Good morning, Springfield.

Voting for the Best Mexican Food contest continues as five local restaurants compete for votes until Friday, Aug.8; Springfield residents can vote once each day as the contest pits Casa Centro Modern Mexican, Casa Del Sabor, Los Mariachis, Senor Piquin and Viva La Fiesta against one another. Contest results will show which restaurant best meets local tastes.

Vandals damaged about 70% of the plots at Jefferson Street Oasis Garden on Wednesday night by targeting food crops—mainly brassicas and sunflowers—without damaging any buildings, and Terry Fredrich now asks locals to help fund a new security system.

Ohio’s sales tax holiday starts today and runs until 11:59 p.m. Aug.

14, 2025. Shoppers in Springfield can save on many items online or in stores—including clothing, electronics, and home goods—while some products like motor vehicles, watercraft, and alcohol will still be taxed.

Springfield voters will decide in November on a charter amendment that allows police and fire departments to recruit experienced personnel through lateral entry—bypassing standard civil service rules—and speed up staffing decisions.

Clark County commissioners approved a sales tax levy measure on the November ballot to fund a new jail and public safety building after strong community support was heard at the second public hearing+ many residents urged the county to test the proposal.

The levy will raise the sales tax from 7.25% to 7.75% and is expected to fund a project of around $100 million+ that will generate about $10 million per year for public services.

Springfield Jazz & Blues Festival

2:30-11:30 p.m. — National Road Commons — Free entry — Experience award-winning jazz and blues artists along with local brews and food trucks in a vibrant atmosphere.

Stories of Independence Kids Series: The Lail Family

10:00 – 11:30 AM — Davidson Interpretive Center — Free entry — Celebrate America's Independence with stories and games from early American pioneers.

Springfield Rotary Gourmet Food Truck Competition

11 AM – 7 PM — Veterans Park Amphitheater — Free entry — Sample delicious dishes from numerous food trucks while enjoying live music and a cold brew.

Doggy Day at Splash Zone

5-7 p.m. — Splash Zone Aquatic Center — $5 per dog — Bring your furry friends for a splashin' good time at Springfield's favorite aquatic center.

The Fair at New Boston

6:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. — George Rogers Clark Park — Admission price varies — Experience a lively historical fair showcasing early Ohio with parades, crafts, and delicious period food.