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🗞️ Electric Paddy Wagon

🗞️ Electric Paddy Wagon

May 16, 2025

Good Morning, Akron!

Move over, Cybertruck! Long before Elon was a twinkle in anyone's eye, Akron was revolutionizing electric vehicles. Back in 1899, our city debuted the world's first police car - an electric marvel that blazed through the streets at a hair-raising 16 mph and had a range of 30 miles.

While today's cruisers pack considerably more punch, we can all appreciate Akron's early adoption of "going green". Speaking of pioneering Akron innovations and celebrations, here's what's making headlines this week…

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The Digest

90 Years of Hope: AA's Akron Legacy Inspires Millions 🌟

The world's largest peer helping group for alcoholics is marking a major milestone this year. Alcoholics Anonymous is celebrating its 90th anniversary in Akron, where it all began back in 1935. When stockbroker Bill Wilson and surgeon Dr. Bob Smith first met on Mother's Day that year, neither could have imagined their conversation would spark a global movement. Together, they developed the principles that would eventually become AA's famous 12 steps.

Akron's pivotal role in this remarkable story has been documented extensively over the decades. The city had struggled with alcohol problems even through prohibition, but the founding of AA provided a practical path to sobriety that has since helped millions worldwide. This anniversary coincides with Akron's bicentennial year, making 2025 doubly significant for the city.

For countless people, Dr. Bob's house on Ardmore Avenue remains a place of pilgrimage. For those interested in this pivotal piece of Akron history, Founders' Day events will take place June 6-8, marking the official 90th anniversary celebrations.

Akron Zoo's Gibbon Family Swinging Toward New Addition 🐒

The pitter-patter of tiny primate feet will soon be heard again at the Akron Zoo! Parker, the zoo's female white-cheeked gibbon, is pregnant with her second baby, due in July. This exciting news means that three-year-old Lolani is getting promoted to big sister status, a significant developmental milestone for the juvenile gibbon.

Zoo officials are approaching the pregnancy with cautious optimism while recognizing its importance for conservation efforts. White-cheeked gibbons are classified as critically endangered, making this pregnancy a significant event for the species as a whole. The arrival will contribute to crucial preservation efforts as the population of these primates continues to decline in the wild.

The Akron Zoo participates in the Gibbon Species Survival Plan (SSP) and plays a leadership role in the SAFE: Gibbon program, working to establish genetically-diverse populations in AZA-accredited facilities. Visitors can follow Parker's pregnancy journey over the coming months, watching as Lolani learns valuable parenting skills from her mother that she'll use herself someday. The gibbon family can be viewed daily in the zoo's Lehner Family Foundation Wild Asia area.

What’s Happening

Here is our list of hand-picked events around the area:

Knights, Maidens, and Magical Beasts Await! 🏰

Hark! The Akron Zoo is hosting its first-ever Renaissance Faire on Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Join valiant knights and fair maidens as they wander through market stalls brimming with curiosities and wares at this enchanted festival. Visitors will enjoy minstrel melodies, bardic tales, and hearty fare while exploring the magical blend of zoo animals and medieval fantasy.

The family-friendly event promises a truly unique experience where the majestic creatures of the Akron Zoo meet the wonders of a bygone age. Guests can attend in costume (though adults are prohibited from covering faces with masks or face paint), but leave real weapons at home - fake plastic ones are permitted for those fully embracing the medieval spirit.

General admission rates apply for the event, and it's completely free for Akron Zoo members. With large crowds expected, consider arriving early to secure parking. Whether you fancy yourself a warrior, wizard, or wanderer of whimsy, there's merriment aplenty for all at this royal celebration. Don your finest medieval garb and journey to this wondrous realm where fantasy meets the animal kingdom! Info Here

All Aboard for Scenic Railway Adventure 🚂

The National Park Scenic Excursion offers the most wondrous way to experience the beauty of Cuyahoga Valley National Park this spring. Passengers will meander through miles of stunning nature and cityscapes while relaxing in vintage rail cars. This iconic journey lets travelers discover local history while creating lasting memories with friends and family.

Now running Friday - Sunday each week, the full three-hour trips depart from Akron Northside Station, taking you through the heart of the national park. For those preferring a shorter adventure, 90-minute trips are available departing from Peninsula Depot heading either north or south. The restored vintage cars provide comfortable seating with large windows perfect for taking in the spectacular valley views.

Spring is an especially vibrant time as wildflowers bloom along the tracks and migratory birds return to the valley. Bring your camera and prepare to be enchanted by this quintessential Northeast Ohio experience! Info Here

Outdoor Adventurers Unite at NEO Adventure Fest 🏔️

The inaugural NEO Adventure Fest is set to transform Downtown Cuyahoga Falls into an outdoor enthusiast's paradise on Saturday at 10:00 AM. This exciting festival will bring together organizations, outfitters, retailers, and affinity groups dedicated to establishing Northeast Ohio as a premier adventure destination.

Visitors can learn about hiking, paddling, rock climbing, sustainability initiatives, and volunteer opportunities throughout the day. The festival features three speakers and eleven skill sessions covering a wide array of outdoor adventure themes. Attendees will hear from experts including Heather Ullinger discussing the Gorge Dam removal project, geologist Susan Richards, and long-distance hiker Ian Koenig.

When you need a break, grab refreshments from vendors including Everett Trail Kitchen, Odd Dog Coffee, and Hiho Brewing. Relax in the amphitheater while enjoying presentations and live music from local band Umojah Nation. Whether you're a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or just curious about exploring Northeast Ohio's natural wonders, this festival offers something for everyone in a fun, family-friendly environment. Info Here

Green Thumbs Rejoice: Double Plant Festival Weekend 🌱

Plant enthusiasts are in for a treat this weekend with two major plant sales happening simultaneously in the Akron area. This botanical bonanza offers something for every gardening style and experience level!

Summit Metro Parks presents their 4th annual Native Plant Festival at Munroe Falls Metro Park on Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Visitors can learn how to welcome wildlife into their yards with beautiful and beneficial native plants that play a vital role in our ecosystem. Browse various plants available for purchase or attend educational sessions on incorporating natives into your landscaping. Two special programs are scheduled: "Edible Native Plants for the Home Landscape" from 10-11 AM and "More Than Milkweed" from 11 AM-12 PM. Visitors receive a FREE seedling or seed packet while supplies last, and can enjoy live music by Jen Maurer & Bill Lestock. Info Here

Meanwhile, Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens hosts their beloved Annual Plant Sale Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 5:00, and running through June 1st. The sale features perennial divisions from the historic Great Garden, plus annuals, succulents, and hanging baskets. This weekend, find the sale beside the glass-topped Corbin Conservatory. Many perennials available are actual divisions from Stan Hywet's legendary Great Garden—offering gardeners a rare chance to take home pieces of Akron history that will return season after season. Info Here

Akron Weekend Movie Action 🎬️ 🎥

Nightlight Theatre

A Normal Family
“Jae-wan, a successful lawyer, takes on the case of a rich executive's son, who has purposely run over and killed a man and left his daughter seriously injured. It's Jae-wan's job to defend a murderer, just another rung on his career's golden-stepped ladder. His younger brother, on the contrary, is a scrupulous and upstanding paediatrician, who always puts the health of his patients over profit and money, often contravening the rules of the private clinic where he works. The brothers meet once a month with their wives for fine dining in expensive restaurants, but when an unexpected situation involving their teenage kids arises, their consciences are questioned and their usual dinner conversation takes an unexpected turn..”
Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
Showtimes
The Elephant Man
“A Victorian surgeon rescues a heavily disfigured man being mistreated by his "owner" as a side-show freak. Behind his monstrous façade, there is revealed a person of great intelligence and sensitivity. Based on the true story of Joseph Merrick (called John Merrick in the film), a severely deformed man in 19th century London.”
Rotten Tomatoes: 91%
Showtimes
Swamp Dogg Gets His Pool Painted
“Legendary musician Swamp Dogg, alongside housemates Moogstar and Guitar Shorty, has transformed his home into an artistic playground. Together they navigate the tumultuous music industry, and forge a unique and inspiring path across time”
Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
Showtimes
Secret Mall Apartment
“In 2003, eight Rhode Islanders created a secret apartment inside a busy mall and lived there for four years, filming everything along the way. Far more than a prank, the secret apartment became a deeply meaningful place for all involved..”
Rotten Tomatoes: 98%
Showtimes

Highland Theatre

The Accountant 2
“Christian Wolff (Ben Affleck) has a talent for solving complex problems. When an old acquaintance is murdered, leaving behind a cryptic message to "find the accountant," Wolff is compelled to solve the case. Realizing more extreme measures are necessary, Wolff recruits his estranged and highly lethal brother, Brax (Jon Bernthal), to help. In partnership with U.S. Treasury Deputy Director Marybeth Medina (Cynthia Addai-Robinson), they uncover a deadly conspiracy, becoming targets of a ruthless network of killers who will stop at nothing to keep their secrets buried.” (Rotten Tomatoes)
Rotten Tomatoes: 92%
Showtimes

Live Music Breakdown

Here is a summary of live music happening all around Akron this weekend:

Friday

Saturday

Weather

Today

86 🌡️ 64 | ⛅️ | 25% 🌧️

Saturday

71 🌡️ 52 | 🌦️ | 40% 🌧️

Sunday

66 🌡️ 48 | ⛅️ | 9% 🌧️

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Talk to you next Friday!