Dayton Area Events

History comes alive this weekend at the Old Town Trade Fair, a unique living-history event taking place March 7–8 at the Greene County Fairgrounds in Xenia. Hosted by the George Rogers Clark Heritage Association, the fair recreates life and craftsmanship from the late 1700s through the 1800s. 

📅 Event Details

• Where: Greene County Fairgrounds, 120 Fairground Road, Xenia
• When: Saturday, March 7 (9 AM – 5 PM) and Sunday, March 8 (9 AM – 3 PM)
• Admission: $4 for adults, free for children under 12

🔨 What You’ll See

Visitors can explore booths filled with historical goods while watching artisans demonstrate traditional skills. Participants often dress in period clothing and recreate the tools and trades used by early settlers and craftsmen. 

• Blacksmithing and ironwork
• Basket weaving and broom making
• Leather work and fur trading goods
• Historical clothing and fabrics
• Silver jewelry, lanterns, and candles
• Traditional toys, games, and handmade crafts

Many vendors also sell historically inspired items such as camp furniture, cookware, handmade clothing, soaps, knives, and other tools used during the frontier era. 

👨‍👩‍👧 A Family-Friendly Event

The Old Town Trade Fair is a great outing for families, history enthusiasts, and anyone curious about how people lived and worked in early America. Demonstrations throughout the day help bring the past to life and give visitors a chance to see traditional craftsmanship up close.

If you enjoy history, craftsmanship, or unique weekend experiences, the Old Town Trade Fair offers a fascinating look at the skills and traditions that helped shape early American life.

If you’re looking for a peaceful place to explore nature this week, Russ Nature Reserve in Centerville is a wonderful choice. This beautiful preserve offers wooded trails, gentle hills, and scenic creeks that make it feel far removed from the bustle of the city.

🥾 Trails & Nature

The reserve features several miles of hiking trails winding through mature forests and rolling terrain. Some sections are a little more rugged than typical city parks, giving hikers a true nature-trail experience.

In late winter and early spring, the bare trees open up views across the landscape and make it easier to spot wildlife along the trails.

🐦 Wildlife & Scenery

Russ Nature Reserve is a great spot for birdwatching and wildlife observation. Keep an eye out for deer, woodpeckers, hawks, and other animals that call the wooded preserve home.

📍 Park Details

• Location: Centerville, Ohio
• Hours: Open daily from dawn to dusk
• Cost: Free
• Best For: Hiking, nature walks, wildlife watching, photography

If you’re craving a quiet walk in nature without traveling far from Dayton, Russ Nature Reserve is a hidden gem worth discovering.

This lemon garlic chicken is bright, flavorful, and easy to make in one pan. The roasted potatoes soak up the delicious lemony sauce, making it a satisfying meal that feels both comforting and fresh.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1½ lbs baby potatoes, halved
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional garnish: parsley

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Toss potatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Place potatoes on a baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes.
4. Mix remaining olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, zest, and seasoning.
5. Add chicken to the pan with the potatoes and brush with the lemon garlic mixture.
6. Return to oven and bake 20–25 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F.
7. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Bright lemon, roasted garlic, and crispy potatoes make this an easy favorite for busy weeknights.

Even though winter isn’t completely over yet, late February and early March are great times to start preparing your yard for spring. Taking care of a few small tasks now can make the busy spring season much easier.

🌿 1. Clear Winter Debris

Remove fallen branches, leftover leaves, and debris from flower beds and lawns. This helps grass and plants get sunlight once temperatures warm up.

🌱 2. Check Your Lawn

Walk your yard and look for bare patches or areas damaged by winter. Make a note of spots that may need reseeding once the soil warms.

🧰 3. Prepare Garden Tools

Clean and sharpen pruning shears, shovels, and other tools now. A quick maintenance check will save time when gardening season begins.

🌼 4. Plan Your Garden

If you enjoy planting flowers or vegetables, now is the perfect time to sketch out your garden layout and order seeds before stores sell out.

🚿 5. Inspect Outdoor Fixtures

Check outdoor faucets, hoses, and irrigation systems for winter damage so they’re ready for use once temperatures rise.

A little preparation now can help your yard transition smoothly from winter to spring.