Good morning, Canton.

Canton's annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival boosts local pride and the economy as it draws hundreds of thousands of visitors for a weeklong celebration.

General Chair and Stark County commissioner Bill Smith said the event reinforces the town's identity as the birthplace of football.

On Aug. 8, the Canton Woman's Club at 822 Market Ave. N will offer a continental breakfast before and after the Pro Football Hall of Fame Festival Grand Parade — reserved bleacher seats and buffet options are available at 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., with reservations due by July 24.

Darla Brown, vice president of marketing at the Canton Regional Chamber, explained her journey from journalism to marketing and how local businesses use new AI tools to grow; she is active in community organizations (including the Aultman Women’s Board and United Way) and enjoys local hikes.

The Canton Symphony Orchestra is hosting performances led by five finalist conductors to choose its next music director while continuing its nearly 90-year legacy.

The orchestra offers a range of concerts & free educational programs serving local audiences.

Mount Union’s theater program offers a fresh take on 'As You Like It' with live 60s music outdoors at Glamorgan Castle in Alliance from July 23 to 26 and July 30 to Aug.

2 — performances will shift indoors at the Giese Center if weather worsens.

Food writer Bev Shaffer lists top pizza spots for Enshrinement Festival week across Stark County — from long-standing favorites like Kraus’ Pizza to new artisan options in Canton.

Readers can check online for menu details and festival specials.

The former Ambassador Motel on Lincoln St. E reopened as Lincoln Street Studios with 17 renovated studio apartments averaging 300 sqft, including accessible units and modern features.

The remodeled building offers on-site parking and storage and will add an outdoor pavilion next year — a cost-effective improvement by TRE Properties.

Guardians rookie Travis Bazzana played in his first All-Star Game on July 14 and hit his first MLB walk-off home run on Saturday, July 18, lifting the team to a 5+3 win over the Pirates.

Ryan Sam won the Stark County Amateur Golf Championships and said his focus and skill helped secure the victory.

His win on the local course highlights the talent among amateur golfers in our community.

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.

Kids’ Pokémon Club

6:00 – 6:45 p.m. — Canal Fulton Public Library — Free entry — A lively meet-up for young Pokémon Trainers to trade cards and learn the game.

Hall of Famer Walk

9 a.m. - 12 p.m. — Pro Football Hall of Fame — Free entry — Celebrate sports history with a community walk featuring Hall of Famers.

SidestreetMKTS Hall of Fame Night Market 2026

4-9 p.m. — Oakwood Square — Free entry — Experience a vibrant evening of open-air shopping with local food, music, and community spirit.

Lainey Wilson Concert for Legends

7:30-9 p.m. — Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium — $50.00 - $400.00 — Don't miss Grammy-winner Lainey Wilson headline this legendary concert event.

Overboard: The Love Boat Band Concert

7-9:15 p.m. — Nash Family Jackson Amphitheater — Free entry — Dance to the best AM Gold hits of the 70's-80's with the Love Boat Band.