Akron Chamber springs into a full schedule of events

The Akron Chamber of Commerce has a full schedule of spring and summer events planned, including Thursday Cruise Nights, West Shore Market, the annual Sidewalk Sale, and working with the Akron Celebration Committee on the Fourth of July Celebration.

Cruise Nights begin next Thursday, June 5 with “Hot Rods and Rat Rods Night” sponsored by Candy Apple Café.  They continue every Thursday night (except July 3), through September 11.

June 12 is “Truck Night” sponsored by Fred Thomas Agency; June 19 “Mopar Night sponsored by the Pink Cow Ice Cream; June 26 “Mustang Night” sponsored by Bank on Bufalo; July 10 “Bike Night” sponsored by White Whisker’s Senior Dog Sanctuary; July 17 “VW Night” sponsored by Martin’s Mercantile, July 24 “Bob Lucia Camaro Night” sponsored by Pixley’s Food Market, and July 31 “Ford Night” sponsored by Perry’s Ice Cream

August begins with “Jeep Night” sponsored by Northtowns FCU.   August 14 is “Corvette Night” sponsored by Old Scotland Road Distillery; August 21 is “Tractor Night” sponsored by Akron-Newstead Rotary Club; August 28 is “Anything Exotic Night” sponsored by Whiting Door Co.’; September 4 “General Motors Night” sponsored by Niagara Label; and September 11 – Off Road/4×4 sponsored by Precision Electric.

West Shore Market – Akron’s Farmers Market opens June 5th at 5:00 in Russell Park.  Many of the Market’s full season vendors are expected back this season, along with several returning vendors and exciting new vendors as well.  West Shore market is open from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. during Cruise Nights.

The SNAP token program is in effect and it is a Double Up Bucks approved site

Children’s activities are available weekly- sidewalk chalk, bubbles, coloring to borrow. Find Westin the WSM mascot and earn a ticket to redeem at the prize box.  Public playground and splash pad are also located in Russell Park.

The Annual Sidewalk Sale is set for Saturday, June 14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Main Street.  Main Street businesses, vendors, food trucks are participating.

The Akron Celebration Committe will bring a Fourth of July Celebration with fireworks, events, food, and parade.  Food and novelty vendors will be available in Veterans Park on July 3 with Fireworks at dusk.

Activities center around Russell Park on July 4 with the Power Wheels Race, Soap Box Derby, Kids activities, Chicken barbecue and food vendors.  Also planned is a Meet and Greet with Emmalee’s Memories WICKED characters and Mr. NO the Balloon Guy.  An Ice Cream Contest sponsored by Pink Cow and Smoke Dancers in the Gazebo, the Kiddie Parade (theme “Freedom to Be Fit”) and Gala Parade (theme “Freedom to Be Fit”).  The Alexander Band will perform in Russell Park following the parade and Akron Community Band will present their annual patriotic concert beginning at 7 p.m. in the gazebo.   Pink Cow, Newstead Exempts, Chiavetta’s BBQ c/o Limerick House and Newstead Public Library, Papa’s Popcorn, Babz BBQ, Indian Tacos, and more are expected to provide delicious food options.

“Many don’t realize all of the time, effort, and steps it takes to host these events each year,” Akron Chamber of Commerce President Jacob Halleck said.  “I would like to formally thank our Board of Directors who spend countless hours preparing for these events along with the time it takes from their families and businesses to attend each of these events, as well. We are also very blessed to have such a good relationship with the Village of Akron. The Newstead/Akron Emergency Managers, Akron DPW, Akron Police Dept, and Akron Fire Company also utilize many of their resources to assist with these events which tend to bring in lots of shoppers to our local merchants and restaurants. We truly appreciate everyone that is involved in all of these community events!”

Halleck cites the need for volunteers to keep these and all community events.  “I encourage anyone looking to assist in any capacity to reach out to us. Feel free to contact us at Akronchamber@gmail.com or attend one of our monthly meeting which are usually the second Wednesday of each month in the Village Hall at 6:30 p.m. Follow us on Facebook for updates as well. Events like these are very important to a small community and I would hate to see more events not take place because we can not get enough people to plan and assist with them. That can turn a thriving business district into a quiet one very quickly. Please consider volunteering for community events and organizations as they are more important than some realize.”