🌱 Buffalo German Fest Cancelled + Chocolate Bar Closed For Good

Hi all. I'm here with your fresh copy of the Buffalo Daily, filled with all the things you need to know about what's happening locally. Here's the lowdown.

First, today's weather:

A stray afternoon thundershower. High: 78 Low: 65.

Here are the top three stories today in Buffalo:

1. Two men have been indicted for defrauding dozens of victims for millions of dollars, according to the U.S. Attorney's office for the Western District of New York. From September 2013 through March 2017, around 95 investors bought $19 million worth of stock from Darin R. Pastor and Halford W. Johnson. The men even created a Wikipedia page for Pastor that misrepresented his net worth, when he was actually millions of dollars in debt. Among the purchases using the money were a $1.5 million home, $300,000 of jewelry, $57,000 in clothing from a high-end men’s store in Amherst, and $56,000 in child support payments to Pastor’s ex-wife. (WIVB.com - News 4)
2. The Buffalo German Fest has been canceled this year due to "unforeseen circumstances."The festival was originally scheduled for Sep. 3 at Cheektowaga Town Park. Although the festival is canceled, the Federation of German Societies will be offering smaller events throughout the year. (WGRZ.com)
3. The Chocolate Bar in Buffalo is closing for good after 16 years. The business temporarily closed in February for renovations with a goal of reopening this spring. Although owner Bill Panzica declined to comment, building owner Benderson Development confirmed Panzica is seeking a buyer for the business, its furniture, fixtures, and equipment. (WGRZ.com)

Today in Buffalo:

• Wellness Walks At Tifft Nature Preserve (10:00 AM)
• Summer Craft Week: Fluffy Slime At Angola Public Library (12:00 PM)
• Poolside Concert At Grossman Family Outdoor Pool Complex (5:30 PM)
• Free Movie (Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle) At The Dart Lawn (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Tonight kicks off the last weekend of Zoomagination: The Festival of Lanterns and Lights. Only four nights remain to experience the colorful displays until next summer when a new exhibit of lanterns will adorn the Buffalo Zoo. (The Buffalo Zoo via Instagram)
• The Buffalo Dreams Fantastic Film Festival is opening on Aug. 19. The festival boasts 60 films, including eight world premieres and four features made in the Buffalo area. (Buffalo News)

You're officially in the loop for today! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next update.

— Dan Casarella

About me: Dan Casarella is a writer, podcast producer, and small business development specialist who formerly worked in late-night television. He’s produced many talk segments, including with President Joe Biden, Kobe Bryant, and Chadwick Boseman. Dan studied Media Studies and Production at Temple University. He also enjoys running, painting, and the highs and lows of Philadelphia’s sports teams.