Decorations begin to take shape for Light Up Akron
Decorations are heralding the upcoming Light Up Akron, set for Saturday, December 12 and helping Russell Park and Main Street in Akron, look a lot like Christmas. Department of Public Works is instrumental in hanging the lights and volunteers are working to provide a safe and festive event to kick off the Holiday season. Residents are encouraged to decorate their homes and make Akron a destination to drive through for the holidays.
Chicken barbecue
Akron Music Parents will host their Annual Chicken BBQ, at the Russell Park shelter. Saturday, December 12 from Noon to 3 p.m. Prices for BBQ are a dollar less presale then the day of BBQ and ensure you have a dinner.
Presale tickets will be available from Akron Central Music Students or by calling Amy Cummings at 716-316-3069. Cut off for pre-sale is Monday, December 7. There will be a drive-up zone for presale orders and a food line for day of sales. Participants must wear a mask, follow guidelines, must social distance in line. Pick up food and exit.
Festive Parade
A festive Car/Firetruck Parade will weave through village beginning at 4 p.m. with Santa and Mrs. Claus and Mayor Patterson. This year participants are to line up at the Joint Department of Public Works Facility located at 12707 Clarence Center Rd., in Akron. Lineup will begin at 3:30 p.m. and anyone participating must have cars or trucks brightly decorated. Sadly, there will be no foot parade this year and no floats will be allowed. A modified parade route will be announced soon.
Mayor Patterson and Santa and Mrs. Clause will ride along with the Parade and disembark at Russell Park to light the Community Christmas Tree inviting residents to watch it live streaming on Facebook. Those who attend will be asked to please social distance themselves. The Dale Kruschke family will provide the beautiful tree again this year for the Russell Park Gazebo and Akron Lioness Organization will donate lights for the tree.
Music on Main
Music on Main Street will be provided by Mark Buell of Nickel City Frets, who will play his guitar from his store located at 61 Main Street, as residents walk from business to business.
Tree decorating
Russell Park and the Community Christmas Tree will be lit from December 12 through the Holiday season for village children to decorate the tree with their ornaments.
Support local business
“What a perfect opportunity for family holiday pictures and supporting local Businesses!” organizers said. “Merchants will post and advertise month long specials, deals to bring customers into village to shop. Village shops will be open later in the day, December 12th for Light up Akron.”
Thank You
Organizers thank the Village of Akron Department of Public Works and volunteers for all their efforts to decorate the Community Christmas Tree, Russell Park and the Akron Business District each year. Many thanks to the Akron Police Department and First Responders for all you do to keep us safe.