Good morning, Canton.

Canton native Joshua Poole, who spent 25 years in humanitarian aid overseas, has partnered with CommQuest to raise funds for local food agencies and will soon start a 2,197-mile hike along the Appalachian Trail.

His family will visit him on the trek in September (honoring his late father).

Canton Woman's Club will host a Mother's Day Tea and Luncheon at 822 Market Ave. N on May 9 with Michael Sonata performing a Frank Sinatra tribute; tickets cost $35 via prepaid reservations due by April 20 and parking is free as proceeds support maintenance of the 1867 Victorian-era clubhouse.

The Perry History Club will meet with Perry Police Department Chief Bryan Taylor at 6 p.m. March 16 at the old Genoa Schoolhouse.

The club will serve an all-you-can-eat breakfast on March 21 at Richville United Church of Christ.

Academy Sports + Outdoors in Jackson Township opens a soft launch at 3 p.m. March 15 at 6687 Strip Ave NW and holds a grand opening on March 20 with gift cards for early customers; the store will host a shopping spree for 20 children on March 19.

Walsh University will host its annual International Dinner and Cultural Festival on March 21 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Barrette Business and Community Center, where guests will enjoy a buffet of international dishes and live cultural performances (featuring 124 students from over 30 countries) along with a basket raffle.

A state study found that children living near the former Republic Steel site in Canton may have faced lead exposure risks before the plant closed in 2023.

The Ohio Department of Health advised residents to have children tested and take steps to reduce lead exposure per Canton Public Health.

Today and tomorrow, the Stark County Home & Garden Show runs at the Center for Performance at Hall of Fame Village from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., featuring professional exhibits, educational sessions on sustainable landscaping and renovation and community offerings such as the Aultman Wellness Expo with $5 admission.

Brookside Country Club (designed by Donald Ross over 100 years ago) will begin a multimillion-dollar restoration next year to update its historic golf course for members.

Alexis Reeves from Perry and Constantinos Paxos from Hoover were named Stark County High School Athlete of the Week for March 2-8 after 24,220 votes were cast; Reeves earned 59.34% of votes for bowling and Paxos garnered 47.82% for wrestling.

Today, the Ohio High School Athletic Association girls basketball tournament continues in the Dayton area with state championship games set at UD Arena (12:30 p.m., 3:45 p.m. and 7 p.m.) after Thursday semifinals saw Central Catholic as the lone Stark County team.

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.

Cheer Power Canton Disco Showdown

9 a.m. — Canton Memorial Civic Center — Check event website for costs — Experience thrilling cheer performances at the Disco Showdown.

SMOOV R&B Brunch Experience

12-4 p.m. — MBar- Canton's Martini and Wine Bar — Food and drinks not included — Groove to R&B hits while enjoying a lively brunch party atmosphere.

Ohio Coin Machine Association Dart Tournament

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Canton Memorial Civic Center — Free entry — Gather for an energetic competition at the annual OCMA State Dart Divisional Championships.

Harlem Wizards Game

6-9 p.m. — GlenOak HS — $15-$60 — Experience an exciting evening of basketball with the Harlem Wizards in Canton, OH.