Good morning, Ithaca.

The 33rd Annual Finger Lakes Grassroots Festival will begin tomorrow at the Trumansburg Fairgrounds and run through July 20th—offering family-friendly music, dance and cultural events.

This year it will also add a covered dining tent and a cannabis products tent—features that support its diverse appeal.

On July 4, Ithaca residents Alice and Larry Thayer celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary at their Millikin Beach cottage—96 family and friends, including longtime Fresh Air Fund guest Abe Rivera, gathered to share memories that span generations.

The City and Downtown Ithaca Alliance began testing temporary solutions on Tuesday, July 15 to reduce conflicts between pedestrians and riders on Home Dairy Alley—three planter and signage setups are being tried over a six-week period while community feedback is collected.

GreenStar Food Co-op workers and management signed their first collective bargaining agreement yesterday at a public event, raising the entry-level wage from $17.63 to $19.25 and adding benefits like annual increases, paid time off, matching 401k contributions, and just-cause discipline standards — however, starting wages remain below the local living wage of $24.82 as costs have risen in town.

Playa Bowls will open on 740 S Meadow Street at South Meadow Shopping Center early this August — the new space, co-owned by Perrin and Nate Hickey, will offer fruit-based snacks and tropical decor with a grand opening party featuring a DJ and giveaways.

The first 50 customers in line will receive free bowls as the event aims to bring a healthy, beachy vibe to Ithaca.

The City is asking local business owners and managers for input through an online survey—responses due by August 4—to help shape its Economic Development Strategy and assess local business needs.

The feedback will guide prioritized steps for future growth in Ithaca.

Jesse Harper started as Newfield superintendent on July 1 and said he will listen to teachers, students, and community members before making changes while the district works on a $21 million capital project for facility upgrades — local leaders will host Community Appreciation Day on July 26 with a car show, live music, a chicken barbecue, and a fireworks show at the fire department. This shift in leadership and community gathering marks a fresh start for the district as it prepares for the new school year.

Tompkins County Whole Health's Environmental Health Division is asking for help after a person was bitten by an off-leash dog in Dewitt Park on July 14 at 1:00 p.m. The dog, described as white with brown spots and wearing a pink collar, must be observed for 10 days to rule out rabies - anyone with information should call 607-274-6688.

Tompkins County Whole Health said a white dog with brown spots and a pink collar bit a woman at DeWitt Park on July 14 around 1 p.m.—the dog, possibly a pit bull mix, will be observed for 10 days to rule out rabies while authorities ask anyone with information to call 607-274-6688.

TIME RIDERS Live at the Finger Lakes Cider House

6-9 p.m. — Finger Lakes Cider House — $5 cover charge — Enjoy a night of rock music from the up-and-coming band, Time Riders.

Finger Lakes Grassroots Festival - Sunday

7:59-10:59 PM — Trumansburg Fair Associates — Cost varies — Celebrate culture with world-renowned artists in a vibrant four-day music festival.

CFCU Summer Concert Series

5-11 p.m. — Bernie Milton Pavilion — Free entry — Enjoy a weekly lineup of local and regional artists at this family-friendly concert series.

Jazz Mondays with Dave Davies RhythmMakers

5:30-8:30 p.m. — South Hill Cider — $5 suggested donation — Enjoy live jazz and delicious cider with local talent at a charming venue.

Ithaca Metal Fest

7-11:30 p.m. — Stone Bend Farm — $16.88 — Rock out with a night of metal featuring local bands and noise sets.

Jazz Mondays with Dave Davies RhythmMakers

5:30-8:30 p.m. — South Hill Cider — $5 suggested donation — Enjoy live jazz and cider from talented local musicians every Monday evening.

Mosaic Foundation Performance at South Hill Cider

5:30-8:30 p.m. — South Hill Cider — $10 cover at the door — Experience internationally influenced reggae with diverse sounds and uplifting messages.