🚨 Stone Barn Burns Down | 🚲 Jury Awards $29 Million | 👨‍🚒 14 New Firefighters

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In Today’s Edition of Downingtown Local Pulse

☀️ Downingtown PA Weather

🚨 Chester County’s Stone Barn Burns Beyond Repair

🥁 Downingtown Gears Up for Christmas Parade

🚲 Jury Awards $29 Million to Injured Cyclist

🎁 Holiday Market to Bring Handcrafted Goods to WC

👨‍🚒 Chester County Welcomes 14 New Firefighters

🏡 Upcoming Real Estate Listings

📆 Upcoming Local Events

🔎 Local Business Finder

Chester County’s Stone Barn Reduced to Ashes, Spurring Community Support

KENNETT SQUARE, PA — A multi-alarm fire struck The Stone Barn in West Marlborough Township early Sunday morning, reducing one of Chester County’s most beloved restaurants and event spaces to rubble. Firefighters from several area departments arrived shortly before 3 a.m. and, lacking nearby hydrants, called in tanker trucks to supply water. Though no injuries occurred, the building could not be saved, and residents of adjacent apartments left their homes as a precaution.

The Stone Barn had deep roots in the community, dating back to the early 20th century when one family began its cultivation of the property. Over time, the space evolved from a farm and orchard into a destination known for memorable meals and weddings. With the building now gone, the owners face the challenge of rebuilding, supported by a community that has already begun contributing to online fundraisers. One campaign aims to assist the venue’s staff, suddenly without work, while another focuses on the family as they undertake the long process of restoration.

To make a donation to the staff of The Stone Barn, visit 

www.gofundme.com/f/support-the-stone-barn-staff-after-fire OR www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-alvisi-family-rebuild-the-stone-barn.

Downingtown Gears Up for Christmas Parade

DOWNINGTOWN, PA — Downingtown will mark the holiday season on Saturday, December 14, with its annual Christmas Parade, beginning at 3 p.m. The lineup features a range of musical ensembles, including school marching bands and specialty groups, along with dance troupes, decorative floats, and emergency service vehicles. Santa’s arrival on a specially prepared float promises a lively conclusion to the nearly two-mile procession along Lancaster Avenue, stretching from Gable Avenue to Whiteland Avenue.

Chester County Jury Awards $29 Million to Injured Cyclist

WEST CHESTER, PA — A Chester County cyclist left with severe, permanent brain damage after a 2022 collision with a plumbing company truck has been awarded $29 million by a local jury. The verdict, split between economic and punitive damages, is considered unusually large for the area. Although the cyclist was deemed partly responsible, the majority of fault was attributed to the driver and his employer, ensuring funds that will support the injured man’s lifelong care.

Holiday Market to Bring Handcrafted Goods, Santa to Downtown West Chester

WEST CHESTER, PA — This Saturday, December 14, Downtown West Chester will transform Gay and Church Streets into a festive Christkindlmarkt, inviting residents and visitors to embrace the holiday season. The open-air event, which runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., will showcase over 100 vendors offering a wide variety of handcrafted goods, including jewelry, ceramics, and artwork. In addition to the extensive selection of gifts, attendees can listen to live music and look forward to a planned visit from Santa. The Christkindlmarkt, free and open to the public, is hosted by the Chester County Art Association and Downtown West Chester

Chester County Welcomes 14 New Firefighters to Local Ranks

WEST CHESTER, PA — A group of 14 cadets in Chester County has successfully concluded the county’s Firefighter I training program, a rigorous course designed to equip them with essential firefighting techniques and emergency response capabilities. The participants, drawn from multiple regional fire companies, spent weeks developing the skills necessary for effective and safe action under challenging conditions.

By completing this training, the new firefighters will bolster the capabilities of departments in Goshen, West Chester, Keystone Valley, Wagontown, West Grove, Kimberton, Glenmoore, Minquas, Westwood, Newtown Square, and Rawlinsville. Their graduation underscores the county’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that emergency services remain well-prepared to respond quickly and effectively to any crisis.

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