Good morning, Canton.

North Canton will host an Independence Day celebration featuring a $40K drone show at 9:30 p.m. on July 4 — a safe alternative to fireworks due to construction and noise concerns affecting pets and residents, with additional festivities including a community picnic, parade, and live music.

Papa Johns announced on Feb.

26 that it will close about 300 underperforming U.S. stores by the end of 2027, with 200 closures planned for 2026. Older franchise-owned locations may be reviewed, including the chain's 170 Ohio outlets, to improve performance.

On Feb. 26, speakers shared personal stories of overcoming drug addiction at the 11th annual Opiate Symposium (Recovery and Resilience) held at the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Nash Family Event and Conference Center, crediting early support and a Stark County judge’s intervention for helping them turn their lives around.

The Stark County Home and Garden Show runs March 13-14 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Center for Performance at Hall of Fame Village in Canton — featuring landscape displays, home renovation ideas, and educational sessions on wellness and sustainability.

Admission is $5.

Work resumed on the Gameday Bay water park in Canton as blue panels replaced old coverings; the park will open in spring while an adjacent hotel will begin construction this year (set for a fourth-quarter opening).

Hayden Croyle (Lake) and Talan Smith (Perry) have been named Stark County Athlete of the Week for Feb.

16-22 after 22,226 votes gave them 59.71% and 82.09% support, respectively. Their wins mark a notable achievement in local high school sports.

ASU wide receiver Jordyn Tyson said he is open to joining the Browns in the upcoming NFL draft after getting advice from his NBA brother (Jaylon of the Cavs) on relocating to Northeast Ohio.

He added that the family connection could boost his work ethic and game if he is selected.

High school wrestling sectional tournaments begin today in the Greater Akron/Canton area across 18 events for Divisions I, II and III—these competitions featuring returning champions serve as qualifiers for district tournaments with most starting at 9:30 or 10 a.m.

Massillon boys basketball lost no ground as Jadyce Thigpen hit a step-back 3-pointer at the buzzer on Friday, Feb.

27 — his shot gave his team a 79-76 win over Jackson.

32 high school swimmers competed in Division I swim prelims Friday at C.T.

Branin Natatorium, with the top eight finishers in each event advancing to finals today (including Stark County qualifiers). The meet sets the stage for team points in today's finals.

ToyRama Expo

10 AM – 3 PM — Stark County Fairgrounds — Family-friendly event — Dive into a treasure trove of vintage and modern toys, video games, cards, and more at Northeast Ohio's premier toy expo.

St. Baldrick’s Foundation Fundraiser

12-3 p.m. — North Canton Racquet Club — Donations appreciated — Have fun while supporting childhood cancer research and be a hero for kids with cancer.

Harlem Globetrotters

7-10 p.m. — Canton Memorial Civic Center — Tickets valid for rescheduled date — Experience the legendary Harlem Globetrotters in action as they bring their unique blend of basketball and entertainment to Canton.

Stark County Home & Garden Show

10 AM-7 PM — Stark County Home And Garden Show — Admission details not specified — Explore how art builds community and enjoy engaging displays and exhibits.

2026 Canton Kidfest

11 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Canton Memorial Civic Center — VIP tickets available — Experience an electrifying performance from the Miss Americanas, a Taylor Swift Tribute Band with fresh arrangements and family-friendly fun.

Craft Cocktail Class at Gervasi Spirits

Evening — Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa — Check event for pricing — Shake up your night by learning master mixology techniques in a fun, interactive setting.

Hand Knit Chunky Blankets Workshop

6-9 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — Base price covers 4 skeins of yarn — Craft a cozy chunky blanket and bond over beautiful creations.

An Evening with Terry Virts

6:30-7:30 p.m. — Canton Palace Theatre — $0.00 - $75.00 USD — Astronaut Terry Virts shares his experiences of space through stunning photography and storytelling.

Anthony Ramos Art Show

5-7 p.m. — EN-RICH-MENT — Donation appreciated — Celebrate the power of art in fostering community connections at this inspiring showcase.

Pajama Storytime

6:30-7:30 p.m. — Firestone Park Branch Library — Free entry — Build early literacy skills through songs, stories, rhymes, and movement for all ages.