Community

Remembering the Victims of the Oregon District Mass Shooting

August 4, 2025 By Dayton937

Today we remember the nine lives lost in the tragic Dayton shooting that happened on August 4, 2019, in Oregon District, resulting in nine fatalities and 27 injuries. Police reported that all the fatalities occurred outside the bar on East 5th Street.

Lois Oglesby, 27
Megan Betts, 22
Saeed Saleh, 38
Derrick Fudge, 57
Logan Turner, 30
Nicholas Cumer, 25
Thomas McNichols, 25
Beatrice Warren-Curtis, 36
Monica Brickhouse, 39

The incident began at 1:07 AM local time, near the intersection of East Fifth Street and Patterson Boulevard, in the heart of the Oregon District. Betts was armed with a .223-caliber rifle and high-capacity magazines. The quick response of law enforcement is credited with preventing further casualties.

The gunman, Connor Betts, was killed by police within a minute of opening fire. The shooting happened in the early hours of the morning in a popular entertainment area.

A memorial, known as the “Seed of Life”, was created in the Oregon District to honor the victims and support the community in their healing process. The memorial was a collaboration by Terry Welker, Jes McMillan, Sierra Leone, and James Pate and contains multiple components, including a stainless steel sculpture of nine leaves and a unity bench. But the most notable component might be the multi-colored mosaic. An estimated 5,000 people contributed to putting tiles in it.

It’s Opening Day for Cowvin’s Corny Maze

August 2, 2025 By Dayton937

Cowvin, the baby of the Cow Family, has created a family fun maze at Young’s Jersey Dairy. The maze is created from more than 9 acres of cornfield and has over one mile of paths.

The maze is open 11am everyday (weather dependent) to around 6pm to give the last group at least an hour before it starts getting dark to find their way out through November 2nd.

Cowvin’s Corny Maze goes through our cornfield and has many twists, dead-ends and tricky twists. It’s an adventure! At the end of the maze, you’ll be greeted with a playland full of activities for kids to celebrate! There are 9 acres of cornfield and 1 mile of paths to explore.

The price is $10/person age 5 and older. Age 4 and under are free. Children age 11 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Price includes a wagon ride to and from the maze. Tickets can be purchased at the the Young’s Farmstead Cheese Marketplace in The Dairy Store.

3 Car Lovers Events This Weekend

August 1, 2025 By Dayton937

Get ready to shift into gear for a day of chrome, classics, and community at these 3 area Car Cruise-Ins! Whether you’re a gearhead, a casual admirer, or just looking for a fun day out, these events have something for everyone. Stroll through rows of vintage rides, muscle cars, hot rods, and custom builds—each with a story and style all its own.

Enjoy the chance to meet fellow car lovers who share your passion for all things on wheels.

Sat, Aug 2 8 – 11am Cars and Coffee

Austin Landing 10050 Innovation Drive, Miamisburg

Sat, Aug 2 9am – 4pm British Car Day

Eastwood MetroPark 1385 Harshman Rd, Dayton, OH

Sun, Aug 3 11am – 3pm Gears & Beers – Cruise-In

Loose Ends Brewing 890 South Main Street, Centerville

Ohio Sales Tax Holiday Aug 1 – 14

July 30, 2025 By Dayton937

This year’s Ohio Sales Tax Holiday runs from Aug. 1-14, giving you the opportunity to purchase qualifying items in-store and online without paying state sales tax.

If you’re looking to save some extra money, the Ohio Sales Tax Holiday is back once again for 2025, allowing shoppers “to make qualifying purchases both in-store and online without paying state sales tax.”

“The timing of this year’s sales tax holiday not only supports families preparing for back-to-school, but also provides relief on other important household needs,” Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said in a press release earlier this year.

So what’s included and exempt during Ohio’s 2025 Sales Tax Holiday?

“Almost all tangible personal property priced at $500 or less is tax-free,” according to Gov. DeWine’s office.

Need examples? Here’s a list from the Ohio Department of Taxation of some items that will be tax-free during this period:

Electronics: Computers, televisions and other gadgets
Clothing: Any apparel items
Books: All types, including novels and textbooks
Home goods: Furniture, kitchenware and home décor
Plants: Indoor and outdoor plants
Sporting goods: Equipment and apparel for sports
Food and beverages: Dine-in food, dietary supplements and soft drinks

“Many other items will also be exempt from sales tax during this period,” according to the Ohio Department of Taxation.

WHAT ITEMS ARE EXCLUDED?

The following items will still be taxed during the Sales Tax Holiday:

Watercraft or outboard motors
Motor vehicles
Alcoholic beverages
Tobacco products
Vapor products
Items containing marijuana

WHAT ABOUT ONLINE SHOPPING?

Yes! Qualifying items purchased online will also be tax-free.

Here’s how the Ohio Department of Taxation explains it:

“Qualified items sold to consumers by mail, telephone, e-mail or internet shall qualify for the sales tax exemption if the consumer orders and pays for the item and the retailer accepts the order during the exemption period for immediate shipment, even if delivery is made after the exemption period.”

Shipping and Handling

If all items in a shipment qualify as eligible items and the sales price for each is within the sales tax holiday price threshold, the shipping and handling charges are not taxable.
If the shipment includes exempt items and taxable items, the seller should allocate the shipping and handling charges by a percentage based on the total price of the taxable items to the total price of all the items in the shipment. The retailer must charge tax on the portion of the shipping and handling charges allocated to the taxable items in the shipment.

CAN A STORE / SELLER CHOOSE NOT TO PARTICIPATE?

No. The states says the sales tax holiday is set by law “and vendors must comply.”

WHAT’S THE $500 PRICE LIMIT?

Items selling for $500 or less will be tax-free.

“If an item sells for more than $500, tax is due on the entire selling price,” according to the Ohio Department of Taxation.

WHAT ABOUT EXCHANGES AND RETURNS?

Here are the three points you need to know from the Ohio Department of Taxation:

If a consumer buys an eligible item during the sales tax holiday and later exchanges it for the same item, the retailer should not charge sales tax even if the exchange is made after the end of the sales tax holiday.
If a consumer buys an eligible item during the sales tax holiday and returns the item after the tax holiday period for credit on the purchase of a different item, the retailer must charge sales tax on the sale of the newly purchased item, even if it would have been eligible for the exemption during the sales tax holiday.
If a consumer buys an eligible item before the holiday period but returns the item during the sales tax holiday period and receives credit on the purchase of a different item of eligible property, no sales tax is due on the sale of the new item. The retailer must provide the consumer credit for both the purchase price and sales tax paid on the item being returned.

HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?

The Ohio Department of Taxation answers 31 total questions regarding the Sales Tax Holiday HERE.

Dayton at Work and Play: Tony & Pete’s

July 28, 2025 By Bill Franz

Visit to Tony & Pete’s (129 East Third)

This sandwich shop opened in 2022, but this was our first visit. I decided I wanted to try it when I heard that their business was growing so fast that they had rented the shop next door. They’ll bake bread and do some of their prep work and their catering work there while customers continue to order and eat at the original shop.

I ordered their Stretto’s spicy salami sandwich featuring salami, parmesan, arugula, spicy spread and Calabrian honey. My wife chose Turkey Pesto, which has turkey, mozzarella, house pesto, roasted red peppers and arugula. The sandwiches were delicious and large – more than we could finish. We decided that next time we’d split one sandwich and then walk to Val’s Bakery for a dessert.

There’s quite a bit of seating inside, but we chose the patio and watched a steady stream of customers enter. In addition to the sandwiches, they have salads and a few grocery items.

I read that Tony & Pete’s was started by a husband-and-wife team that met at Wright State. Like many of us they worked part-time during college. By the time they graduated they had moved up to food service management positions and decided to stay in that industry. They worked in well-known restaurants in Cincinnati, in New York and finally in Chicago. When the pandemic hit they moved back to Dayton and started planning their own business here.

The business has been growing rapidly, and Tony & Pete’s says they may soon be expanding to new locations.

Local Court Offers Fee Reduction Week

July 28, 2025 By Dayton937

Dayton Municipal Court and the Clerk of Court’s Office will offer a 50% discount on eligible court fees, fines, and costs during Fee Reduction Weeks, scheduled for August 4 to August 15, 2025. This discount applies to most court-related financial obligations, excluding certain fees like those related to OVI, photo enforcement, parking tickets, and others.

Dates: August 4 – August 15, 2025.
Discount: 50% off eligible fees, fines, and costs.
Eligibility: Must pay the reduced fees in full during the designated period.
Payment Options: Payments can be made online at PayMyFine.org or in person at the Dayton Municipal Court. During the Fee Reduction Weeks, the reduced fees must be paid in full to qualify for the discount; payment plans are generally not included in this program.
Excluded Fees: OVI-related fees, photo enforcement fees, parking tickets, filing fees, restitution, and probation fees.

The Fee Reduction Weeks are intended to help individuals with outstanding court debt to pay off their obligations and get a fresh start, according to the Clerk of Court’s Office.

The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) also offers payment plans for reinstatement fees, which may require court approval or have specific eligibility criteria, including insurance requirements and minimum payment amounts.

This program, part of the Reinstatement Fee Debt Reduction and Amnesty Program, helps drivers who have met all other reinstatement requirements but are still burdened by outstanding fees.

Here are the key requirements to qualify for the BMV payment plan:

Owe at least $150 in reinstatement fees: The payment plan is specifically for individuals with a significant amount of outstanding reinstatement fees.
Met all other reinstatement requirements: You must have completed all other requirements to reinstate your license, such as serving your suspension period, completing any required remedial courses, or providing proof of insurance, except for paying the fees themselves.
Show current proof of insurance: You will need to provide valid documentation of your car insurance.
Not currently under suspension or have pending suspensions: Your driving privileges should not be suspended at the time of application, nor should you have any pending suspensions that would affect your ability to drive.
Not currently on a court-ordered payment plan: If you are already on a payment plan established by a court for your reinstatement fees, you won’t be eligible for the BMV payment plan.

You can find more information about these plans on the Ohio BMV website

Smashburger’s $4.99 “Summer of Smash”

July 22, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

Smashburger® is turning up the heat this summer with a new menu built on bold flavors, culinary craft, and unbeatable value. The “Summer of Smash” celebrates Smashburger’s iconic culinary swagger and signature smashing technique, while delivering premium quality at a price that respects the wallet.

Smashburger® Turns up the Heat with New “Summer of Smash” Menu

The lineup showcases a range of craveable new offerings like All-Angus Big Dogs, Loaded Sides, the return of the fan-favorite Smoked Brisket Bacon Smash and more. Designed to elevate the art of the Smash, the new menu leans into premium ingredients, creative innovation, and the taste obsession that made Smashburger a household name.

“Smashburger was built on the iconic, craveable technique of the OG Smash, and with this menu, we’re building on our culinary legacy, focusing on quality, flavor and innovation,” said Tom Ryan, Co-Founder of Smashburger. “These elements have always been the driving forces of our brand, and now with ‘Summer of Smash,’ we’re taking the love of craveable great taste to the next level.”

Introducing the $4.99 All-The-Time Menu
For the first time ever, Smashburger is launching a nationwide $4.99 All-The-Time Menu that delivers unbeatable value while staying true to the iconic sear and flavor Smashburger is known for. Featuring the All-American Burger, Deluxe Burger, and the new Americana Big Dog, this menu redefines expectations of what’s possible with Certified Angus Beef® and Angus Beef – making premium, crave-worthy quality more accessible than ever.

Meet the All-Angus Big Dogs

Smashburger’s new All-Angus Big Dogs are made with 100% Angus Beef and weigh in at a quarter pound each. Split and butter-grilled, they’re served on a toasted New England roll and topped with bold, great-tasting classics. Options include:

Americana Big Dog: Ketchup, mustard, sweet relish, diced red onions
Bacon Cheese Big Dog: Applewood smoked bacon, creamy cheese sauce, aged shredded cheddar
Chili Cheese Big Dog: Creamy cheese sauce, all-beef chili, aged shredded cheddar
Chili Cheese Jalapeño Big Dog: Creamy cheese sauce, all-beef chili, aged shredded cheddar, jalapeño slices

Go Big with Loaded Sides
It’s not just about the entrées. Celebrating a love for bold flavor freedom and endless variety, Smashburger is taking fan-favorite sides – like SmashFries, Smash Tots, Crispy Brussels Sprouts and more – to the next level too. Guests can now make loaded sides a reality, by adding cheese, bacon and cheese, chili cheese, or chili, cheese, and jalapeños to any other side, creating 32 different combinations.

Additional “Summer of Smash” Highlights

Smoked Brisket Bacon Smash: Back and better than ever, the Smoked Brisket Bacon Smash features authentic Texas smoked brisket, slow smoked for over 14 hours using hardwoods for rich, deep flavor. Served on a soft, buttery Parker House Roll, this burger delivers a smoky experience that’s sure to satisfy both new and returning guests.
Create Your Own: A new way to fully customize the burger experience! From bun to protein, cheese, toppings, and more, guests now have unlimited possibilities to build their perfect smash burger, just the way they like it.
The new Chilled Chicken Chef Salad is a fresh, tasty, and protein-packed option for guests, while the new Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Shake handspun with premium Häagen-Dazs® ice cream is the perfect cool-down treat.

“With this new menu launch, we’re expanding our offerings to bring standout variety to the table, without ever compromising on the taste, quality, and value that define our brand,” said Jim Sullivan, President at Smashburger. “Whether you’re craving something classic or bold, our new lineup offers something for everyone, all at a price that keeps us more than competitive.”

Starting today, guests can enjoy the new $4.99 All-The-Time Menu and other limited time “Summer of Smash” items at Smashburger restaurants nationwide. For more information about Smashburger and its new menu offerings, please visit www.smashburger.com.

Smashburger Locaions:

2315 Miamisburg Centerville Rd., Dayton, OH 45459

1200 Brown St., Suite 190, Dayton, OH 45409

6731 Miller Lane, Dayton, OH 45414

What You Need to Know To Enjoy The Dayton Celtic Festival

July 22, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

Dayton’s largest festival drawing nearly 100,000 people each year is this Friday – Sunday at RiverScape Metropark. Plan an amazing weekend and support The Dayton Celtic Festivaland a celebration of Celtic culture. The free festival takes place rain or shine and festival hours are 5:30 to 11 p. on Friday, from 11:30 am to 11 pm and Saturday and 10 am to 6 pm on Sunday. All beverage sales are cashless at the festival. Square terminals are located at all beverage locations to accept credit/debit cards and Apple Pay and Google Pay. There are over 20 food vendors onsite and they do accept cash and may also accept credit/debit cards. ATMs are located near the Information Booth at the corner of Patterson Blvd and Monument Ave. Festival organizers ask that you please leave your dogs at home this weekend.

PARKING
Two parking garages will be available including Main Street (110 N. Main Street) and Water Street Parking Garage (403 Water Street). Parking meters on the perimeter of the festival grounds will be designated forhandicapped parking. Additional handicapped parking will be available at the Water Street Parking Garage.

FREE PARKING & FREE SHUTTLE at The Dublin Pub

FREE SHUTTLE will take you to and from The Dublin Pub and the festival with no additional stops. It leaves at the top of the hour and on the :30 from The Dublin Pub, and the :15 and :45 of the hour from the festival and will operate Friday, Saturday and Sunday. There is plenty of free parking surrounding The Dublin Pub

Entertainment Schedule

Pass the hat collections will occur often at the main stage and periodically at all stages. You can also donate anytime during the festival at headliner merchandise sales table at the main stage. You can also donate at each beverage sales station as you purchase your beverages.

Friday, July 25

Gaelic Storm’s storytelling, thrilling instrumentals, and devotion to traditional Celtic music have captivated their legion of fans over the last 20 years.

United Irish Main Stage

6:00-7:20pm JigJam (Ireland)

7:40-9:00pm Socks in the Frying Pan (Ireland)

9:30-11:00pm Gaelic Storm

WHIO TV / WHIO Radio Traditional Stage

6:00-7:00pm Dogwood Road

7:20-8:20pm Fialla

8:40-9:40pm Davy Holt (Scotland)

10:00-11:00pm The Drowsy Lads

Emerald Isle Stage

6:00-6:30pm Celtic Academy of Irish Dance

7:00-7:30pm McGovern Irish Dance

8:00-9:15pm Dulahan

9:45-11:00pm Father Son and Friends

Saturday, July 26

Bluegrass and American Folk music originated from the group’s home, and now JigJam is here to take it back!

United Irish Main Stage

12:00-1:00pm Dulahan (ASL)
1:30-2:30pm Davy Holt (Scotland)
3:00-4:00pm JigJam (Ireland)
4:30-5:40pm The Drowsy Lads
6:00-7:20pm Socks in the Frying Pan (Ireland) (ASL)
7:40-9:00pm JigJam (Ireland)
9:30-11:00pm Gaelic Storm

WHIO TV / WHIO Radio Traditional Stage

12:00-1:10pm Roving Rogues
1:30-2:00pm Miami Valley Pipes & Drums
2:20-3:10pm Dogwood Road
3:40-5:00pm Kennedy’s Kitchen (ASL)
5:30-7:00pm Davy Holt (Scotland)
7:30-9:00pm The Drowsy Lads
9:30-11:00pm Socks in the Frying Pan (Ireland)

One of the most sought after groups in Irish music today, the worldwide ‘Sock Invasion’ continues!

Emerald Isle Stage

12:00-1:00pm Jameson’s Folly
1:20-1:50pm St. Andrews Highland Dancers
2:10-2:40pm Celtic Academy Adults
3:00-3:30 Dwyer Irish Dance
3:50-4:20pm Miami Valley Pipes and Drums
4:40-5:10pm McGovern Irish Dance
5:30-6:00pm Celtic Academy of Irish Dance
6:30-7:30pm The Pints
8:00-9:15pm Father Son and Friends (ASL)
9:45-11:00pm 9 Castle Close

Sunday, July 27

United Irish Main Stage

10:00–11:30am Irish Gaelic Mass (ASL)
12:00-1:40pm JigJam (Ireland)
2:10-3:50pm Socks in the Frying Pan (Ireland)
4:20-6:00pm Gaelic Storm (ASL)

WHIO TV / WHIO Radio Traditional Stage

12:00-1:20pm na Skylark

The Lads deliver a performance steeped in traditional roots with a fervor that leaves audiences wanting more.

1:40-2:50pm Kennedy’s Kitchen
3:10-4:20pm Davy Holt (Scotland) (ASL)
4:40-6:00pm The Drowsy Lads

Emerald Isle Stage

12:00-12:30pm McGovern Irish Dance
1:00-1:30pm Dwyer Irish Dance
1:50-2:20pm Celtic Academy of Irish Dance
2:50-4:20pm Father Son and Friends
4:50-6:00pm Dulahan

Cultural Workshops (Tent 1)

Saturday

1:00 Cú & Craic Irish Wolfhounds of Southwest Ohio – Irish Wolfhounds in Legends and Lore

2:00 Cindy Thomson – An Innocent Irish Girl Sent to an Asylum

3:00 Cathy Jo Smith – Scary Stories

Sunday

12:00 Cú & Craic Irish Wolfhounds of Southwest Ohio – Irish Wolfhounds in Legends and Lore

1:00 Kirsten Dilger | Genealogist

2:00 Cathy Jo Smith – Tales of the Irish Heart: Stories of Love and Redemption

3:00 Cindy Thomson – The Ancient Saints of Ireland

4:00 Clan Stewart

Cultural Music Workshops (Tent 2)

Saturday

2:30 Larry Fortson – The Uilleann Bagpipe

3:30 Nancy Keyser, The Riley School of Irish Music – Have some Fun with the Irish Tin Whistle

4:30 Intro to Irish Music – Dan McKewen

5:30 Randy Clepper – The Irish Bouzouki

Sunday

1:30 Larry Fortson – The Uilleann Bagpipe

2:30 Intro to Irish Music – Dan McKewen

3:30 Randy Clepper – Irish Music Accompaniment

Browse the Celtic Marketplace featuring over 40 vendors with unique items from the Celtic nations. The Celtic Marketplace stretches the length of Monument Avenue in the heart of the Dayton Celtic Festival. Celtic shopping options run the spectrum from stoneware to kilts to jewelry and more.

Culture Works to Host A Regency Ball

July 21, 2025 By Dayton937

Culture Works invites you to be transported to a time of elegance, wit, and refined revelry at a Regency Ball on November 14, 2025. Join them for an immersive evening that celebrates Jane Austen’s 250^th birthday, raises monies for the arts, and adds a piquant Regency flair to the season.

Whether you’re a seasoned historical dancer or a newcomer lured by the romance of empire-waist gowns and cravats, the Culture Works Regency Ball offers a unique opportunity to experience the grace and gaiety of a bygone era. Guests may choose Creative Black Tie or Regency Inspired formal wear. Reach out to local purveyors of finery, then don your flowing muslins, military coats, and dainty slippers—and come ready to promenade, converse, and waltz the night away under the glittering Arcade dome.

In the Regency period, such an evening would unfold in two parts: a select number of guests would be invited to join the dinner party before the dancing begins—an honor traditionally reserved for close acquaintances or distinguished guests. Following the meal, the ballroom would open to all attendees for the main event: an elegant night of dancing, music, and merriment. This tiered structure reflects the customs of the era, when invitations to dinner were limited and intimate, while the ball itself welcomed a broader assembly for socializing and spirited revelry.

In true Regency fashion, Culture Works is offering multiple options for participation. Begin your evening at 6:30 pm with a sit-down dinner from Bernstein’s Fine Catering, where guests are invited to engage in social intercourse and enjoy a meal inspired by historic menus, and complimented by fine wines.

Then enter the ballroom where an ensemble will set the tone, playing the music of the era as renowned dance callers Tom and Toni Tumbusch guide you through the steps of traditional country dances. No partner? No experience? No problem—dances are taught and called in the moment, and the emphasis is on the festive, not perfection. Even Mr. Collins could show a fine leg under the Tumbuschs’ tutelage.

Or you can enter the ballroom at 8:30 pm, fresh from your dressing table. Late entry tickets allow guests to choose to be announced as they enter the ballroom. Then join in the dancing of traditional country dances, sample delicious desserts, enjoy complimentary punch, and use your drink tickets to enjoy something a bit stronger. Culture Works passport holders receive a $10.00 discount on late entry ball tickets, just enter your valid passport number on the ticket page.

Curtis Bowman, Director of Engagement for Culture Works, says “this Regency Ball is more than just a dance, it’s a celebration of community, culture, and imagination. From the moment you step through the door, you’re stepping into another world—one where letters arrive by post, glances across the ballroom matter, and every turn on the dance floor tells a story.”

So press your gloves, polish your shoes, and prepare for an unforgettable night of elegance, connection, and time-traveling delight. One may use these links to acquire Tickets or engage as a Sponsor. We are so looking forward to it, there is no felicity like a ball.

National Ice Cream Day Deals

July 20, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

Sunday, July 20th is National Ice Cream Day! Whether you prefer soft serve, sundaes, ice cream sandwiches or anything in between, ice cream is a sweet treat that’s universally loved, especially on a hot summer day.

Looking to save some dough? We’ve rounded up a list of some of the best deals and freebies you can find to celebrate:

Baskin Robbins: From now through July 26, rewards members can get $5 off any order of $20 placed through a third-party delivery app.

Big Chicken: customers can get a free ice cream cone in-restaurant when they mention the chain’s National Ice Cream Day promotion.

Burger King: Rewards members can get a free soft serve with any purchase $1 or more on National Ice Cream Day.

Chuck E. Cheese: Redeem a free small cup of Dippin’ Dots flavor Chuck E.’s Cookie Crunch on July 20 with a digital coupon available at chuckecheese.com/cookiecrunch July 20.

Dairy Queen: DQ Rewards loyalty program members can get a free Dilly Bar from now through July 20 with any DQ Rewards order of $1 or more. Must have the DQ App and sign up for DQ Rewards to get the offer.

Dunkin’: Dunkin’ Rewards members get three times the points on frozen beverages on July 20. Sign up online at dunkindonuts.com/en/dunkinrewards/registration.

Graeter’s Ice Cream: Customers can save 10% off online orders through July 20 with the code ICTODAY10. Additionally, customers can order ice cream cones for just $1.55 in all scoop shops on the holiday.

Petco: Your furry friend loves a pup cup! Stop by Petco and get a FREE ice cream pup cup on July 20 for your deserving doggie.

Talenti: Target Circle is offering a buy one, get 50% off deal through July 20.

The Root Beer Stande $2 cones and $5 hot fudge cakes for National Ice Cream Day!

The Sweet Retreat: 50% OFF all soft serve ice cream!

Wendy’s app users can take home a free small Frosty with any purchase on July 20 at participating locations.

Celebrate the 150th Birthday of Alice Dunbar Nelson

July 15, 2025 By Dayton937

Alice Dunbar Nelson was an influential African American poet, author, and activist whose work addressed themes of race, gender, and social justice. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, she emerged as a prominent voice of the Harlem Renaissance, publishing poetry, short stories, and essays that highlighted the struggles and resilience of Black women.

Dunbar Nelson was also deeply involved in social activism, advocating for civil rights and women’s suffrage throughout her life. She was married to the famous poet Paul Laurence Dunbar, and after his death, she continued to promote his work while forging her own literary path. Her legacy is celebrated for its contributions to American literature and its enduring impact on social movements.

This summer marks the 150th anniversary of Alice’s birth, and so the Paul Laurence Dunbar House Historic Site is proud to present two major events celebrating her life and achievements:

Beyond Paul: Alice Dunbar Nelson’s Life and Legacy – an exhibit of Alice’s writings and her collected works in partnership with the University of Delaware from July 19 to September 28, 2025.
“An Afternoon with Alice” – Alice’s legacy will be honored with a presentation by Ms. Karsyn Williams, featuring poetry and fascinating insights about Alice’s life. July 19 from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

This event marks the opening day of a new exhibit showcasing items from the Alice Dunbar Nelson collection, and it is made possible through a collaborative effort between the University of Delaware, the University of Dayton, the National Park Service, and the Paul Laurence Dunbar House. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the life and work of a remarkable figure in American history! This event is free and open to the public.

Paul Laurence Dunbar House Historic Site

219 N Paul Laurence Dunbar St,
Dayton, OH 45402

Open Friday – Sunday, from 10 am to 4pm Tours take place throughout the day and admission is free. Last tour of the day is at 3:30pm. You can start your visit at the visitor center entrance located on Edison Street (just around the corner from the Dunbar house) where you can view a movie and see artifacts and exhibits dedicated to the life of Dunbar

Sip, Sample, and Vote For Your Favorite Artini To Benefit Culture Works

July 10, 2025 By Lisa Grigsby

Tickets are now on sale for the 5th annual Artini to be held on from 6 – 8pm on Thursday, August 21st in the Rotunda of the Dayton Arcade. Culture Works’ unique friend and fundraiser that celebrates the fusion of art and mixology by featuring art-inspired cocktails and mocktails.

Local Mixologists work from an inspiration piece of art from a local artist to create a tasty “Artini.” Enjoy live music, delectable appetizers, engaging arts experiences, and local artwork for sale, while exploring the best drinks that art can inspire. Your ticket also affords you a vote to select the winning bartender. You decide which mixologist has captured the essence of the artwork in both a cocktail and a mocktail.

Confirmed Participants include: Coco’s Bistro, Fifth Street Brewpub and Wheat Penny, with more to be added.

Sip, sample, and vote for your favorites!

General Admission tickets – $55 includes five drink tickets
VIP tickets – $65 includes early access at 5:30pm and a bonus drink ticket

Tickets can be purchased online. Cash bar available for beer and wine.

Questions? Interested in sponsoring Artini? Call 937-222-ARTS or email [email protected].

2025 Diced Chef Challenge To Benefit Miami Valley Meals

July 8, 2025 By Dayton937

Miami Valley Meals’ signature fundraiser, Diced in Dayton will return on Tuesday, Sept 9th. This interactive, food-filled event showcases and celebrates the creativity of local chefs as they craft unique dishes from a set of mystery ingredients. Participating chefs must meet the challenge that MVM chefs face each day: how to transform unpredictable ingredients into something new and delicious. Moving to a new venue this year, the event will take place at the Schuster Center.

Guests delight in the ingenuity and flavor of the dishes while learning about what Miami Valley Meals does to help those who are food insecure in our community. Guest get to taste the bites created by each chef that have been given a mystery box of ingredients to feature in their taste.

At the end of the night, the top two chefs, as voted by the people and by judges, compete in a live cook-off with a new box of mystery ingredients for the title of Diced in Dayton Champion.

Chefs Patrick and Casey Van Voorhis of Grist Provisions (Judges’ Choice and People’s Choice winner).

2025 Competing Chefs

General admission tickets run $75 which includes 6pm entry, ability to sample tastes from all chefs, and free parking in the ARTS Garage.

VIP tickets are $150 includes 5:30pm early entry, ability to sample tastes from all chefs, access to a VIP.lounge area with additional seating, 2 drink tickets, 1 raffle ticket, free parking in the ARTS Garage, and an exclusive gift.

VIP Table for 8 – Limited availability – A table includes 8 VIP tickets and a dedicated, reserved table at the event. VIP Admission includes 5:30pm early entry, ability to sample tastes from all chefs, 2 drink tickets, 1 raffle ticket, free parking in the ARTS Garage, and an exclusive gift. $1,440.00

Tickets can be purchased online here.

All funds raised from this event allow Miami Valley Meals team of chefs transform recovered (a.k.a. “rescued”) foods into hearty and nutritious prepared meals that are then distributed to a network of nonprofit partners serving people experiencing food insecurity in the Miami Valley—free of charge. This program currently distributes an average of ~4,000 meals per week to 50 partners per month.

Dayton At Work and Play: Independence Day

July 4, 2025 By Bill Franz

On July 4, 1776 the members of the Continental Congress put their lives and property at risk as they signed the Declaration of Independence. The second sentence of that document is one of the best known in the English language: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

To the 55 rich white men who signed the document, that sentence referred to the rights of people like themselves. They weren’t suggesting that women were created equal to men, or that Native Americans were created equal to those who came here from Europe. But their words inspired those and other groups to fight for equal rights.

You can track the progress of these groups by looking at the dates when the group gained the right to vote. The history is complex because voting rules vary by state, but the progression goes something like this:

1828 all white men, not just property owners, can vote

1870 the constitution’s 15th amendment gives black men the right to vote. Some states comply

1890 Native Americans can vote

1920 Women can vote

1965 Voting Rights Act forces all states to follow the constitution and let Blacks vote

The struggle for voting rights continues. The current Supreme Court has weakened the Voting Rights Act, which allows the party in power to make voting more difficult for groups that tend to support the opposition. But much progress has been made since July 4, 1776.

Today we celebrate the brave men who signed the Declaration of Independence, and the millions of brave men and women who were inspired by their lofty words and worked to make the promise of equal rights come true for all Americans.

Making A Difference in Dayton: Libby Ballengee

July 1, 2025 By Dayton937

Libby Ballengee’s career started as a photo researcher and studio photographer in the educational publishing industry. She found that job the old-fashioned way: a newspaper classified ad! She either took photos for the books or researched ones that were historical or otherwise too costly to photograph in the studio. She also learned how to be an art buyer, which is someone who commissions custom illustrations from artists.

It wasn’t until she was in her mid-thirties that she found a new career path: being a concert promoter. It very much started as a hobby. It started as just wanting to throw one show for her best friend’s birthday. He wanted New Riders of the Purple Sage to perform in our hometown, and she happened to know someone who recently bought a music venue. The venue owner was willing to show me the ropes, which was invaluable. That first show came together beautifully, sending me down a path of producing more concerts for my friends and neighbors in Dayton, Ohio, over the last decade.

So this month is the official 10th Anniversary of Venus Child Productions! After that first show with New Riders of the Purple Sage at Oddbody’s, she slowly started to get into promoting shows, including developing Dayton Porchfest with Peter Benkendorf and culminating with him connecting her to Carli Ricciardi Dixon, where we developed The Brightside Music & Event Venue!

With her production company she view concerts and live experiences through the lens of the audience. Musicians themselves produce a lot of the local concerts she has attended in the past, and they often have a different perspective on building a show. They like to book their friends rather than who would fit best together. There is also usually a lot of politics about who performs in what order, which doesn’t necessarily lead to the best outcome.

Libby likes to ensure there is a natural flow and crescendo of energy during the concert. So, she tend sto place bands in an order that feels good to her, not necessarily in an order of who has been a band longer or has more clout. She wants the experience to feel good to the people paying to be there.

She admits she’s a fan, first and foremost, so little things matter. Is the ticket staff-friendly when you arrive? How is the sound quality? Is there toilet paper in the bathrooms at the of the show? I’m proud of the reviews we’ve received, especially from other women who really feel cared for at our shows.

Libby always dreamed of being a ballerina when she was little, and while that didn’t work out, she still wanted to support dancers in our community. For several years, she served on the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance board, which is home to the Dayton Ballet, Dayton Philharmonic, and Dayton Opera. She also volunteered for the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Stivers School for the Arts as well as the Board of Advisors for the Dayton Dance Initiative and the Dayton Ballet Barre.

“Anywhere can be boring – it’s up to you to engage with the community and explore. I’ve traveled a lot, but there’s no place else I’d rather be. As a music lover, Dayton was the perfect place to grow up in the 90s. If I can keep that tradition alive in any small way, I’ve achieved my goal! “

Thanks Libby for all you bring to the Miami Valley, keep bringing us the music!

If you’d like to nominate someone for Making a Difference In Dayton, drop us an email and tell us about your nomineed.

Dayton’s Most Instagrammable Spots

June 30, 2025 By Guest Contributor

Discover the Unexpected: Dayton’s Most Instagrammable Spots

Looking to give your Instagram feed a serious glow-up? 📸✨ You might be surprised to learn that Dayton is full of colorful, creative, and jaw-dropping photo ops—if you know where to look! Whether you’re a selfie queen, a local influencer, or just love capturing the moment, we’ve rounded up some of the most Instagrammable spots that perfectly show off Dayton’s style, history, and natural beauty.

Here’s where to point your lens:

Dayton Inspires Mural

Location: Oregon District on the side of the BRIM (hat store) building
This bold, bright mural in the heart of the Oregon District is practically made for selfies. With its inspirational message and vibrant colors, the #DaytonInspires mural has become an iconic backdrop for locals and visitors alike.

Dayton Inspires

Dayton Postcard Mural

Location: 142 S Keowee Street, Dayton, OH
Another fan favorite! The Dayton Postcard Mural gives off vintage vibes with a modern twist. Its postcard-inspired design offers the perfect pop of nostalgia and city pride for your feed.

Postcard Mural

Dayton Peace Sign

Location: Schuster Center Plaza at 2nd and Main
One of the newest photo-worthy stops in downtown, this Peace Sign sculpture has made its way from RiverScape to its new home at the Schuster Center and is the perfect symbol of community, creativity, and connection. Strike a pose and spread some positive vibes!

Dayton Peace Sign

Dayton Art Institute Steps

Location: 456 Belmonte Park N, Dayton, OH
These grand steps, leading up to the beautiful Dayton Art Institute, are pure drama—in the best way. Perfect for portraits, wedding shoots, or just flexing your outfit of the day (#OOTD). Bonus: Inside, there is even more art to see 😉

DAI Steps Wedding

Woodland Cemetery Lookout

Location: 118 Woodland Ave, Dayton, OH
Yes, it’s a cemetery—but also a Level II Arboretum and home to one of the best panoramic views of the Dayton skyline. From the “Lookout” point, your photos will capture the city’s blend of nature, history, and modern charm.

Woodland lookout

Carillon Bell Tower

Location: 1000 Carillon Blvd, Dayton, OH
Rising 151 feet tall, the Deeds Carillon is an architectural gem and one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Whether snapped in full daylight or glowing at dusk, this towering beauty always delivers an Insta-worthy shot, especially when turned into the tree of light for the holiday season!

An aerial view of the Carillon Tree of Light at Carillon Historical Park

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force™

Location: 1100 Spaatz Street, Dayton, OH
A must for aviation fans! From vintage bombers to futuristic jets, the world’s largest military aviation museum offers photo backdrops you won’t find anywhere else. Pro tip: The gigantic hangars themselves make for awesome wide-angle shots.

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

Trolls at Aullwood Audubon

Location: 1000 Aullwood Road, Dayton, OH
Say hello to Bo, Bodil, and Bibbi—giant recycled-material Troll sculptures hidden among the trees. These whimsical works of art add a playful, fairytale vibe to any nature walk (and your feed).

Aullwood Troll with Kids

Five Rivers MetroParks Gems

Tree Tower at Cox Arboretum
Climb this towering, rustic structure for panoramic views and one of the best spots to snap a nature-inspired pic. The treehouse-meets-observation-deck is especially magical at sunrise or sunset.

Eastwood Lake
This shimmering lake, surrounded by lush greenery, is a popular spot for kayaking and paddleboarding photos—not to mention those dreamy, golden-hour reflections.

RiverScape Fountains
Downtown meets waterfront fun! The interactive fountains at RiverScape MetroPark offer playful, energetic shots—especially great for capturing kids, families, or spontaneous moments.

Hills and Dales Lookout Tower
Known as the “Witch’s Tower” or “Frankenstein’s Castle,” this stone tower has sparked imaginations for decades. While interior access is no longer available, you can still snap some atmospheric, moody shots for a different kind of Dayton vibe.

Kayaking at Eastwood Metropark

From iconic murals to soaring towers to hidden garden gems, Dayton is full of unexpected beauty and Insta-worthy moments—you just have to get out and explore. So, grab your camera (or your phone!) and start your own Dayton photo tour. Don’t forget to tag your pics with #DiscoverDayton—you might just see your post featured on our socials!

By Destination Dayton

Community

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Shopes at Route 725

University of Dayton

York Commons

Entertainment Schedule

Friday, July 25

United Irish Main Stage

WHIO TV / WHIO Radio Traditional Stage

Emerald Isle Stage

Saturday, July 26

United Irish Main Stage

WHIO TV / WHIO Radio Traditional Stage

Emerald Isle Stage

Sunday, July 27

United Irish Main Stage

WHIO TV / WHIO Radio Traditional Stage

Emerald Isle Stage

Cultural Workshops (Tent 1)

Cultural Music Workshops (Tent 2)

Sip, sample, and vote for your favorites!

Discover the Unexpected: Dayton’s Most Instagrammable Spots

Here’s where to point your lens:

Dayton Inspires Mural

Dayton Postcard Mural

Dayton Peace Sign

Dayton Art Institute Steps

Woodland Cemetery Lookout

Carillon Bell Tower

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force™

Trolls at Aullwood Audubon

Five Rivers MetroParks Gems