Parade route announced for December 12 ‘Light Up Akron’

“Light Up Akron” on December 12 will include a festive Car/Firetruck Parade weaving through the village beginning at 4 p.m.

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.

The parade route announced this week will be as follows:

➔ Start at Joint Facility DPW Parking Lot 12707 Clarence Center Road, Akron

➔ Turn right out of parking lot onto Clarence Center Road

➔ Turn right on Buell Street

➔ Turn left onto Skyline Drive

➔ Turn left onto Crittenden Road

➔ Turn left onto East Avenue

➔ Turn right onto Exchange Street

➔ Turn left onto Main Street

➔ Turn right onto Townsend Street

➔ Turn right onto Bloomingdale Ave

➔ Turn left onto Eckerson Avenue

➔ Turn left onto Cedar Street

➔ Turn left onto John Street

➔ Turn right onto Parkview Drive

➔ Turn right onto Main Street

➔ Santa and Mayor will stop at Clinton Street to walk into Russell Park for tree lighting

➔ Parade continues down Main Street and ends at Akron Fire Company

Everyone is reminded to please stay in their driveways or on their front porch.  Make sure to be socially distant and no large groups on the sidewalk or in the roadway.

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.

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.

All proceeds benefit the AMP Senior Scholarship fund.

Decorations

Russell Park and Main Street in Akron are looking very festive thanks to the Department of Public Works and volunteers 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.

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.