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🗞️Drones are Coming to Akron

🗞️Drones are Coming to Akron

November 29, 2024

Good Morning!

The holiday season is officially here, and with Black Friday around the corner, there’s no shortage of action in Akron this week. In this week’s edition:

Lock 3 Grand Re-opening, including a drone show
Best places to see Xmas lights
Swenson’s becomes a drive-through

… and more. Let’s get to it.

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The Digest

Lock 3 Reopens with Year-Round Upgrades

Lock 3 just got a serious glow-up, and the grand re-opening is today. After a $17M renovation, Akron’s downtown park now features lush gardens, shaded seating, and the Maynard Performance Pavilion—a space designed for everything from concerts to community events.

Winter at Lock 3 is packed with activities like ice skating, bumper cars, and igloo rentals, alongside nostalgic touches like Archie the Talking Snowman. Whether you’re passing through or planning a visit, the new Lock 3 has plenty to explore. Check our events section below for this weekend’s festivities.

Huntington Bank Selling Iconic Akron Tower for Redevelopment 🏢

Huntington Bank is under contract to sell its 27-story art deco tower and adjacent Cascade Plaza building in downtown Akron to an unnamed local developer. While Huntington will consolidate operations nearby, its branch in the tower will remain open. Akron Mayor Shammas Malik praised the move as a step toward revitalizing Cascade Plaza, which already has redevelopment plans for nearby buildings, including a $20M apartment project at City Center Hotel. The sale is expected to close in late 2025.

Walking Pneumonia Cases Surge in Akron

Walking pneumonia, a milder form of pneumonia, is on the rise in Ohio, with Akron Children's Hospital reporting over 300 cases since June. This bacterial infection, caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is spreading rapidly among kids, with symptoms like persistent cough, low fever, and fatigue. Summit County schools have seen 11 outbreaks this year. Experts recommend seeking medical attention for lingering symptoms and emphasize good hygiene practices like handwashing to curb the spread. 🩺💨

Akron Beltway Ramps Reopen Ahead of Thanksgiving Travel

Several highway ramps in Akron reopened Wednesday morning, easing travel just in time for Thanksgiving holiday travel. Key connections along the Kenmore Leg and near East Avenue are back in action after closures lasting up to two years. However, a few ramps—including I-77 southbound to U.S. 224—remain closed until mid-December. As part of the $160M Akron Beltway project, the work includes lane additions, pavement replacements, and turn radius improvements, with full completion expected by summer 2025. 🚗

What’s Happening?

Here is a breakdown of events happening this weekend:

This Weekend at Lock 3: Skates, Santa, and Celebrations

Downtown Akron’s weekend festivities start tonight at 6 PM with the Welcome Santa Parade, featuring floats, stilt walkers, and costumed characters. The parade will go down Main Street from Echange to Bowery. At 7 PM, head to Lock 3 for live music, a ribbon cutting, and a dazzling drone show.

Seasonal winter activities begin at Lock 3 today at 11 AM, including ice skating ($10 with rental), bumper cars ($12 for 10 minutes), and cozy igloo rentals ($50 for 2 hours). Don’t forget to visit Archie the Talking Snowman for some nostalgic holiday magic! 🎄⛸️✨

The Nutcracker Dances into Akron

Ballet Theatre of Ohio’s The Nutcracker returns to the Akron Civic Theatre from Nov. 30 to Dec. 8, bringing the holiday magic with stunning dancers, dazzling sets, and gorgeous costumes. Voted Akron’s Favorite Holiday Show, this production also features “The North Pole,” complete with Santa’s workshop, photo ops with Santa, and a sleigh full of toys. Don’t miss the Nutcracker Tree for family pictures or the Nutcracker Sweets and Boutique for festive treats! Tickets Here 🎄🩰

Black Friday Beers and Chicken & Waffles🍺🧇

Head down to Hopping Frog Brewery today and kick off Black Friday right with chicken & waffles and exclusive beer releases starting at 10 AM! Treat yourself to special brews like Black Friday Barleywine, Key Lime Pie Ale, and Barrel-Aged Q.O.R.I.S. Imperial Stout. Shop fresh merch—think hoodies, T-shirts, and hats—while sipping on something special. Because holiday shopping is better with beer! More Info.

Deck the Hall: A Holiday Wonderland at Stan Hywet

Step into a festive wonderland at Stan Hywet’s Deck the Hall, today and tomorrow from 3-8 PM. Stroll through the illuminated estate adorned with 1.4 million lights, explore the beautifully decorated Manor House, and warm up with cocoa or mulled wine from Molly’s Courtyard Café. Don’t forget to shop for holiday treasures at Molly’s Shop! Tickets start at $20 for adults and $9 for youth on weekdays. Tickets Here

Wild Lights at Akron Zoo

If you prefer your holiday lights by the wild animals, head to Wild Lights at the Akron Zoo! Beginning tonight, stroll through the zoo decked out in sparkling lights and festive displays while visiting your favorite animal friends. Warm up with seasonal treats, enjoy unique photo ops, and experience holiday magic alongside the wildlife. Tickets and details are available online—don’t miss this one-of-a-kind holiday tradition! 🎄🦁

Live Music Breakdown

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

Akron Eats 🍔

Dante Boccuzzi Akron (dba) will serve its final meal on Dec. 31, making way for a new upscale Italian restaurant, Luciano’s, set to open in February under Testa Hospitality Group. Luciano’s will feature a Mediterranean-inspired design and focus on the patio, promising a fresh concept for Akron diners.

Joe’s BBQ, a Kent BBQ joint with a cult following, will be moving into a brick and mortar building from their current setup. Owner Joe Menendez expects to be set up in the new spot by early summer 2025.

Swensons West Akron went from Drive-In to Drive-through early Sunday Morning when A car struck the building, causing minor injuries to one employee and potential injuries to the 23-year-old driver. While the building sustained damage, Swensons confirmed no structural issues, and repairs are underway with reopening expected in a few weeks

Black Friday - The Akron Way 🛍️

Summit Artspace and Akron Bazaar are teaming up this weekend to give you a double dose of shopping with local vendors. Shopping today through Saturday. Info here.

You can also check out a wide variety of local vendors this weekend at Northside Marketplace. According to their Instagram page, “Make your own body oil, sample wine, and more!” Info Here.

Missing Falls Brewery is also hosting a holiday bazaar on Saturday from 11-6. About 50 vendors expected. Info here

Signal Akron put together a terrific gift buying list if you want to make things really easy: Buy local: 27 gifts every Akronite will love

Happy Shopping, Akron.

Weather

Today

33 🌡️ 21 | 🌨️/⛅️ | 65% 🌨️

Saturday

31 🌡️ 21 | ⛅️ | 5% 🌧️

Sunday

32 🌡️ 24 | 🌨️ | 65% 🌧️

Thanks!

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Talk to you next Friday!