Good morning, Toledo!

Toledo and the surrounding area have a busy week ahead, with a mix of fall activities, live music and community events. Fleitz Pumpkin Farm kicks off pumpkin-picking season Sept. 8, while Appetite for the Arts returns downtown on Sept. 9. That same night, Sunset Serenades continues its outdoor concert series, followed by Levitt Bloc Toledo at Glass City Metropark and Music at the Museum in Bowling Green on Sept. 10.

The week also brings several notable community stories, including Gibsonburg’s upcoming fundraiser for an officer injured in the line of duty, national recognition for a Findlay Underground Railroad site and continued remembrance ahead of the 25th anniversary of 9/11. Readers can also catch bestselling author Jacqueline Friedland at the Toledo Lucas County Public Library on Sept. 10, making this a week packed with events, local history and plenty to do across Northwest Ohio.

The Toledo Dispatch is teaming up with The Midnight Blue and Gold Launchpad podcast for a tailgate ahead of Toledo’s matchup against Central Connecticut State. We’ll be set up in Lot 10 starting at noon, so if you’re heading to the Glass Bowl, come by, hang out and say hello. We’d love to meet some of our readers before cheering on the Rockets!

Also, don’t forget we are giving away four tickets to six of our subscribers to a Toledo football home game this season! Winner will be announced November 6th!

To participate, send your friends our subscription link and the referral form below.

After they subscribe, they simply enter your email address in the referral form so we can give you credit.

Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well! @toledodispatch

OCTIV.FEST - an all day outdoor music fest is coming to Toledo Saturday September 12th! Live from the backyard stage of the Bronze Boar right in the heart of downtown Toledo. OCTIV.FEST is a free outdoor concert event featuring a killer line-up of local bands, stubborn brother food truck, and a free open mic jam session. If you’re a local musician who wants to jam in front of a live crowd, a live music fan, or just love Stubborn Brother Pizza, be sure to come to the Bronze Boar Saturday September 12th, from 4-11 PM.

OCTIV-FEST is brought to you by octiv.live, an all in one booking tool for artists and venues and a better way to book live music.

Toledo celebrated Labor Day Monday morning with its annual parade through downtown. Union members, teachers, firefighters, skilled trades workers and local high school bands marched down Summit Street, celebrating the workers who help keep Northwest Ohio moving. Retiring Lucas County Probate Judge Jack Puffenberger served as this year’s grand marshal.

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The Gibsonburg community is rallying around Patrol Officer Maria Kisha, who was stabbed multiple times while responding to a trespassing call on Aug. 26. A fundraiser called “Kickin’ It for Kisha” will be held Sept. 19 from 2–9 p.m. downtown, featuring a car show, live music, food, a 5K, kickball and more. All proceeds will support Kisha as she continues her recovery.

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A massive fire tore through a church on Martha Avenue in Toledo early Saturday morning, causing heavy damage and eventually leading to the collapse of the building’s steeple. Fire crews responded to the blaze and worked to bring it under control as flames and smoke poured from the structure.

Ohio has delayed a planned ban on using SNAP benefits to purchase certain sugary drinks. The restrictions were originally set to begin Oct. 1, but federal officials asked the state to hold off while the USDA gathers public comments and completes additional review. Ohio officials say a new implementation date will be announced once further guidance is received.

A historic Underground Railroad site in downtown Findlay has been added to the National Park Service’s Network to Freedom program after 25 years of research. The site honors David Adams, a free Black barber whose South Main Street shop is believed to have helped more than 50 enslaved people escape north toward Canada.

A memorial in Gibsonburg continues to honor the victims of the Sept. 11 attacks with a unique piece of history: part of the antenna from the World Trade Center’s North Tower. Nearly 25 years after 9/11, the artifact remains a powerful centerpiece of the community’s memorial and a reminder of those who lost their lives.

Fall fun is back at Fleitz Pumpkin Farm in Oregon beginning Sept. 8. Visitors can pick pumpkins, take a hayride, feed farm animals and enjoy fresh cider and homemade donuts. The farm is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Oct. 31, with free admission and parking.

Appetite for the Arts returns Sept. 9 from 6–9:30 p.m. at WS Design in downtown Toledo. This month’s class will focus on desserts, giving guests a chance to cook, taste and learn in a relaxed setting. Tickets are $100, with proceeds benefiting The Arts Commission’s Young Artists at Work program.

The Sunset Serenades Concert Series continues Sept. 9 with another evening of live music in Toledo. The outdoor series gives visitors a chance to enjoy a relaxed night of entertainment as summer winds down.

The Levitt Bloc Toledo Music Series continues Thursday, Sept. 10 from 6–8 p.m. at Glass City Metropark. Kuf Knotz & Christine Elise will headline the free outdoor concert with a mix of hip-hop, soul and new age music, while local food trucks will also be on site. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs.

The Wood County Museum will host another evening of live music on Sept. 10 as part of its Music at the Museum series. Guests can enjoy an outdoor performance on the museum grounds, making it an easy midweek option for live entertainment in Bowling Green.

New York Times bestselling author Jacqueline Friedland will visit the Toledo Lucas County Public Library’s Main Library on Sept. 10 from 7–8 p.m. to discuss her newest novel, Breathing Under Water. The event will include a 45-minute presentation, audience Q&A and a copy of the book with each ticket purchase.

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Well that’s all for now, thanks for reading.

Hope you have a great week!

Sincerely, Eli