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  • 🎖️ Firefighters Honored | 🌶️ Chili Cook-Off Postponed | 🗝️ Historic Volunteers Wanted | 🎭 WCU Family Theater Show | & more

🎖️ Firefighters Honored | 🌶️ Chili Cook-Off Postponed | 🗝️ Historic Volunteers Wanted | 🎭 WCU Family Theater Show | & more

Downingtown Local Pulse Issue Oct 10th, 2025

Author

Chesco Sean
10 Oct

In partnership with

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In Today’s Edition of Downingtown Local Pulse…

Against the Flames: Chester County Firefighters Honored for Heroic Rescue

Photo: Longwood Fire Co

PENNSBURY TWP — Firefighters from three Chester County fire companies were recognized this week for their heroic efforts during a harrowing house fire in Pennsbury Township last November. The incident involved a 15-year-old boy with autism who became trapped in a second-floor bedroom as the house was consumed by flames.

Responding crews from Kennett, Longwood, and Po-Mar-Lin fire companies faced immediate challenges: a hydrant located nearly 3,000 feet away, heavy smoke, and a resistant victim panicked by the chaos. With no water line initially available, firefighters entered the burning home and located the teen, who fought against their attempts to help him. One firefighter held back the flames alone while others carried the boy to safety.

Further complications arose when a motorist drove over the supply hose, cutting off the water. Still, additional firefighters ran from the distant hydrant to reinforce the rescue. The boy was ultimately saved and released from the hospital the next day, and only one firefighter suffered moderate injuries.

At a Wednesday ceremony, Chester County officials awarded the William H. “Pop” Winters Award to seven firefighters for their actions. The award is presented semi-annually to those who exemplify dedication to public safety and emergency response.

The event also marked the start of Fire Prevention Week in Chester County, where officials underscored the dangers of modern home fires and urged residents to take safety precautions—especially around lithium-ion batteries and flammable materials.

West Chester Chili Cook-Off Postponed to Oct. 19 Due to Weather

WEST CHESTER, PA — The F4 West Chester Chili Cook-Off has been rescheduled to Sunday, October 19, due to forecasted inclement weather. Organizers from Fiorenza’s Food For Friends said the move aims to prioritize safety and ensure a successful experience for attendees, teams, and vendors.

The event will now take place from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on October 19, rain or shine. Tickets already purchased will be valid on the new date. Details at westchesterchilicookoff.com.

Downingtown Historic Commission Seeks Volunteer to Fill Open Seat

DOWNINGTOWN, PA — The Downingtown Historic Commission is seeking volunteers to fill an open position. Applicants do not need to live in the Borough and can apply by completing a form on the Borough’s official website.

WCU Theatre to Bring “Sideways Stories” to Life This October

WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY — West Chester University’s Department of Theatre & Dance presents Sideways Stories from Wayside School from October 16 to 19. Adapted from Louis Sachar’s popular children’s book, the playful and imaginative stage production promises fun for audiences of all ages.

Performances will be held at the Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre, with an ASL-interpreted show on Saturday, October 18. Tickets range from $10 to $20 and are available at wcupatix.com/theatreanddance

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.

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


House Cleaning

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