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Bloody Mary Showdown Returns!

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Last held in 2020, the pandemic prevented this annual event from happening for 2 years, but on Sunday, February 5th the competition for Dayton’s Best Bloody Mary resumes in 2023! Produced by Planned2Give, co-founder Jeff Jackson shared, “we are so please to be able to bring this event back, it’s a fun easy way to raise funds for a local nonprofit each year.”

Bartenders from Dayton’s bars and restaurants will compete, bringing their own bloody mary mix and garnishes to the table.  Guests will have a chance to sample the different cocktails and then vote for their favorite.

At the very first Showdown, held in  MacKenzie Manley took the title.   She described her winning cocktail as Mack’s BBQ Burger Mary- a smokey, hearty, beefed up BBQ bloody mary that has a spicy sriracha  salted rim and garnished with a sweet lil smokey wrapped in yummy caramelized bacon slice.

The next year MacKenzie tied with Scott Conrad, from The Vue Ultralounge. In year 3 Scott took the undisputed  top prize. Since then Conrad has gone on to launch a commercial business selling his award winning RADS Bloody Mary Mix.

In 2019 bartender Jenn Elsass from TJ Chumps in Miamisburg took home top prize thanks to an impressive garnish that included a large shrimp, a deviled egg and a shot of beer back.

In 2020 the winning cocktail was “Papi’s Sassy Bloody Mary” by Vicki Wedworth of Papi Joe’s Tennessee Pepper Sauce Company.

The event takes place this year from noon – 2pm on Sun, Feb 5th at Top of the Market on Webster Street.  There are two options to purchase your judging credential:

VIP Tickets: Include a buffet breakfast of eggs, bacon & sausage, and toast and an exclusive VIP hour from at 11am and 12 Bloody Mary sampling tickets and judging credentials for $75

General Admission: Includes 8 Bloody Mary sampling tickets and judging credentials for $30. Doors open for GA at noon and event concludes at 2pm.

Guests will also vote for best garnish and best table decor. Best Bloody Mary walks with bragging rights and a $500 cash prize!

Purchase your tickets here.

Bartenders- think your Bloody Mary has what it takes? PROVE IT!
To enter, click here. There is a $25 entrance fee and we will provide you with  Vodka, sample cups, ice and a covered table. You bring your own bloody mary mix and any special garnishes you’d like. Winning bartender walks with bragging rights and $500 cash.
The charity beneficiary for this event is The Castle– a safe haven for adults with with mental disorders in Centerville. Their representative will be on hand to share information about their program and host a fundraising auction as well.

Dayton Battle of the Bands taking applications through December 12th

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 Dayton Battle of the Bands is taking applications for the 3rd annual competition now through December 12th. The annual winter concert series shines a spotlight on the up-and-coming local talent within a 35-mile radius of Dayton (including Middletown, Springfield, and Greenville).

Dayton Battle of the Bands finalists from 2022

One problem local venues and promoters run into is that there are so many great bands in the Dayton region, it can be challenging to wade through all the songs, samples, and videos that are sent to them on a regular basis. Plus with auto-tune and effects, it’s hard to take those and know what a live show will be like.

The Brightside, Levitt Pavilion, and others use the Dayton Battle of the Bands as an audition space for opening acts for national acts, or even stand-alone shows. This “competition” is much more of a networking event and an opportunity to get on the radar so your band has a better chance at getting booked at future events.  (Clarification – does not need to be a band, solo artists are welcome too!)
The competition starts on January 12, 2023 at The Brightside, and runs through February.  The finale will take place on Saturday, March 11th. Tickets for the public will be made available soon.
Band rules and info can be found here: https://www.daytonbattleofthebands.com/official-rules
The application portal closes on December 12th!

Dayton Ballet Barre offers fun holiday tradition with Sugar Plum Tea

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Dayton Ballet Barre offers fun holiday tradition with Sugar Plum Tea, a children’s tradition before the December 18th matinee performance of the Dayton Ballet’s The Nutcracker.This is the first Tea back since the pandemic shutdown, and organizers are planning a fun comeback event at the Dayton Woman’s Club, which is within walking distance of the Schuster Center.

The Dayton Ballet Barre is the Dayton Ballet’s volunteer booster organization, and one of their signature events is the long-running Sugar Plum Tea. Held prior to one of the matinee performances of the Ballet’s beloved Nutcracker production, it’s become a holiday tradition that families look forward to. Geared towards children and parents / grandparents, the afternoon tea promises to provide many cherished memories.

“We love hosting this children’s event!” Libby Ballengee, the Ballet Barre’s Secretary and past President, shared with us. “It’s like Prom for five-year-olds. We adore seeing all the kid’s sparkly dresses & suits. It’s a really special afternoon, and we’re so happy to be back hosting this after two years off.”

The Tea lasts for 90 min, enough time for to enjoy hot beverages & tea sandwiches, make a craft, learn a short dance from the Sugar Plum Fairy, and hear the story of The Nutcracker under the Christmas Tree. Each moment provides a beautiful photo opportunity against the gorgeous back-drop of the Dayton Woman’s Club.

All children and adults need a ticket to attend. The ticket includes tea party foods (cute sandwiches, fruit, & yummy desserts, with hot beverages including hot chocolate, tea, and coffee. This ticket does not include a ticket to the Dayton Ballet performance. Those are purchased separately through DaytonLive.org.
 

How to Go?

Sugar Plum Tea at Dayton Woman’s Club – 225 North Ludlow Street in Dayton
 
Sunday, December 18th
 
Note – Doors open at 12pm (due to event set-up, we cannot let patrons in earlier)
 
Event 12:30pm – 2pm (ballet performance starts at 2:30pm across the street – needs separate ticket)
 
Tickets $25 each (for adults and children)
 
Questions about the event can be directed to daytonballetbarre@gmail.com
 
 

SICSA to offer Mediocre Pet Portraits on Giving Tuesday

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“The definition of mediocre is ordinary, common, or average.  That accurately describes how many of us draw.  With that in mind, our Giving Tuesday event was appropriately named Mediocre Pet Portraits,” said Nora Vondrell, CEO and President of SICSA Pet Adoption and Wellness Center (SICSA).  “No one thinks of their pets as ordinary, but for a minimum donation of $10 to SICSA on Giving Tuesday, we’ll provide a Mediocre Pet Portrait of their pet.”

The Mediocre Pet Portrait event will take place on Giving Tuesday, November 29, 2022.  Giving Tuesday is a global movement unleashing the power of generosity that encourages people to give to or collaborate with charitable organizations.  Members of the public can participate in Mediocre Pet Portraits through SICSA’s Facebook Fundraiser page where they will be able to provide their donation and then upload a photo of their pet in the comments section.  Later that day, the completed mediocre pet portraits will be uploaded into a Giving Tuesday Mediocre Pet Portraits Photo Album on SICSA’s Facebook page.     

“Local SICSA supporters and volunteers have signed up to help us draw all the portraits,” stated Vondrell.  “Last year we had close to 30 people drawing more than 300 portraits in this fun event!”  At the conclusion of the event, people may pick up their completed drawings from SICSA’s Adoption Lobby during business hours.  SICSA is located at 8172 Washington Church Road, Dayton, OH 45458.  The fundraiser can be found online at facebook.com/sicsapets. 

25th Anniversary: ‘The Show Must Go On’ hits a Milestone!

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It was 1996 when Dayton’s ‘To Care is to Cure,’ an all-night drag show that incorporated the local gay bars, came to end. The show, which had been a mainstay, at one time featured local drag celebrities hopping on a bus and performing all around the city. It was the end of an era, in a sense, but it wasn’t the end of HIV as so many had hoped.

Enter the RubiGirls…an organization made for fund-raising! ‘We were well into our ‘gig’ when TCITC decided to stop their performances. Josh Stucky, (AKA Dana Sintell), who had been on those buses doing those shows thought maybe, just maybe, the RubiGirls could take that event and move it forward in a different way. It would be a fundraiser by the RubiGirls for local HIV organizations, only it would be in one location like a production.He was on to something! From the first one up to today, The Show Must Go On has been a sell-out, bringing in ten of thousands of dollars over the years for all kinds of organizations!’ Says one-time RubiQueen Lupe Valezz.

This year, the show takes place at the historic Dayton Arcade. ‘It was so incredible last year to be the first big production at the Arcade since its re-opening. We were overwhelmed!’ Says India Summer (aka Brent Johnson.) Despite some sound issues, which we think we have remedied, it was one spectacular night. Coming out of COVID, it felt good to be with our people again!’ And people were there! The Show Must Go On brings in huge crowds, over 600 attended at the old Coliseum at the fairgrounds a few years ago. ‘It is supposed to be a holiday event, and it is in some ways, but ever-Rubi, it’s really a FUN-raieser!’

Speaking of fun-raisers, Stucky, one of. the original RubiGirls still performing (the other is the beloved Tim Farquhar, aka Fonda Peters) remembers those ‘old days.’ ‘In the days of ‘To Care is To Cure,’ we were losing friends monthly and the crisis was so real, so close that we had to do something. Big name Queens like Ashley West, Mona Dez, Amanda Kane and of course, Misty Knight were like our trusted leaders! I learned much from them that carries our RubiMission through today!’

 

The Show Must Go On has become, for many, a holiday tradition! Where some see the Saturday after Thanksgiving as the OSU-MICHIGAN game, others gather their friends and family for a night of laughs with the RubiGirls.

This being the Silver Anniversary of the big show, the RubiGirls are promising some favorite performances, some nice new numbers and of course, those naughty games! Farquhar had this advise for the new RubiFans attending, ‘Bring your besties, grab a cocktail, sit back and allow yourself a night of mayhem and memories!’

Stucky went on to remind us ‘This is a benefit. Out largest of the year. You will meet our RubiScholarship recipients and see the now-famous video of the beneficiaries we will sponsor in 2023…70 organizations in total! It’s just amazing!’

Some tickets remain for the BIG PRODUCTION! You can buy them at therubigirls.com. You will also see ways to donate to their scholarship on their webpage!

 

 

 

 

The Little Exchange Holiday Open House & Christmas Raffle

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Since 1950, The Little Exchange gift shop has proudly donated over $1.7 million to Dayton Children’s Hospital. They will be hosting their biggest annual event, their Holiday Open House November 4 -6.  They promise a fun shopping experience filled with all things Christmas (and some snacks and wine too 🎅🏼😉). Your reservation cost is a 100% donation to Dayton Children’s Hospital. Stop in or go to their website to choose your desired time slot to come shop and find beautiful decor and so many gifts! Each hour will have a 30 person max so no long lines and crowded spaces of the past.

 

You can also support them by purchasing a raffle ticket for the  12 Days of Christmas Raffle valued at over $2200! 100% of these raffle ticket sales go directly to Dayton Children’s Hospital’s Family Resource Connection!

One lucky winner takes home the following prizes:

The Little Exchange Fine Gifts

 

  • 12 Drummers Drumming: Yeti cooler filled with 12 Christmas ales and 2 tickets to a UD Basketball game
  • 11 Pipers Piping: 2 tickets to Mannheim Steamroller Tuesday, December 20 at 7:30 at Schuster Center Orchestra Center Row CC Seats 127 and 128
  • 10 Lords A-leaping: 2 tickets to The Nutcracker, Saturday, December 17th 2:30 PM Schuster Center, Orchestra Right, Row B and a bottle of Crown Royal
  • 9 Ladies Dancing: 2 tickets to Carrie Underwood’s Denim & Rhinestone Tour. Saturday, March 4, Nationwide Arena, 7:30p. Section 112 Row Q Seats 3 and 4
  • 8 Maids A-milking: 8 Graeter’s gift cards
  • 7 Swans A-swimming: 7 lucky Lottery tickets and a bottle of Crown Royal
  • 6 Geese A-laying: 750ml bottle of Grey Goose vodka and martini glasses
  • 5 Golden Rings: gorgeous “Vienna Bypass Ring” by Judith Ripka 18k yellow gold and sterling silver ring donated by Jaffe Jewelers
  • 4 Calling Birds: Golf for 4 with carts at exclusive Sugar Valley Golf Course since great golfers get birdies!
  • 3 French Hens: 3 bottles of Château Saint-Louis La Perdrix 2020 Rose
  • 2 Turtle Doves: $100 Winans Chocolate gift card
  • A Partridge in a Pear Tree: Find the perfect Christmas tree (up to 6 ft) courtesy of Siebenthaler’s Centerville Garden Center and a bottle of Three Pears Pinot Grigio 2020.
  • Total Value: $2200

Purchasers of online tickets will receive your ticket number via email within 48 hours. Tickets purchased on Sunday November 6th will receive an email with your ticket number prior to the drawing. Tickets may also be purchased in our shop or by calling us at 937-299-1561.

Ticket sales will end 30 minutes before the drawing at 4:30 PM.

Winner will be drawn on Facebook Live on Sunday, November 6th at 5:00pm.  Follow them on Facebook to watch to see if you are our winner!

45 Park Ave,
Oakwood, OH, 45419
937-299-1561
Monday – Friday
10:00 am – 5:00pm
Saturday
10:00am – 3:00pm

All You Can Eat BBQ Fundraiser for Box 21

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Box 21 is the area’s oldest continuously operating all-volunteer emergency service organization. No tax dollars support the operations of the group. Box 21 is funded by fund drives, with dues and donations.
All members work without the expectation of pay or other compensation. From headquarters on Island Park in Dayton, Ohio, Box 21 operates heavy rescue trucks, ambulances, mobile rehabilitation units, water rescue equipment, an air cascade vehicle and multiple watercraft. Aid is rendered primarily to fire, police, and medical authorities who are actively engaged in helping others.
By its charter, the organization will travel any reasonable distance to assist; such distances have included trips to Gallipolis, Cleveland, Richmond, Louisville and Canada. Membership in Box 21 fluctuates between 30 and 40 persons, and each is responsible for knowing all phases of the operation. The reward which each member receives for his/her efforts is the satisfaction of knowing that he/she has helped someone else by providing a necessary service in a tradition that has lasted since 1935.
Here’ your chance to support for Box 21 Emergency Support Service by Filling your bellies and emptying your wallets!!
Join them on Thursday, Nov 10th from  5 – 9pm at Company 7 BBQ in Englewood for an All-You-Can-Eat Buffet and place your bids on some fantastic items in our silent auction! There will also be a raffle and a 50/50 drawing, as well as a ton of fun for a good cause!
Pre-sale tickets are available from any Box 21 Member or Representative, or you can pay at the door. Buffet Cost is $20/person. Tickets can also be purchased online here.
Doors will open to serve dinner between 5pm and 8pm. Raffle prizes will be drawn for at 7:30pm and Bidding on Silent Auction items will end promptly at 8pm.

Bourbon & Bubbles Returns!

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Last held in 2019, Bourbon & Bubbles is an artsy cocktail party fundraiser hosted by the Dayton Art Institute on Nov 4th, 2022. Featuring a selection of exclusive, handcrafted bourbons and refreshing bubbly from around the world, plus gourmet bites, tasty treats, and fun entertainment. A wide variety of samples will be offered, including several rare whiskeys. Tickets for the event include up to eight tastings of bourbons and/or sparkling wine. A cash bar is also available, offering bourbons, sparkling wine and specialty cocktails.

For those willing to dig a little deeper into their pockets, the  exclusive VIP Reception (separate ticket) offers early admission (6:30 p.m.) to the event, plus special food and drink selections, and a signature bourbon cocktail.

2019 event as photographed by Tom Gilliam

Tickets:
DAI Members: $80

Non-Members: $95

VIP: $135

If you want to attend, buy your tickets now- this event will sell out!

For more details visit https://www.daytonartinstitute.org/upcoming-events/special-events/bourbon-bubbles/

 

Local Domestic Violence Resource Agency, Artemis Center, Sees Increase in Services

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As the provider of Montgomery County’s 24/7 domestic violence hotline, Artemis Center saw a 47.7%* increase in calls from 2020 to 2021. Nationally, the increase was a little over 12%* and in Ohio, the increase was 29%*. With this significant increase in calls, and an overall 30%* increase in the total number of clients served in the same time frame, Artemis is seeking support now more than ever. 

The 24/7 Domestic violence hotline is the hub of all of Artemis Center’s services. Through this hotline, Artemis provides safety planning and emergency assistance which includes safe housing, transportation, access to pantry services, and referrals to other community partners. Artemis Center provided services to over 4,100* people in 2021 and answered over 6,600* hotline calls. 

In October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Artemis Center will be sharing information with the Dayton community through events, campaigns, and stories.

The signature fundraiser for Awareness Month is the Breaking the CycleFundraising Breakfast, held on Thursday, October 13, 2022, from 8:00-9:00 am at Sinclair’s Conference Center.

The Breaking the Cycle Virtual 5k is held during the entire month of October. The goal is to raise $100,000 in support of survivors in the Miami Valley. Support for Artemis Center will help increase the number of trained advocates to answer the 24/7 hotline and sustain other programs and services needed in the Dayton community. 

With such an increase in services, it is vital that we continue to make our community aware of the resources that ArtemisCenter provides free to all that need them!

 

 

More about Artemis Center:

  • Location: 310 W. Monument Ave., Dayton, OH 45402
  • Hotline: 937.461.HELP
  • Website: Artemiscenter.org

Free eats, pop-up arts performances, tech demos at new Launch Dayton Startup Week closing party

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Free eats, pop-up arts performances, tech demos at new Launch Dayton Startup Week closing party

Free festival celebrating Dayton artists, food business owners, and innovators happening this week!

Pop-up arts performances in the beautiful, historic Dayton Arcade Rotunda. Small plates from up-and-coming food businesses. Interactive tech demos from local startup companies.

And it’s FREE!

Join in the fun frrom 5-7pm on Thursday, September 15th for the art. food. tech. fest!,  a new closing party for Launch Dayton Startup Week, made possible through generous support from Culture Works.

Aerialists will spin through the air as you groove to a live jam band and find your new favorite small business to support. Eats are free until we run out! Continue your evening in Dayton by popping over to the free concert at the Levitt after the party, then make your way back to the Tank for Culture Works’ After the Levitt.

See + hear:

  • Live jam band lead by Isicle featuring Jared Bruns on drums, Matt Goodloe on guitar, Kainan Shank on bass, and Serin Oh on the mic.
  • Spoken word poetry from Leroy Bean
  • Live painting by Boy Blue
  • Aerial artists from Femme Fatale Dayton
  • Dance performances from Dayton Dance Initiative’s Quentin ApolloVaughn Sledge

Enjoy delicious small plates, including:

  • A bbq spread from Rich Taste Catering
  • Melt-in-your mouth rum cakes from The Scrumptious Dessert
  • Handheld cheesecakes from Cheezcake Lab
  • Pecan chicken + sweet potato waffles from Home Cooked Vibes
  • Smoked mushroom spinach dip bruschetta with mint pico from VeganItIz Eats
  • Mini French Quarter Seafood loaded potatoes from Simply Savory by Rachel

+ tech demos from:

  • Gem City Laser
  • Frame Push
  • Urban Mathoholics

Plus

The Contemporary Dayton (The Co) will open 5p.m. – 7p.m. for a sneak peak at their new exhibition featuring new solo exhibitions from the work of Teju Cole, photographer, curator, Gore Vidal Professor of the Practice of Creative Writing at Harvard, and former photography critic of The New York Times Magazine; Amy Powell, nationally published Dayton-based photographer; and James “Jamie” Nares, British and New York City-based filmmaker. The exhibitions will open the evening of Friday, September 16, 2022, with an Artist Talk by Teju Cole.

Small business owner yourself? Don’t forget to check out the conference itself, as well as the closing party! Launch Dayton Startup Week presented by Fifth Third Bank brings together nearly 1K entrepreneurs, small business owners, startup founders, and business resource providers. Be inspired by the stories of failure and success, and build your own business through hands-on workshops and classes. All for FREE! Check out the full lineup: https://launchdayton.com/events/dayton-startup-week/

About Launch Dayton Startup Week:
Launch Dayton Startup Week is the Dayton, Ohio entrepreneur community’s largest event, drawing roughly 1K attendees each September to celebrate, inspire and equip the Dayton region’s startup founders & business owners. This free conference brings together the region’s thinkers, dreamers, doers, makers, entrepreneurs and small business owners. All experiences are welcome — whether a seasoned entrepreneur or new to the community, there is space to jump in.

 

Sound Valley Summer Music Festival this Saturday

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The 2022 Sound Valley Summer Music Festival is happening this Saturday, August 27th at Yellow Cab Tavern. This year, they are teaming up with Channel 99.9 Dayton & Dayton’s New Country 103.9 to bring another incredible lineup to the Miami Valley. 

Each year organizers partner with a local nonprofit to continue their mission of building community through music. This year they are taking our mission quite literally and are proud to be teaming up with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Dayton. The organization brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.

This year’s festival features 13 local bands:

ENMY
Age of Nowhere
Ryan Mundy
K.Carter
Serin Oh
Seth Canan & The Carriers
Knavery
Seth Gilliam & The Fake News
Bribing Senators
Heather Redman & The Reputation
Scary Hotel
The Kadence
Dak Janiels & The Holy Smokes

There will also be plenty of good food on hand from The Pizza Bandit and Phat & Rich. Drinks available at the Yellow Cab bar. Gates Open at 4pm on Saturday, August 27th at Yellow Cab Tavern. Music starts at 4:30pm. Tickets are available at: https://www.soundvalleydayton.com/SummerFestivalTickets

About Sound Valley: Sound Valley is a community driven initiative with the goal of bringing regional and national attention to Dayton’s vibrant and growing music scene. Sound Valley is a group of Dayton musicians, journalists, promoters, and music supporters who are working to build a vibrant music scene through promotion and production. We believe that by working together we can put a national spotlight on the natural homegrown talent that exists right here in the Miami Valley.

 

Bingo Fundraiser to Benefit Domestic Violence Survivors

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The Home Experts Realty’s Dayton Real Estate Crush team is partnering with Yellow Cab Tavern to host Crush for a Cause: Bingo Nite benefiting Artemis Center on Tuesday, August 16th.

The Dayton Real Estate Crush team presents several philanthropic opportunities for its real estate agents each year. Team Founder, Elizabeth Cooper, explains that this is central to the heart of their mission. “We love supporting our neighbors and helping to build a strong community by investing in the efforts of wonderful organizations like Artemis Center.”

Artemis Center empowers survivors of domestic violence to make decisions and choices to establish and maintain safety for themselves and their children. They work collaboratively with other community services and provide education and advocacy programs that help create community best practice responses for survivors of domestic violence.

Kelly Sexton, Director of Development for Artemis Center, stated the organization is thrilled to be the recipients of this fundraiser. “We thank the Dayton Real Estate Crush team for including us in this event. In 2021, Artemis saw a 47% increase in calls to our 24/7 hotline. We know there is a great need for our services, and funds from events like this help us to continue offering these services free of charge to the Dayton community.“

Home Experts Realty’s Dayton Real Estate Crush

If you or someone you know needs help, please call the Artemis Center 24/7 hotline at 937-461-HELP (4357). You can learn more about their extensive domestic violence supportive services at www.artemiscenter.org.

There is no cover charge for this event. There will be six rounds of bingo. Each round, the winner will get a $10 gift certificate to either Yellow Cab or Pizza Bandit with the final cover all round getting a $25 gift certificate! Players can get as many bingo boards as they like for $5 each, which goes directly to The Artemis Center!

You can also participate in a 50/50 Raffle, or bid on raffle baskets provided by the Dayton Real Estate Crush team, their partners, and affiliates.

HOW TO GO?
Tuesday, August 16th ,2022, at 6:30 pm
Yellow Cab Tavern
700 E. Fourth St.,
Dayton, OH 45402

10th Annual 5k for Kelli

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Presented by the Breast Wishes Foundation
Join us in remembering the life of Kelli James and honoring all the breast cancer survivors, the fighters and the love ones we’ve lost. 100% of proceeds go to granting wishes for women with breast cancer through the Breast Wishes Foundation. 

The 5k for Kelli Run/Walk is a super fun event for the whole family. It is a 3.1 mile out and back course that begins and ends next to Wegerzyn Gardens and winds along the beautiful Stillwater River. Because Kelli loved fairies, we encourage everyone to dress up in tutus, wings, and flower crowns. No fairy gear? No problem! We have everything you need at the merchandise tent with all proceeds going to Breast Wishes Foundation. We also offer free fairy face painting and colored hair spraying!
Registration and Merchandise tents will open at 7:30 am.

Event Fees: Registration only $25! (Register by August 7th to guarantee a super-soft and comfy t-shirt)

Online registration ends on August 16th, sign up in person at Georges Thursday and Friday or at the event on race day.

Awards: Be sure to bring a few extra dollars to buy some raffle tickets. Our top prize is $1,000 cash!

We will give medals, pint glasses and gift cards to the Top 3 Male and Female overall and the Top 3 Male and Female in each age category.

Age categories: 19 and Under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60 and over

Event Parking and Registration: The Flying Field at Wegerzyn, 1301 E. Siebenthaler Avenue, Dayton, OH 45414

Pre-Registration packet pick up: At George’s Family Restaurant, 5216 North Dixie Drive, Dayton, OH 45414

Thursday and Friday August 18th and 19th from 8am to 7pm

We highly recommend pre-packet pickup!

This Summer, a Once-in-a-Half-Century Party Calls Neighbors Back to South Park

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The 2001 Rehabarama of “The Weis-Leissentritt House” at 307 Oak Street was once two houses. These 1800s-era homes were updated with a unique glass-walled passageway to create one classic home with warm, comfortable living space and bold design statements.

With music, food, storytelling, and a beer garden, South Park’s Reunion Block Party celebrates its 40-year struggle to become safe, livable and inviting.
DAYTON, Oh. July 7, 2022 – On Saturday, July 30, from 3-6pm, a massive meet-up of neighbors who live in South Park or have called it home over the past forty years will gather to mark the 40-year anniversary of becoming Dayton’s largest Historic District.

In 1981, South Park’s historic landmark designation gave neighbors powerful leverage to reverse blight, combat slumlords, and drive out crime. It launched South Park’s evolution from a neighborhood of last resort to a desirable place to live.

“It’s been quite a journey,” shares Mark Manovich, president of the Historic South Park neighborhood council. “When my wife Karin and I moved here in 1992, it was known to be rough. The parents of our kids’ school friends wouldn’t allow them to come here for playdates.”

ut even then, Mark recalls, it was unpretentious and friendly with that “we’re all in this together” camaraderie. Many neighbors have become lifelong friends after bonding over alley sweeps, beautification projects, old-house repairs, grant-writing, crime-fighting, but most of all the parties.

“We have a reputation for our parties,” says event coordinator Karin Manovich. “We’ve got great stories and before-and-after pictures to share at the Reunion, along with food and drink from South Park’s own establishments.” Even the sponsoring organizations were founded by South Parkers – Square One Salon & Spa, The Brightside Venue, and The Rubi Girls.

The sense of community in South Park has always been as unique as its built environment. It brings people closer. This 150-acre area south of downtown Dayton includes 800 structures, circa 1880 to 1900, designed for people from all walks of life. “There’s no other neighborhood that we know of with housing stock like this that attracts such interesting and diverse people. Tiny cottages next to big showy Victorians, corner storefronts, and everything in between,” says Karin.

The 2001 Rehabarama of “The Weis-Leissentritt House” at 307 Oak Street was once two houses. These 1800s-era homes were updated with a unique glass-walled passageway to create one classic home with warm, comfortable living space and bold design statements.

As with any inner neighborhood, South Park’s work continues. But it’s time to hit pause and celebrate. Says Karin, “We want everyone to enjoy their share of credit for taking a chance, investing the sweat, money and emotion it takes to create a neighborhood that feels like family.”

HOW TO CELEBRATE: Plan to meet up with old friends and neighbors, bring a lawn chair, enjoy the party, take a stroll, and congratulate yourself for helping make South Park a place to live kindly, fearlessly, and prosperously.

Who: South Parkers past and present, and all who have contributed to the neighborhood’s recovery (City staff, contractors, Rehabarama partners, AIA architects, former Community Based Police Officers, preservationists, patrons of our tours, plays and festivals) and those interested in the neighborhood today.

What: South Park Reunion Block Party is a free event presented by the Historic South Park neighborhood council, Square One Salon & Spa, The Brightside Venue, and The Rubi Girls.

When: Saturday, July 30, 3-6pm

Where:  The Gazebo and Boulevard at Park Drive (near Wayne Avenue). Park at Oak Street Health (Wayne & Wyoming), Hope Lutheran Church and Emerson Academy (both at Perrine & Hickory).

Sonic Springs Benefit Concert features Talib Kweli, Cloud Nothings, Monograms & more!

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On Friday, July 22nd, 2022 at 7:00 pm The Brightside in Dayton, OH will host a benefit concert featuring national recording artists Talib Kweli, Cloud Nothings, local DJ Fatty Lumpkin, and Brooklyn-based indie rock band Monograms. All proceeds above operating costs will be donated to the independently owned radio station WYSO in Yellow Springs.

Since its inception in 1958, the mission of WYSO has been to serve the Miami Valley and beyond with trusted journalism and artistic inspiration that improves lives and builds community. In 2023 WYSO will be moving from their home on Antioch’s campus to a new studio, including much-needed equipment upgrades and new performance spaces for live-in studio music concerts.

The event will be held under the moniker of “Sonic Springs” and is slated to be an annual concert to bring unique musical performances to the Dayton area. The event is being curated and produced by Eric Mahoney, a filmmaker/producer best known for directing the feature documentary Brainiac: Transmissions After Zero. Eric and his family recently moved to Yellow Springs from Brooklyn, NY.

 

HOW TO GO?

Friday, July 22nd, 2022 at 7:00 pm

The Brightside Music & Event Venue (905 E 3rd St, Dayton, Ohio)

Food truck on-site: Phat & Rich

Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sonic-springs-a-benefit-concert-for-wyso-tickets-304403126947

Backwater Voodoo Hosts KISS Rum Charity Raffle

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The Miamisburg Merchants Association is holding a charity raffle, hosted by Backwater Voodoo Tiki Lounge & Creole Kitchen. This raffle will support Crew Nation, a charitable fund, created to help the touring, venue and festival crews who need support during personal hardships or crisis situations.

Backwater Voodoo are big fans of the line of premium rums launched by the band KISS® last year.  KISS® are big supporters of Crew Nation, and this collaboration creates the perfect opportunity to tie-in with their upcoming appearance at the Ervin J. Nutter Center (in Dayton) on May 12.

One entry ticket gives you a chance to win the following prize:

A bottle of limited, numbered edition KISS Ultra-Premium Monstrum Rum,

AND two (2) tickets to the KISS End of the Road Tour concert at the Wright State Nutter Center on May 12, 2022.

The drawing will be held on May 10 and the winner will be contacted by Backwater Voodoo.  Must be 21 or older to purchase a valid entry. Buy your $20 raffle ticket here. Proceeds from the raffle will benefit Crew Nation, and the Miamisburg merchants Association.

Backwater Voodoo, located at 103 S 2nd St in  Miamisburg, is also hosting a KISS Rum Tasting on Tues, May 10th from 6:30-8pm. Tickets for the tasting run $55 and can be purchased online.

This tasting will feature all three of the KISS rums, including the Limited Edition Ultra-Premium Monstrum. Check them out:

KISS Black Diamond Premium Dark Rum – Taking its name and character from the closing song on KISS’s 1974 debut album, KISS Black Diamond Premium Dark Rum is an exceptionally smooth blend of Caribbean cask rums aged up to 15 years and bottled at 40%. This master-blended creation has received six internationally recognized awards since the launch in October 2020.

KISS Detroit Rock Premium Dark Rum – Just as in the fans’ favorite classic ‘Detroit Rock City’, this premium rum lives up to the song’s legacy with eight globally recognized awards for quality. Based on a selection of the finest Dominican rum casks aged between 8 and 15 years, the result is an incredibly soft rum, fantastically smooth with a nuanced spicy scent and clear oak character which is unique for a blend of 45% strength.

KISS Monstrum Ultra-Premium Rum – The Latin word for ‘monster,’ the KISS Monstrum Ultra-Premium Dark is the newest and boldest addition to the portfolio. Specially selected from Guyana and Jamaica, the rums have been aged for over 14 years in ancient arrack leggers, a very particular edition of 800 liter oak casks. The curated result is one of high quality perfection in a clean, clear and light-colored ultra-premium rum with no added sugars or flavoring.

Light snacks will be served as part of the event.