These local events were our most popular photo galleries of 2019

Kanye West's Sunday Service in Dayton on Aug. 25, 2019, just before Gem City Shine. AMY POWELL/CONTRIBUTED

Kanye West's Sunday Service in Dayton on Aug. 25, 2019, just before Gem City Shine. AMY POWELL/CONTRIBUTED

Dayton had its usual share of big festivals and fun outings in 2019.

And we think the community spirit was even stronger this year. Many attended the Gem City Shine after large-scale tragedy struck the Miami Valley, including the Memorial Day tornadoes and Oregon District shooting.

These photo galleries are wildly popular on our site. Here are the top 10 viewed galleries of 2019 from contributing photographers Tom Gilliam, E.L. Hubbard and David Moodie.

#10: FAIRBORN ST. PATRICK’S DAY STREET PARTY

The city of Fairborn teamed up with 104.7 WTUE and COhatch, a shared work space company, for an epic new St. Patrick’s Day bash that debuted on Sunday, March 17, 2019. The celebration included a street party, a beer tent and live music. Here’s who we spotted. DAVID MOODIE/CONTRIBUTED

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There was an epic new St. Patrick’s Day bash in the city of Fairborn. Many came out to show their Irish side on March 17 and enjoyed a street party, a beer tent and live music. There sure was no shortage of green!

#9: COUNTRY CONCERT

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The County Concert always draws thousands from both around the state and around the country. This year, it was held on July 11 through 13 in Fort Loramie. There is never a dull moment with a full lineup of bands!

#8: GERMANFEST PICNIC

The Germanfest Picnic, run by the Liederkranz-Turner organization, celebrated its 36th year over the weekend from Friday, August 9 until Sunday, August 11. The festival was hosted at Riverscape Metropark for the third year, bringing a taste of German culture to downtown Dayton. TOM GILLIAM / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Credit: Tom Gilliam

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Credit: Tom Gilliam

Those who wanted to get in touch with their German side were able to come together as a community at the Germanfest Picnic. The festival, held on August 9, was hosted at Riverscape Metropark for the third year, bringing a taste of German culture to downtown Dayton.

#7: MINSTER OKTOBERFEST

Minster is a small village located approximately one hour north of Dayton. Every year, their Oktoberfest weekend attracts a crowd roughly three times the size of its population of near 3,000. The 45th annual celebration took place Oct. 4-6, 2019. Did we spot you there? DAVID MOODIE/CONTRIBUTED

Credit: DAVID MOODIE

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Credit: DAVID MOODIE

Every year, Minster’s Oktoberfest weekend attracts a crowd roughly three times the size of its population of near 3,000. Minster is located approximately one hour north of Dayton. The event this year was held on Oct. 4-6.

#6: ITALIAN FALL FESTA

MANGIARE! The 42nd annual Italian Fall Festa dished out a three-day Italian feast Sept. 6-8, 2019, at the Sons of Italy lodge in Kettering. Did we spot you there? TOM GILLIAM/CONTRIBUTED

Credit: Tom Gilliam

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Credit: Tom Gilliam

Pasta, wine, and more was enjoyed at the 42nd annual Italian Fall Festa. Many enjoyed a three-day Italian feast Sept. 6-8 at the Sons of Italy lodge in Kettering.

#5: DAYTON CELTIC FESTIVAL

The Dayton Celtic Festival took over downtown at Riverscape MetroPark and the surrounding areas from Friday, July 26 to Sunday July, 28. The free festival featured workshops, vendors, food, beer, children’s activities and Irish music. TOM GILLIAM / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Credit: Tom Gilliam

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Credit: Tom Gilliam

Kilts, beer, and lots of green were seen at the Dayton Celtic Festival! It took place at Riverscape MetroPark on July 26 - 28. The free festival featured workshops, vendors, food, beer, children’s activities and Irish music.

#4: DAYTON ART INSTITUTE’S OKTOBERFEST

The 49th annual Oktoberfest took place at the Dayton Art Institute at 456 Belmonte Park N. on Friday Sept. 27 through Sunday Sept. 29. The 3-day event, voted best festival in Dayton.com’s Best of 2018 contest, includes artisan booths, plenty of food, kid-friendly activities, music on two stages and lots and lots of international, domestic and craft beer and wine. TOM GILLIAM / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Credit: Tom Gilliam

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Credit: Tom Gilliam

The 3-day event, voted best festival in Dayton.com’s Best of 2018 contest, includes artisan booths, plenty of food, kid-friendly activities, music on two stages and lots and lots of international, domestic and craft beer and wine.It was held on Sept. 27 - 29.

#3: GEM CITY SHINE

Did we spot you on Aug. 25, 2019, in the Oregon District at Gem City Shine, hosted by Dave Chappelle and featuring performances by Stevie Wonder, Chance the Rapper, Thundercat, Teyana Taylor and appearances by Jon Stewart, Chris Rock and more? TOM GILLIAM / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Credit: Tom Gilliam

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Credit: Tom Gilliam

A star-studded party took over the Oregon District on Aug. 25, with an estimated 20,000 plus in attendance to honor the victims of the Oregon District mass shooting and help the community heal. It was an event in Dayton like no other as Stevie Wonder, Chance the Rapper, Thundercat and more performed.

#2: DAYTON ART INSTITUTE ART BALL

Dayton Art Institute Art Ball 2019 took place on Saturday, June 8, 2019. (Photos by E.L. Hubbard, contributing photographer)

Credit: E.L. Hubbard

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Credit: E.L. Hubbard

In many ways, the Dayton Art Institute’s Art Ball remains in a class by itself. This charity event was voted the Best Gala in Dayton.com’s annual Best of 2018 contest. This year, it was held on June 8 with the theme “Icon.”

#1: HAUNTFEST ON FIFTH

Rain didn’t stop the party at the Oregon District’s annual Halloween party Hauntfest on Fifth on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019. Did we spot you there? E.L. HUBBARD/CONTRIBUTED

Credit: E.L. HUBBARD

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Credit: E.L. HUBBARD

Rain didn’t stop the party at the Oregon District’s annual Halloween party Hauntfest on Fifth on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019. It’s the region’s biggest Halloween party, and the Miami Valley made sure they showed up for it! This year had an extra emphasis on community after the tragic events in the Dayton area in 2019.

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