💎 Christmas, Crafts & Cocktails (Issue #12)

Good morning,

Every week we share events and news curated for the Miami Valley.

Thanksgiving hasn’t even happened yet. So why are we talking about Christmas? Because it certainly ‘tis the season as far as events go. And with how time has been flying, it will be here before we know it!

Speaking of Thanksgiving, we have a quick update about that. Instead of sending next week’s email on Thursday like usual, we’ll be sending it on Wednesday morning. We don’t want to interrupt your turkey day!

With that out the way, here’s what we’re covering today:

• Upcoming events, becoming ever-so more festive

• Lots of local live shows to see this weekend

• A local baking Youtuber competing (and winning) on Food Network’s “Holiday Wars”

• Trotwood is no longer a “food desert” with GFS’s opening there this week

• Dayton’s recognition as the 1st city in Ohio, and 4th in the world, for its comprehensive approach to sustainability

Let’s get to it!

— Max

Path To 1k: Gift Card Giveaway

Share our newsletter with your friends and family in the Miami Valley for your chance to win a gift card to a local restaurant! Each confirmed referral gets you one entry into the giveaway.

Confirmed referrals are folks who sign up, confirm their subscription, and are still subscribed at the time of drawing. The cutoff for the giveaway is in 3 weeks on December 3rd, and the winners will be randomly drawn on December 4th.

Here’s what you could win and how to participate. 

Prizes

• $100 prize: Salar, Pine Club, or Paragon Supper Club

• $50 prize: El Meson, Old Scratch, or Pasha Grill

• $25 prize: Blueberry Cafe, Ghostlight Coffee, or Bill's Donuts

How to participate

Participating is easy. All you have to do is share your unique link. That could be on social media, via email, text, carrier pigeon… whichever way you communicate with your local friends and family. 

The important part is that you use your unique link below. That’s the only way we can give you credit. Rack up those referrals and start sharing today! 

https://community.mvmemo.com/subscribe?ref=PLACEHOLDER

Want to check in on your progress? View your referral hub.

⚡ WEEKEND WEATHER

Friday

31° 🌡️ 61° | 🌧️ | ☔ 90% | 💨 13 mph

Saturday

32° 🌡️ 51° | ☀️ | ☔ 10% | 💨 7 mph

Sunday

35° 🌡️ 56° | ☀️ | ☔ 0% | 💨 7 mph

🎄 The Greene Christmas Tree Lighting

📅 Thursday: 5pm
📍 The Greene, Beavercreek
💰 Free

Light up the night with the illumination of The Greene's 50-foot Christmas tree. The evening will kick off with a parade welcoming Santa, who will stick around for photos. Then the merriment will continue with music from a DJ and the enchanting experience of a live reindeer petting zoo. A perfect event for little ones and adults alike. Learn more.

🥃 Whiskey Cocktail Class

📅 Thursday: 6pm
📍 Manna Uptown, Centerville
💰 $35

Stir up your whiskey knowledge with Manna's Bar Manager, Jackson Wolph. Learn the intriguing history of three classic whiskey cocktails: the Manhattan, the Old Fashioned, and the Whiskey Sour. And pick up insights and techniques on crafting them as you savor them. You'll not only enjoy these timeless drinks... you'll leave with the know-how and recipes to make them yourself. Perfect for whiskey enthusiasts and curious beginners alike. Get tickets.

🎪 Corteo by Cirque Du Soleil

📅 Thu: 7:30pm | Fri: 7:30pm | Sat: 3:30pm, 7:30pm | Sun: 1pm
📍 Nutter Center, Fairborn
💰 $50+

Cirque du Soleil is bringing their latest arena spectacle to Dayton. "Corteo" blends acting and acrobatics into one performance about a festive parade through the eyes of a clown. Join 10 million people worldwide who have enjoyed the show and been immersed into a world of humor, wonder, and finesse. Get tickets.

🎅 Christmas In Springboro

📅 Friday: 6-10pm | Saturday: 1-10pm | Sunday: 1-5pm
📍 Downtown Historic Springboro, Springboro
💰 Free

Kick-off your holiday season in Springboro this weekend! Discover a Winter Wonderland under heated tents featuring: 75+ craft vendors, 30+ food stalls, and various children's activities. Highlights include a dedicated tent with Santa, an entertainment stage, and the Warped Wing Beer Tent. Celebrating its 36th year, this is the largest three-day holiday festival in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. It attracts over 60,000 visitors, spanning seven blocks of Springboro's historic downtown. Enjoy family fun activities and local shops in a festive, historic setting. Get tickets.

⚛️ Super Science Saturday

📅 Saturday: 9am
📍 Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, Dayton
💰 Free

Explore the wonders of science at the Boonshoft Museum's Super Science Saturday! This free science festival offers an exciting day of learning and fun for the whole family. Get access to special exhibitions, captivating Space Theater shows, and engaging public programming. This is one of the four free events they put on throughout the year. All in their commitment to providing the Miami Valley with enriching, science-focused experiences. Don't miss out on this educational adventure for the scientists in your family, both big and small! Learn more.

🎁 Fairmont Athletic Boosters Craft Show

📅 Saturday: 9-3pm
📍 Trent Arena, Kettering
💰 Free

Find the perfect present while supporting local artisans and Fairmont athletics! Explore the crafts of 200+ vendors spread throughout Trent Arena. With that much to choose from, you can definitely get a great holiday gift for the gang. Expect the arena/highschool parking lot to fill quickly, but with lots of street space in the neighborhoods next door, you should be able to find a spot. Learn more.

🎩 Steampunk Soiree (21+)

📅 Saturday: 6pm
📍 Air Force Museum, Dayton
💰 $40 (cash bar)

Embark on a fantastical journey where Victorian elegance meets futuristic innovation. Explore a world of mystery and wonder with immersive activities like virtual welding, trivia, and a special steampunk exhibit. Throw on your finest attire—with gears and goggles of course! A nice evening filled with crafted cocktails, hot hors d'oeuvres, and open aircraft explorations for you to enjoy. Get tickets.

✂️ St. Charles Craft Crawl

📅 Sunday: 11-4pm
📍 St. Charles School, Kettering
💰 Free

Another festive fair for your holiday shopping! Offering over 50 vendors showcasing a variety of items from decorations and home goods to clothing, makeup, and jewelry. Browse through their unique crafts and savor baked goods while sipping a hot coffee. Bringing little ones? They'll have face painting and a free picture with Santa available for them. Learn more.

🎼 Such A Night – The Last Waltz Live!

📅 Wednesday, Nov. 22nd: 8pm
📍 Victoria Theatre, Downtown Dayton
💰 $24+

Join over 25 of Dayton's most talented musicians for a captivating tribute to The Band's legendary Nov. 25th, 1976 concert. That’s not a typo. The band’s name was literally The Band. This concert was immortalized by Martin Scorsese in "The Last Waltz." Going on its 10th year, this rendition is a Dayton tradition. It is always performed the night before Thanksgiving, and the proceeds support WYSO radio and local causes. A must-see concert of the season, blending rock history with community spirit. Get tickets.

🛩️ 2024 Dayton Air Show

📅 June 22-23rd, 2024
📍 Wright Bros Aero, Vandalia
💰 First 1,000 tickets: $20 (including parking)

Big Air Show fan? Tickets just went on sale this Tuesday. While 8 months away, their new tiered pricing rewards you for getting your tickets today. Here's how it works. The first 1,000 tickets are $20. After those, the next 1,000 are $25. Then the final special batch of 5,000 will go for $30. Once all of those are sold, tickets will go to their usual price of $35. We wanted to get this on your radar early, so you could score some savings. Get your tickets here.

Events marked with an asterisk (*) in the “featured” section have been sponsored by our advertising or affiliate partners. Have an event you’d like to promote? Get in touch with us here.

🎤 LIVE SHOWS 

Friday

🎭 La Comedia | Miracle on 34th Street | 12:30pm & 7:30pm | $39+ kids, $70+ adults

🎭 Schuster Center | Broadway’s The Grinch Stole Christmas | 4pm & 8pm | $29+

😂 Dayton Funny Bone | Tony Rock | 7:30pm & 10pm | $29

💬 Black Box Improv Theatre | Escape Room | 8pm | $15

🎶 Hidden Gem Music Club | Ryan Roth and the Comeback Special: Elvis Tribute Show | 8pm | $20

🎶 Moe Harrigan's Tavern | Reyna Spears and Dana Farley Acoustic Duo | 8pm | Free

🎶 Blind Bob's | Easy Tiger, Minnows, Zac Pitts, Curtail, Place Position | 8pm | Free

🎶 Phone Booth Lounge | Velvet Crush | 8pm | Free

🎭 Springboro Community Theatre | A Gentleman's Guide To Love And Murder | 8pm | $20

🎭 Dayton Playhouse | The One Act Play That Goes Wrong | 8pm | $18+

🎭 Dayton Theatre Guild | Wednesday's Child | 8pm | $21

Saturday

🎭 Schuster Center | Broadway’s The Grinch Stole Christmas | 2pm & 8pm | $29+

🎭 Dayton Theatre Guild | Wednesday's Child | 5pm | $21

🔔 Carillon Park | Deeds Carillon Concert (Ringing in the Holidays) | 6:30pm | Free

😂 Dayton Funny Bone | Tony Rock | 7pm & 9:45pm | $29

😂 Bricky's Comedy Club | Corbin LeMaster | 7:30pm | $15

🎭 La Comedia | Miracle on 34th Street | 7:30pm | $39+ kids, $70+ adults

🎶 Victoria Theatre | Classic Albums Live Performs Stevie Ray Vaughan: Texas Flood | 7:30pm | $25+

🎶 Wings Sports Bar and Grille Beavercreek | Britches Down | 8pm | Free

🎭 Springboro Community Theatre | A Gentleman's Guide To Love And Murder | 8pm | $20

🎭 Dayton Playhouse | The One Act Play That Goes Wrong | 8pm | $18+

🎶 Phone Booth Lounge | Big Mother | 8pm | Free

💬 Black Box Improv Theatre | Dayton Legal | 8pm | $15

🎶 Hidden Gem Music Club | The Menus | 8pm | $15

🎶 Blind Bob's | Yardboss with Ex-Bombers, Abertooth Lincoln & Tino | 9pm | Free

Sunday

🎭 La Comedia | Miracle on 34th Street | 12:30pm & 7:30pm | $39+ kids, $70+ adults

🎭 Schuster Center | Broadway’s The Grinch Stole Christmas | 1pm & 6:30pm | $29+

🎭 Springboro Comunity Theatre | A Gentleman's Guide To Love And Murder | 2pm | $20

🎭 Dayton Playhouse | The One Act Play That Goes Wrong | 2pm | $18+

🎭 Dayton Theatre Guild | Wednesday's Child | 3pm | $21

🎶 Trail Town Brewing | Pinehouse & Achilles Tenderloin | 3pm | Free

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🗞️ LOCAL NEWS

🧁 Reppin’ Dayton On Food Network

Becky Beverly, a Dayton local and sugar artist, is currently competing on Food Network’s “Holiday Wars”. Becky runs Icing On Top—Becky’s Cakes, a YouTube channel with over 30k subscribers. She shares recipes and guides for sugar art and cake decorating. As far as TV goes, this wasn’t Beverly's first invitation from Food Network. She had declined in the past due to time constraints but seized the opportunity this year. They filmed this August in Utah.

Becky is a part of The Blitzen Bakers team. Accompanied by her fellow bakers Aaron Davis and Nayara Ranieri. The show started running on Nov. 5th, and her episode aired last Sunday, Nov. 12th. Not only did her team move forward, they won 1st place in the "Manufacturing Mishap" round! Follow Becky’s Facebook to stay up-to-date and tune in to this Sunday’s episode at 9pm to see what happens next! [Dayton Daily News]

🏪 Eliminating Trotwood’s Food Desert

Gordon Food Service (GFS) opened a new store in Trotwood this Tuesday (Nov. 14th). This is the first full-service grocery store in the city since Foodtown closed in 2019. It signals an end to the community's "food desert" status, which it gained following Foodtown’s departure. A food desert is an area lacking in accessible, affordable nutritious food.

This store is the result of a project that started in early 2020 between Trotwood and GFS. However, it got delayed because of the pandemic. The project received substantial financial backing from Montgomery County and Trotwood. In addition, the company is incentivized to hire and retain employees. By doing this, GFS will get a share of the income taxes generated from these new employees for the next 10 years.

The new store differs from typical GFS outlets. It focuses more on retail, offering fresh produce, meat, and smaller items. The opening day saw a large turnout, with residents expressing their excitement to WHIO. This is a significant step for the community and one their leaders have been working on for years. [WHIO]

🏆 Dayton LEEDs On Sustainability

Dayton has become the only city in Ohio and one of four globally to receive a platinum rating from the U.S. Green Buildings Council. This marks Dayton as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) city. Passing the council's rigorous sustainability certification standards.

The city was evaluated across multiple domains: natural systems planning, energy, water, waste, and transportation. Of the five Ohio cities LEED certified, Dayton stands out for its comprehensive approach to sustainability. The process started in 2021 and highlighted Dayton's renewable energy program, aquifer protection, and tree-planting initiatives.

Dayton is committed to sustainability without financial burden according to City Commissioner Matt Joseph. City leaders are not resting on their laurels though. Next up is drafting a decarbonization plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The more Dayton leads and innovates, the brighter the Miami Valley's future becomes. [WYSO]

🙏 THANKS!

That’s all for today. Thank you for reading this week’s memo!

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Hope you have a great weekend, and we look forward to seeing you next Thursday!