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"Dayton Events: Festival Fun, Spooky Surprises, and Home Tips galore! Sponsored by The Renaissance Men 🎉"

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"Dayton Events: Festival Fun, Spooky Surprises, and Home Tips galore! Sponsored by The Renaissance Men 🎉"

"Dayton Events: Festival Fun, Spooky Surprises, and Home Tips galore! Sponsored by The Renaissance Men 🎉"
Don't miss out on these exciting Dayton events, including our featured event and festival! This newsletter is proudly sponsored by The Renaissance Men. Explore a featured park, get in the spirit with some spooky activities, and try our delicious recipe of the week. Plus, don't forget to check out our home tips for some handy advice!

Alan Vandergrift

Oct 25, 2025

Trivia Question❓

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is named after the Wright brothers and which other aviation pioneer?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Dayton Events

Dayton Area Events

October 25 – 31, 2025

 

Sat • Oct 25 • 10:00 AM
Eastwood Metro Park, 1385 Harshman Rd, Dayton, OH
Community / Charity
$27.50 Registration
5K run and 1K walk with costume judging; proceeds benefit pediatric cancer research.  
Sat • Oct 25 • 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
 
Venue TBD, Metro Dayton region
Market / Shopping
General Admission
Two-day vintage and artisan market with home décor, handmade goods, and food vendors.  
 
10542 E State Route 73, Waynesville, OH
Festival / Medieval Fair
Ticketed
Costumed village, jousting, artisan shops and live entertainment during final weekend. 
 
Fifth Street & Oregon District, Dayton
Festival / Street Party
Free / Open to Public
Downtown Dayton’s major Halloween street celebration with costumes, food trucks, and DJs.  
 
 Please verify exact times, pricing and availability before attending.

Featured Event

Southwest Ohio Lion’s STEPS 13 OH6 Walk / Run

 

Saturday, October 25, 2025 • 10:00 AM

Charity & Community 1K Walk / 5K Run

 

Event Overview

The STEPS 13 OH6 Walk / Run is a community-oriented weekend event held at Eastwood MetroPark (1385 Harshman Rd, Dayton, OH 45431) dedicated to supporting pediatric cancer research in the Dayton and Cincinnati region. 

 

 Participants can choose a fun 1 K walk or a more competitive 5 K run—costumes are encouraged, and both serious runners and families are welcome.

 

All proceeds from this event go to benefit pediatric oncology research and support services at the local children’s hospitals. 

 

Why It Matters

 

Childhood cancer remains the number one disease-related cause of death for U.S. children aged 15 and younger. According to the event information: approximately 1 in 285 children in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer by age 20, and yearly tens of thousands of young lives are affected. 

 

By joining this event you not only get a great morning outdoors—you also become part of the solution: raising funds, awareness, and community support for children and families facing this challenge.

 

Event Highlights & Details

  • Distances: 1 K Walk (fun-friendly) & 5 K Run (timed) 
  • Start Time: 10:00 AM on Saturday, October 25, 2025 
  • Location: Eastwood MetroPark, 1385 Harshman Rd, Dayton, OH 45431 
  • Registration Fee: Typical entry around $27.50 (varies by date & category) 
  • Extras: Costume judging, awards for 5K winners, certificates for 1K walkers; event welcomes families, children, and casual participants alike. 
  •  

Preparing to Participate

Here are some helpful tips to get the most out of your race day experience:

  • Arrive early to allow for parking and warm-up—the 10:00 AM start means a morning arrival is best.
  • Whether you're walking or running, wear comfortable shoes and layers suitable for autumn weather.
  • If you choose to wear a costume, keep it comfortable and safe for movement on the course.
  • For runners, plan your pacing strategy; for walkers, invite friends and family for a relaxed outing.
  • Check the official website at steps13oh6.org for any updates, registration details and race-day logistics. 
  •  

Who’s Behind It

The event is organized by the Lions Clubs International District 13 OH6 — local Lions Clubs collaborating to host this fundraiser in the Dayton region. Proceeds benefit pediatric cancer research at local hospitals.

 

Previously the event has raised more than one million dollars cumulatively for children’s hospitals in the region. 

 

Why You Should Join

If you’re looking for a meaningful way to spend a Saturday morning, this event offers:

  • A fun, inclusive community activity – whether walking with friends & family or racing.
  • The opportunity to support children affected by cancer and contribute to research.
  • A scenic, well-organized 5K/1K at Eastwood MetroPark in early fall—nice weather, good vibes, and an energizing event atmosphere.

Come ready to move, make a difference, and enjoy the community spirit! 🎗️

 Please verify registration, schedule and details at the official event page.

Featured Festival

Dayton Fall Harvest Festival

Saturday, October 25, 2025 • 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Free Admission & Parking Family Friendly

Event Overview

 

The City of Dayton’s annual Fall Harvest Festival returns on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at Kettering Field, 444 N. Bend Blvd., Dayton, OH 45404

 

From 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM (rain or shine), the afternoon features a pumpkin patch, hayrides, DJ-selected tunes, a kids’ activity area, costume contest for children, seasonal food trucks, and much more. 

 

Highlights & Activities

  • 🎃 Pumpkin patch where kids and families can enjoy autumn photo moments. 
  • 🚜 Hayrides around the field area—perfect for children and family groups. 
  • 🎶 DJ-selected music to create a festive fall atmosphere. 
  • 👻 Costume Contest for children 12 & under at 4:00 PM—dress to impress! 
  • 🍔 Seasonal food trucks offering treats, comfort foods, and fall-themed fare.
  • 🎁 Free admission and free parking make this accessible to all. 
  •  

Planning & Tips

Here are some suggestions to get the most out of the afternoon:

  • Arrive shortly after the 2:00 PM start for the full experience and easier parking.
  • Bring a trick-or-treat bag for giveaways or treats available onsite. 
  • Wear comfortable shoes and layers—October afternoons can shift to cool evenings.
  • Arrive early if your child plans to compete in the costume contest (ages 12 & under, starts at 4:00 PM). 
  • While admission and parking are free, food trucks and some activities may involve purchase—bring cash or cards.
  • Event is held rain or shine—check weather and prepare accordingly.
  •  

Location & Logistics

Venue: Kettering Field Sports Complex, 444 N. Bend Blvd., Dayton, OH 45404. 

Parking is free and generally available on-site or in adjacent lots. Use the main entrance off N. Bend Blvd. The festival is hosted by the City of Dayton Department of Recreation

 Please verify event day details in case of last-minute changes.

This newsletter sponsored by The Renaissance Men

Veteran-owned Construction Co. focused on rebuilding homes, restoring hope, and reviving community!

The Renaissance Men

727-906-5787

 

Featured Park

🌳 Island MetroPark: Dayton’s Riverside Gem

101 E. Helena Street, Dayton, OH • Open daily 8:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.

Just minutes from downtown, Island MetroPark is a 43-acre retreat at the confluence of the Great Miami and Stillwater Rivers. With trails, river access, a splash pad, and a band shell rich in history, it blends nature, recreation, and city convenience in one spot.

🌟 Park Highlights

  • River Access: Launch a kayak or canoe where the rivers meet.
  • Trail Hub: Connects to the Great Miami River Trail & Buckeye Trail.
  • Splash Pad & Playgrounds: Family-friendly fun during summer.
  • Historic Band Shell: The 1940s Art Deco Leslie L. Diehl Band Shell still stands.
  • Green Space: Perfect for picnics, gatherings, or quiet relaxation.

🚶 Things to Do

Enjoy a riverside stroll, bike along the trail network, picnic with friends, or let kids cool off in the splash pad. Nature lovers will appreciate mature trees, landscaped beds, and scenic water views—all without leaving the city.

🧭 Visitor Tips

  • Use the Helena Street entrance for easy parking access.
  • Dogs are welcome but must be kept on leash.
  • Morning and evening hours offer quieter trails and beautiful river light.
  • Check conditions after rain—some paths may be damp due to high river levels.
  • Bring a camera—this park has some of the best downtown river views.

Fun fact: Island MetroPark’s location was once home to an amusement park in the late 1800s, making it a place where Daytonians have gathered for fun for well over a century.

Spooky Things!

👻 Haunted Houses & Attractions Around Dayton

Where to get your thrills this spooky season

Dayton Scream Park

4040 Wrightway Road, Dayton, OH • Fri & Sat nights, Sept 12 – Nov 1

Four terrifying attractions in one walkthrough, updated sets, and roaming monsters. Free parking available.

Admission: $25 general, VIP upgrades available.

Visit Dayton Scream Park →

Hell’s Dungeon

3866 Linden Ave, Dayton, OH • Fully indoor haunt

Dayton’s only all-indoor haunted attraction, themed around “what lies beneath.” Great rain-or-shine option.

Visit Hell’s Dungeon →

Land of Illusion Haunted Scream Park

8762 Thomas Rd, Middletown, OH • Multi-attraction park

Huge haunt with multiple themed houses and mazes: Temple of Terror, Killer Klowns, Dr. Psycho’s, Phobia and more.

Visit Land of Illusion →

Nightmare on Valley Street

4355 Valley Street, Dayton, OH • Outdoor haunted trail

Sprawling 22-acre outdoor trail with ~25 scenes, mazes, and fright zones. About a 30-minute experience.

Nightmare on Valley Street Info →

The Lewisburg Haunted Cave

Lewisburg, OH (short drive) • Underground haunt

Haunted attraction set 80 feet below ground in a real limestone cave. One of the longest underground haunted attractions in the U.S.

Visit Haunted Cave →


Tips Before You Go:
  • Most haunts run only on Friday & Saturday nights.
  • Check ticket options—VIP lines can save time.
  • Dress for the weather if outdoors (trails & caves can be muddy/chilly).
  • Indoor option: Hell’s Dungeon is fully enclosed.

Recipe of the Week

🥣 Creamy Potato Soup with Leeks & Bacon

Serves 6 • Prep 15 min • Cook 30–35 min • Cozy, cold-weather favorite

Silky, comforting, and loaded with classic Midwest flavors. Great for make-ahead lunches and easy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

  • 6 slices bacon, chopped (or 2 Tbsp butter for vegetarian)
  • 2 large leeks, white & light green parts only, halved & sliced thin
  • 2 ribs celery, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 lb Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled & cut in 1/2-inch cubes
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 1 cup milk or half-and-half (warmed)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
  • 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional, great with bacon)
  • For serving: chopped chives or green onions, shredded cheddar, extra sour cream

Instructions

  1. Crisp the bacon: In a heavy pot over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp (6–8 min). Remove to a paper towel-lined plate; leave 1–2 Tbsp drippings in pot.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Add leeks and celery to pot. Cook, stirring, until soft (5–6 min). Add garlic; cook 30 seconds.
  3. Simmer: Stir in potatoes, broth, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are very tender (12–15 min).
  4. Blend to creamy: Using an immersion blender, blend about half the soup in the pot (or transfer 3–4 cups to a blender and return). You want a mix of creamy + some chunks.
  5. Finish: Stir in warm milk and sour cream. Heat gently (do not boil) 2–3 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. Serve: Ladle into bowls; top with bacon, chives/green onions, and cheddar.
Dayton Tip: Add a handful of shredded cheddar from a favorite local dairy for extra richness.
Make It Vegetarian: Skip bacon, start with 2 Tbsp butter or olive oil, and use vegetable broth. For smoky depth, add a pinch of smoked paprika.
Storage: Refrigerate up to 4 days. Reheat gently and thin with a splash of milk/broth as needed. (Dairy-free? Use unsweetened oat milk + olive oil and skip sour cream.)

Variation: Stir in 1 cup cooked corn or diced ham; or finish with a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

Home Tips

 

🥕 Harvest & Clean Up

  • Final Harvest: Pick the last of late-season crops (like carrots, kale, or squash) before the first hard frost.

  • Remove Spent Plants: Clear out dead annuals and vegetable plants to prevent pests and disease from overwintering.

  • Compost It: Add leaves, garden clippings, and plant debris to your compost pile for rich soil in the spring.

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

 Frank Stuart Patterson, a test pilot who died in 1918.

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