🌶️ F4 West Chester Chili Cook-Off | 🧱 Contractor Defrauds Clients | 📚 Fall Book Sale | 🧂 Citizen Salt Study | & more

In Today’s Edition of Downingtown Local Pulse…

☀️ Downingtown PA Weather

🌶️ F4 West Chester Chili Cook-Off

🚨 Contractor Admits to Defrauding Clients

📚 Fall Book Sale Returns to Downingtown Library

🧂 Residents Invited to Help Monitor Stream Health

🗓️ Upcoming Local Events

🔎 Support Local Downingtown Businesses

WEST CHESTER, PA — West Chester’s streets will fill with the scent of simmering spices this Sunday as the annual Chili Cook-off brings together more than 50 teams competing for top honors. Now a hallmark of the borough’s fall calendar, the event blends a fierce chili competition with family-friendly entertainment — including a kids zone, live music, shopping, and classic cars. More info at https://westchesterchilicookoff.com/

Contractor Admits to Defrauding Clients Over Unfinished Renovations

WEST CHESTER, PA — A West Chester contractor has admitted to a felony charge of home improvement fraud after three clients accused him of accepting payments for renovation work he failed to perform. Jamie A. Jaramillo Jr., 64, pleaded guilty in Chester County court, with prosecutors dropping related charges in exchange for the plea. The complaints span from 2019 to 2021 and include substantial financial losses for homeowners across Chester and Montgomery counties. A sentencing hearing will determine restitution, which is expected to be required. Jaramillo’s defense attorney has not commented publicly on the plea.

Fall Book Sale Returns to Downingtown Library With Extended Dates

DOWNINGTOWN, PA — The Friends of the Downingtown Library will host their Fall Used Book Sale beginning October 17, featuring a wide array of books, DVDs, CDs, and puzzles. The sale continues through October 24 during library hours, with a “Bag Sale” from October 25 to November 1. All proceeds benefit the library, and donations are accepted in person through October 11 during business hours.

Fall Salt Snapshot: Residents Invited to Help Monitor Stream Health

AVONDALE, PA — Chester County Parks and Preservation is teaming up with the Stroud Water Research Center to participate in the Fall Salt Snapshot, a citizen science project focused on road salt pollution in local streams. Residents can submit water samples at five county parks through October 15. The initiative highlights the year-round presence of salt contamination and aims to promote better environmental practices during winter deicing. Full instructions are available online.

Two New Ways for Local Businesses to Shine in the Downingtown Local Pulse

Downingtown is built on the strength of its small businesses — the shops, restaurants, services, and makers that give our community its unique character. Now, there are two new ways for those businesses to get in front of thousands of engaged local readers through the Downingtown Local Pulse.

We’re introducing two promotional programs designed to give businesses year-round visibility and meaningful connections with our audience:

1. Partner Program

This package gives businesses a featured listing in our Local Business Directory, making it easy for residents to find and support you. Partners also receive:

• A monthly Business Spotlight article that tells your story.

• A pinned article on our website for maximum visibility.

• Exposure to our massive Facebook audience, with each feature shared across our highly engaged social channels.

2. Patron Program

For businesses ready to take their visibility to the next level, the Patron Program includes everything in the Partner Program plus:

• A top-level ad placement one issue a month, ensuring your brand stays front and center.

Both programs are built to keep your business in the local conversation month after month — not just as an ad, but as a valued part of the community’s story.

Whether you’re a family-run shop, a growing startup, or a well-established local favorite, these programs offer an affordable way to boost your visibility while supporting the Downingtown Local Pulse’s mission to celebrate the people and businesses that make our town special.

Ready to join? Upgrade here to start reaching Downingtown’s most loyal readers.

Upcoming local events…

Coatesville Star Party (Coatesville) - Oct 10, 6:30pm-9pm

St. Pauls Pop-up Thrift Store (Exton) - Oct 11, 8pm-2pm4

The FANGtastic Life of Bats (Springton Manor Farm) - Oct 11, 9pm-10:30am

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

Downingtown Fall Arts Fest (Downingtown) - Oct 11, 3pm-6pm

West Bradford Family Fall Fest (Downingtown) - Oct 11, 4pm-7pm

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

F4 West Chester Chili Cook-off (West Chester) - Oct 12, 12pm-4pm

Historic Yellow Springs Fall Festival (Chester Springs) - Oct 12, 12pm-4pm

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

Caln Clean-Up Crew Litter Pick Up (Caln) - Oct 18, 1pm-3pm

Hibernia Dam Walking Tours (Coatesville) - Oct 23, 2 & 3:30pm, Oct 25, 9am & 10:30am

Fall Festival at Highland Orchards (West Chester) - Oct 25, 11am-4pm

Caln Twp Halloween Party (Caln) - Oct 25, 1pm-3pm

Fall 4×4 Fest (Downingtown) - Oct 25, 10am-1pm

CCCC Trunk or Treat (Caln) - Oct 26, 2pm-4pm

Educational Trunk-or-Treat (Coatesville) - Oct 29, 4pm-5:30pm

Haunted History Hike (Coatesville) - Oct 29, 6pm-8pm

Catch up on previous issues…