In Today’s Edition of Downingtown Local Pulse…

☀️ Downingtown PA Weather

🔧 County to Host Pipeline Preparedness Sessions

💵 CCEDC Announces Board Appointments

🧶 Crochet and Knit Group Finds New Weekly Venue

🎄 Kennett Square to Host 13th Annual Holiday Parade on November 22

🇺🇸 Honoring Charlie Kirk

🧭 Your Business in The Downingtown Local Pulse!

🎙️ NEW EPISODE: Good2Know in Chester County

🗓️ Upcoming Local Events

🔎 Support Local Downingtown Businesses

EXTON, PA — As part of a county-wide effort to strengthen emergency preparedness, the Chester County Department of Emergency Services will hold three public workshops aimed at increasing awareness of pipeline safety and enhancing local response capabilities. Each session includes an overview of the county’s Pipeline Incident Plan and offers opportunities for residents to engage with emergency response agencies. The first workshop is scheduled for September 22 in Exton, with others to follow.

More info here

EXTON, PA — Nine new members have joined the Chester County Economic Development Council’s board of directors, bringing expertise from engineering, finance, pharmaceuticals, workforce development, and entrepreneurship. Their three-year terms began July 1, 2025, and reflect the council’s ongoing commitment to strengthening regional economic growth through public-private collaboration.

CHESTER SPRINGS, PA — The Chester Springs Library Crochet and Knit Group has moved its weekly gatherings to the West Pikeland Township Building in Historic Yellow Springs. Open to both beginners and experienced fiber artists, the group meets on Thursdays from 1:30 to 3:00 PM to work on projects, share ideas, and learn new skills. Beginners are encouraged to bring yarn and basic supplies, with guidance available to help them get started.

KENNETT SQUARE, PA — On November 22, Kennett Square will transform into a holiday showcase for the 13th Annual Holiday Light Parade, featuring music, dance, floats, and a ceremonial tree lighting led by Santa Claus. The event launches a broader slate of seasonal activities organized by Kennett Collaborative, including window displays, markets, and the popular New Year’s Eve "Midnight in the Square" celebration.

WEST CHESTER, PA — On September 14, at 3 p.m., over a thousand people converged at the old courthouse steps in West Chester to honor the life and work of Charlie Kirk, conservative leader and Turning Point USA founder, who was recently assassinated. The ceremony, hosted by local political and youth groups, included remarks from County Commissioner Eric Roe, officials from the Chester County Republican Party, the Chester County Young Republicans, and representatives of the local Turning Point USA chapter. The gathering was live‑streamed on ChesterCountyTV’s Youtube channel, where those unable to attend can still view the replay. The event served as both a memorial and a rallying point for local conservative activists.

DOWNINGTOWN, PA — Jenny Leigh sits down with Kathy Cole, founder of Peonies & Lilacs, a backyard flower farm bringing locally grown bouquets and seasonal arrangements to Chester County. In this warm conversation Kathy shares how a hobby became a business after making heartfelt arrangement videos for her mom, how she grows for cutting (not just for curb appeal), her sustainable practices, the beloved “petal drop” community gift program, holiday evergreen offerings, and upcoming community events and fundraisers.

Upcoming local events…

Chester County Restaurant and Food Truck Festival (West Chester) - Sept 21, 12pm-5:30pm

Car Seat Safety Check (Thorndale) - Sept 24, 3pm-6pm

Money Matters and Stewardship for Teens (Downingtown) - Sept 25, 6:30pm-8pm

Chester County Art Walk (East Goshen Park) - Sept 27, 10am-4pm

Cider Fest At The Mill (Chester Springs) - Sept 27, 10am-4pm

Oktoberfest 2025 (West Chester) - Sept 27, 11am-5pm

Art in The Park (Caln) - Sept 27, 1pm-3pm

VFW First Annual Fall Fest (Downingtown) - Sept 27, 2pm (ticketed)

Drive Out Hunger (Downingtown) - Sept 28, 11am-3pm

Kidz Town Fall Fest (CFC Downingtown) - Sept 28, 9:30am-11am

Designer Bag Bingo (Wagontown) - Sept 28, 12pm-5pm

Road to LionCage (Downingtown) - Sept 30, 4pm-7pm

Solar Viewing with the Astronomical Society (Pottstown) - Oct 4, 10:30am-1:30pm

Household Hazardous Waste Collection (Downingtown) - Oct 5, 8:30am-2pm

Jeeps and Java! (West Chester) - Oct 5, 8am-12pm

Downingtown Fall Fest (Downingtown) - Oct 5, 11am-4pm

East Brandywine Fall Festival (EB Community Park) - Oct 5, 12pm-3pm

Food Truck and Music Festival (East Goshen) - Oct 11, 2pm-5:30pm

October Cruse for the Troops (Exton) - Oct 11, 5pm

Exton Park Fall Fest (Exton) - Oct 18, 11am-3pm

Catch up on previous issues…