Chamber hopes to reach all ages with celebration

Are you ready for some wholesome family fun?

Then the first annual Akron Summer Kickoff Saturday in Akron City Park is the place to be.

The celebration, which begins at 9 a.m., will have activities for kids, adults, senior citizens and teenagers.

"We kind of wanted to reach all ages and all areas," said Lori Rexwinkel, a member of the Akron Chamber of Commerce, which organized the celebration.

"We asked all the area chamber businesses if they wanted to do something plus all the nonprofit organizations," Rexwinkel said.

For example Akron Care Center is offering Bingo, the Akron-Westfield FFA Chapter is sponsoring sand volleyball and Pizza Ranch is holding a disc golf tournament.

Vendors will also be selling wares like purses, candles, fragrances and beauty products.

The summer kickoff will also tickle attendees taste buds with a variety of eats.

Everything from carmel corn to Hawaiian drinks, to hot dogs and brats to cotton candy and funnel cakes will be for sale.

And the Albert E. Hoschler American Legion Post No. 186 will be hosting a community supper featuring barbecue pork sandwiches from 4-6 p.m.

The car show will return from noon to 3 p.m. during Saturday's celebration with prizes awarded at 4 p.m.

The summer kickoff will conclude with two dances from 8 p.m. to midnight.

One will be a street dance in front of Akron City Hall on Reed Street featuring DJ music. The other dance featuring "The Senders" will be in St. Patrick's Parish Hall.

Rexwinkel said organizing the Akron Summer Kickoff "hit a few snags along the way, but for the most part the chamber wanted to do it."

"The chamber (of commerce) took it over this year," Rexwinkel said. "We wanted to make it more family friendly."

The former Akron celebration, Street Vibrations included mostly events for adults like a car show and poker run.

"The chamber is out to do something to make Akron a friendly community to come to," Rexwinkel said. "Everybody that we've talked to, it seems like they are planning on coming (to the celebration)."

Anyone wanting a full schedule of events can check out the website, www.akronia.org/summerkickoff.php.