Good morning, Ithaca.

Newfield Old Home Days returns July 24–25 with fireworks, a community parade and new activities for teens at the school grounds.

The century-old festival, canceled last year, now features live music, food vendors, carnival games + historical exhibits that honor the town’s rich past.

The YMCA of Ithaca and Tompkins County received a $2M childcare grant to build a 2,500 sqft addition (with three new classrooms and 48 to 60 childcare spots) to expand programs.

Registration will open later and work is scheduled to begin by year-end and finish by fall next year.

The Humane Society of Schuyler County in Montour Falls runs its Empty the Shelters campaign through July 26 with a $70 fee that covers spay, neuter, vaccinations and microchipping.

It hosts adoption events at PetSmart in Ithaca & at Hector Family A-Fair on July 24.

Senior pup Theo (9-10 years old and weighing 7 lbs) is available for adoption through Pawz and Purrz Animal Rescue.

He is completing vaccinations and dental care, and foster-to-adopt placements are offered for families seeking a quiet home.

The 55th 4-H Youth Fair and Family Fun Day is underway in Ithaca from Tuesday, July 21 until Saturday, July 25, featuring an animal costume contest and youth project exhibits in areas like baking and art - events that help students earn a spot at the state fair in Syracuse.

Cornell Cooperative Extension's Vegetable Variety Trial Garden program engages over 100 master gardeners across 37 counties to test vegetable varieties for taste, yield and ease of growing.

Volunteers share data with Cornell researchers — their findings guide crop breeding and aid local food pantries.

On July 21, the Finger Lakes Land Trust completed the purchase of 83 acres for the Lindsay-Parsons Biodiversity Preserve in West Danby.

The new parcel includes wetlands+forested hillsides+a kettle pond that add to the preserve’s 630 acres and nearly four miles of trails bordering Danby State Forest.

Gov. Kathy Hochul issued a one-year pause on AI data center permits on July 14, leaving TeraWulf’s Lansing project at the former Cayuga Power Plant in early review (its future impact remains unclear) as the company continues its local planning board process.

Dryden residents are asking for more street signs on Slaterville Rd because of safety concerns.

Town Supervisor Jason Leifer said a petition with about a dozen signatures was submitted and the decision will come from the DOT.

Former Cornell basketball player Emily Pape (ranked sixth in career rebounds) has committed to play at Newcastle University in England while she earns her master’s degree; her coach said she earned this honor through hard work.

Beginnings Summer Concert Series

5-8 p.m. — Bernie Milton Pavilion — Free entry — Enjoy free live music in the heart of Downtown Ithaca every Thursday evening.

The Rocksteady Explosion 20-Year Reunion Show

Time not specified — Liquid State Brewing Company — Benefit concert — Celebrate the ska scene with The Rocksteady Explosion's 20-year reunion and more local acts.

Brassquatch! The Fall Creek Brass Band Musical

7:30-9 p.m. — Hangar Theatre — Tickets $12-$34 — Experience a family-friendly musical adventure blending brass, gospel, and pop as young heroes navigate identity and belonging.