Celebration Committee presenting many ways to enjoy the Fourth of July

Changes in parking and parade route announced

Beautiful arrays of colorful fireworks will fill the air tonight, Thursday, July 3, in Veterans Park on Buell Street as the Akron Celebration Committee kicks off their annual Fourth of July festivities.  Pink Cow, Newstead Exempts, Papa’s Popcorn, Babz BBQ, Deb’s Concessions, and Cheesy Chick will be on hand to serve those who come early to find the perfect spot for the show which begins at dusk.

Fourth of July

Main Street and Russell Park will be the site of activities throughout the Fourth, beginning with a Yoga and Meditation session with Catherine Feldman for all ages at 9 a.m.

The Annual Newstead Historical Society Pie Sale and Quilt Raffle begins at the Knight Sutton Museum on Main Street at 9 a.m.  The Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the Rich-Twinn Octagon House is open for tours from 2 to 4 p.m.

The annual Power Wheels Race begins at Main and Church at 10 a.m. followed by the Soap Box Derby at the same location at 11 a.m.

Friends of the Newstead Public Library and Limerick Hall are holding a chicken barbeque and Pink Cow, Newstead Exempts, Papa’s Popcorn, Indian Tacos, Deb’s Concessions will be present around Russell Park beginning at 11 a.m.  Kids activities and Face Painting are also planned in the Park beginning at 11 a.m.

A Meet and Greet with Wicked Characters is planned from 11:30 to 1:30 and Mr. No the Balloon Guy will be in the park from noon until 2 p.m.

Those planning to participate in the Pink Cow Ice Cream Contest are invited to arrive 10 to 15 minutes before the 12:30 start.

Smoke Dancers will be in the gazebo from 1 to 3 p.m.

One-Side Parking

One-Side Parking will be implemented on John Street from Cedar Street to Church Street with parking only on the south side; and on Clinton, Marshall, and Hoag Street with parking only on the East Side on the Fourth.

Handicap Parking will be available in the lower level of the Akron Fire Hall parking lot.

Extra parking areas for general parking are located behind the Akron Village Hall, Masonic Temple on John Street, End of Clinton Street on Eckerson by the Sub-station, and Legion Lot at the end of Franklin Street.

Parade route change

The Kiddie Parade will begin at Hart Street and continue down Main Street to the park.

The Gala Parade starts at 4:30 p.m. beginning at Akron Central School on Bloomingdale Avenue, traveling down Townsend to Main, and then turning down Monroe Street and ending at John Street.

The parade route will remain secured for ten minutes after the parade, delaying the return of normal traffic slightly.

Concerts

The Alexander Marching Band will present a short concert of patriotic and other familiar music in Russell Park following the parade.

Akron Community Band will bring a full concert beginning at 7 p.m. (please note the earlier than normal start).  Among the songs in their program are Strike Up the Band, The Blue and the Gray, Rock, Roll and Remember, and Freedom as well as a variety of other selections including marches and patriotic tunes.