Good morning, Canton.

The Canton region will host a busy week with multiple events, including a father-child flag football tournament on July 11 at Bulldog Activity Center & a Jimmy Buffett tribute band performance on July 18 at Nash Family Jackson Amphitheater.

Other free events and community programs are available for residents.

The BBB warns that scammers posing as utility representatives are pressuring Canton residents via calls, texts, or door knocks to pay immediately for service upgrades.

Residents should verify any requests using numbers from official bills (to avoid sharing personal details).

Betty Smith, founder of EN-RICH-MENT — a local fine arts program for children — is stepping down after 14 years of inspiring youth through music, yet she is not saying goodbye.

Star Student Patience Kenimond, who overcame homelessness, received donations for her college expenses from two local readers after her story was published on July 5.

She plans to attend the University of Toledo and will use the funds for books and supplies (helping ease her burden).

GentleBrook signed a deal with Unleased Brands to launch a mobile Snapology education program this fall that teaches hands-on STEM lessons for community members.

The nonprofit will adapt the lessons to serve both its clients and all local residents.

North Canton police launched the Drive Safe North Canton campaign with an online dashboard that shows traffic stops and crash data for the first half of 2026.

The website tracks Main, Applegrove, and Everhard Road NW and is updated monthly.

Susan Spencer (a Canton resident since 1992) serves as vice president and chief nursing officer at Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital and teaches as adjunct faculty at Waynesburg University, where she advises aspiring nurses to gain hands-on experience through shadowing and entry-level roles.

St. Thomas Aquinas football season starts on Aug.

21 with a game at Strasburg-Franklin and regular 7 p.m. matchups; playoffs begin on Oct. 30 and the state championship is set for Dec. 3-5 in Canton (Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium).

African American Arts & Cultural Festival

10 a.m. - 9 p.m. — Visit Canton Downtown Visitor Center — Free entry — Experience two unforgettable days of culture, music, food, and community.

Portage Lakes Fireworks

9-11 p.m. — Portage Lakes State Park — Free entry — Celebrate with spectacular fireworks and enjoy a festive boat parade earlier in the day.

Canton R&B Musicfest

7 p.m. — Centennial Plaza — BOGO Special on tickets — Enjoy the unforgettable sounds of Brownstone and Sunshine Anderson in a vibrant summer concert.

Funky Music Night with Zapp

7-11 p.m. — Lock 3 Park — Free entry — Experience high-energy grooves that will get you dancing all night long.

Forever Seger - The Silver Bullet Experience

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Plain Township Amphitheater — $10.00 - $165.00 — Experience the dynamic tribute to Bob Seger and The Silver Bullet Band with authentic performances.

The Fantasy Football Expo

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Canton Memorial Civic Center — $70 - $290 — Experience Fantasy Football's greatest weekend with experts, parties, and panels in Canton, Ohio.

Fantasy Football Expo

10 a.m. — Canton Memorial Civic Center — $20 — Step into the Fantasy Football Expo, explore vendor booths, and connect with creators in a vibrant tradeshow setting.

Play Football First Play

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM — Pro Football Hall of Fame — Reservations Required — Celebrate the start of the NFL season with a unique football relay from downtown Canton to the Hall of Fame.