late night donated to SICSA

From 6-8pm Vote for your favorite performer

 

Chef Candace Announces Closing

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Back on April 16th , Chef Candace announced she was ceasing operations of Hawthorn Grill and on Thursday, May 4th she’d reopen as  Sweet Prince Deli & Treat Co.

As Rinke describes it, ” we are going to be your one-stop shop for coffee, espresso, cappuccino, breakfast sandwiches, breakfast pastries, lunch, sweet treats and carry-out of all of our most
popular Hawthorn Grill items- including mushroom soup, house salads, white bean chicken chili, lemon-dill potato salad, chocolate chip cookies and bread pudding.”  The new business would be open 7am – 4pm, giving Chef a chance to spend evenings with her family.

 

Well today she made another announcement via Facebook:


We tried to reach out to Candace, but instead got voicemail confirming that after seven years in business they were indeed closed.  We wish Candace and her crew the best as they embark on a new chapter.

 

Table 33 Throws A Patio Party

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On October 17, 2016 Table 33 opened its doors as Dayton newest eatery.  Since then they’ve established themselves with fine fare as a great breakfast and lunch place.  Part restaurant, part coffee shop, you can sit at the bar, a table or host a small meeting on the couches in the lounge area.  Getting rave reviews for their breakfast tacos, quiche of the day and friendly service, they’ve also mastered gluten free and vegan options that taste good!

On Monday, July 3rd they’ll add their huge patio to the mix.  Celebrating  with a Monday Funday Patio Party featuring a FREE BBQ buffet, drink specials, live music and a cornhole tourney from 2-6pm.

Donations are suggested for the free buffet, with 100% going to their charity partner UpDayton!

Hang out, soak up the sun, and get primed for the night’s festivities and fireworks!

Great Miami Riverway Coordinator Begins Job Today

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Elizabeth Connor begins today in the newly created position of Great Miami Riverway coordinator.

 

A partnership of 18 cities and agencies is working to promote the Great Miami Riverway from Sidney to Hamilton as a single destination. The Great Miami Riverway is more than just the river or the bike trail, it includes a rich diversity of unique river towns, abundant land and water recreation, arts, culture, historic destinations, programs, fun events and festivals.

This new position will focus on marketing, communication and placemaking to attract visitors to the Great Miami Riverway while actively pursuing diverse funding opportunities and additional partners. The partners believe these efforts will support economic development and strengthen river corridor neighborhoods.

Connor will be responsible for:

  • Developing a marketing and communication plan to attract visitors to the Riverway.
  • Promoting the cities, parks, events, places and attractions along the Riverway.
  • Facilitating a regional partnership to support placemaking in the Riverway.

 

Previously, Connor was owner and president of EWC Media, LLC. She also served as executive director of Lake County (Ohio) Historical Society and worked with the Lake County (Ohio) Visitors Bureau.

 

She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in history from Northern Michigan University and a Master of Arts management degree from Carnegie Mellon University.

“We are excited by the experience and expertise that Elizabeth brings to MCD and are looking forward to promoting the Riverway with her guidance and enthusiasm,” says Janet Bly, MCD general manager.

 

As Riverway coordinator, Connor is an employee of the Miami Conservancy District (MCD). MCD is facilitating the Riverway effort on behalf of the partners.

 

Nibbles hosts Tiki Night!

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Nibbles Restaurant at 105 S. Second Street in downtown Miamisburg brings in  Summer with Tiki Night on Tuesday, July 11th at 6:30pm. This special event will feature food with a tropical theme, paired with classic Tiki drinks sure to wash away your troubles!

Four courses of Chef Maria’s delicious food each paired with a mini-cocktail from our Barman’s trove of tropical concoctions for $64 per person.  As with most of Nibbles theme nights-this will sell out quickly!

 

 

Four Course Dinner Menu with Cocktails

Hawaiian Poké
the traditional island favorite, marinated in soy, sesame, and citrus
Paired with: Trader Vic’s Mai Tai
From a base of rum and Orgeat, comes this minor miracle
Werewolves may be sighted in the vicinity.

Braised Pork Belly Tacos
with grilled pineapple-mango-jicama slaw
Paired with: Fog Cutter
A triple-threatof rum, brandy, and gin, known to induce untoward behavior.
Polynesian Fish Ribs
crispy Pacu ribs in a sweet Pacific glaze with fried plantain chips
Paired with: Zombie The ultimate Tiki drink! A special blend of rums, fruit
juices, and secret spices.
All hail Don the Be achcomber!
Coco Lopez Rum Cake
a Polynesian spin on Tres Leches, with cream of coconut and a rum soak
Paired with:  The Genuine Piña Colada
Made just as God intended, with Coco Lopez and pineapple juice.
Takes you right back to Ricky Ricardo and the Club Babalo

Reservations by phone only!
(937) 802 -0891

 

Dayton Introduces “Real Change Dayton”

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The Downtown Partnership just released this eblast about a plan for dealing with downtown panhandlers:

:

Greetings, and thank you for your continued support of downtown Dayton. We at the Downtown Dayton Partnership hope you’re enjoying the warm weather and everything downtown has to offer this summer.

I wanted to take a minute to let you know about an initiative we’re spearheading to address panhandling issues. I know this has been a concern not only in our downtown community, but across the region and cities nationwide. We have been working with the United Way of Greater Dayton, the City of Dayton, Montgomery County (Health and Human Services), and several other supporting agencies to create a comprehensive campaign that will educate the public about the services these organizations provide, and encourages donations to these agencies, rather than individuals.

Real Change Dayton is a collaborative awareness program that educates the public that there’s a better way to give if they truly want to help those in need, and to help ensure those in need receive emergency and long-term services. We realize this is A solution and not THE solution to address the larger issues behind panhandling. We want to reinforce the idea that our community’s generosity better serves those who are truly in need when directed to social service agencies in our community.

On Wednesday, June 21, we will publicly introduce the Real Change Dayton campaign. Components of the campaign include marketing materials and options for channeling donations to more appropriate avenues.

  • Posters, business-sized cards, and brochures will be distributed with information about Real Change Dayton to help spread the word. One set of cards includes information on ways to donate to Real Change Dayton. The other set can be given directly to those in need; it includes the United Way’s HelpLine and other information on obtaining services. We plan to distribute these materials to our downtown businesses (in particular our first-floor and consumer-based businesses) for them to share with their staff and customers.Let us know if you would like this information for display or distribution.
    • A new website, www.RealChangeDayton.org, will be the hub for information, highlighting local nonprofit and social service organizations and the services they provide to those in need.
    • Vibrantly wrapped retired parking meters will serve as collection sites for those who wish to make a monetary donation. Look for them in heavy pedestrian-traveled areas downtown.
    • A new text-to-give method provides a way to make mobile donations. All donations collected via meters and digital campaigns will be directed to United Way of the Greater Dayton Area and invested in program that focus on financial stability, positive health outcomes, and emergency services.

If you have any questions at all, please give me a call. Thank you once again for your support of downtown!

Sincerely,

Sandra K. Gudorf
President, Downtown Dayton Partnership

(937) 224-1518

Wine Gallery Tasting & Sale

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The Wine Gallery Wine Shop and Bistro located downtown at 5 W. Monument is hosting  a wine tasting and sale this evening, Saturday, June 24th,  beginning at 6pm featuring 24 wines sweet to dry available for tasting.  They will have whites, reds and pinks available  with special pricing for case purchases. If you have any events coming up this summer or early fall that require wine, you won’t want miss this event. They will have cases of wine as low as $40 for 12 bottles. But with  prices like this, they do not allow mixing of the cases.

You’ll also be able to enjoy all pizza’s, salads and appetizers at 1/2 off during the wine sale. Check our menu out at www.thewinegalleryandcafe.com

Call 937-224-9463 to reserve a table this evening. Cheers!