🌱 Boilermaker Road Race Returns + New 'Otterly Awesome' Residents

Hello, Utica! Like many of you, the Patch staff will be taking some time off for the Fourth of July. I’ll be back in your inbox after the holiday, but until then, here’s what’s happening in town today.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: A shower and t-storm; humid. High: 79 Low: 66.
• Tuesday: Thundershowers possible. High: 86 Low: 64.
• Wednesday: Mostly sunny and humid. High: 88 Low: 64.

From our sponsor:

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Here are the top three stories today in Utica:

1. The Boilermaker Road Race returns to Utica from Jul. 7-9, featuring various fitness activities celebrating a healthy lifestyle throughout the weekend. What started as a small 15K race in 1978 has grown into a multi-day event with over 20,000 participants and volunteers from around the globe. Besides the iconic Boilermaker 15K and 5K races on Sunday, Jul. 9, attendees can enjoy a variety of fitness events, community programs, and other activities; more information on the weekend's schedule can be found at boilermaker.com. (Rome Sentinel)
2. On Thursday, the Oneida County Board of Tourism announced that Sarah Foster Calero will succeed Kelly Blazosky as its president. After 14 years in the role, Blazosky stepped down on Jun. 30 because of the residency requirement, with New Hartford resident Foster Calero beginning her duties on Jul. 1. Foster Calero will lead the team in promoting Oneida County through various sectors, including group tours, film and TV production, and travel trade. (Utica Observer-Dispatch)
3. The Utica Zoo has welcomed two adorable new residents, Briar and Lily, as part of the new Otterly Awesome North American River Otter exhibit. In 2022, the space was transformed from the former Sea Lion habitat with a $200,000 renovation funded by First Source Federal Credit Union and private donors. The otters can now be seen by the public, engaging in various activities and enjoying their new home in the Backyards & Barnyards area of the Utica Zoo; for more details about these playful otters, visit uticazoo.org/riverotter. (WKTV)

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Coming up in Utica:

Monday, July 3

• Sewing Circle And Book Club At Proctor Park (2:00 PM)

Tuesday, July 4

• Utica Blue Sox Vs. Watertown Rapids At Donovan Stadium At Murnane Field (6:30 PM)

Wednesday, July 5

• Vintage Video Game Day At Utica Public Library (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• On Jun. 30, the Utica Fire Department celebrated the graduation of Class 42. This class included 22 recruits across 12 different fire districts, all of whom completed 14 weeks of rigorous training. (WKTV)
• Subaru of Utica, in partnership with Subaru of America and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, donated blankets to patients at the Mohawk Valley Health System Cancer Center. (Oneida Dispatch)
• Driving out to the Utica Fourth of July parade, party, and/or fireworks show? Be prepared— visit the link for a list of street closures. (Subscription: Rome Sentinel)

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Featured events:

• Crossing Over With Psychic Medium John Edward live in Syracuse! (July 15)
• Add your event

That's it for today! I'll be in your inbox soon with a new update.

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.