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“From Waterfalls to Wizards: Your Dayton Weekly Guide"


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Gem City Flyer
Archives
“From Waterfalls to Wizards: Your Dayton Weekly Guide"

Alan Vandergrift
Mar 20, 2026
Trivia Question❓What Dayton river flows into the Ohio River at Cincinnati? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
Dayton Events |
Dayton, OH EventsMarch 20–27, 2026
Friday, March 2010:00 AM–7:00 PM
Early Bird MarketArtisan Market / Shopping
Free entry
Accessible venue with ramp entrance
Browse handcrafted goods, local artisan finds, and tag-sale treasures inside a historic Victorian mansion. Housemade meals will be served on site.
Saturday, March 218:00 AM–3:00 PM
Dayton Modelrama 2026Expo / Hobby / RC
Ticketed / varies
One of the country’s largest RC swap meets with 350+ tables, a large auction, and a huge selection of aircraft, parts, tools, and collectibles.
9:00 AM–1:00 PM
Early Bird Market (Day 2)Artisan Market / Shopping
Free entry
Second day of the historic-house market with local makers, food, and shopping in downtown Dayton.
9:00 AM–4:00 PM
Cool Cat ShowsFamily / Animals / Expo
Likely ticketed; free parking
See up to 35 cat breeds, four judging rings, a lunchtime costume contest, and family-friendly activities including free coloring books for kids.
10:00 AM–3:00 PM
Hometown Expo: That Spring ThingFree entry
A large community expo featuring 180+ local businesses, giveaways, prizes, and a wide range of local services and vendors.
10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Vintage Garden MarketMarket / Spring Shopping
Free entry
A curated spring market with vintage, repurposed, and garden-inspired finds set among the scenic grounds of a flower and garden center.
10:30 AM–12:00 PM
Maple Syrup Making ExperienceOutdoors / Family / Education
$10; children under 2 free
Guided woodland hike and maple syrup program with farm admission for the day. A sweet, hands-on seasonal experience.
12:00 PM–4:00 PM
Vendor Village at The NookLocal Market / Shopping
Free entry
Pop-up vendor market inside a bookstore featuring handmade goods, art, and small business vendors including Triple Moon Studio and more.
12:00 PM–8:00 PM
Wizarding World of WaynesvilleFestival / Family / Themed Event
Free
A magical downtown takeover with themed shops, a Horcrux hunt, food trucks, butterbeer, owls, magicians, face painting, and more.
Sunday, March 229:00 AM–4:00 PM
Amazing Cat Show (Day 2)Family / Animals / Expo
Likely ticketed; free parking
Second day of the cat show with breed judging, family activities, and the costume contest around lunchtime.
11:00 AM–4:00 PM
Vintage Garden Market (Day 2)Market / Spring Shopping
Free entry
Wrap up the weekend with vintage and garden-inspired shopping in a relaxed outdoor setting.
1:30 PM–5:00 PM
Bridal & Wedding ShowExpo / Wedding / Shopping
Varies
Wedding-focused expo where couples can meet vendors, gather ideas, and explore planning resources for upcoming weddings.
Monday, March 231:00 PM–3:00 PM
Resume WorkshopCareer / Training
Free; registration required
Hands-on resume workshop covering writing techniques, formatting, and personalized feedback to help polish resumes for today’s job market.
5:30 PM
Hiking the Arizona National Scenic TrailOutdoors / Travel Talk / Education
Free
Andy “Captain Blue” Niekamp shares his 800-mile journey across the Arizona Trail, from the Mexico border to Utah, with stories from deserts, mountains, and the Grand Canyon.
6:30 PM–8:30 PM
Introduction to (American) MahjongGames / Class / Social
Varies
A no-pressure beginner class covering the tiles, the card, and how American Mahjong works before ever sitting down to play.
Thursday, March 2610:00 AM
Spring Job FairCareer / Networking / Hiring
Free
Meet local employers offering full-time, part-time, and temp-to-hire positions in manufacturing, healthcare, driving, clerical work, and more.
7:00 PM
Living History: The Western Frontier (1750–1865)History / Educational Talk
Free
A historical look at the Revolutionary War period through the Civil War, presented with detailed frontier dioramas by Scott Campbell.
Friday, March 2712:00 PM–7:00 PM
Spring BazaarMarket / Pets / Community
Free entry
Annual spring bazaar with pet toys, beds, blankets, and treats, plus baked goods and fundraiser-style shopping for animal lovers.
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Featured Event |
🪄 Step Into Magic: Wizarding World of WaynesvilleA Harry Potter-inspired village experience just outside Dayton Grab your cloak and wand — the Wizarding World of Waynesville is transforming downtown Waynesville into a magical, Hogsmeade-inspired village for one unforgettable day. This free event takes place Saturday, March 21 from 12 PM to 8 PM and invites visitors of all ages to explore a world of enchantment, themed shops, and magical experiences. ✨ What to ExpectThroughout downtown Waynesville, local businesses transform into wizard-themed storefronts, creating a fully immersive experience inspired by the world of Harry Potter. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
The entire town becomes part of the experience, with Main Street, High Street, and surrounding areas filled with themed décor, entertainment, and plenty of opportunities to explore. 🎉 A Family-Friendly AdventureWhether you’re a longtime Harry Potter fan or just looking for something fun and unique to do, this event is perfect for families, couples, and anyone who enjoys a little imagination and creativity. Dressing up is highly encouraged, and many visitors come fully costumed to add to the magical atmosphere. Local Tip: Arrive early and plan to walk the entire downtown area — the magic is spread across multiple streets and shops.
If you're looking for a unique and memorable experience this weekend, the Wizarding World of Waynesville offers a fun escape into a world of magic — just a short drive from Dayton. |
This newsletter sponsored by The Renaissance Men |
Veteran-owned Construction Co. focused on rebuilding homes, restoring hope, and reviving community! 813-500-9788 |
Featured Park |
🌄 Featured Park: Indian Mound ReserveWaterfalls, scenic trails, and ancient history just outside Dayton If you’re looking for one of the most impressive outdoor destinations near Dayton, Indian Mound Reserve in Cedarville is a must-visit. This unique park combines rugged hiking, beautiful scenery, and ancient history — all in one unforgettable experience. 🌊 Cedar Cliff FallsThe highlight of the park is Cedar Cliff Falls, one of the most striking waterfalls in the region. The falls cascade over a rocky ledge into Massie Creek below, creating a peaceful and photogenic setting that’s perfect for a quick visit or part of a longer hike. You can access the falls easily from nearby parking areas or incorporate them into a scenic trail loop for a more immersive experience. 🥾 Trails & Scenic ViewsIndian Mound Reserve offers several miles of trails that wind through wooded terrain, along creek beds, and up to scenic overlooks. Some trails follow the gorge, while others provide elevated views of the surrounding landscape. The terrain ranges from easy paths to moderately challenging hikes with rocks, roots, and elevation changes — making it a great destination for both casual walkers and experienced hikers. 🏺 A Touch of HistoryThe park is named after the Williamson Mound, an ancient earthwork built by the Adena culture more than 2,000 years ago. This historic feature adds a fascinating layer to your visit and makes the park more than just a place to hike. 🌲 Why You’ll Love It
📍 Park Details
Pro Tip: Wear sturdy shoes — trails near the gorge can be uneven or muddy, especially after rain.
With its combination of waterfalls, scenic trails, and ancient history, Indian Mound Reserve is one of the most rewarding outdoor spots in the Dayton area. |
Recipe of the Week |
🥗 Recipe of the Week: Lemon Herb Chicken Power BowlFresh, healthy, and packed with flavor — perfect for a light spring meal Looking for something lighter this week? This lemon herb chicken power bowl is fresh, filling, and loaded with nutritious ingredients. It’s perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner. Ingredients
Instructions
Make It Your Own: Swap chicken for grilled shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas.
Extra Flavor: Add feta cheese or a light tzatziki sauce.
Fresh, simple, and full of flavor — a great way to eat healthy without sacrificing taste. |
Home Tips |
🌱 Home Tips of the Week: Early Spring Yard & Garden PrepGet your yard ready now for a strong start to the growing season As winter fades and temperatures begin to rise, now is the perfect time to start preparing your yard and garden for spring. A little work now can make planting season easier — and help your lawn and plants thrive. 🍂 1. Clean Up Your YardRemove fallen branches, leftover leaves, and winter debris from your lawn and garden beds. This allows sunlight to reach the soil and helps prevent mold and pests. 🌿 2. Edge & Define BedsEarly spring is a great time to clean up the edges of your flower beds. Fresh edges instantly improve curb appeal and make future maintenance easier. 🌱 3. Start Cool-Weather CropsIn Ohio, you can begin planting cold-tolerant vegetables like lettuce, spinach, peas, and radishes. These crops thrive in cooler temperatures. 🧰 4. Prep Your SoilOnce the ground is workable, loosen soil in your garden beds and mix in compost or organic matter to improve nutrients and drainage. 🌷 5. Divide PerennialsEarly spring is a great time to divide overgrown perennials like hostas and daylilies. This helps plants stay healthy and gives you more to plant elsewhere. 🚿 6. Check Outdoor Water SourcesTurn on outdoor faucets and inspect hoses for leaks or freeze damage before the heavy watering season begins. Bonus Tip: Hold off on heavy mulching until the soil warms up — this helps plants emerge more easily.
A few simple steps now can set your yard up for a beautiful and productive spring. |
💡 Answer to Trivia Question: The Great Miami River flows through Dayton and continues south to join the Ohio River at Cincinnati, serving as a vital waterway in the region’s history for transportation, industry, and recreation while helping shape the Miami Valley’s landscape. |