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Oregon District

Lily’s Owner Asks Community For Support

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Emily Mendenhall

I have been wrestling the last week with how to approach what we’re facing here, and trying to keep a brave face on and to find some way to not resort to what in a way feels like begging at this point as I know so many people are struggling and so many small businesses are struggling right now and this isn’t our first call to action post– but what was a threat code orange situation has become (with a large piece of equipment going down and needing replaced) code red, so here we are.

We deeply want to keep on keeping on, to show up for our community, and to offer all staff hours, but we have to have the funds to do that. We’ve made some tough decisions already over the last couple months with further belt tightening enacted daily, but we very much need your support for the next 2-3 weeks to bridge us over to holiday season.
We have a great roster of weekly specials. We understand things are tough for folks at home as well, and are offering discounts and incentives to join us. Wednesday you can enjoy a caesar salad with fries and a Belle of Dayton martini for just $19! Tuesdays its Burger and a Pint night with burgers for $12 and a pint making for a full meal for $15. Happy Hour pricing on drinks and Bao buns runs Tuesday-Friday 430pm-630pm. Our menu highlights many snack options for under $10 to be able to enjoy various items without a big price tag.
We are rolling out a week of Pumpkin specials this week hoping to honor a favorite ingredient this Halloween season (typically a very slow week for us with trick or treat and parties) and will have pumpkin drink specials including pumpkin espresso martinis and pumpkin cold brew. These are offered nightly starting Wednesday 10/29-Sunday 11/2 from 430pm on with drink specials and pie specials at Brunch Friday, Saturday and Sunday
We also signed up to be a location to collect food for the The Foodbank, Inc. over the next several weeks and would welcome you to stop in to donate and maybe grab a quick snack or beverage while doing so.
I’m sharing this ultimately because in the end, it’s not about my pride or really anything other than being transparent and not allowing us to be one of the places that shuttered our doors only to have so many people saying “I wish we would have known.” I owe it to our staff to try to keep things going, and I owe it to our community to be real and let you all know. If we’ve reached the time where the business is no longer feasible, I’m at peace with that as well and will be the first to thank everyone for all the good meals and good times. We’ll do our best to give folks notice to use gift cards and staff for work and to help place staff. I’ve always said we won’t just up and close up over night like so many places seem to do. Right now we’re not quite at that point, but this is more or less the final card I have to play.
If you can’t make it in to spend and support that way, please always remember likes and shares and kind reviews help a lot and are 100% free. if you can make it in, reservations help us with planning and can be made online at https://www.exploretock.com/lilys or by calling 937-723-7637 though walk ins are always welcome too (sometimes there may just be a wait or less staff).
Thank you all for taking the time to read and for the support over the years and we hope to see you even its just to pop your head in and offer a kind word.
With Gratitude,
Emily and the Lily’s Crew
Tues- Thrus 4:30 – 9pm
Fri 11am – 2pm, 4:30- 10pm
Sat 10am – 3pm, 4:30- 10pm
Sun 10am – 3pm 4:30- 9pm

Out On 5th is Back For The Summer

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Out on 5th is back for another summer season!

Out on 5th is the street closure of Fifth Street in the Oregon District of downtown Dayton on weekends: Fridays 5 -10 pm/ Saturdays noon – 10 pm / Sundays noon – 10 pm.

Closing down Fifth Street from Patterson Boulevard to Wayne Avenue every Friday night through Sunday evening allows
our business district to open up the street for guests to shop – dine – and relax in the open air.

  • Out on 5th gives restaurants and bars in the district room to expand patio seating into the streets.

  • Fifth Street is filled with public seating to allow guests room to spread out and enjoy the outdoors.

  • Retail shops can use extra sidewalk space in front of their business for sales. Looking to hold a retail pop-up? Apply here.

  • Local entertainment will be in the district every weekend to enhance the atmosphere. Looking to be an entertainer? Apply here.3.jpg

Parking

Thousands of parking spaces on surface lots, parking garages, or metered side streets (free on weekends) surround the Oregon District.

During Out on 5th, please use the detour map at the bottom of this page to navigate around the street closures and into the parking lots.

Our Oregon District businesses kindly ask you to park in these lots, garages or public street spaces, and not in the residential neighborhood.

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DORA in the District

The Oregon District is a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) – which allows patrons to purchase an alcoholic beverage served in a branded cup and enjoy that beverage outdoors, within the boundaries of the DORA. Find more info on the Oregon District’s DORA webpage.

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Public tables vs. private patios

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As part of Out on 5th, some Oregon District businesses have expanded their private patios for their paid guests into the street.

But there are several public tables set up for you to enjoy

Look for this sticker on public tables anyone can sit at:

 

Driving to Out on 5th

With Fifth street closed, the official detour is using Wayne Avenue, Fourth Street and Patterson Boulevard to access parking to visit Out on 5th.

To access the parking lots on the north side of Fifth Street, turn onto Jackson from Wayne Avenue.

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Corner Kitchen Announces Closure

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We received this press release this afternoon:

“With heavy hearts, Corner Kitchen  announces that this will be their final week of service. For the past three years, we have poured our passion and dedication into creating memorable dining experiences, and it has been an absolute honor to serve this community. We are incredibly grateful for the amazing customers who have celebrated life’s moments with us. Your support, laughter, and shared meals have meant the world, and we will truly miss each and every one of you.

As they prepare to close, their focus remains on our incredible team. They are working diligently to assist our staff in finding new opportunities and ensuring a smooth transition for them. Their talent and dedication have been the heart of Corner Kitchen, and we are committed to supporting them through this change.”

Their final service will be Sunday brunch.

 

Final week:

Tuesday – Thursday: 5 PM – 9 PM Friday: 5 PM – 10 PM
Saturday: 11 AM – 3 PM | 5 PM – 9 PM Sunday (Final Service): 11 AM – 7 PM

We remain hopeful for the future of the Oregon District and for the businesses that continue to call it home. It has been heartbreaking to witness the decline in foot traffic and the impact on so many of our neighbors. We sincerely hope to see this beloved community thrive once again.

Additionally, if you are interested in purchasing furniture, equipment, or the liquor license, please contact us at [email protected].

From the bottom of our hearts thank you, Dayton. We love you and will cherish the memories we’ve made together.

 

Soft Opening for Culina in the Oregon District

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Wednesday (today) at 4pm Culina will soft open with the new concept while protecting the favorites we have all grown to know and love from the former Roost at 524 E 5th Street, in the Oregon District.

When life gives us lemons – some people make lemonade but Chef Dana Downs makes Limoncello!

Culina unveiled a menu that features everything from $7 snacks to a $23 striped sea bass. The menu that contains things like Truffle Fries, Stuffed Olives – Salads like the Gorgonzola Wedge (that Roost was known for), or a Grilled Romaine Caesar – Shared Plates  of Mussels (another Roost favorite), Grilled and Roasted Artichokes, Chicken Scallopine, New York Strip with Salsa Rosa (remember the bread dip from Roost), and Sweets like a Lemon Ricotta Cookie or even a Biscoff Gelato Affogato.

The cocktail menu has been updated with features like a Catamaran, Paradisi, Spice Spice Baby, La Sera Spritz or the Golden Hour – all of these might require a taste!

Soft opening hours are 4-9pm today; 4-10 Friday and Saturday – closed Sunday.
Next week – Monday thru Thursday 4-9 Friday and Saturday 4-10. More on hours coming!

You are not going to want to miss this twist on FINE CASUAL DINING!

 

Out of Fifth Returns

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Out on 5th is the street closure of Fifth Street in the Oregon District of downtown Dayton on weekends. Closing down Fifth Street from Patterson Boulevard to Wayne Avenue every Friday night through Sunday evening allows the  business district to open up the street for guests to shop – dine – and relax in the open air.

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  • Out on 5th gives restaurants and bars in the district room to expand patio seating into the streets.

  • Fifth Street is filled with public seating to allow guests room to spread out and enjoy the outdoors.

During Out on 5th, please use the detour map at the bottom of this page to navigate around the street closures and into the parking lots.

Our Oregon District businesses kindly ask you to park in these lots, garages or public street spaces, and not in the residential neighborhood.

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Soft Opening For Culture This Weekend

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After a couple of months of doing pop up meals, Chef Dane is holding the soft opening for his new Oregon spot, CULTURE this Friday and Saturday from 4-10pm.  Dane describes his food as elevated comfort food and his menu is a true fusion of southern food, with a nod towards asian and Indian.  He’ll also feature some vegan and vegetarian dishes.

Here’s a peek at the menu:

 

Located in the space that was formerly the 416 Diner, it still has the same seating options, booths against the wall, counter seating, as well as a great outdoor patio.

CULTURE
 Food and Vibes

416 E. Fifth Street
Dayton, OH 45402

 

 

Meet local author of “See You At San Diego: An Oral History of Comic-Con, Fandom, and the Triumph of Geek Culture”

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Local author Mathew Klickstein completes his national book tour promoting his latest pop culture history book, See You At San Diego: An Oral History of Comic-Con, Fandom, and the Triumph of Geek Culture, right here in Dayton!

Klickstein will be making appearances at stops throughout the Greater Dayton area during November. He is particularly looking forward to his author talk with Dayton937 writer and editor, Libby Ballengee from 6:30-8:30pm on Friday, November 4th at Omega Music (318 E. 5th St in Oregon District). He’ll also be signing books, which will be  available at the beloved local record store.

See list below for additional local dates to meet the author. More info on dates, special guests, and locations: www.MathewKlickstein.com

Local tour schedule includes stops at:

Tickets Now On Sale For Hauntfest on Fifth

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Come one, come all to the greatest annual spectacle in the Miami Valley, HAUNTFEST ON 5TH! This year is sure to be quite the circus, with oddities to behold, revelers, tremendous feats, and more! The event begins at 7pm on Saturday, Oct 29th and will end on Sun, Oct 30th at 1am.
More than just a huge Halloween festival, it’s also an opportunity to come together as a community and support the positive and cohesive spirit of our entertainment & entrepreneurial neighborhood!
In addition to being an amazing party, HAUNTFEST serves as a fundraiser for the Oregon District Business Association to cover improvement efforts in the District throughout the year.
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online.
HAUNTFEST HAS A STRICT WEAPONS-FREE POLICY. NO WEAPONS—REAL OR FAKE—WILL BE PERMITTED.
VISITORS MUST BE 18 YEARS OLD TO ENTER, AND 21 TO DRINK

Out On 5th Returns Starting This Weekend!

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The Oregon District Business Association (ODBA) has announced the return of the Out on 5th program for 2022. The program will officially launch this Thursday, April 14. A soft launch for the program was held last weekend.

Fifth Street in the Oregon District will be closed to vehicular traffic between Patterson Boulevard and Wayne Avenue starting at 3 pm on Thursday, April 14, and will reopen to traffic early on the morning of Monday, April.

The first official Out on 5th road closure will begin one day early due to the Easter holiday, but following Out on 5th weekends will follow a Friday – Sunday schedule.

Out of Fifth will close the street:

Fridays 5 -10 pm
Saturdays noon – 10 pm
Sundays noon – 10 pm

“The Oregon District’s business owners are so excited for another season of Out on 5th,” said Emily Mendenhall, owner of Lily’s Dayton and ODBA board member. “The program brings a huge increase in business for our bars, restaurants, and retailers, and we love welcoming even more new and regular customers to the district.”

The Out on 5th pedestrian mall will feature extra outdoor seating, music and other entertainment, special sales events, and more amenities for guests.

“This program started as a way to help our businesses recover during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Sandra K. Gudorf, President of the Downtown Dayton Partnership. “Over the last two years, it’s grown and become not only a vital tool to help support our small businesses, but a community event to welcome guests back downtown.”

During Out on 5th, guests are invited to patronize downtown businesses and enjoy public seating areas set up on the sidewalks and in the street. Guests 21 years and older can also take part in the Oregon District’s Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) program. The program is in effect every day of the year (excluding St. Patrick’s Day and the last Saturday in October) and allows patrons to carry open alcoholic beverages served in branded DORA cups within the designated area.

Here’s a map of the parking lots near the Oregon District:

Oregon District businesses and neighbors kindly ask guests to use surface lots, parking garages, and public street spaces and not park in the residential neighborhood.

Lily’s Pumpkin Fest Starts Tuesday

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Lily’s Dayton is hosting Pumpkin Fest, this Tues- Sunday, except for Sat, due to Hauntfest in the Oregon District.
When a pumpkin can be in a sweet dessert like a pie and salted up to be a savory dish (think pumpkin ravioli), it’s hard to decipher if it’s a fruit or a vegetable. It might not be your first guess, but…a pumpkin is a fruit.

So check out this  menu that feature the big orange fruit in appetizers, entrees and even desserts all week long.

Appetizers:
–Chipotle Pumpkin Deviled eggs with cornichon ‘stem’ (they look like little pumpkins! (GF)
–Vegan Chickpea Pumpkin Chili served in a bread bowl or
–Chickpea Chorizo Pumpkin Chili served in a bread bowl
Slow cooked chili with onions, peppers, tomatoes, chickpeas, and pumpkin. Served in a bread bowl and topped with aged white cheddar, green onions and sour cream. (GF possible)-Roasted -Pumpkin and -Quinoa and Pumpkin Kale

Salad
Oven roasted pumpkin with chilled quinoa, pomegranate seeds, and candied walnuts over maple-balsamic tossed kale with goat cheese (*Vegan, GF)

 

 

Entrees:
Pumpkin Risotto with sauteed rainbow chard, topped with shave parmesan, fried sage, and toasted pepitas and your choice of grilled steak, local pork tenderloin, or roasted brussel sprouts with caramelized onions (all GF)

 

Desserts:
-Pumpkin Creme Brulee
-Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake with gingersnap crust (pictured)

Walk ins always welcome, but reservations are preferred and can be made online or by giving Lily’s a ring at 937-723-7637.

 

Corner Kitchen to Reopen With New Owner

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The One Esca Group, a restaurant management company based in Dallas, Texas, owns and plans to operate Corner Kitchen. The One Esca Group, currently owns and operates the Spaghetti Warehouse located at 36 West Fifth Street in downtown Dayton so they are familiar with Dayton and region. They’re very excited to expand their presence through the acquisition of Corner Kitchen, which will be its own unique and very special addition to the greater Dayton restaurant scene.  According to PR Rep Chuck Vella, on opening timeline,  “It will be some months away.”

They will retain the name and Jack and Natalie Skilliter, founders and former owners, will be consulting with them for a transition period. They will retain some of Jack’s and Natalie’s offerings, however, they will also add new items to the menu, to the bar, and we will also make some changes to the floor plan. They will be changing the dining experience to create their own vision.

They are also keenly aware of the great things that are happening in downtown Dayton and the region. For downtown, a renaissance, if you will, that will make Dayton and an even more attractive entertainment and dining center. They see this move a great opportunity and it is their intention to add to the vibrancy of the region.

The One Esca Group is a restaurant management company based out of Dallas, TX.  The group owns and manages over 18 million dollars in annual sales with assets located in Texas and Ohio. The company is multi-unit/multi-concept operator which runs concepts spanning from Irish Pubs and Steakhouses to Chicago-style Pan pizzas. The portfolio includes 3 Spaghetti Warehouses (meatballs.com), 2 Blackfriar Pub (Blackfriarpub.com), Anju Asian Street Food (theanju.com) 2 Sugarbacon (Sugarbacon.com), 2 Dog Haus (Doghaus.com), Taste of Chicago (addisontasteofchicago.com), Corner Kitchen (Dayton), and a Mad for Chicken (madforchicken.com) location.

 

 

Perfect Patios for Pups!

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Enjoy the patio at Wheat Penny with your pup!

It doesn’t get much better than quality time outside with man’s best friend and a cold drink in your hand. With the heatwave over and temperatures falling back to normal, some of our most comfortable patio days are ahead of us. Not sure what patios are dog friendly? Have no fear! Listed below are a few of our favorite canine friendly patios in the area. Be sure to check back as our list is sure to grow:

Dayton:

  • The Barrel House – 417 E. 3rd Street, Dayton
  • The Trolley Stop – 530 E. 5th Street, Dayton
  • Mudlick Tap House – 135 E 2nd Street, Dayton
  • Lily’s Bistro – 329 E. 5th Street, Dayton
  • CoCo’s Bistro – 250 Warren Street, Dayton
  • Dublin Pub – 300 Wayne Avenue, Dayton

    Libby Ballengee enjoys Lily’s Bistro’s front patio with Stella.

  • South Park Tavern – 1301 Wayne Avenue, Dayton
  • Wheat Penny Oven & Bar – 515 Wayne Avenue, Dayton
  • Milano’s  – 1834 Brown Street, Dayton
  • Dayton Beer Company – 41 Madison Street, Dayton

Suburbs:

  • Archers Tavern- 9496 Dayton Lebanon Pike, Centerville
  • Bennett’s – 67 S Main St., Miamisburg
  • El Meson – 903 E Dixie Dr, West Carrollton
  • Flavors Eatery – 865 E. Franklin Street, Centerville
  • Heather’s Cafe – 505 S. Main Street, Springboro
  • Mack’s Tavern – 381 Miamisburg Centerville Road, Centerville
  • Milano’s- 9572 Springboro Pike, Miami Twsp, 260 N Fairfield Rd, Beavercreek
  • Mr. Boro’s Tavern – 495 N. Main St., Springboro
  • Ray’s Wine and Spirits Grill – 8268 N. Main Street, Dayton
  • Ritter’s Frozen Custard- 2531 Dayton-Xenia Rd., 2226 Wilmington Pike, Kettering
  • Roma’s Pizza&Pasta – 282 W Central Ave Springboro
  • So Your Yogurt- 971 S Main St, Centerville
  • Ye Olde Trail Tavern – 228 Xenia Avenue, Yellow Springs
  • Zink’s Meats & Fine Wines – 409 Miamisburg Centerville Road, Centerville

Breweries:

  • Branch& Bone Artisian Ales- 905 Wayne Ave, Dayton
  • Crooked Handle Brewing Co.- 60 N. Main Street, Springboro
    Dayton Beer Company – 41 Madison Street, Dayton
  • Devil Wind Brewing – 130 South Detroit Street, Xenia
  • Eudora Brewing Company – 3022 Wilmington Pike, Kettering
  • FigLeaf Brewing Company – 3387 Cincinnati-Dayton Rd, Middletown
  • Fifth Street Brewpub – 1600 E 5th St, Dayton (Dogs allowed Wednesdays only 6-9PM)
  • Lock 27 Brewing – 1035 South Main Street, Centerville
  • Mother Stewart’s Brewing Co – 102 W. Columbia St, Springfield
  • Southern Ohio Brewing – 818 Factory Rd, Beavercreek
  • Star City Brewing Company – 319 S 2nd St, Miamisburg
  • Toxic Brew Company – 431 E. 5th Street, Dayton
  • Warped Wing Barrel Room & Smokery – 25 Wright Station Way, Springboro
  • Yellow Springs Brewery – 305 Walnut Street, Yellow Springs

 

If you know of other pup friendly patios, post them in the comments below so we can add them.

Say “Au Revoir” to 2020 at Lily’s!

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Lily’s in the Oregon District is offering a variety of ways to send off 2020 and welcome 2021, including prepare at home New Year’s Eve Surf & Turf Meal Kits (complete with recipes and instructional videos from Chef Don), Two-seatings of a Socially-Distanced, French Riviera-Inspired New Year’s Eve Dinner, and a Bonus Day of Brunch on Friday, January 1 from 11am-3pm!

NYE Cook at Home Surf & Turf Meal Kits

For folks looking to ring in the new year with a special meal from home, we will be offering a 2-course Surf & Turf meal that serves 2. Includes the below menu, and comes complete with written recipes as well as a video recipe walk through from Chef Don!

Option 1: Herbs de Provence encrusted slow roasted beef with shallot red wine sauce

Served with sides of:

-Braised young leeks& stewed tomatoes

-Camembert truffade potatoes  $46

-Make it Surf & Turf and add crab legs with garlic butter! +$19

Option 2: Provençal root vegetable ratatouille

Served with sides of:

-Braised young leeks & stewed tomatoes

-Camembert truffade potatoes  $36

Add Ons:

-Salad for 2: Shaved fennel and chicory with fresh blood orange, toasted hazelnuts, red onion, chevre, and honey dijon campagne vinaigrette   $15

-Dessert: French Mille Feuille Pastry: layers of puff pastry and crème pâtissière topped with chocolate drizzle, served over crème anglaise   $10/each

Bottles of Red, White, and Sparkling:

-Bottle of Avalon Cabernet Sauvignon $14

-Bottle of La Grand Pinot Noir $15

-Bottle of Sea Pearl Sauvignon Blanc $15

-Bottle of Santa Julia Organic Chardonnay $14

-Bottle of Chalk Hill Rosé $14

-Bottle of Giancarlo Prosecco $15

-Bottle of JCB French Brut Cremant Sparkling Wine $22

 

Bonus Day of Brunch on Friday, January 1 from 11am-3pm!

It’s Friday, the first day of 2021, so why not celebrate with brunch! Hours a bit later for the holiday (11am-3pm), and we’ll be serving up our full brunch menu with all your favorites like pork belly and crab cake benedict, lox bagels, beignets, bloody marys, and of course mimosas! Socially-distanced dine in, online ordering for curbside at https://www.toasttab.com/lilysdayton/v3  , and delivery via 937delivers available.

 

Oregon District Holiday Tour of Homes Goes Virtual

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The traditional tour of the beautiful, historic homes of the Oregon District can’t happen this year because of current circumstances surrounding the coronavirus, so the neighbors of the district will hold an online, virtual tour of four historic properties in a Facebook Live video tour on Saturday, Dec. 12 starting at 11 am.

Three Oregon District homeowners will be showcasing their homes in a free, virtual tour that will be presented in a Facebook Live video tour and interview with the homeowners. One home tour will begin every 30 minutes at 11 am, 11:30 am, 12 pm noon. The video tours will be available to stream after an initial, live premier.

The tours will include a video host who will facilitate a conversation with the homeowners, asking about the history of the home, and also how they have made it their own since they moved in.

Online guests will be able to ask questions via the Facebook Live comments section and will also have the opportunity to donate to the Oregon Historic District Society (OHDS). The OHDS is a 501c3 nonprofit run by the neighborhood to cover community expenses such as the costs of upkeep in Newcom Park, Oregon District residential street lighting and the street lighting maintenance. These are all expenses paid by the residents of the neighborhood, but add a welcoming and safe atmosphere for all guests to visit the Oregon District. Watch a video on this nonprofit here.

You can find more details about this virtual tour on the Oregon Historic District’s Facebook page event here, or on the OHDS website: http://www.oregondistrict.org

The OHDS hopes that the tradition of a personal tour of the neighborhood can return in 2021, but for this year are thankful for neighbors who are dedicating their time to creatively make a virtual tour happen.

Oregon District’s Hauntfest Cancelled

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Out of concern for the health and safety of our guests and employees and local community, and with a deep appreciation for the financial soundness of our bars, restaurants, retails, and service businesses, the Oregon District Business Association will not be holding Hauntfest in any capacity this year.

Photo by Tom Gilliam

Out on 5th, the pedestrian mall created from the closure of 5th Street to vehicular traffic, will still be in place on October 31 to encourage safe practices related to COVID-19. We request strict adherence to social distancing and mask-wearing, every day and especially on celebratory holidays like Halloween.

DORA (designated outdoor refreshment area) will not be in effect per the City ordinance, therefore, there will be NO open containers permitted within the DORA boundary permitted on Oct. 31 and open container fines will be in effect.

We are disappointed that we must make this decision and announcement cancelling an event that has such a rich history and dedicated following. We must, however, focus on keeping our communities safe and as an organization, we must be mindful to not offer any services that compete with the permanent brick and mortar establishments in the Oregon District.