Good morning, Canton.

Heart of Ohio Diaper Bank reached a milestone in June by distributing its 2 millionth diaper to families in need across eight counties—this nonprofit, founded in 2019 and run mostly by volunteers, plans to expand its support to more families.

The organization works like a business to help keep babies healthy and ease the stress on low-income families.

On May 17, 2024, the Jacob Gaskins Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution opened in North Canton when 30 members met with state officials and local heritage leaders—honoring freed slave Jacob Gaskins who ran an Underground Railroad station.

The chapter will meet from September through May and plans to sponsor a Wreaths Across America event on Dec. 13 at North Canton Cemetery.

Downtown streets in Canton will close on July 26 from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. for the To Save A Nation Community Suicide Prevention Rally at Centennial Plaza—Third and Fourth streets NW from Market to Cleveland and Court NW from Second to Fifth will be closed, affecting local traffic.

Doug Waikem opened Nature Valley Lodge at his Nature Valley Farm in eastern Wayne County as a new wedding and event venue—he held a soft opening on July 17 and will begin hosting weddings and community events in August.

The venue offers restored rentals and a lodge built to last 300 years, inspired by his childhood on a Perry Township farm.

Canton will host the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival week from July 31 to Aug 3 with events including the Grand Parade starting at 8 a.m. on Aug 2 and an enshrinement ceremony at Tom Benson Stadium at 1 p.m., while fans can also enjoy the Concert for Legends with Nickelback on Aug 3 and family events like Fan Fest and the Balloon Classic — all celebrating football history and local tradition.

Canton-based AultCare announced it will stop offering individual and family plans and a small employer plan next year—affecting about 6,000 enrollees—because uncertainty about federal premium subsidies makes it hard to sustain these products.

AultCare said that affected customers remain covered until Dec. 31 and should choose new coverage during November's open enrollment period.

Rich's Ice Cream Co. is recalling over 110,000 ice cream bars from lot 24351 through lot 25156 due to a potential listeria monocytogenes contamination, the FDA announced July 17.

This recall affects select products sold in 23 states + Nassau, and customers in Ohio who bought these bars should check their purchases + follow FDA guidance.

Rising sophomore Brysen Wright made waves at the NFL Flag Championships in Canton over the weekend when he made an impressive one-handed catch that helped his team Jaguars Elite 14U win the tournament with him named Most Valuable Player.

His play earned more than 100,000 views on social media plus attracted interest from top college programs including Ohio State, Florida State and Miami.

Summer Serenades: Brass Quintet Concert

6:30 PM – 11:59 PM — Exploration Gateway — Free entry — Enjoy the beautiful sounds of nature and music in this family-friendly concert series.

Free Intro to Rope Workshop

6-8 p.m. — Lover's Lane — Free entry — Experience a fun and informative workshop on the basics of rope tying.

Meet It Works! Opportunity Event

2-4 p.m. — Stark Library - North Branch — Free entry — Discover It Works! products and connect with the local community for health and wealth inspiration.

Girls GameBreaker Lacrosse Camp

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Walsh University — Bring your own lunch — Develop your lacrosse skills in a fun, supportive environment tailored for girls aged 6-16.

Gentle Yoga Class

8:30-9:30 a.m. — The Yoga Place — All levels welcome — Experience a soothing class that promotes relaxation and mindful movement.

Alter Eagles Tribute Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Ohio Star Theater at Dutch Valley — Ticket prices vary — Experience the iconic sounds of America's greatest band through an unforgettable tribute performance.

Hoof Awake - Coffee and Canvas

12-2 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — $20 add-on for DIY candle — Create your own long-lasting scented soy candle before unleashing your inner artist with paint.

Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival Class of 2025

12-3 p.m. — Canton Memorial Civic Center — Ticket information unavailable — Experience an intimate and unscripted session with the 2025 Hall of Fame class, featuring exclusive stories and insights.

National Night Out

5-8 p.m. — Jackson Township’s North Park — Free entry — Celebrate community with games, food, and a chance to meet local law enforcement.

Wheels Up Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Nash Family Jackson Amphitheater — Free entry — Enjoy a lively mix of classic rock and country tunes from the 70s to today.