Good morning, Canton.

Drone light shows will dazzle crowds at the Balloon Classic on July 24 and 25 with preview shows at 9:20 p.m. and main events at 10 p.m. on the Kent State University at Stark campus in Jackson Township—planners say 600 drones will display new 3D designs.

Mark Smith has completed renovations on the barn at Hickory Run Farm in Lake Township and locals are invited to check out the updated space.

Today in Canton, multiple local events offer summer fun: the Balloon Classic launches free balloon flights and drone light shows at Kent State University in Stark, the Fantasy Football Expo opens at Canton Memorial Civic Center, and the Grecian Festival features Greek food and dancing at Holy Trinity.

A pop-up pantry held on July 22 at Glamorgan Castle helped 170 local families get free groceries and provided leftover food to Alliance Community Pantry (donated after the two-hour event).

Alliance City Schools, Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank and Alliance Community Pantry will host the next pantry on Aug. 26.

Maple Street Biscuits closed its only Stark County location in Jackson Township on July 23 after Cracker Barrel sold 35 biscuit outlets to Biscuit Belly to cut debt.

The local shop at (4996 Fulton Drive NW) shuttered after only three years.

The Downtown Canton Blues and BBQ Festival will be held tomorrow at Centennial Plaza and downtown venues with concerts starting at 2 p.m. and continuing until 11 p.m. Regional acts including the Shane Guerrette Band will perform while food trucks and taprooms offer local bites.

Dr. Mark Smith’s Hickory Run Farm in Lake Township is offering a tour of his pioneer museum that displays antiques such as an early sheep dog collar and bread toaster.

The collection will be on display this weekend for an America 250 event.

Kim, a Canton resident, won $46,200 in the Ohio Lottery’s Cash Explosion game on July 23, 2026 (8:17 a.m.) as part of an Independence Day-themed drawing that also saw two other winners from Zanesville and Colliers secure prizes, with every contestant guaranteed at least $6,100.

The Ohio Department of Health confirmed at least 2,576 cyclosporiasis cases this year, including 94 in Stark County and 134 hospitalizations, marking the largest outbreak in U.S. history.

Health experts advise vulnerable residents to seek medical care if symptoms like severe diarrhea develop.

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.