Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

Time and time again, I have heard people say, “There is nothing to do in Dayton.”  Usually it is pretty difficult to ruffle my feathers (probably because I don’t have any), but this phrase really gets my goat!  As a Dayton native and huge advocate of the city, I know there are TONS of things to do in Dayton…and my goal here is to prove it to you!

For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Jane Krebs.  For those of you who do know me, my name is still Jane Krebs.  Each Wednesday, I will be bringing you Jane’s Best Bets – a weekly column devoted to informing you of some of the best events going on in and around our wonderful city.  To give you a little history, Jane’s Best Bets actually began a little over a year ago when I started emailing a group of friends and family about fun events going on around town.  The concept grew and grew and today, that email reaches more than one-hundred people.  And now, I feel so fortunate to bring it to all of you – the wonderful readers of DaytonMostMetro.com!

I am a person of many interests and am involved in many wonderful organizations in our community, such as the Red Cross Associate Board and Generation Dayton.  So whether you’re a sports fanatic, a food guru, art enthusiast, community service advocate, or a music junkie, you have definitely come to the right place.  Dayton has something to offer you…and it is my job to show you!

Also, for those of you who have not seen a “Jane’s Best Bets”, in addition to featuring fun events, it also features the signature “Dumb Joke of the Week”.  Perhaps not my readers’ favorite part, as those who know me would describe me as VERY corny (think the “Laffy Taffy” type).  So, if you are corny, I think we’re going to get along just fine.  And if not, that’s okay too – just feel free to shake your head because after all, I’ll never know!

So, without further adieu, here are your best bets!  It’s Dayton’s very first Beer Week, so if you like beer, then this is definitely your week.  If you don’t, however, there are plenty of other fun things for you to do!

Starting on Wednesday, check out one of the many beer tastings going on as a part of Dayton Beer Week, such as the Abita Beer Tasting Event at Rue Dumaine, the Brooklyn Brewery Tasting at Bruning’s Wine Cellar, the Beer and Wine Throwdown at the Culinary Company, the Stone Beer Dinner at Thai 9, the Dogfish Head Beer Dinner at Dorothy Lane Market, the Brooklyn Brewery Oktoberfest Release at Fox & Hound, or the Stone 090909 Vertical Epic Tapping at Chappys.  That sure was a mouthful!  Speaking of mouths, perhaps you like to use yours to sing.  If so, you’ll want to head to the 88 Club for ‘Wild Out’ Karaoke Wednesday.  Or, if you’re a bookworm who likes a good bargain (don’t we all!), check out the Wright Library Book Sale, which runs through Sunday.

Then on Thursday, continue to celebrate Dayton Beer Week by sampling more beer at another tasting, such as the Troegs Beer Tasting at the Dorothy Lane Market in Oakwood, the Mt. Carmel Beer Tasting at a Taste of Wine, or the Goose Island Beer and Cheese Tasting at Spinoza’s.  If you’d rather check out opportunities to be out and about in the great outdoors as opposed to chilling and sipping a brewski, you may want to check out Five Rivers MetroParks’ Intro to Backpacking Class.  Or, check out the Kim Kelly Orchestra as part of Big Band Nights at the new Pavillion at Riverscape!

On Friday, support local farmers by going to the Xenia Farmer’s Market.  If you’d like to meet other young professionals in the area, check out Generation Dayton’s 4^th Friday Lunch, followed by Generation Dayton’s 2010 WPAFB Tour (open to Generation Dayton Members).  I know several people who attended this event last year and said it was great!  Later in the evening, check out some live outdoor music – one of my favorite things!  Some options are the Websters at Sharkey’s (very fun cover band!) or Funky G at The Greene (FREE)!  And, if you enjoy festivals, check out the Lebanese Festival to sample authentic Middle-Eastern food and pastries, watch some belly dancing, and enjoy all the other things festivals have to offer including amusement rides and poker (I guess this column is about “bet”ting after all!).  Or, if you feel like going to another beer tasting, check out Red Carpet Night at the Trolley Stop, where there will be many different beers to try!

I’m hoping you can save up some energy during the week because Saturday is the big day – the 12^th Annual AleFest Dayton at Carillon Park!  If you like beer at all, then this is one event you won’t want to miss, as you can choose from over 300 beers to sample!  At Riverscape, check out the African American Cultural Festival.  Or, if you didn’t get to check out the Lebanese Festival Friday, now is your chance.  If you’re a Jimmy Buffett Fan, check out the 3^rd Annual Concert, Fish Fry & Benefit with the Parrots of the Caribbean.  Just be sure you don’t put Margaritaville in your Garmin – you may get lost.  And, if you love the 80s, go to Mix 107.7’s Summerfest at the Fraze to see Blondie and Cheap Trick!  “One way or another,” I’m sure you’re going to make it a great Saturday!

And finally on Sunday, if you’re not too exhausted – head back to Carillon Park for WYSO’s FREE Summer Concert featuring the Rev Cool Arkestra and Dance Ensemble & C. Wright’s Parlour Tricks, or go to Stubbs Park in Centerville to see Lone Raven.  Or if you feel like just kicking back and reading a book, I know where you can get one at a bargain!  Head on over to the last day for the Wright Library Book Sale where a bag of books is just $2.00!

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week.  Drum roll please…

What did the farmer say when he picked up the corn?

“Aw, shucks!”

(See, I told you I was “corn”y!)

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it – it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!   And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Have a great week Dayton!