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🗞️The Cake is on Fire!

🗞️The Cake is on Fire!

December 13, 2024

Good Morning, Akron!

If you’re wondering about the flames, no worries—the cake is on fire, but only because Akron’s turning 200 next year and we couldn’t fit all the candles without a fire.

As the Rubber City gears up to celebrate its big bicentennial, we’ve got the latest on festive plans, live music to keep the party going, and even a creepy Christmas twist (because why not?). Grab a slice, blow out a few candles, and dive into this week’s Akron Digest.

Let’s get to it.

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The Digest

Akron Kicks Off Its Bicentennial Bash

Akron is turning 200 next year (and you thought you felt old), and the city is celebrating big. At the Civic Theatre Wednesday night, Mayor Shammas Malik announced a year of bicentennial events, including a downtown parade, concert series, and lighting the towpath locks in April. The city is also getting a logo redesign, with community input shaping the final reveal next December.

The ceremony honored Akron’s history, from abolitionist Sojourner Truth to modern-day legends like LeBron James and his mom, Gloria. The night ended on a high note with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, setting the stage for a year of celebrating Akron’s past, present, and future. 🎉

Ohio's Cannabis Laws May Be Getting a Shake-Up

Big changes could be in store for Ohio’s recreational cannabis program next year, just a year after legalization. Incoming House Speaker Matt Huffman says lawmakers plan to revisit a stalled bill that could slash home-growing limits, hike sales taxes, and tighten rules around cannabis potency.

Huffman argues the current allowance of 12 plants per household might encourage illegal resale. The bill also seeks to regulate hemp and cannabis together—a sticking point in previous debates. Expect 2025 to bring a renewed push for reform. 🌱

Stan Hywet Hall Expands with New Arts and Cultural Center

Akron City Council has approved Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens’ plan to repurpose the former World Harvest Church property into an arts and cultural center. The landmark's expansion aims to accommodate growing visitation and provide educational spaces while supporting nonprofits with affordable access.

Stan Hywet’s leaders say the project aligns with their mission to preserve cultural and historic resources while fostering community engagement. The new center will sit just northeast of the historic estate, adding to its legacy as a hub for cultural enrichment.

Final Chapter for a Historic Akron Church

First United Methodist Church, a downtown Akron landmark since the early 1800s, is preparing for its final service. Financial challenges and an aging congregation have led to a merger with Wedgewood Methodist Church in Ellet.

Pastor Joe Burkhardt emphasizes that the church’s mission will continue, with plans to use the Mill Street building for community events and services after May. “The church is the people,” Burkhardt says, marking this transition as both an end and a new beginning. ⛪

What’s Happening?

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

Free Holiday Flicks at the Akron Civic

Get into the holiday spirit with Elf and The Polar Express on the big screen at the Akron Civic Theatre on Sunday. Presented by Wayside Furniture, this festive tradition includes free admission and popcorn!

Tickets can be picked up at Wayside Furniture or the Civic Theatre box office. Whether you’re laughing with Buddy the Elf at 2 PM or taking a magical train ride at 6 PM, this event promises holiday cheer for all. 🎄 Info Here

The Magical Polar Experience: All Aboard!

E.J. Thomas Hall transforms into a winter wonderland this Sunday with The Magical Polar Experience! Perfect for the whole family, this interactive event brings the magic of The Polar Express to life. Kids (and parents!) can enjoy live performances, dancers, the movie on the big screen, and a special visit from Santa himself.

Upgrade to VIP for early entry, preferred seating, and a magical goodie bag packed with treats, a keepsake bell ornament, and more. Don’t forget your pajamas—this is one adventure your kids will never forget! 🎅Info Here

Deck the Elves at Green Dragon Inn

Unleash your inner elf at the 2nd Annual Deck the Elves Party! Happening Saturday at the Green Dragon Inn, this all-day event (2 PM–12 AM) is packed with festive fun and fantasy magic.

Kids, teens, and adults can join cosplay contests for awesome prizes, shop unique treasures from vendors, and dive into video games (LAN Party!) and walk-up D&D one-shots. Plus, enjoy raffles, giveaways, themed karaoke at 10 PM, and the star of the show—Toothless the Dog, a D&D playing pup, who you can influence through charitable donations. Don't miss it! 🎄🧝‍♂️✨ Info Here

A Holiday Harmony Spectacle at Akron Civic

Ready to get into the holiday groove? The celebrated nine-man a cappella group Straight No Chaser is bringing their signature sound to the Akron Civic Theatre tonight. With over two decades of harmonizing holiday hits and charming audiences worldwide, SNC promises an unforgettable night of festive favorites and witty banter. From YouTube stardom to sold-out tours, these vocal virtuosos redefine holiday music magic—no calories, just pure joy. 🎄🎶 Info Here

A Haunting Holiday Twist

Forget chestnuts roasting on an open fire—A Creepy Christmas is back to turn your holiday cheer into spine-tingling fear. The Akron Haunted Schoolhouse has decked its eerie halls with twisted lights, sinister spirits, and holiday legends gone awry.

Once you've survived the festive frights, join the free Christmas Cocktail Party for haunted house guests. Sip specialty cocktails, dance off the chills, and toast to a truly unforgettable holiday experience. Happening today and tomorrow. 🎄👻🍸 Info Here

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Live Music Breakdown

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

Sunday
BLU Jazz+ | Dave Banks Holiday Big Band ft. Sandra Montevideo | 6:00

Local History

Once upon a time—okay, the 1930s—Akron neighbor Barberton was a humble town with an unexpected claim to fame: fried chicken. It all started with Serbian immigrants, who brought their love of family recipes and hearty meals to their new home. In 1933, a young couple, Smilka and Manojlo Topalsky, opened a small restaurant called Belgrade Gardens. Their goal? To serve comfort food that reminded them of home. What they didn’t know was that they’d spark a fried chicken revolution.

Their dish was different: tender chicken fried in lard for maximum crispiness, served alongside Serbian-style sides like hot rice, vinegar coleslaw, and freshly fried fries. It wasn’t just a meal; it was an experience. Word spread, and soon other Serbian families in Barberton opened their own fried chicken joints, each with their own twist but staying true to the Topalskys’ roots.

By the 1950s, Barberton earned the title of the "Fried Chicken Capital of the World," with locals fiercely loyal to their favorite spots like Belgrade Gardens, Hopocan Gardens, and White House Chicken. Even today, Barberton’s fried chicken is a beloved Ohio tradition, with recipes so sacred they might as well be locked in a vault.

So, if you’re ever in Barberton, forget the usual fast-food fare. Order some crispy fried chicken, Serbian sides, and a slice of history served on a plate. It’s proof that the best traditions are the ones you can taste. 🐓

Weather

Today

28 🌡️ 16 | ⛅️ | 0% 🌨️

Saturday

39 🌡️ 32 | ☁️ | 1% 🌧️

Sunday

42 🌡️ 38 | 🌧️ | 91% 🌧️

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Talk to you next Friday!