Happy Tuesday Daytonians!

Thanks for spending another week with The Gem, where good times aren’t hard to find. Let’s take a look at what we’ll be covering in this edition…

• Did You Know: One of Ohio's Biggest Country Music Festivals Starts This Week

• Hidden Gems: Primavista, Napales, Christopher’s

• Local Events: 8/4 – 8/11

• Computer Love: Ohio Startups Generate $1.9 Billion for the State Economy

• Money: Vacant Dayton Building Set for Comeback With 50 New Jobs

• Sports: Williams Sisters in Cincinnati, Dragons Update, HS Fall Sports Return

— Tom

Did you know?

One of Ohio's Biggest Country Music Festivals Starts This Week 🤠

Country music's biggest stars are heading to southwest Ohio this week as the Voices of America Country Music Festival returns to West Chester August 6–9. The four-day festival features an all-star lineup, including Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Blake Shelton, Jordan Davis, Scotty McCreery, LeAnn Rimes, Lee Brice, Dustin Lynch, Tyler Hubbard, and many more.

Since launching just a few years ago, the festival has quickly become one of the largest country music events in the Midwest, drawing tens of thousands of fans each summer. Whether you're a lifelong country music fan or just looking for a memorable weekend road trip from Dayton, it's shaping up to be one of the biggest events of the season.

Click here to learn more

Hidden Gems

Dinner above the Ohio River: Primavista views, veal, cioppino 🦀

Cincinnati becomes part of the table at Primavista, perched inside Queens Tower at 810 Matson Place. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame downtown, the Ohio River, and Northern Kentucky, while white tablecloths and attentive service keep the mood classic rather than showy. After opening in December 1989, the restaurant became Frank and Joan Lenkerd’s long-held dream; son John Lenkerd, Chef Chris Prince, and general manager Cristie Reynolds now sustain that spirit.

Veal saltimbocca, seafood-rich cioppino, and seasonal fish with crab showcase its Northern Italian strengths, with dedicated vegetarian and vegan selections adding range. Cinematic views meet genuine, lived-in warmth.

Check them out on Facebook

From market counter to Dixie Drive: Napales 🌮

Jen and Santiago Herrera turned a 2nd Street Market counter at 600 E. Second St. into a two-address Dayton story. That original stand still serves the market crowd, while Napales Dixie at 2901 N. Dixie Drive gives Harrison Township a weekday breakfast-and-lunch table. Jen brings Sinclair culinary training; Santiago brings Michoacán roots and more than a decade of kitchen leadership at NCR Country Club.

Scratch-made barbacoa tacos, guajillo-dipped pambazos, poblano tamales, and a top-selling breakfast bowl bring both histories together. Local ingredients and vegetarian choices add flexibility, but the heart stays personal: bright street food shaped by partnership and place.

Check them out on Facebook

Christopher’s keeps Dayton gathering 🥂

Wednesday brings familiar comfort; Friday changes the theme. That weekly rhythm now anchors Christopher’s Restaurant & Catering at 3425 Valley St. in Riverside, home to The GEM event venue and its intimate Green Room. The Krites family took ownership in 2019, preserving a Dayton hospitality tradition that began in 1991 while reshaping it around catering, celebrations, and public dinner gatherings.

Rotating offerings move from cabbage rolls and maple-glazed meatloaf to prime rib, regional spreads, and seasonal surprises. Addresses and formats have evolved, but Christopher’s gift remains constant: making a shared meal feel like an occasion.

Check them out on Facebook

THE BULLETIN 📌

Want to spread the good word about your business, a project you’re working on, a hire, or just want to say hi to 4800+ Daytonians?

Local Events

GREENE COUNTY FAIR CELEBRATES COUNTRY ROOTS

• What: Livestock shows, carnival rides, contests, grandstand thrills, fair food, and agricultural traditions bring Greene County together for a spirited summer celebration.

• When: Ongoing since Aug. 2, thru Aug. 8, times vary

• Where: Greene County Fairgrounds, 120 Fairground Rd., Xenia

• How Much: $10 daily; ages 5 and under free; $40 seasonal pass 

DRUM CORPS FINALS IN DAYTON

• What: Elite Open Class drum corps compete with powerful brass, precision percussion, colorful flags, and tightly choreographed field productions.

• When: Aug. 4, 6 PM

• Where: Welcome Stadium, 1601 S. Edwin C. Moses Blvd., Dayton

• How Much: $42+ 

FOR KING + COUNTRY LIGHTS THE FRAZE

• What: The Grammy-winning sibling duo brings soaring harmonies, theatrical pop and a full-scale outdoor production, with Taylor Hill opening.

• When: Aug. 5, 8 PM; gates open at 7 PM

• Where: Fraze Pavilion, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering

• How Much: $50+ 

DAYTON HORSE SHOW RIDES HIGH

• What: American Saddlebreds, skilled riders and spirited competition fill four days at the region’s expansive indoor equestrian complex.

• When: Aug. 5–8, daily schedule varies

• Where: Champions Center, 4122 Laybourne Rd., Springfield

• How Much: Free for spectators 

KINDNESS DRIVE STOCKS CLASSROOMS

• What: Donate notebooks, pencils, backpacks and classroom basics while local partners stock Crayons to Classrooms for the coming school year.

• When: Aug. 6, 9 AM – 6 PM

• Where: Walmart Miller Lane, 3465 York Commons Blvd., Dayton

• How Much: New school-supply donations requested 

COUNTRY’S BIGGEST VOICES TAKE OVER WEST CHESTER

• What: Four days of country hits, three stages, food, vendors, and headliners Rascal Flatts, Blake Shelton, Brad Paisley, and Jordan Davis.

• When: Aug. 6–9; times vary

• Where: Voice of America MetroPark, 7850 VOA Park Dr., West Chester

• How Much: $90+ 

DRONES LIFT BIG DREAMS

• What: Watch DARPA finalists haul astonishing payloads, then explore RC flights, STEM projects and aerial demonstrations during family-friendly Flite Fest.

• When: Aug. 6–9, 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM

• Where: National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, 1100 Spaatz St., Dayton

• How Much: Free 

GREEN TOMATOES ROCK THE RIVERFRONT

• What: Live music, fried green tomatoes, vendors, contests, cornhole and Saturday night RiverBlast fireworks fill two festive days beside the river.

• When: Aug. 7–8, times vary

• Where: Riverfront Park, 3 N. Miami Ave., Miamisburg

• How Much: Free admission; food, drinks and activities vary 

STREETBEATS MOVES THE COMMUNITY

• What: DCDC opens its studios for mini performances, line dancing, vendors, children’s games and limited back-to-school supply giveaways.

• When: Aug. 8, 2–6 PM

• Where: Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, 840 Germantown St., Dayton

• How Much: Free 

BACONFEST SIZZLES AT FRAZE

• What: Local restaurants and food trucks serve bacon-inspired dishes while live music and neighborhood energy fill Fraze Pavilion’s festival plaza.

• When: Aug. 8, 4–10 PM

• Where: Fraze Pavilion, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering

• How Much: Free admission; food and drinks vary 

SUPAMAN BRINGS RESILIENCE TO LEVITT

• What: Apsáalooke artist Supaman blends hip-hop, fancy dancing, humor and Indigenous storytelling in a joyful celebration of resilience and culture.

• When: Aug. 8, 7–9:30 PM

• Where: Levitt Pavilion Dayton, 134 S. Main St., Dayton

• How Much: Free 

ENGLEWOOD FESTIVAL STARTS WITH A PARADE

• What: A 5K, parade, artists, food, music and family attractions turn Centennial Park into a two-day hometown celebration.

• When: Aug. 8–9, event times vary

• Where: Centennial Park, 321 Union Blvd., Englewood

• How Much: Free admission; 5K registration extra 

ART TAKES OVER THE COMMONS

• What: Nearly 100 artists, live local music and favorite food vendors transform Lincoln Park into a colorful open-air gallery.

• When: Aug. 9, 11 AM – 5 PM

• Where: Lincoln Park Civic Commons, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering

• How Much: Free 

CRUISE-IN MEETS ICE CREAM SOCIAL

• What: Classic cars, safety demonstrations, games, free food, swimming and climbing bring neighbors together for an America 250 celebration.

• When: Aug. 9, 11 AM – 3 PM

• Where: Washington Township RecPlex, 895 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd., Centerville

• How Much: Free 

CAN YOU OUTSMART A LIBRARIAN?

• What: Families, friends and solo players test their knowledge against library staff, with a championship belt awaiting the brainiest contestant.

• When: Aug. 10, 5–6:30 PM

• Where: Dayton Metro Library – Wilmington-Stroop Branch, 3980 Wilmington Pike, Kettering

• How Much: Free 

DIGITAL HEALTH RESHAPES CARE

• What: Healthcare leaders examine how AI, telehealth and digital innovation are changing access, operations and patient care throughout the region.

• When: Aug. 10, 5:30–7:30 PM

• Where: Pamela Morris Center, 140 N. Jefferson St., Dayton

• How Much: $13+ 

SMALL BUSINESSES FIND BIG RESOURCES

• What: Meet lenders, advisers and support organizations serving local entrepreneurs, with practical connections, lunch and resources gathered under one roof.

• When: Aug. 11, 11 AM – 2 PM

• Where: Dayton Metro Library – Main Library, 215 E. Third St., Dayton

• How Much: Free; lunch included

Computer Love

Ohio Startups Generate $1.9 Billion for the State Economy 💻

Ohio's tech startup ecosystem continues to gain momentum. A new report from JumpStart Inc. found that entrepreneurs supported through its programs generated $1.9 billion in economic activity in 2025, an 11% increase from the previous year. Tech companies accounted for $1.8 billion of that total while supporting more than 9,200 jobs across the state.

The report highlights Ohio's growing reputation as a hub for innovation, with startups creating new jobs, attracting investment, and helping strengthen the state's economy. For communities across Ohio including the Dayton region it's another sign that the state's technology sector continues to move in the right direction.

Money

Vacant Dayton Building Set for Comeback With 50 New Jobs 💰

A vacant building on Troy Street is getting a new life after Dayton approved a $60,000 grant to help Katz Group renovate the property into a manufacturing facility. The project is expected to create 50 new jobs and generate an estimated $4.7 million in new payroll for the region.

City leaders say the investment will help strengthen Dayton's manufacturing sector while putting an underused property back to work. It's another example of local dollars being used to attract long term jobs and economic growth.

Real Estate 🏠

Sports

WILLIAMS SISTERS IN CINCINNATI OPEN 🎾

Serena and Venus Williams are reuniting in Mason after receiving a Cincinnati Open doubles wild card. It will be their first tournament together since the 2022 U.S. Open and their first Cincinnati appearance as a team.

The sisters own 14 major doubles titles and three Olympic gold medals; Venus also received a singles wild card for the August 8–23 event.

DRAGONS RETURN HOME AFTER IOWA TRIP
Dayton went 2–4 at Quad Cities, highlighted by Wednesday’s 3–0 shutout and a Sunday finale victory that snapped a three-game skid. The first-half East champions return to Day Air Ballpark for six games against division-leading Great Lakes from August 4–9.

After Monday’s off day, the Dragons open another road set at Lake County on August 11.

PREP FALL SPORTS ARE OFFICIALLY BACK
The fall sports clock is officially running for Montgomery County and the rest of Ohio. Golf teams could begin coaching and competition July 29, while football, cross country, field hockey, girls’ tennis and girls’ volleyball opened practice August 1.

Football’s first Friday arrives August 21, giving Miami Valley programs less than three weeks to settle depth charts, sharpen fundamentals and bring Friday-night energy back to local communities.