On Stage: May sparks explosion of live shows locally

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Dan Navarro Traditionally, bands and other entertainment acts tend to go out on the road much less during winter. Additionally, potential audience members frequently are content to stay home on a cold winter night rather than heading out to catch a show. Bands also have to be aware of the negative aspect of touring in the winter – especially dealing...

CCIU joins 55th Anniversary celebration for Special Olympics

An athlete and a volunteer run on the track at the Special Olympics The Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) is honored to join the Special Olympics in celebrating its 55th anniversary on Friday, May 2, 2025, with a day of inspiration, athleticism, and community connection at the Coatesville Memorial Stadium. This milestone event will welcome over 1,000 athletes, ages 8 to 22, from across Chester...

Revitalization of Ash Park expected to start by June

Ash Park The much-anticipated revitalization of Ash Park, located in the heart of the City of Coatesville, is taking shape as bids for construction opened on April 7. The City expects to award the contract by the end of May with construction commencing in June on Phases I and II of the multi-year Ash Park Master Plan. Situated between Third and Fourth Streets in Coatesville, Ash Park covers 9.3 acres...

What To Do: West Chester Film Festival opens

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Spring is here with flowers in bloom everywhere. Winter is now in the rear-view mirror and, not surprisingly, the area’s schedule of special things is filled to the brim. Five of the area’s more popular events are slated for this weekend – two art shows, a film festival and a pair of dog-related activities. If you’re looking for something...

KSQ Farmers Market returns May 2

The KSQ Farmers Market The KSQ Farmers Market is back to its weekly rhythm starting Friday, May 2nd, bringing together farmers and neighbors for the freshest local produce and goods in the heart of Kennett Square. Consumers can connect directly with small growers and producers, building relationships, trust, and a stronger local food economy. “Coming together as a community to support local farmers...

On Stage: Kennett Jazz Fest returns

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Orrin Evans This is the weekend of one of the prime music events in Chester County this spring – the 2025 Kennett Jazz Fest. The Fourth Annual Kennett Jazz Fest returns with two distinct events on April 25 and 26. First is the kickoff party on Friday night with Sharon Sable Group and the incredible Vahe Sarkissian Group. Then, on Saturday, an...

Unionville, W. Chester East to represent Chester County at State Academic Competition

Finalist trophies await the top three high school academic teams for the Pennsylvania State Academic Competition at the Pennsylvania State Capitol. Unionville High School, whose academic team took the county victory in March, will represent Chester County in the Pennsylvania State Academic Competition on Friday, May 2, at the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg. Unionville will compete with...

CCIU Names Brown as new Principal of Engle Education Center

Dr. Shannon Brown The Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) has named Dr. Shannon Brown as the inaugural principal of the organization’s new Engle Education Center, marking a significant milestone in the facility’s development. The center is a cornerstone of CCIU’s campus expansion initiative, transforming the former Fred S. Engle Middle School into a state-of-the-art educational...

What To Do: Big list of holiday events this weekend

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times This is the big holiday weekend for Spring 2025. Passover concludes on April 19 – sandwiched between Good Friday on April 18 and Easter Sunday on April 20. The list of holiday events is long and varied – and the Easter Bunny is a very busy little mammal. Linvilla Orchards (137 West Knowlton Road, Media, 610-876-7116, www.linvilla.com) will be...

Youth organizations to host food drives for needy families

Kennett Area Community Service (KACS) announced that three local youth organizations are stepping up in a big way this spring! Unionville Recreation Association (URA), FC Chesco, and Healthy Kids Running Club are teaming up to host a series of food drives to support the KACS Food Cupboard and help provide healthy, nutritious food to families in need. Each month, the KACS Food Cupboard serves over 3,000...