— NEW CARLISLE – “Drop and give me 2018” could be the catchphrase for Dec. 31. That’s when midnight at the area’s version of Times Square sees a 7.5-foot, 200-pound aluminum ball travel 90 feet to signal a new year.

The ninth version of the New Carlisle New Year’s Eve Ball Drop will be 9 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31 to 12:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 1 downtown, with the action centered on Main and Washington Streets.

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The free and family-friendly event is presented by the Heritage of Flight Festival Committee.

Committee president Mike Lowrey said this year will recapture the fun of past years, including popular free attractions.

“If you don’t want to leave the area to see something unique you don’t have to — we have it here,” he said. “It’s fun and safe for families.”

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Rock on Ice will return to the New Carlisle New Year’s Eve Ball Drop on Dec. 31 with live ice sculpting demonstrations and free autographs for kids. CONTRIBUTED(Contributing Writer)

Contributing Writer

Rock on Ice has become a fixture, with its live ice-sculpting demonstrations and anticipated autograph sessions with no pen and paper necessary. These autographs come on the tools of their trade – ice.

“The autographs are free and kids love to get them,” said Lowrey. “They are small enough they can be kept in the freezer at home.”

Also returning from last year are free carriage rides provided by Willow Wind Carriage and Limousine Service, which will run 9 to midnight. There were lines all evening long last year, Lowrey said.

DJ music will set the beat, while several shops will be open and there will be a cake auction, 50/50 raffle and prize giveaways throughout the evening to add to the experience.

The only cost, according to Lowrey, will be if attendees want food, which will be available. Parking is free and will be available on the side streets and closed businesses. Main Street will close at 8:30 p.m. that evening.

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Scenes from past New Carlisle New Year’s Eve Ball Drop events. MARSHALL GORBY / STAFF FILE PHOTO(Contributing Writer)

Contributing Writer

Lowery said the committee is already looking forward to plans to celebrate the ball drop’s 10th anniversary next year. Until then, he encourages leaving the television off and venturing out to celebrate.

Related

A few reasons to go to this hometown New Year’s ball drop celebration

A few reasons to go to this hometown New Year’s ball drop celebration

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— Tonight could be the night that chocolate starfish and hot dog flavored water flow at a Dayton gas station. 

>> Facebook event claims Limp Bizkit coming to Sunoco on Wayne Ave.

As the annual 4/20 rumor has it, the rap rock band Limp Bizkit will play the Wayne Avenue Sunoco tonight at 10 p.m.

Limp Bizkit is still not playing the Wayne Avenue Sunoco. Seriously, in what world could that ever happened?(Photos: GetAmpedMag.com and Mike Campbell, staff)

Photos: GetAmpedMag.com and Mike Campbell, staff

Nearly 10,000 people have indicated on the Facebook event page they will attend the show. Another 5,400 saythey are interested.  (Note: Organizers annually change the date from the original 2016 event post.) 

But guess what...

No nookie for you. 

But here’s a cookie. 

>> Organizers: Limp Bizkit concert coming to Wayne Ave. Sunoco 'for real' this time (April 19, 2017) 

It is 4/20... get it, 4/20. 

You know what the date means, right?

Hmmmmmm...

The show is a hoax that dates all the way back to 2016 when a group of wisenheimers created a Facebook event for an April 20th Limp Bizkit show at the gas station. 

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Both Limp Bizkit and Dayton police were whipped up in a frenzy and released statements denying the fake concert. 

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Dayton police, Limp Bizkit tweet statements about Limp Bizkit at Sunoco. (Screen grab courtesy of The News Wheel)

Back on April 20, 2016, a lot of people showed up at the gas station to see if anyone else showed up.

The whole thing got a ton of media attention around the country. 

It was something else. 

>> Crowd shows up at fake Limp Bizkit concert site

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Since then, a few other pranksters have tried to create buzz around fake concerts at the Sunoco and other businesses. 

Did you hear the one about Dave Chappelle playing at the Legacy Pancake House last February? 

“Laugh, and then laugh some more over a plate of pancakes, local realtor ads on the placemats, and the comedy of Dave Chappelle for this once in a lifetime appearance at Dayton’s Legacy Pancake House. Sit back, order some grits and pancakes, and enjoy the comedic stylings of Dave Chappelle.” 

That didn’t happen either. But the Legacy does serve some delicious grub. 

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— Ahh, roller derby. The sound of knee pads and skates slamming the polished wood floor of a skating rink, whistles to initiate and make calls, and the grunt of a tackle. Talk about girl power.

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(Alex Perry)

Alex Perry

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This Saturday, the derby girls of the Gem City will face off in their season-opener at the Dayton Convention Center. 

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Pre-sale tickets cost $12 for adults, and $8 for ages 7 to 17. Ages 6 and under will have free entry. At the door, tickets will cost $15 for adults and $10 for ages 7 to 17. You can also purchase a season pass for $40, which also offers half hour early admission (4:30 p.m.) to the venue. 

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Next month, they’re hosting open recruitment for new team members. No skating or derby experience required. 

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“Open recruitment is every Thursday and Sunday in May. Thursday at 9 p.m. and Sunday at 10:30 a.m. If you want to skate, dress in workout attire, bring a mouth guard,your ID, and insurance card. We have gear we can loan to you — and highly recommend you talk to someone for advise before buying your own gear.” said  Weslie Wenzler of Gem City Roller Derby.

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(Alex Perry)

Alex Perry

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If you’re looking for a new sport, the season opener would be a great time to see what exactly roller derby is, how it’s played — and how much fun you can have.

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“I started skating for GCRD at the last open recruitment in May of 2017 after seeing my first bout in April. I instantly knew it was something I wanted to do. I wanted to show people around me that I am strong and dedicated. GCRD has given me confidence, taught me about the importance of dedication, and most importantly given me a hobby I truly enjoy and care about. No more sitting on the couch watching TV, my free time is me working toward something that makes me feel good,” said Wenzler.

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Following the kick off, the crew will head to Blind Bob’s in the Oregon District to celebrate. 

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Want to go?

WHAT: Gem City Roller Derby Season Opener

WHERE: Dayton Convention Center, 22 E 5th St, Dayton

WHEN: Saturday, April 21 from 5 to 9 p.m.

TICKETS: Purchase online

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— Looking to channel your inner gym class hero? Running around yelling excitedly until you get smacked in the head with a dodgeball? Because you should. 

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Luckily for those of you who didn’t find an excuse to dip out of P.E., adult sports leagues are very much a thing and there’s no better time to join than spring. It’s 2018, Dayton — get your game face on!

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Here are some of the places to find the right team for you in Dayton. But don’t wait -- some of these leagues have deadlines that are approaching FAST. Sign up now, before it’s too late. 

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Dayton Sportical

This social club in Dayton teams up with local bars and sets up sports leagues, tournaments and events for adults who want to channel their inner 4th grader. Kickball is one of Sportical’s most popular games, and they’re just beginning their first sessions of the season. Other sports include skeeball, wiffleball, cornhole and volleyball. Visit their website for all the current leagues available. 

INFO: daytonsportical.com

(Gem City Social Sports)

Gem City Social Sports

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Gem City Social Sports

If there were to be any perks of growing up, the fact that mud volleyball definitely wasn’t a thing in gym class is one of them. Gem City Social Sports has a mud volleyball tournament in July, but April is when you’ll need to sign up. 

There are also great opportunities to get involved with the kickball scene, even if you’re a little more “seasoned.” The “Legends 50+” kickball league begins May 15, so you’ll need to sign up before May 8. Many other leagues will be available as the season goes on, so visit their website for any additional upcoming leagues.

INFO: gemcitysocialsports.com

City of Dayton Recreation

You might’ve thought your local rec department stopped caring about you after your last T-ball championship tournament when you were eight years old. Not the case. The City of Dayton Recreation and Youth Services actually has some great options for adult sports. Classics like volleyball and softball are available, as well as sports like “spikeball” that will take you right back to your favorite gym class memories. See all their leagues available on their website.

INFO: daytonohio.gov

(Setters Dayton Ohio players Facebook page)

Setters Dayton Ohio players Facebook page

Setters Sports Volleyball Dayton

Setters is thee spot for all things Dayton adult volleyball. They’re all about the late summer nights under bright lights while getting sand where sand doesn’t belong. With a lengthy spring and summer schedule, there’s definitely a way to make a league fit into your schedule. 

INFO: settersvolleyballclub.com

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— This Friday and Saturday, GeekFest will take over the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery. 

Like past years, GeekFest will be packed full of events, vendors, special guests, treats, costumes and more. But this year, organizers have turned GeekFest into a two-day event.

Boonshoft’s Jason Heaton gave us the scoop on the delightfully nerdy activities you can take participate on Friday night and Saturday (Family Day).

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The annual GeekFest will take place at Boonshoft Museum of Discovery Friday and Saturday. Cool events like Wizard School, gaming, special guests, vendors, and food trucks will be there for your geeky amusement. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Wizarding School

Fans of a certain bespectacled boy wizard won’t want to miss GeekFest’s Wizarding School events on Friday night. Heaton says the planetarium will be turned into a Great Hall. 

“We're going to have a chemistry experiment, which we call ‘potions,’” says Heaton. “We'll have astronomy class and at the same time we’ll play Quidditch on the dome of the planetarium. One person will be elected to stand in the middle and actually 'fly' around. That's something really unique.”

Wizard School will also include magic wand making for little kids and a special animal show.

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The annual GeekFest will take place at Boonshoft Museum of Discovery Friday and Saturday. Cool events like Wizard School, gaming, special guests, vendors, and food trucks will be there for your geeky amusement. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Orc & Pie

Another fun activity taking place only on Friday night is GeekFest’s staple 5-minute D&D adventure, Orc & Pie. 

In this quick live action role-playing experience, participants will be transformed into heroes… heroes hungry for pie! Will they defeat the fearsome Orc and loot his confectionery treat? Find out at GeekFest. (Hint: the heroes win the pie).

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The annual GeekFest will take place at Boonshoft Museum of Discovery Friday and Saturday. Cool events like Wizard School, gaming, special guests, vendors, and food trucks will be there for your geeky amusement. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Special guests 

Both Friday and Saturday at GeekFest willf eature exciting guests.

Nate Lovett, a professional children’s book illustrator who’s done work for Nickelodeon’s Paw Patrol and more, will be giving “Let’s Draw” presentations both days.

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Cincinnati-based sci fi author Wendy Vogel, whose novel Horizon Alpha features dinosaurs on other planets, will be giving a presentation in Boonshoft’s planetarium on Saturday. “She added some science, so they're based on real planets,” explains Heaton. “Wendy’s not only going to talk about her book, but we’re also going to fly to those planets. I'm looking forward to showing off the science behind them.”

As in previous years, Ohio’s 501st Legion Star Wars cosplayers and the Real Ohio Ghostbusters will also be at GeekFest.

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The annual GeekFest will take place at Boonshoft Museum of Discovery Friday and Saturday. Cool events like Wizard School, gaming, special guests, vendors, and food trucks will be there for your geeky amusement. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Gaming

Of course, all of your gaming urges can be satisfied at GeekFest. 

A full-on video game arcade, featuring cabinet games brought in by DK Effect, Gaming Adventures, and Doug’s Electronic Repair, will be in full effect Friday and Saturday.

If cardboard delights are more your speed, a room devoted entirely to tabletop games will be available, with games generously provided by GeekFest staff and the Wittenberg RPG Guild.

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GeekFest at the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery will take place Friday, April 20 through Saturday April 21. PHOTO / Larry Peck(Larry Peck)

Larry Peck

Trivia

“On Saturday, we're going to have geek Jeopardy like we've had in the past,” Jason Heaton tells Dayton.com. “We’re also going to try Harry Potter Jeopardy this year for the first time.” 

“Beat the Geek” trivia will be another opportunity to show off your nerd brain. 

The annual GeekFest will take place at Boonshoft Museum of Discovery Friday and Saturday. Cool events like Wizard School, gaming, special guests, vendors, and food trucks will be there for your geeky amusement. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Blast off into outer space 

Also going on in the planetarium is Boonshoft’s regular live show, The Sky Tonight, about the astronomical bodies visible from earth on a given evening. Heaton says there will be “a few other surprises in the planetarium, as well.”

“There's going to be a full-blown R2D2 replica a guy named Josh Montgomery built from scratch,” brags Heaton. “He's going to show it off and talk about it in the Planetarium early on Saturday morning.” 

The planets of Star Wars and Geek Jeopardy will be projected onto the 50-foot dome of the planetarium.(Provided by Boonshoft)

Provided by Boonshoft

More!

We’ve barely scratched the surface of all the exciting things going on at GeekFest this Friday and Saturday. There are also cool geeky vendors like Bell Book and Comic and No Limit Gaming, food trucks both days, and even costume contests. You will not want to miss GeekFest. It’s one of Dayton’s best events of the year!

Want to go?  

WHAT: Boonshoft GeekFest

WHEN: 6-10 p.m. Friday, April 20 and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, April 21

WHERE: Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, 2600 Deweese Pkwy, Dayton  

COST: Friday night, $20/person, tickets here. Saturday, free with regular museum admission. 

INFO: www.boonshoftmuseum.org or 937-275-7431 

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