Sara Dingmann
- Marketing Assistant, Broadway Plaza
Rochester
Social media and audience editor at WBBM Newsradio
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Articles by Sara Dingmann
What's new for 2025 Chicago Restaurant Week
(WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Chicago Restaurant Week is returning Jan. 24. If you plan on taking advantage of the deals, WBBM has you covered what's new this year. Participating restaurants will offer a range of brunch, lunch and dinner deals, beginning Friday, Jan. 24 through Sunday Feb. 9. However, this year, those prices have slightly increased. The bunch and lunch offerings have gone up $5, from $25 to $30. Dinner prices have rounded up to $45 and $60 (compared to $42 and $59 last year).
2024 Chicago holiday events, light displays and more
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Order your Thanksgiving pies and desserts from these Chicago spots
(WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Thanksgiving is fast approaching. If you want to save some time on dessert, start thinking about preordering pies and other sweet treats as soon as possible. Whether you are looking for traditional Thanksgiving pie flavors, pies that offer something different or even something entirely different from pies - we have a few places for you.
23 festive fall activities in the Chicago area, from apple orchards to petting zoos
(WBBM NEWSRADIO) - The Chicago area is ramping up towards fall, and that includes the return of many classic fall activities like pumpkin patches, corn mazes and apple picking. The leaves are just starting to change color and Chicagoland has already experienced a taste of fall weather. That is enough to put many in the mindset of making plans for fall. Many of those fall experiences are already open.
Which neighborhoods are featured at Taste of Chicago
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Which neighborhoods are featured at Taste of Chicago
(WBBM NEWSRADIO) - The Taste of Chicago brings restaurants from around Chicago together in Grant Park. Of the vendors with brick and mortar locations, there are 30 neighborhoods represented in the annual festival, which is taking place through Sunday. WBBM Newsradio mapped out where each restaurant is located or got their start, which can be viewed above. You can plan out your visit and take your own culinary tour of the city at the food festival 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
River West bookstore highlights Chicago's history of hosting national conventions
(WBBM NEWSRADIO) - As Chicago hosts the Democratic National Convention, a local bookstore is reflecting on the city's history of political conventions. The Abraham Lincoln Book Shop in Chicago's River West neighborhood specializes in not only Lincoln but also the Civil War and the U.S. presidency. In addition to books, the store also boasts many artifacts.
Audacy Chicago dads reflect on fatherhood
(WBBM NEWSRADIO) - This weekend, you may be getting together with the father figures in your life or being celebrated by those you have helped raise. WBBM Newsradio wanted to capture what fatherhood means to the dad's around Chicago's Audacy stations, as well as get the advice they wish they had received before they became a father.
New immersive 'Bluey' X CAMP experience lets you step into the Heeler home
(WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Bluey is coming to Chicago, "for real life." Families that are fans of the Australian animated children's show "Bluey" will be able to experience it in a new way at CAMP Chicago. Behind the magic door, is an immersive Bluey experience that takes kids through the Heeler family home. The hour-long session is based around a game of hide-and-seek.
Here are 11 to check out
(WBBM NEWSRADIO) - It's one of the last signs of spring in Chicago: the return of outdoor farmers markets, and as the city saw some of its most beautiful weather of the year, hundreds of Chicagoans came out to welcome farmers market season back. If the sunny weather has you thinking about when you can hit up the outdoor farmers market near you, we have you covered. Below, you'll find a list of farmers markets from all over Chicago - as well as when they will open.
International artists' work to be showcased at Art on the Mart 2024
(WBBM NEWSRADIO) - The Merchandise Mart is once again lit up with art for the 2024 season of ART on THE MART. On Friday, international artist Nora Turato's piece titled "Severance: Can you let go?" was tested in front of dozens of people who gathered for the start of the spring season. "The artist needs to be someone who can see the potential in activating this larger-than-life canvas," Executive Director of Art on the MART Cynthia Noble said.
International public art display on Mag Mile brings interactive dialogue
(WBBM NEWSRADIO) - An international partnership has brought a new interactive art installation to one of the most iconic buildings on Michigan Avenue. On Sunday morning, Spectrum by Mirari, a multidisciplinary creation studio in Québec, officially opened outside 875 N. Michigan Ave., formerly known as the John Hancock Center. The free art display features 15 metallic hoops that serve as conduits for communication, light, and sound. The idea behind the installation is to foster connection.
American Writers Museum celebrated rejection, not love, on Valentine's Day with Get Lit happy hour
(WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Broken hearts got their time to shine on Valentine's Day. For the second year in a row, the American Writers Museum celebrated rejection on Valentine's Day with its "Down with Love" themed Get Lit event. A rejection open mic allowed attendees to tell their own rejection stories, or read the letters from some of America's greatest writers responding to their own rejection. The rejection letters started out strong with Hunter S.
Chicago Botanic Garden's orchid show offers whimsical take on beautiful flower
(WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Fall into the magic and wonder of the Chicago Botanic Garden Orchid Show, which brings the whimsical fun of the flower to life with music, colorful lights and carnival rides. "We're really highlighting the fun aspect of the orchid," said Jodi Zombolo, the associate vice president of visitor events and programs. "They are the star of the show." Now through March 28, visitors will be able to experience the Orchid Show of Wonders.
Chicago food influencer provides her picks for Chicago Black Restaurant Week
CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Chicagoans have another opportunity to explore the city's culinary scene with discounted rates during Chicago Black Restaurant Week. The celebration of Black restaurants has returned for Black History Month. From Feb. 11-25, around 50 locations are participating by providing menu specials. WBBM checked in with one Chicago food influencer to get her recommendations.
Tenth annual Cider Summit Chicago once again crowns Chicago's amateur escanciador
(WBBM NEWSRADIO) - When Ryan Carey and his girlfriend made plans to attend a cider pouring competition at the 10th annual Cider Summit Chicago, he had no idea that he would be standing on a stage, in front of hundreds of people, pouring cider from above his head into a cup three feet below. "I actually thought it was going to be real professionals. It turns out I was the professional," Carey said.
700 people brave Lake Michigan for 23rd annual Polar Plunge
(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Under dense fog, hundreds of people ready to brave the waters of Lake Michigan gathered on Oak Street Beach on Saturday morning for the Chicago Polar Bear Club (CPBC) 23rd annual Polar Plunge. While the event showcases the strength of those jumping in the water, it also serves to help Chicago families. CPBC committed to helping four Chicago families cover medical bills, housing expenses and transportation. So far, CPBC has raised $65,000 to support local families in need.
Big Star West Town creates 'market' experience for Chicago Restaurant Week
(WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Are you looking to get a new dining experience out of Chicago Restaurant Week? This year, Big Star West Town is holding a Mexican Night Market, which is designed to get you out of your seat and up close to the people preparing your food. Instead of the traditional sit-down, four-course experience of restaurant week, Big Star West Town is offering an interactive dining arrangement that takes people around the restaurant to different booths serving up various menu items.
Donut festival dishes out baker's dozen to celebrate 10 years of Stan's Donuts
(WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Stan's Donuts & Coffee is celebrating a decade of serving up specialty doughnuts to Chicagoans. To celebrate the significant anniversary, Stan's Donuts held a festival on Saturday. "We were trying to do something big for our tenth anniversary, which is next week for the stores and someone came to us and asked if we wanted to do a doughnut festival," founder Rich Labriola said. "There's other doughnut fests that kind of didn't happen after COVID.
Chicago organization brings petite models onto the runway
(WBBM NEWSRADIO) - While the modeling world has taken some steps to diversify over the years, a Chicago organization says there are still some people who are not seen on billboards and runways - petite models. Locally, that group is making sure the work of such models is being seen. Brittney Wittes, the founder and CEO of Why Not Petites, began modeling when she was 10 years old. "I had a really great success as a child. I was working very frequently. I was super happy doing it," Wittes said.
Set sail with the Chicago Boat Show this weekend
(WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Take a trip to warmer days with palm trees, paddle boats, fishing, and boating at this weekend's Chicago Boat Show. With more than 150 vendors, the show at McCormick Place has something for all ages. New highlights include kid's bumper boats and a mechanical wave surf simulation at the new Discover Boating Beach Club. For people looking for the largest fish in the pond, the Queen of the Show is a 47-foot-long day yacht from MJM.
Daisies brings Chicago Style Croissant to Logan Square
(WBBM NEWSRADIO) - A pastry mash-up that's as Chicago as it gets has arrived at Daisies in Logan Square. Just after New Year's, Daisies released its collaboration with the Wieners Circle for what they've dubbed a Chicago Style Croissant, which of course includes a hot dog. The croissant is stuffed with a char-dog, mustard, relish, celery salt, and onions. Additionally, it is garnished with a pickle, sport pepper, and a tomato.
Where to find hot chocolate in Chicago
(WBBM Newsradio) - When running around to different holiday activities and shopping, hot chocolate is a classic treat that gets you in the spirit of the season and warms you up after time spent in the bitter Chicago wind. From classics like booths in the Christkindlmarkets, to coffee shops and concession stands at area holiday events, here's a look at some of the hot chocolate WBBM tried this season.
Hurry up and wait: First-ever CosMc's draws huge crowds
BOLINGBROOK, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - More than one week after McDonald's opened its first CosMc's location in Bolingbrook, the fast food company's spin-off location still has customers braving hour-plus-long waits just to get a taste. McDonald's revealed its plans to open 10 CosMc's locations by the end of 2024 earlier this year. The menu includes new blended beverages and cold coffees, as well as a few creative takes on McDonald's classics, such as their savory, bite-sized hash brown.
Navy Pier offers holiday cheer with Light Up The Lake, 'World's Largest Snow Globe'
(WBBM Newsradio) - Navy Pier is ringing in holiday cheer with its reimagined Light Up The Lake. The event offers free light displays and a variety of paid attractions, including ice skating, axe throwing, s'mores making, and - as always - rides on the Ferris wheel. The Navy Pier is known for its fireworks displays, and through Dec. 31, fireworks will light up Lake Michigan on Saturdays at 9 p.m. More information and tickets to attractions can be found on the Navy Pier website.
Naperville viral display brings in Swifties from neighboring states
(WBBM Newsradio) - After years of extravagant Christmas light displays, Amy Scott was surprised when her family's Taylor Swift-themed display went viral. "This isn't even our best one," Scott said. Swift is in the middle of a record breaking world tour, recently released a record breaking concert movie and was just named People Magazine's Person of the Year - so there's a lot of hype around anything Taylor Swift.
Pilsen Gourmet Festival keeps past alive and nourishes the future
Chicago (WBBM Newsradio) - People got a taste of some of the best of the Latino food experience this weekend. Chefs, mixologists, and community members gathered on Friday for the third annual Plisen Gourmet Festival. "Everyone's looking for that new restaurant and what better way to get to try them, than to be in one place and try something from here, something from there. Get to know them, and get to talk to the actual chef," coordinator and founder of Pilsen Gourmet Esmirna Garcia said.
Chicago Diwali Pop-Up brings South Asian community together, support local businesses
Chicago (WBBM Newsradio) - In the lead up to the Hindu holiday Diwali next weekend, a dozen South Asian vendors came together for a fashion pop-up on Sunday. The Chicago Diwali Pop-Up at the Epiphany Center for the Arts was the result of a collaboration between the fashion brand NYRAA and the Chicago Fashion Coalition (CFC). The other vendors featured included fashion brands, houseware, jewelry and food with Indian spices.
Chicago's anti-craft market
Chicago (WBBM Newsradio) - Come hang out, grab a bite or a drink, and shop. That's the idea behind Sauced Night Market, which takes place this week Friday and Saturday. When founder Sarah Freeman set out to create a local vendor market nine years ago, she wanted a place that also allowed for people to hang out. "My weird thing about markets is you go and you do a lap and then you leave" she said.
Families enjoy festive farewell to 'spooky season' with Lincoln Park Spooktacular
CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Businesses in Lincoln Park sent spooky season out with a bang over the weekend, as many opened their doors to trick or treaters as part of the 2023 Lincoln Park Spooktacular. On Saturday along Lincoln Avenue - from Wrightwood to Webster Avenues - was bustling with kids in costumes who wandered from business to business to get candy and treats. Hundreds of people gathered at the Lincoln Common plaza, which was the heart of the Lincoln Park Spooktacular.
Herm├Ęs in the Making opens at Union Station
Locals can get up close and personal with the craft behind a luxury brand making its return to Chicago. On Friday, Hermès in the Making opened at Union Station to give people an inside and interactive look at the craftsmanship that goes into the brand's luxury leather, silk, jewelry and porcelain goods. The free event brings together craftsmen from France to demonstrate their meticulous tasks in live demonstrations. The event coincides with the reopening of the Hermès store on Oak Street on Monday.
Immersive, horror puppet show offering haunting tales for Halloween in Chicago
CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Amongst the haunted houses and spooky bars, a local puppet theater is offering a different type of scare this Halloween season. Rough House Theater is once again presenting the immersive puppet show "House of the Exquisite Corpse III", which haunts visitors with an anthology of horror stories told through puppets at Steppenwolf's Merle Reskin Garage Space, 1624 N. Halsted St. There are six performances that each run five and a half minutes.
Five haunted locations to visit in Chicago this spooky season
CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Are you in the mood for a scare? There are several places around Chicago you can visit if you are looking for paranormal activity. Chicago is a city with a rich history, and some say that ghosts still linger from some parts of that history. Here are five places to check out for some spine-tingling thrills this Halloween season. The Hull-House, a famous social settlement founded in-part by Jane Addams located at 800 S.
Pinball brings people from all over the globe together at Schaumburg expo
(WBBM NEWSRADIO) - The Pinball Expo in Chicago has drawn people from far and wide, including internationally. This is the fourth time that Oscar Terol, a speaker at the event, has traveled to Chicago from Spain. "We love pinball; we are totally passionate," Terol said. "So this is the mecca of pinball." Each year, he has become more involved. He started with presenting, but this year, for the first time, he has brought his own product, an upgraded display screen and sound system.
Chicago museum hosts retrospective of 'Afghan Girl' photographer
(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- An exhibit showcasing the work of international photographer Steve McCurry - famous for his haunting 1985 image of a green-eyed Afghan girl -- makes its United States debut at a Chicago museum. "Steve McCurry Icons" opens Friday at the Loyola University Museum of Art and features 80 large-format photographs of McCurry's work from across the globe.
Chicago Pizza Summit returns to NW Side
CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Pizza lovers gathered at the Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club on the city's Northwest Side for the fifth Chicago Pizza Summit festival on Sunday. Attendees were able to get their fill of unlimited pizza samples during two sessions held throughout the day. Founder Anthony Spina was surprised that it took until 2016 for a food festival to focus on the iconic Chicago cuisine.
Photos from a record-breaking day
CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - The 2023 Chicago Marathon was one for the history books, led by 23-year-old Kenyan Kelvin Kiptum, who set a new world record when he crossed the finish in 2:00:35. Champions in the women's division and both wheelchair divisions set Chicago Marathon course records, and Des Linden broke Deena Kastor's masters record - "masters" denoting a division for racers over the age of 35 - which had stood for eight years.
Uber teen accounts launched in Buffalo
BUFFALO, N.Y. — Teens in Buffalo are now able to get their own Uber rides and food develiever with the supervision of a parent. On Friday, Uber launched special teen accounts for kids 13-17 years old. Parents and guardians can invite teens to create a specialized account. The account will allow the teen to request rides and order food with the supervision of a guardian through special security features.
SPCA Paws in the Park Dog Walk taking place Sept. 23
GRAND ISLAND, N.Y. — The SPCA Serving Erie County is hosting its 30th annual walk to raise money. The SPCA Paws in the Park Dog Walk is returning at the end of this month to Beaver Island State Park in Grand Island. On Saturday, Sept. 23, humans and dogs will gather on Saturday, Sept. 23 at 9 a.m. to raise money the help the SPCA Serving Erie County. The SPCA helps at-risk, in-need homeless, and injured animals, as well as assisting families keeping their pets.
Jamestown man in custody after escaping police in chase that injured an officer
JAMESTOWN, N.Y. — A Jamestown man is in custody after he escaped police during a chase that injured an officer. Wayne Wright, III, 29 of Jamestown, has been arrested on charges of intimidating a witness and criminal possession of a weapon. The Jamestown Police Department reports that more charges are pending.
Niagara County Sheriff makes arrest following car chase
LEWISTON, N.Y. — A man has been arrested following a police chase in Niagara County early Wednesday morning. The Niagara County Sheriff's Office reports that a deputy attempted to pull over a car on Saunders Settlement Road for speeding and an equipment violation. However, the driver refused to pull over their car and a pursuit began. The driver went through the towns of Lewiston and Cambria. Deputies deployed tire deflation devices once at Campbell Boulevard and again on Lockport Junction Road.
Woman sentenced for stealing from Clarence fitness center
BUFFALO, N.Y. — A Williamsville woman has been sentenced to prison time for stealing more than $110,000 from a fitness center. Sienna Foumakoye, 35, of Williamsville, stole the money between September 2020 and October 2022 while she was working at a fitness center in the Town of Clarence. Foumakoye issued fraudulent refunds from the business to customers but routed the payment to her personal bank account.
3 arrests made at Six Flags Darien Lake concert this past weekend
Three people were arrested at a concert this weekend in Western New York. The Genesee County Sheriff's Office is reporting that three people were arrested at the Odesza concert at Six Flags Darien Lake on Friday, Sept. 1. Among those arrested was Kaylee Laird, 24, of Canandaigua, who was arrested for Criminal Trespass 3rd. Officials say she allegedly went back into the venue after she was told she could not enter. Peter M. J.
Cheektowaga Police make an arrest in a burglary case
CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. — A suspect has been arrested in connection to a Cheektowaga burglary case. On Tuesday, police arrested Desaun Atkinson, 22, of Cheektowaga, on a burglary charge. This arrest was the result of an investigation by the Cheektowaga Police Department into a series of burglaries that occurred at the Garden Village Apartments.
1 person hospitalized following fire on Edison Avenue
BUFFALO, N.Y. — One person has been hospitalized following a fire on Edison Avenue in the City of Buffalo early Friday morning. Buffalo firefighters responded to the fire shortly after midnight. There was a fire on the second floor of a home that was occupied. One person was taken to ECMC to be treated for a serious medical issue and one other person is being assisted by the Red Cross. A dog died in the fire and a cat was saved, according to Buffalo Fire.
2 lakefront bars open in Hamburg, Blasdell this month
BLASDELL, N.Y. — Two bars/restaurants have opened in the southtowns along Lake Erie this month. This includes the bar that created a lot of buzz earlier this summer, The Cowboy on the Lake. Hamburg and Blasdell residents will have two more options for lakefront dining. Both The Cowboy and Johnson's Landing are now open. Both locations opened on the week of August 13. Johnson's Landing, which located at 4040 Lake Shore Road, opened for their first official day of service on Sunday, Aug. 13.
Pythons found at Delta Sonic car wash have found new homes
WEST SENECA, N.Y. — A few weeks after multiple snakes were found at and around a Delta Sonic in Amherst, the Erie County SPCA has provided an update about them. The pastel clown ball python, which can be identified by its yellow color, has been adopted. Carla from North Tonawanda and her husband adopted the snake on Monday and picked out a pretty fitting name, Sonic. The other ball python is staying with the SPCA as it is joining the Humane Education Department.
Wrong turn onto Peace Bridge leads to rape arrest
BUFFALO, N.Y. — A man is in custody after turning on to the Peace Bridge and board patrol discovered that he has an active arrest warrant from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.23 U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers arrested a 45-year-old man who reportedly made a wrong turn onto the Peace Bridge. Jose Cruz Lopez arrived at the primary inspection area without proper ID. He was then taken to a secondary inspection area for CBP officers to confirm his identity.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra announces 2023 winter tour, stop in Buffalo
BUFFALO, N.Y. — A holiday classic is one again returning to Buffalo this winter. While for some it is still too early to look ahead to fall, those making their holiday plans will be able to take in account the Trans-Siberian Orchestra's visit to Buffalo. The holiday concert will be at the KeyBank Center on December 2 at 3 p.m. The fan club presale will begin at 10 a.m. on September 8. General sale tickets will go sale on September 15. There will also be a special offer for tickets on sale for $39.
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