Good morning, Dayton.

The Foodbank celebrated its 50th anniversary yesterday with a block party plus unveiling its $5.5M Community Resource Center at 56 Armor Place.

The center offers medical services, job resources, and a probation office to serve community needs.

At Carillon Park, the Jane Ellen — a three-foot-scale locomotive modeled after an 1851 engine — will lead a narrated railway loop during the Rail Festival on Saturday and Sunday, offering visitors small-scale train rides, live steam displays, and local exhibits.

Beetlejuice: The Musical is showing at The Schuster in Dayton until Sunday, June 28.

The production blends humor with impressive vocals and a no-filter style (note: its mature themes make it best for adult audiences).

Winners for the Recreation category in Best of Dayton 2026 have been announced.

Spring Fest in the Burg won best annual festival, Dayton Art Institute won best art gallery, Poelking Bowling Centers received best bowling alley, and Dayton Dragons won best family fun destination.

Major Dayton employers in defense, healthcare, education, and manufacturing continue to drive the local economy, with Wright-Patterson Air Force Base employing nearly 38,000 and generating a $16 billion annual impact.

Other businesses, including Winsupply and Mahle Behr, further strengthen the region (ensuring opportunities that benefit the community).

Winton Woods Lake reopened after a sewage leak raised bacteria levels earlier in June.

Great Parks officials say routine water tests now show safe levels and the boathouse is available again for canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding and fishing.

The Dayton Fire Department’s new class of fourteen firefighters will graduate today at the Kroc Center after climbing the 30-story Stratacahae Tower (a longstanding tradition for recruits).

Chief Rice welcomed the firefighters as they join the department.

The Best of Dayton 2026 contest announced winners in the Health & Medical category today.

St. Leonard CHI Living Communities won Best Assisted Living Facility as well as top honors in memory care and rehabilitation, and William J. Hagerty, DDS was named Best Dentist.

Winners for Best of Dayton 2026 home improvement were announced: Acorn Construction and Remodeling earned Best Building Contractor and Best Kitchen Remodeler, and Green Folk Landscape Management won Best Landscaper.

Finalists include Thrush and Son LLC, Improvelt Home Remodeling, and Select Kitchen Design Windows and Doors.

Wright State University named Brad Chandler, J.D., as its new director of athletics after its first national search (he brings 17 years of NCAA Division I experience) and will work with coaches, student-athletes and alumni to strengthen the sports program.

West Michigan Whitecaps at Dayton Dragons

6:00 – 8:05 p.m. — Day Air Ballpark — Ticket prices vary — Experience thrilling minor league baseball with the Dayton Dragons at Day Air Ballpark.

WILD ENCOUNTERS

1-3 p.m. — Sinclair Community College Centerville — Free entry — Meet animal ambassadors from the Columbus Zoo and enjoy crafts, snacks, and family fun.

Baseball Game: Lansing Lugnuts vs. Dayton Dragons

7:05-8:05 p.m. — Day Air Ballpark — Ticket prices vary — Catch one of the hottest tickets in sports as the Dayton Dragons take on the Lansing Lugnuts.

Dayton Dragons vs. Lansing Lugnuts

7:05-8:05 p.m. — Day Air Ballpark — Tickets available — Catch the excitement of minor league baseball at one of the hottest venues in town.

Honoring Our Veterans with Eric Jerardi Band

7-9:30 p.m. — Levitt Pavilion Dayton — Free entry — Celebrate Independence Day with live music and a tribute to our veterans.

Star Spangled Heights Festival

12-2 p.m. — Thomas A. Cloud Memorial Park — Free entry — Celebrate Independence Day with a parade, food trucks, carnival rides, music, and fireworks.

Lansing Lugnuts at Dayton Dragons

1:05 – 2:05 PM — Day Air Ballpark — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a thrilling baseball game as the Dragons take on the Lugnuts.

Black Box Improv's Kid Summer Camp

9 a.m. - 3 p.m. — The Black Box Improv Theater — Tuition required — Engage in a creative summer camp that enhances communication skills and confidence through improv games.

Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears Live

7-9 p.m. — Levitt Pavilion Dayton — Free entry — Experience the raw energy of Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears blending blues and rock in an electrifying live performance.

Big Band Concert with Kim Kelly Orchestra

7-9 p.m. — RiverScape MetroPark — Free entry — Swing into an evening of timeless music with the Kim Kelly Orchestra as classic favorites come to life.