Y'all Are Welcome

It’s crystal clear Northern Kentucky will be celebrating this weekend!

NKY Pride Pride marks 15the anniversary – the crystal one – with fun events leading up to parade and festival on Sunday, which celebrates the LGBTQ+ community in the region and fosters inclusivity and love.

Celebrate Pride in NKY

Kickoff to Pride Drag Show
Thursday, May 30, 7 p.m.
Braxton Brewery, 27 W. Seventh St., Covington

Pop-Up Shop
Friday, May 31, 3–6 p.m.
Saturday, June 1, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
NKY Pride Center, 230 W. Pike St., Covington

Pride Parade & Festival
Sunday, June 2, 12–5 p.m.
Downtown Covington
Afterparty at Hotel Covington, 5 p.m.
638 Madison Ave.

The party starts on Thursday, May 30 at Braxton Brewing Company. The NKY Pride Center hosts a Pride Rooftop Drag Show emceed by Molly Mormen.

Then get your shop on before the festival at the NKY Pride Pop Up Shop on Friday, May 31, and Saturday, June 1 .

Sunday’s parade route includes key points such as Hotel Covington, Braxton Brewery, Pike Street, and Main Street, ending in MainStrasse Village.

The festival held in MainStrasse Village and Goebel Park includes a full stage line-up of local performers, more than 100 vendors, and family friendly activities.

The celebration continues at the official NKY Pride After Party at Hotel Covington, with music from DJ Bard at 5 p.m. and
emcees Brooklyn Steele-Tate and Sarah Jessica Darker at 6:30 p.m., with performances by Alexander Cameron,P.H. Dee, Mirelle Jane Divine, Jessica Marie Jones, Ginger LeSnapps and Molly Mormen

The NKY Pride Center’s mission is to advance LGBTQ+ equity and inclusion efforts in the region by meeting the needs for community-based services and programs for LGBTQ+ Northern Kentuckians.

A Matter of Taste

Saturday, May 25
11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Sunday, May 26
11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Monday, May 27
11 a.m – 8 p.m.

Fifth Street, downtown

More at tasteofcincinnati.com.

Everyone has their idea about when summer starts. For some, it’s when the pool opens. For others it’s their first time grabbing a creamy whip. But in Cincinnati, summer starts with Taste of Cincinnati.

Held every Memorial Day weekend since 1979, Taste is now the nation’s longest running culinary arts festival.

Taste of Cincinnati features more than 50 restaurants and food trucks serving delicious menu items, all priced between $4 and $11.

Event Map

Taste of Cincinnati is also a music festival, with continuous live entertainment featuring local and national recording stars performing on multiple stages throughout the event.

With its new expanded footprint into the Lytle Park historic district, the Taft Museum of Art is inviting festival-goers in for free admission on Saturday, May 25, and Sunday, May 26, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Visitors to the Taft can embrace their inner foodie with a “Foodie Faves Scavenger Hunt” in the collection galleries! The front lawn will be set up with games for outdoor fun. Visit taftmuseum.org/Visit for more detailes.

Word of Honor

For many, Memorial Day means the end of school and the start of summer. But pool time and sunshine aren’t the reason for the holiday. It marks the day we remember and honor our fallen heroes.

From North to South, East to West, the Cincinnati area is full of parades, ceremonies and concerts to mark the day, Monday, May 27.

The Blue Ash Memorial Day parade begins at 10:15 a.m. at Reed Hartman and Cooper Roads. A ceremony follows at around 11:15 a.m. with a keynote address from Major General Leonard Randolph, Jr. The celebrations continue into the evening, when the Blue Ash/Montgomery Symphony performs a Memorial Day concert at Blue Ash Towne Square.

The Clifton Community Council will hold its annual Memorial Day community participation parade at 11 a.m. The parade participants walk to Mount Storm (streets will be closed); volunteers prepare a picnic, and a band will play.

Fairfield’s Parade begins at 10 a.m. on Dixie Highway with veterans groups, military units, the Fairfield High School Marching Band, community groups and organizations, the Fairfield Police Department, and Fairfield Fire and Paramedic units. It ends, fittingly, at Veterans Memorial Park and is followed by ceremony featuring speakers and a flag retirement ceremony.

In Hamilton, Memorial Day observances begin with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Soldiers, Sailors and Pioneers Monument at 9:30 a.m. The parade follows, starting at the Butler County Historic Courthouse and ends at Greenwood Cemetery, where another ceremony will bookend the day.

Spring Grove Cemetery will host a series of events on Memorial Day weekend, beginning with Boy Scouts placing flags on soldiers’ graves on Thursday, May 23. The Ohio Military Band will also perform Thursday night.

On Memorial Day, rose petals will be scattered on the graves of Civil War soldiers, a custom dating back to 1868. A Civil War historian will also speak, and music of the era will be performed. Tours are available throughout the day, and in the afternoon, a Moment of Remembrance will be held, along with the playing of Taps.

One thousand American flags will be placed on graves at Arlington Memorial Gardens in Springfield Township beginning Friday, May 24, creating the Field of Memories. Events run throughout the weekend, including a a travelling 9/11 display. On Memorial Day, the gardens will observe a moment of silence at 3pm and the reading of the names at 3:15 p.m.

In Northern Kentucky, several time-honored traditions continue. The City of Florence hosts its annual parade at 10am, which begins at Boone Co. High School and ends at the Florence Govt. Building. An 11:30 a.m. ceremony follows to honor the fallen at the Veterans Memorial.

In Park Hills, the parade begins at 11:30 a.m. and ends with a ceremony in Trolley Park.

Power Forward

Dribblethon
Saturday, May 11, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Free lunch at noon.
Ziegler Park, 1322 Sycamore St.

Learn more at saturdayhoops.org/dribblethon.

Saturday Hoops heads outside for some fun in the sun!

During Dribblethon, Saturday Hoops kids, families, and neighbors gather to have fun, meet their friends, and dribble basketballs. This huge block party, open to the entire Cincinnati community, also includes basketball, dancing, food, art, and many other activities.

Summer Hoops, the Saturday Hoops summer programming at Ziegler Park begins May 18 and includes basketball, swimming, soccer, music, and art. Young people in the community can enjoy the same benefits of community and volunteer interaction during the summer that are offered at Saturday Hoops locations. Summer Hoops continues through Saturday, Sept. 7.

Saturday Hoops is a group of friends and kids who meet on Saturday mornings for fun, faith, and positive role modeling. The goal of the program is to make kids feel loved, important, and confident. Volunteers connect one-on-one with kids through a variety of activities. The program began in the Over-The -Rhine Community Center 20 years ago. Summer programs are held in Ziegler Park, which opened in 2017 and has greenspace, playgrounds and a swimming pool.

At each Summer and Saturday Hoops program, the youth involved make a pledge, stating “I am a cheerful giver, I am a hard worker, and I am an overcomer. I understand that faith and education are the keys to my success and happiness. I will not let guns and drugs crush my dreams. I matter. I control my destiny. And I AM going to make this world a better place.”

Happy Campers

The wait is nearly over! Camp Snoopy opens this Friday, May 24th!

The area features Snoopy’s Soap Box Racers the new family coaster; Beagle Scout Acres, a new shaded place to play; and Pig Pen’s Mess Hall, a new place to eat.

Additionally, the park recently announced its summer events lineup including a new Food and Wine Festival on weekends from June 7 – 30!

More details are available at visitkingsisland.com.

Your little campers can join Snoopy and the Beagle Scouts in this new interactive area.

They’ll want to hop on Snoopy’s Soap Box Racers! The coaster will race forward and backward at speeds up to 36 miles per hour!

It’s part of the all-new Camp Snoopy which will feature a new shaded play space, Beagle Scout Acres. This new play area will allow kids to experience the Peanuts Gang in new ways.

a THE BEAST of a birthday

The longest wooden roller coaster in the WORLD sits in our backyard!

Plan your visit now to experience Kings Island, Soak City Water Park, Halloween events and WinterFest!

More info and tickets at visitkingsisland.com.

When The Beast first opened to the public April 14, 1979, it was called America’s ultimate roller coaster. It broke all existing records as the longest and fastest ride in the world.

Designed and built in-house by Kings Island personnel, the thrilling ride is still listed in the “Guinness Book of World Records” as the longest wooden roller coaster in the world at 7,361 feet.

Features of The Beast include a ride time of more than four minutes; vertical drops of 137 feet (at a 53-degree angle) and 141 feet (at an 18-degree angle); a 125-foot long underground tunnel at the bottom of the 137-foot drop; eight banked turns – some to 45 degrees; 540-degree helix tunnel and speeds up to 65 mph.

Along with the Beast’s 45th anniversary, King’s Island will celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Diamondback and the 10th anniversary of the Banshee.

To celebrate these landmark anniversaries, Kings Island will give the first 750 riders of The Beast, Diamondback and Banshee a limited edition Ride Anniversary Trading Card pack. These trading cards will include current rides, former rides and key moments in Kings Island history.

A Swine Time to Run

The 26th Flying Pig Marathon
May 3–5

Friday, May 3

P&G Health and Fitness Expo, 12–7 p.m.
Duke Energy Convention Center, Halls A-C
Free and open to the public
Packet pick-up for all events

Fifty West Mile, 7 p.m.
Starts at Longworth Hall and finishes on Mehring Way at Smale Riverfront Park

Saturday, May 4

Toyota 10K, 7 a.m.
Smale Riverfront Park

Family Fun Festival, 7:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
Smale Riverfront Park

Queen City Running Co. 5K, 9 a.m.
Mehring Way

P&G Health and Fitness Expo, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Duke Energy Convention Center, Halls A-C
Free and open to the public
Packet pick-up for Sunday events

Mascot Parade followed by
Flying Piglet Kids’ Fun Run, 10 a.m. 
Smale Riverfront Park

Cincinnati Children’s 26th Mile, 11 a.m.
Freedom Way

PigAbilities, 12 p.m.
Freedom Way

Flying Fur Race presented by Bounce, 1 p.m.
Mehring Way

Sunday, May 5

Opening Ceremonies, 6:15 a.m.
Start Line: Elm Street at Freedom Way

Flying Pig Marathon, powered by P&G,
6:30 a.m.
Paycor Half Marathon
City Dash 4-Person Relay

Michelob Ultra Victory Party, 8 a.m.–3 p.m.
Smale Riverfront Park

Recently named the Best Marathon in America by the 2024 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice travel award, the Flying Pig Marathon is off and running with a weekend full of events.

More than 38,000 participants are expected to compete in Flying Pig Marathon events, including 70 Streakers, participants who will compete in their 26th consecutive Flying Pig Marathon.

This year, participants represent all 50 states and 21 countries including Andorra, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Kenya, Peru, Spain, and Venezuela.

First run in 1999, the The Flying Pig Marathon began when from Paycor Founder Bob Coughlin and other runners drew the proposed course on a cocktail napkin at O’Bryon’s after a training run. Today, the The Flying Pig Marathon is a non-profit itself, helping more than 300 charities raise more than $1 million this year.

More than 200 live entertainment and themed fluid/nutrition stations are planned along the Sunday marathon and half marathon courses, including the 40 themed fluid and food stations.

With so much going on, especially at The Banks, roads throughout the region will closed. You can find all road closure information here, along with parking suggestions for the busy weekend.

Want to keep up with the runner? Download the Pig Works Events App, driven by TQL, to put the event guide in your pocket. Live tracking is available in the app thanks to Cincinnati Incorporated.

It's About Lime

The Banks is ready for you holiday celebration this weekend, whether your drink of choice is blue milk, a mint julep, or tequila.

The Banks is hosting a Cinco de Mayo bar crawl on Sunday, May 5, from 4 to 9 p.m.

Guests can pick up a “passport” for the six participating bars and restaurants offering food and drink specials, plus enjoy a live performance on the plaza by La Fórmula mariachi band from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Passports stamped at all six establishments will be entered for the chance to win $350 in gift cards.

The participating venues are

• The Stretch

• Tin Roof

• Fishbowl

• Killer Queen

• Jefferson Social

• Holy Grail

Indoor and outdoor beverage sales will be available in the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) district, so you can keep the party moving.

For more information, visit thebankscincy.com/events.

In the Works

“I really like the idea of making connections, of helping students find what’s the right fit for them,” says Neil Choudury, the new workforce engagement manager with Cincinnati Youth Collaborative.

With more than two decades of experience in education in a variety of fields, including international ESL, higher education, and corporate training, Choudury is a great fit to lead CYC’s recently launched program to help young people transition successfully into meaningful employment. 

“The day after graduation is scary – ‘What do I do now?’ – if you don’t have something lined up,” Choudury says. “CYC can help students avoid that anxiety by helping them find that next thing.”

Good Jobs Challenge Boot Camp
June 3–14, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Good Jobs Challenge is an initiative that connects graduating high school students and adults to career pathways and opportunities in Advanced Manufacturing.

Those interested in attending can find more information and a link to the application at www.cycyouth.org/gjcamp.

One way CYC is helping recent grads find that “next thing” is through the Good Jobs Challenge Boot Camp. This initiative connects graduating high school students and young adults to career pathways and opportunities in advanced manufacturing.

Advanced manufacturing is exactly that, advanced, explains Choudury. Think technology, robotics, AI, machines, programming, and more.

“Many people start out on the manufacturing floor and move up into positions in HR, management, shipping, logistics, and recruiting,” Choudhury says.

The Good Jobs Challenge is a partnership with Advanced Manufacturing Industry Partnership (AMIP), Cincinnati Works, and several other regional and national partners.

“We are looking for ALL candidates, from 18 on up!” says Choudhury. “This is the perfect opportunity for those looking to transition into a new career or maybe even back into manufacturing. This especially includes women and applicants from underrepresented groups.”

The Good Jobs Challenge helps train, employ and upskill individuals with no experience, related experience, or decades of experience in modern manufacturing.

“For me it’s working with young people – the world’s their oyster,” he says. “It’s powerful to help them take that next step.”

The Central Issue

 With University of Iowa women’s basketball superstar Caitlin Clark expected to go to the Indiana Fever with the first-overall pick of the 2024 WNBA Draft on April 15, the choice is not only a boost for the Fever’s roster—it is also expected to mean a significant economic impact for Central Indiana.

“All eyes will be on Indiana and Caitlin Clark when the WNBA season tips off in May,” said CCIM Dean Dr. Paaige Turner. “The media impact she will have will extend far beyond the court, as higher TV viewership and higher attendance means fans will be exposed to everything this area offers, including restaurants, education, tourism, and recreation.”

That kind of exposure is “priceless to women’s college basketball,” according to Betsy Ross, former ESPN anchor and founder and president of Game Day.

“There is no reason to think that viewers would lose interest when Clark makes the jump from college basketball to the pros,” Ross said. “The intangible is that she adds a ‘cool’ and ‘trendy’ factor to the city that the hottest player in the league will call home.”

According to a study conducted by Dr. Michael Hicks from the Miller College of Business at Ball State University, Clark’s addition to the Fever roster is expected to bring an estimated 26,000 more fans to Fever games throughout the season, at least 10,000 of whom will be coming from outside the region and will spend money in hotels, restaurants, and other entertainment venues during their stay.

“This will bring a net increase of more than $2.4 million to the region, and will boost local employment by roughly 23 workers,” said Dr. Hicks, George and Frances Ball Distinguished Professor of Economics and Business Research and director of Ball State’s Center for Business and Economic Research.

In addition, the increased media attention on the Fever in Indianapolis and Central Indiana is projected to result in millions of dollars worth of exposure for both the city and the broader area. For example, the Iowa-LSU Elite Eight matchup on April 1 became the most-watched women’s college basketball game ever, with an average of 12.3 million viewers, according to ESPN. In comparison, last year’s MLB World Series averaged 9.11 million viewers for the series. That record was broken just days later, with the NCAA Final Four semifinal matchup between Iowa and UConn averaging more than 14.2 million viewers, with 16 million tuning in at peak viewership.

It only took two days for that record to be shattered again, as preliminary viewership numbers from ESPN and ABC’s broadcast of the NCAA women’s national title game averaged 18.7 million, according to ESPN. Nielsen numbers reported the audience peaked at 24 million for the contest between South Carolina and Iowa. ESPN reports it was the most-watched basketball game since the 2019 men’s NCAA title game between Texas Tech and Virginia.

Media coverage of Caitlin Clark during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament from March 20 through April 9 was calculated by Ball State’s College of Communication, Information, and Media ( CCIM), in partnership with Game Day, a media and marketing agency based in Cincinnati. The results are impactful: more than 162,000 media stories featured Clark, resulting in 177 billion media impressions valued at more than $2.6 billion (source: Critical Mention).

Clark is also expected to elevate the entire league—similar to the “Messi effect” when global soccer superstar Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023, leading to increased jersey sales, skyrocketing ticket prices on the secondary market and new sponsorships.

According to Fortune, MLS league partnership revenue was up 17 percent from 2022 to 2023 when Mr. Messi joined Miami, and individual club sponsorship was up 15 percent, while Mr. Messi’s Miami jersey was the highest seller of any soccer player and was tops among all athletes except Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. 

“Caitlin Clark is a media star, and we are so fortunate that Central Indiana will benefit from her popularity and her accessibility to fans and sponsors,” Dean Turner said.

Cover image courtesy University of Iowa Athletics.

Off and Running

Pig Works, the parent organization of the Flying Pig Marathon, today awarded 14 scholarships to area high school track and cross country athletes at its annual Scholarship Breakfast at Music Hall. The breakfast is part of the celebration of the 26th running of Flying Pig Marathon weekend, which will be May 3 through 5.

“This is the second year we have been able to host the scholarship breakfast event,” said Iris Simpson Bush, CEO of Pig Works. “Because of the generosity of the Bob and Jeanne Coughlin Foundation, we were able increase the number of student athletes who will benefit from these awards.”

The annual scholarships, totaling $20,000 ($5,000 a year), are awarded equally to male and female students who are members of their high school’s cross country or track and field teams and who demonstrate dedication, teamwork and service to their schools and communities.

The athletes and their high schools are:

•  Lily Diebold, Colerain High School

• Ben Fahnestock, Mariemont High School

• Mary Hallgarth, South Dearborn High School

• Joanna Hamilton, Felicity Franklin High School

• Brayden Holland, Oak Hills High School

• Hannah Hurlburt, Springboro High School

• Dominic Jackson, St. Xavier High School

• Adam Kolar, Villa Madonna Academy

•  Alex Navarro, Roger Bacon High School

• Keira O’Cull, Madeira High School

• Rojina Rai, Aiken High School

• Nathan Ruth, Bishop Brossart High School

•  Kinsey Sullivan, St. Ursula Academy

• Marquez Whitehead, Spencer Center for Gifted and Exceptional Students

Also presented at the breakfast was the Spirit of the Flying Pig award, presented to the Flying Pig Medical team, led by UC Health’s Dr. Jon Divine. The medical team from multiple healthcare systems across the region, are at our events throughout the weekend, making sure every participant is safe and taken care of immediately, if necessary.

The scholarships are made possible through the Bob and Jeanne Coughlin Foundation and Skyline Chili, among additional donors, including Steve Haussler, Peter Klekamp, Gary Mitchell, Kyle Murray, Scott Miller, Oxford Financial Group, The Paul and Sue Verst Foundation and members of the Pig Works Board of Directors.

“Our goal for The Flying Pig Scholars program is to ensure the sustainability of the scholarship program while allowing others to join in supporting lifelong runners who start competing in high school and are good students and citizens,” said Bob Coughlin, who is also the founder of the Flying Pig Marathon.

Also this year, the Coughlin Foundation committed a $500,000 donation for the scholarship program to honor the history of the marathon and to ensure the marathon continues to grow and support the next generation of runners.

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 To learn more or donate to the scholarship fund, visit flyingpigmarathon.com/get-involved/high-school-scholarship.

One for the Road

It only makes sense for a a family-owned company to hold a grand opening that focused on the community and giving back.

This past weekend, Tire Discounters, celebrated two openings in Mason that brought together the community and helped raise money for the Mason-based non-profit, Shine Like Sable. Over the weekend the joint openings had more than 2,000 free car washes and almost $8,000 in donations to Mason charity Shine Like Sable.

More than 3,500 customers joined in the celebrations at the neighboring businesses, at 5241 and 5251 Kings Mills Road, Mason OH. Carriage House Car Wash provided 2,050 free car washes, and families enjoyed food trucks, balloon animals, and even a visit from Tire Discounters’ iconic Phantom Tire Buyer.

A state-of-the-art Tire Discounters at 5241 Kings Mills Road, and the hi-tech Carriage House Car Wash, 5251 Kings Mills Road, also offered free car washes and family fun. Mason Mayor Diana K. Nelson was the first through, enjoying a ceremonial first car wash.

The purpose of the Shine Like Sable Foundation is to spread kindness through weekday and weekend food packs, buddy bench awareness, coordination of needs with teachers...wherever someone needs kindness.

The Shine Like Sable Foundation honors the memory of Sable Paige Gibson. The primary focus is on paying it forward with kindness, just like Sable so often did for her classmates.

Learn more at www.shinelikesable.org.

On Saturday, Tire Discounters had prizes and raffles, plus a balloon twister, food truck, giveaways and more. Representatives from Shine Like Sable were on hand to share their story, with part of the proceeds from the weekend donated to the organization.

With the new stores now open, customers will enjoy a superior experience with a larger Tire Discounters store, additional bays to service cars, a more comfortable waiting area with amenities, additional parking and the most advanced equipment in the country to service emerging technology. 

Just steps away is Carriage House Car Wash, an industry-changing, innovative approach to a traditional car wash that provides drivers with free vacuums, interior cleaning supplies and towels. Carriage House also features automated pay stations and license plate readers, making the car wash process quick and seamless.

“This combination of a Carriage House Car Wash right next door to a new Tire Discounters location is huge for our customers,"“said Jamie Ward, President & CEO of Tire Discounters. “It provides a one-stop shop for everything they need for their car - inside and out.”

Cincinnati-based Tire Discounters is the country’s largest 100% family-owned and operated tire and service provider.

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Find a Tire Discounters at www.tirediscounters.com/home

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Header image: Front row: Scott and Holly Gibson, Shine Like Sable, Steven Wood, Division VP of Carriage House Car Wash, Mason Mayor Diana K. Nelson, Tire Discounters CEO Jamie Ward. Back row: Mason first responders.

Ready for Take Off

Now boarding … a first class event to put fun on the calendar of women living with breast cancer.

17th Annual Karen’s Gift: Take Flight

Saturday, April 13, 7 p.m.
Hard Rock Casino, 1000 Broadway,

Immerse yourself in a world of premium pours with our open bar, carefully curated cuisine + our late night bites! Let the Sly-Band be your in-flight entertainment as you dance the night away amongst the stars with friends.

Buy tickets

The Karen Wellington Foundation, the organization that puts the FUN in fundraising, is taking a vintage aviation theme into the weekend as it hosts its biggest event of the year, the 17th annual Karen’s Gift: Taking Flight.

Buckle up for takeoff at the Hard Rock Casino. Tickets remain, and KWF is holding a “Final Boarding Call” sale with the code TAKINGFLIGHT17.

KWF is the anti-cancer, cancer foundation. It knows other organizations focus on the science, the awareness, and the serious. KWF recognizes that life is better lived with FUN on the calendar and cancer is better when kicked to the curb. Its mission is to make sure that women dealing with appointments, therapies, radiation, chemo, surgeries and stress have an opportunity to put all that behind them with KWF’s Gifts of Fun.

This year, KWF celebrates 17 years of giving those gifts of fun, like the namesake of the organization did her entire life. Karen Wellington lived with breast cancer for 10 years, but still found moments of fun. She would take her kids, Angeline and Robby, ‘reverse trick or treating’ during Halloween. Decked out in their October best, the kids would pass out candy to women getting chemotherapy. And so the idea of giving gifts of fun began. Her family and the Karen Wellington Foundation continues this tradition, now impacting thousands of women and their families through the mission of her foundation. Just this month, on Karen’s birthday, April 1, volunteers dropped off cookies at local chemotherapy centers in memory of Karen.

KWF accepts nominations of women who are living with breast cancer and provides recipients with everything from a “Lemons to Lemonade” box, filled with comfort items like socks, candles and silk scarves featuring Karen’s artwork, to spa days, vacations and beach weekends. All of this comes at no cost to the women and their families.

On stage Saturday night, volunteers and staff will celebrate Karen’s legacy by giving the organization’s 3,000th Gift of Fun – with a goal of giving away 1,000 more this year alone.

Total Blackout

Do’s and Don’ts for Eclipse Viewing

You know this already, but looking directly at the sun is dangerous! But you can view the eclipse safely with a little planning.

• Never look directly at the Sun without proper equipment

• If you're not absolutely sure of your equipment, don't use your telescope

• Use specially made eclipse glasses marked ISO 12312-2.

• Use #14 welder's glass

• Use professionally made solar filters designed for telescopes and binoculars

• Only during what is known as “totality,” – the few moments when the sun is completely blocked by the moon – is it safe to view the sun without proper equipment.

– Cincinnati Observatory

“Seeing a total solar eclipse makes the solar system come alive,” says Christa Speights, planetarium director, at Northern Kentucky University’s Haile Planetarium. “Instead of the sizes, distances, and motions of the sun and moon being theoretical, during a total solar eclipse, you can see these for yourself!”

Though our entire region won’t be in totality, you can still revel in the celestial celebrations from the comfort of your home.

With its watch party sold out, the Cincinnati Observatory has viewing ideas you can duplicate on your own. These range from using the sun to make art to creating a pinhole camera! See the Observatory’s full list of crafts and activities for kids (and adults).

A solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun. When the moon covers part of the sun, it’s a partial solar eclipse, which we had on Oct. 14, 2023. But when the moon blocks the Sun entirely – during the coolest astronomical event you will ever see without looking directly at it – that’s a total solar eclipse. That’s what we’re expecting on Monday, April 8.

While awe-inspiring to witness, a solar eclipse can also play a part in scientific research.

“During a total solar eclipse in 1919, two stars whose light had to travel near the sun in order to get to Earth appeared in different positions than they do when seen at night,” Speights says. “This measurement supported Einstein’s new theory of General Relativity, which predicted that mass distorts spacetime, changing the path of photons that pass near a massive object, like the sun.”

Speights says there are also citizen science projects where regular folks can contribute to studies about the sun and how it affects the Earth. Projects range from measuring the exact size and shape of the sun to measuring wildlife’s response to a solar eclipse and researching how a solar eclipse impacts Earth’s atmosphere.

Can't See A Thing

– Kathrine Nero

Lots of people way smarter than I am have been throwing around words like obscuration and totality as we prepare for the solar eclipse on April 8. Sure, you can hop in the car and drive to a spot with totality, but experts say most Cincinnatians will experience 99.7% obscuration just by walking out their front door. That sounds like a solid A+ to me.

You’ll want to plan around total (or partial) darkness happening somewhere between 3:05–3:09 p.m. in the Cincinnati area, depending on where you’re viewing. And remember, traffic will be a nightmare, so plan ahead.

Whether you check out the eclipse from your backyard, a rooftop, or with thousands of others in an area experiencing totality, here are some spots to try.

Total Solar Eclipse Watch Party
Miami Whitewater Forest, 9001 Mt. Hope Road, Harrison

Miami Whitewater, just a quick drive from downtown, is one of the spots in the path of totality. As such, it will fill up quickly. The Total Solar Eclipse Watch Party starts at 11 a.m. and the eclipse will happen at 3:08 p.m.. Great Parks of Hamilton County will be handing out eclipse glasses while they last. Watching an eclipse is whole lot of waiting around, so animal ambassadors, games and more will keep kids entertained. Great Parks is also hosting watch events at Parky’s Farm and Sharon Woods.

Eclipse and Sips
119 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue, Ky.

Head to NKY for Eclipse and Sips, hosted on the upper deck of the MRBL parking lot on Fairfield Ave. Kids will enjoy the space-themed fun and activities and mixologist Molly Wellman will be serving up themed mocktails from 1-3pm.

Dark Side of the Park
Washington Park, 1230 Elm. St.

Washington Park has lots of space to check out the eclipse from noon-4pm during Dark Side of the Park. In addition to a wide-open view, there are tons of fun activities to get in the celestial spirit, from music to food trucks, plus some stellar games to play for the whole family. And yes, parents, the Porch will be serving up drinks of the adult variety.

Howl at the Moon
Great Wolf Lodge, 2501 Great Wolf Drive, Mason

Great Wolf Lodge is hosting an outdoor watch party all day long on April 8. Everyone in attendance gets eclipse viewing glasses and kids get eclipse wolf ears. While you wait for darkness, eclipse-themed crafts and games will pass the time, along with a family dance party and complimentary snacks.

Solarbration
IKEA
9500 Ikea Way, West Chester

For indoor and outdoor fun, head to IKEA in West Chester for Solarbration. The store is hosting an outdoor parking lot party with games, music, and more. Inside the restaurant, check out a livestream, space crafts, and snacks. Both run 2–3:30 p.m. on April 8.

Jungle Jim's Solar Eclipse Viewing Party
Oscar Event Center, 8871 N. Gilmore Road, Fairfield

Have fun before and after totality begins with this family-friendly gathering on April 8, from 2–4 p.m. Bring a chair, pick up snacks and drinks from Jungle Jim’s, and enjoy music and games. Tickets are $5 and include a clipse glasses to watch the full eclipse safely.

No matter where you are, grab those glasses, look to the sky and say hello, darkness – if only for a little while. 

Whole New Ballgame

By Betsy Ross

With apologies to Jim Nance and The Masters, no one does MLB Opening Day quite like the Cincinnati Reds. From the unofficial holiday to the Findlay Market Parade to the opening pitch, there is not another regular season game in America that is met with this level of anticipation quite like Cincinnati’s. (Veteran fans will insist the Reds should be THE first game of the season, as they were for decades, but we digress)

As we get ready for this year’s edition of the Redlegs, there is little doubt about the commitment ownership has to this team. Spending more than $100 million in the off season, most of it on pitching, should show that the Reds are serious about making a run with this young group that not only surprised us, but entertained and delighted us last year. A season that started with a “you can’t tell the players without a scorecard” lineup turned into fan favorites that just fell short of making the postseason.

Having said all that—it seems as if the Reds can’t get out of Goodyear without a medic following them. The quiet of routine drills and spring games was ruined in the last couple of weeks with 1) projected center field starter TJ Friedl breaking his wrist; 2) anointed second baseman Matt McLain, out with a shoulder injury that may need surgery; 3) hot Reds prospect Edwin Arroyo, also out with a shoulder injury that, with surgery, will keep him out this season and 4) infield prospect Noelvi Marte suspended 80 games for PED violations.

All of a sudden, a crowded infield roster isn’t so crowded anymore—enough so, that the Reds quickly dealt for the Blue Jays’ utility infielder Santiago Espinal to be available if needed. And yes, you can argue that players shouldn’t be diving for balls and diving back to the base in spring training. But telling players not to go all out would be like telling Pete Rose not to run to first base. Not going to happen.

As for pitching, Frankie Montas steps in as the Opening Day starter, with last year’s starter Hunter Greene, going on day 2. After that, Graham Ashcraft will be next after his solid year in 2023. But things won’t really be set on the rotation until Nick Lodolo comes back from injury—he’s not expected to be off the injured list until the second week of April. Look at Nick Martinez (rib injury) to be a factor in the starting rotation, along with Andrew Abbott and Brandon Williamson (sore shoulder).

The Reds fought above their weight class last year and showed us the potential these young guns could have. With another year of experience under their belts, and a healthy starting pitching rotation, this could be a fun year to be a Reds fan. Play Ball!

Here’s a Drive

Reds Hall of Fame and Museum
presented by Dinsmore

Open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with extended hours on game day.

• Children 12 and under are admitted free, courtesy of the H.C.S. Foundation

• Active military/veterans are admitted free, courtesy of the Sargent Family Foundation

For information on admission prices, please visit RedsMuseum.org.

Dinger.

Four-bagger.

Blast.

Long ball.

No matter what you call it, a home run is always one of the most exciting plays in all of baseball.

With an illustrious past that includes some of the most iconic home run hitters in the game, the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum’s newest exhibit celebrates “The Long Ball: A Home Run History of the Reds.”

The exhibit features the greatest home run hitters and most unforgettable home runs throughout Reds history. From the legendary to the unexpected, “The Long Ball” touches all the bases in this celebration of one of the game’s signature moments and salutes the Reds players who have forever etched their names in the annals of home run lore.

“A game or even a season can be altered by one swing of the bat, and ‘The Long Ball’ exhibit explores the history and evolution of the home run, highlighting the most memorable and impactful long balls in Reds history,” said Rick Walls, executive director, Reds Hall of Fame and Museum. “Utilizing video highlights, audio calls, historical artifacts and analytics, we’ll put the visitor into the action, providing an entertaining and interactive experience.”

Over 150 artifacts will be on display highlighted by items on loan from Reds Hall of Famers Johnny Bench and George Foster including the bat Bench used to hit his final career home run.  

 Game-used bats from over 40 of the top 50 hitters on the Reds’ career home run list are on display.

The exhibit also features a video wall that will play memorable Reds home runs. Enhancing these clips will be an augmented sound system newly installed in the gallery space that will heighten the impact of the presentation.  

Additionally, fans will have the perfect photo opportunity by trying their hand at robbing a home run by leaping above the exhibit’s outfield wall. 

While We're Young

Magnify Your 5K Run/Walk
April 13
Kestrel Point in Winton Woods

All proceeds support Magnified Giving programming and help us educate young philanthropists. 1-mile, 5K, and virtual participation options are available.
Sign up at www.magnifiedgiving.org/events.

Giving back to the community isn’t just for grown-ups. More and more young people are finding ways to contribute to non-profits and charities.

“If they can give back their time, talent, and treasure and learn to go through the same disciplines that I do every year and make decisions about who to give money to, that could really touch their hearts and minds,” says Roger Grein, founder of Magnified Giving. “It could inspire them to become lifelong philanthropists.”

Each year, Magnified Giving works with around 5,000 youth. By building partnerships with schools and organizations, the organization provides training and resources to facilitate a Youth Philanthropy Program. This year, they trained over 115 facilitators who are leading programs with 144 different groups.

Magnified Giving began in 2008 though the principles of the organization started many years earlier.

“In 2001, one casual lunch with a friend changed my life,” Grein said in a recent interview. “I was sharing a meal with Dr. James Votruba (then President of Northern Kentucky University). He told me that he had been working with Dr. Neal Mayerson, leader of The Mayerson Foundation, who was sponsoring a class at NKU for students to invest money into local nonprofit agencies. I was captivated. This idea resonated with me so much because every year, I struggle not with whether to help out, but who to help out. Not whether to write the check, but who to give it to. When Dr. Vortuba shared this idea, I realized it would be so powerful to get young people involved in that decision-making.”

Grein became a champion for the hands-on philanthropy model, sharing it with university presidents across the Midwest. His passion for helping college students understand the importance of philanthropy and the power they have in contributing to the community has led to 34 colleges and universities embracing this philanthropy education model. Today, the program is managed by Ohio Campus Compact and funded by a national grant provided by the National Corporation for Service Learning.

Later this Spring, Magnified Giving will host three Grant Giving Ceremonies, with participating youth presenting grants to their chosen nonprofits and talking about what they’ve learned during the fundraising process.

“To be able to see our students, who don’t always value themselves or what they can contribute, come to the realization that they are important, and they can make a difference, is the greatest gift,” says Grein.

Many teachers use the Magnified Giving process in their classroom curriculum. For example, an English teacher might make a unique project out of the experience, having youth write a research paper about their preferred social cause and perhaps develop a persuasive speech or video presentation about their chosen nonprofit. In a government or civics class, a teacher might integrate the process into a unit on community engagement.

Magnified Giving also includes 35 of "Extension Programs," which are hosted by other community organizations that work with youth. Some Extension Programs are facilitated by nonprofit organizations that conduct after-school programs for at-risk or vulnerable youth, including Brighton Center, Lighthouse Youth and Family Services, Stepping Stones, UpSpring, and GLAD House. Magnified Giving also works with youth who are or have been incarcerated through programs at the Hamilton County Juvenile Court School and Mary Haven Youth Center.

“Through this experience, I saw that the process of engaging youth in the process of grant-making is powerful! It touches the hearts of the students and the instructors and the nonprofits they support,” said Grein. “I realized that we could start this process with middle school and high school students too.

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Learn more about Magnified Giving at www.magnifiedgiving.org.

Taking a Chance

Racers and local residents can purchase raffle tickets for just $5 and designate a local nonprofit to receive 100% of the ticket proceeds. Additionally, three winners will be awarded prizes including:

• Grand Prize: $5,000 to the ticket holder and an extra $5000 to the chosen charity

• Second Prize: $2,500 to the ticket holder and an extra $2,500 to the chosen charity

• Third Prize: A Cincinnati getaway experience for the ticketholder

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.piggestraffleever.com.

Want to go hog wild supporting local charities? Right now it’s easier than ever!

This month, the Flying Pig Marathon and Stock Yards Bank & Trust are teaming up to launch what both groups hope to be the biggest “Piggest Raffle Ever.” With a goal to reach $1,000,000 cumulative fundraising goal, the group needs to sell more than 37,500 tickets this year. 

2024 marks the 14th year of the Piggest Raffle Ever, which has raised over $800,000 for local charities since the program's inception. This year will also be Stock Yards Bank’s eighth year of sponsoring the community event, and the fundraising continues to increase year after year. Proceeds from raffle ticket purchases go directly to support local organizations making real change in the tri-state community.

"The Piggest Raffle Ever presented by Stock Yards Bank & Trust has become an integral part of Flying Pig Marathon weekend. It is our way to strengthen our partnership with our charities, while creating a fun and easy way for our non-profits to raise money for their causes, shares Iris Simpson Bush, president and CEO of Pig Works. “We are thrilled to have Stock Yards Bank & Trust support this very important initiative to support our community."

Last year, the Dillsboro Indiana Parent Teacher Organization was the grand prize winner of the Piggest Raffle Ever, using funds to build Dillsboro Elementary’s new playground.

“The Dillsboro PTO was thrilled to be the winning charity of the 2023 Piggest Raffle Ever! The money we received enabled us to reach our fundraising goal for a new school playground, which was installed last June,” shared Maria Sassaman, President of the Dillsboro PTO. “We are thankful for a fundraiser that requires no overhead from us and little effort on our part, other than encouraging participation in it. This frees us to focus on our mission of caring for the kids in our school. We plan to participate every year!”

Dillsboro Elementary School PTO was of many organizations that received much-needed funding. Also in 2023, the Homeless Animal Rescue Team of Cincinnati (HART) won the second-place prize. HART works to rescue animals, saving them from euthanasia and abuse and find these most vulnerable fur babies their forever homes.

In previous years, many great Cincinnati nonprofits have won the top prizes including Great Oaks West Clermont HOSA, American Council of the Blind of Ohio Greater Cincinnati, Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services and PSU, Inc. 

As the presenting sponsor and premier community bank, Stock Yards Bank works diligently to invest in the communities it serves. 

“Stock Yards Bank & Trust is proud to sponsor the Piggest Raffle Ever for the 8th year in a row,” shared Stephen Brown, Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky Market President for Stock Yards Bank and Trust. “We are excited to support over 90 nonprofit organizations that are all doing great work in our community.”

As the Flying Pig Marathon quickly approaches on Sunday, May 5, now is the time for the community to purchase their raffle tickets.  

Hoosier Daddy

“Hoosiers” Free Showing

The Banks
Wednesday, March 20, 6 p.m.
Shown on the video board at the Reds Hall of Fame.

Learn more about the historic Hoosier Gym at www.thehoosiergym.com.

Before March Madness officially begins, get ready with one of the all-time great Cinderella stories.

The Banks marks the 70th anniversary of the Milan Indians’ improbable Indiana High School state basketball championship with a day-long celebration of the movie, “Hoosiers.”

The fun tips off at noon, when the team bus and Chevy driven by Coach Norman Dale (Gene Hackman) will be on display for photo ops.

Joining the 1951 Chevrolet coupe and team bus will be representatives from the historic Hoosier Gym in Knightstown, Indiana, the home court of the Hickory Huskers made famous in the movie. They will have with information on the gym and commemorative merchandise.

Built in 1921 and saved from destruction due in part to the movie's success, the gym is visited by thousands from across the U.S. and around the world every year. Visitors can come and relive scenes from the film and take a shot or two, visit the locker room, rent the gym, or watch a game. 

On March 20, 1954, Milan High School with an enrollment of 161 defeated Indiana basketball powerhouse Muncie Central, 32-30 on a Bobby Plump jumper with three seconds left. No school that small had ever won the state title in the pre-class era of Indiana high school basketball. The movie “Hoosiers” is based on Milan’s story, with the small-town Hickory Huskers making it all the way to the Indiana High School basketball state championship to face big-city South Bend Central.

Bars and restaurants at The Banks will be open throughout the day on March 20 for fans to spend the day and view the vehicles before the 6 p.m. showing of “Hoosiers.”

Sharing of the Green

Looking for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration that goes beyond green beer? From a parade with bag pipers and Irish families to a weekend-long street party, including the return of LepreCon. The Banks is the most fun you’ll have this side of the Blarney Stone.

“Bringing back LepreCon for its second annual celebration was an easy decision, inspired by the overwhelmingly positive feedback and enjoyable atmosphere we witnessed last year!” says Saijal Andreadis, marketing director for 4EG.

LepreCon is billed as the “largest gathering of leprechauns in the city.” The block party on Saturday, Mar. 16, runs from 2 to 9 p.m. Revelers can expect a day filled with live music, food and drink specials, and shenanigans at seven participating bars and restaurants.

“The bars at The Banks are always working on events and fun themes to entertain our guests,” says Danny Scott, owner of Red Leprechaun. “LepreCon is one of many bar crawl events we all work together to offer. We are all stronger as a community at The Banks and we love offering multiple venues with a lot of options!”

The block party will begin immediately following the 56th annual St. Patrick’s Parade. A stage will be set up on Freedom Way in front of the BurgerFi with indoor and outdoor beverage sales available at all participating locations. Musical appearances include the Dave Campbell Band and DJ Kombat. This event is free to attend.

“LepreCon is a vibrant, community-driven event that is dedicated to the spirit of leprechauns and the overall celebration of St. Patrick's Day,” says Andreadis. “The success of the initial event highlighted the desire for a unique, large experience that brings people together, and it demonstrated the capacity of LepreCon to become a staple event that people look forward to year after year. 

Participating locations of LepreCon, and their specials are

Fishbowl at The Banks: Featured fishbowl: “Bowl of Gold,” green beer, green Jell-O shots, and Shamrock Bingo from 2–4 p.m. and DJs from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Holy Grail: Food, drinks and entertainment

Jefferson Social: $5 green beer pints, $4 Guinness pints and $5 green tea shots

Killer Queen: $3 green beer. DJ Keith Nunn from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Red Leprechaun: Outdoor stage, seating, heaters, drinks and Irish food. Outdoor stage lineup: 4 p.m: Set by DJ Fuseamania, 4:30–7:30 p.m.: Bloody Tinth (Irish band), 8–11 p.m.: Audio Graffiti

The Stretch: $3 green beer, plus a featured Shamrock Splash cocktail available at the outdoor bar. Rotating DJs from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Tin Roof: Green beer ‘til gone! Live music by Ethan & Joey & Jada at 12 p.m., DJ Kombat at 4 p.m. and Super Nash Bros at 9 p.m.

“The Banks is the ideal venue to LepreCon for several reasons. Its central location is accessible, making it easy for both locals and visitors to join the festivities,” says Andreadis. “The open area of accommodates a block party of this size in the DORA district. The Banks also boasts a vibrant atmosphere that complements the spirit of LepreCon.”

After the party on Saturday you can sweat out your hangover at the 96ROCK .05K on Sunday. Registration begins at 11 a.m. and the run of the most grueling 164 feet of your life starts at noon!

Then the fun continues, as Red Leprechaun hosts the ultimate Sunday Funday on the official St. Patrick’s Day style! Doors open at 8 a.m. for breakfast with DJs, live music, patio seating with heaters, dancing, and drinking in the street the rest of the day. The Naked Karate Girls play at 12 noon, with Fuseamania playign sets at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. and Scrimshaw at 4 p.m.

“We have gone all out to get ready for our first St. Patrick’s Day – Making sure to secure some of the best entertainment in the area, drinks and food!” says Scott. “Our goal is to be the hub for this holiday in the Cincinnati region.”