The policy has been in place since 1993, and specifically states the following:

“All political signs, brochures or any other political materials at any Pro Football Hall of Fame
Enshrinement Festival event are prohibited.”

No person presently holding and/or running for political office shall be permitted to participate in
or be introduced at Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival events except as follows:

1. The President and/or Vice President of the United States, the Governor of the State of Ohio and the Mayor of the City of Canton shall be welcome.
2. A volunteer working member of a Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival Committee may participate but may not be introduced except in his or her official Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival committee capacity.

Additionally, in order to maintain safety and assure the enjoyment of participants at the events, all vendors (even if licensed by the City, County and/or State) are prohibited from selling at the events. Any vendor sales or solicitation for sales must occur outside of the event boundaries/barricades. Only the Enshrinement Festival souvenir committee and official Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival sponsors/partners are permitted to sell or distribute within the confines of the events.

Specifically for the Timken Grand Parade, in order to maintain safety and assure the enjoyment of participants and spectators along the 2.2 mile route on Cleveland Avenue from Sixth Street S to 25th Street N, the following shall apply and will be strictly enforced by parade marshals and safety officials:

* Spectators are absolutely prohibited from coming onto the street and/or approaching any of the units for photographs, autographs or any other reason.
* Likewise, parade participants are prohibited from approaching spectators and/or throwing anything into the crowd.
* The distribution of political information and/or materials within the event boundaries is prohibited.
* All vendors (even if licensed by the City, County and/or State) are prohibited from selling on the parade route; any vendor sales or solicitation for sales must occur outside of the event boundaries/barricades.

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Matt Fox will serve as emcee at the Fashion Show Luncheon on Aug. 6. He is a well-known HGTV host who has had great success as a speaker, television host, carpenter and designer, as well as being a published author. With 16 years of experience as a public speaker and a presenter at home and garden and trade shows, he has also appeared on numerous national and regional radio and television shows as well as being interviewed by many prestigious publications, including the Wall Street Journal and USA Today.

He was the host of HGTV’s “Room by Room,” which started in 1994 with co-host Shari Hiller. Fox wrote, designed and hosted over 360 episodes. His Christmas episode the highest-rated special in HGTV history. He and Hiller have authored two books, Real Decorating for Real People and Great Weekend Projects. He is a weekly contributor on Canton’s own News-Talk 1480 WHBC radio show and coming in 2011, he and Shari will have a brand new series for PBS called “Around the House with Matt and Shari.”

The fashion show will include state-of-the-art sound, lighting and video to showcase male and female professional models wearing the season’s hottest fashions. Providing added energy throughout the show will be a variety of musical entertainment including Michael Stanley, Disco Inferno and the American Commodore Tuxedo Dancers. High fashion trends are also expected to be seen on attendees who hope to win the third annual Westfield Belden Village “Fan Fashion Favorite” contest. A winner in each dining room will receive a $50 Westfield Belden Village gift card or a $250 Westfield Belden Village gift card if selected as the grand prize winner.

Guests are reminded that this year’s festivities will begin one-half hour earlier, with doors opening at 11:00 a.m. and activities starting at 11:30 a.m. Tickets for this fashion and entertainment celebration are available by calling (330) 458-2048.

John Saunders, ESPN Studio Host and Play-by-Play Commentator, will serve as emcee of the Enshrinees Dinner on Aug. 6. One of ESPN’s most visible and versatile commentators since 1986, he has hosted and provided play-by-play for a variety of sports including NBA telecasts. He is host of ESPN’s NBA Matchup, a weekly studio show focusing on the X’s and O’s of the game, and ESPN2’s NBA Coast to Coast, a whip-around format program offering live look-ins to games along with news, information and analysis. In addition, in January 2002 he was named host of ESPN Magazine’s Sports Reporters, ESPN’s Sunday morning roundtable of print reporters who discuss the week’s topical issues.

Saunders has also worked for ABC since 1990, hosting NCAA basketball telecasts since 1998 (also 1990-91), college football telecasts since 1992 and NHL action (1993, 1999-2004). He has served as a contributor to Wide World of Sports since 1990 and also provided play-by-play of NCAA basketball games (1992).

Saunders is a native Canadian who was an all-star defenseman in the Montreal junior leagues, received a scholarship and played hockey at Western Michigan from 1974-1976, then transferred to Ryerson Polytechnical in Toronto. A former colleague and close friend of the late Jim Valvano, Saunders serves on the board of directors for The V Foundation for Cancer Research and is actively involved in many of the organization’s fundraising events and initiatives.

The Enshrinees Dinner activities will begin on Friday, Aug. 6, with cocktails at 5:15 p.m. A large contingent of returning Hall of Famers will be present to congratulate this year’s Class, and the highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the Hall of Fame/NFL Alumni gold jackets to the seven Enshrinees – Russ Grimm, Rickey Jackson, Dick LeBeau, Floyd Little, John Randle, Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith. Limited Enshrinees Dinner tickets may be available: (330) 458-2048.

Dan Dierdorf will be teaming up with husband and wife team Dionne Miller and Ray Crawford from Fox Sports Net Ohio to co-host the television broadcast of the Timken Grand Parade, which will step-off at 8 a.m. on Aug. 7.

Diedorf, a Canton native, is a 1996 inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and 2000 inductee into the College Football Hall of Fame. He was a 1970 consensus All-American at the University of Michigan. He went on to play 13 seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals (1971-1983), was named All-Pro five times, was selected as the NFL Players Association’s top offensive lineman three times and was voted to the NFL Team of the Decade for the 1970s. He began his broadcasting career in 1984 with CBS Sports’ NFL broadcasts, first as play-by-play announcer and later as color analyst. In 1987, he joined the ABC Sports’ “Monday Night Football” broadcast team, and in 1999 returned to CBS Sports as a game analyst for the network’s coverage of the NFL on CBS.

Nationally recognized as one of the top football announcers in the industry, Dierdorf is a three-time Emmy Award nominee (1987, 1988, and 1989) as Outstanding Sports Analyst, and the 2008 recipient of the Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award.

Miller will be in the broadcast booth to provide color commentary. She is a freelance host/reporter with FSNO, mainly as a sideline reporter for the high school football game of the week and remote host for “Buckeye State Tailgate.” Crawford will be responsible for man-on-the-street interviews with the 2010 Class of Enshrinees and many returning Hall of Famers. For the past two years, he has been an anchor and reporter for FSNO, mainly for Blue Jackets hockey, Xavier men’s college basketball and high school football.

The Timken Grand Parade will step-off at 8 a.m. on Aug. 7, following Cleveland Avenue from 6th Street south to 25th Street north where it will begin to disband. Featured will be the 2010 Class of Enshrinees along with many returning Hall of Famers, 12 giant helium balloons, 21 marching and military bands, 11 floats, antique vehicles and 23 specialty units including the giant walking flag, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Motorcycle Drill Team, Ohio Purple Peddlers, South Shore Drill Team from Chicago, Ill. and Wade Henry unicyclist. Local viewers can watch the parade broadcast on Fox Sports Net Ohio, which is available to nearly 5.7 million households saturating Ohio and reaching into portions of West Virginia, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania and New York. It will be broadcast on Sunday, Aug. 15 from 4 to 6 p.m. (immediately following the Cincinnati Reds post-game show). For those wishing to enjoy the sights and sounds on-site, reserved chair and bleacher seats are available: (330) 458-2048.

James Lofton has the distinction of being the first Pro Football Hall of Famer to emcee the Enshrinees GameDay Roundtable on Aug. 8. An Academic All-America choice from Stanford, he was also an accomplished track performer and won the NCAA long jump title as a senior. Lofton’s speed and “soft hands” made him an immediate deep-threat receiver from the moment he entered the pros in 1978 as the number one draft pick of the Green Bay Packers. It was something that would remain throughout his long career with Green Bay, the Los Angeles Raiders, Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Rams and the Philadelphia Eagles. In 16 seasons, Lofton caught 764 passes for 14,004 yards – an average of 18.3 yards per catch. Nine times he recorded more than 50 catches in a season. His 14,004 career-reception yardage mark was an NFL best at the time of his retirement, while his 43 games with 100 or more yards receiving ranked third. In 13 playoff game appearances, Lofton caught 41 passes for 759 yards and eight touchdowns, including a seven-reception game in Super Bowl XXVI. In three of those playoff games he recorded 100-yard plus performances.

Extremely durable, Lofton was the first NFL player to score a touchdown in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. Many of his 75 touchdown receptions came on long passes when he simply outran the opposition. He retired with a host of team and NFL accolades and records to his credit including appearance in eight Pro Bowl games, 1978-92, and three Super Bowls, 1989-92; retired as record holder for most pass reception yardage in NFL history (third place in 2003); and is a 2003 inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Enshrinees GameDay Roundtable activities will begin at 12:30 p.m. on Aug. 8, and will conclude with a center stage roundtable presentation featuring the newly inducted Class of Enshrinees in an unscripted, up-close-and-personal format where they share stories and memories of their careers. Enshrinees GameDay Roundtable tickets are available: (330) 458-2048.

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CANTON, OHIO (July 27, 2010)

Fireworks drop zone parameters and street closings for Thursday, July 29, have been closely coordinated with the Canton Police and Fire Departments, and they are as follows:

* DROP ZONE: No later than 6 p.m., the buildings, parking lots, and streets within the following area must be vacated: Piedmont on the west through Cherry on the east, and Tuscarawas Street on the north to 5th Street on the south.

In addition, at 6 p.m., the Cherry Street Bridge will be closed at 11th Street South, going north to Tuscarawas Street. Vehicular traffic is advised to exit/access Route 30/Interstate 77 via 11th Street and Market Avenue South.

While Tuscarawas Street East will be closed to vehicular traffic between Piedmont and Cherry, spectators will be permitted to set up chairs on that stretch of Tuscarawas Street.

* CONCERT AND FAMILY ACTIVITIES:
Beginning at 1 p.m.: Walnut Avenue from Tuscarawas Street going north to 5th Street will be closed; 5th Street will remain open all evening to vehicular traffic.

Beginning at 2 p.m.: Intersecting streets including 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, will be closed from Piedmont to Cherry (meters will be bagged accordingly)

Following clean-up and removal of staging and equipment, the areas noted above are tentatively scheduled to be re-opened at approximately midnight.

There are many parking options in the surrounding area, including the NewMarket parking garage on the corner of 3rd and Market South, which will be open for business. The Cornerstone Square and Millennium parking garages will be closed to the public.

This event will signal the dynamic kick-off to the 11-day, 18-event Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival. The format and activities will remain the same with great family activities beginning at 6 p.m. and including face painting, balloon twisters, kids’ crafts, a variety of food vendors, and music including True Blue Band, Malone University Singers, and Albany (Georgia) Marine Band. At 10 p.m., Zambelli, “the First Family of Fireworks,” (www.zambellifireworks.com), will provide an extraordinary fireworks display choreographed to music and best described as phenomenal.

The fireworks will be launched from the top deck of the Cornerstone Square parking garage, providing a vast expanse of unobstructed viewing opportunities. Check the Web site periodically for updated information: www.profootballhofef.com.

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CANTON, OH (July 26, 2010)

This year’s celebration will include many returning Hall of Famers, who will ride in the parade, along with the 2010 Class of Enshrinees including Russ Grimm, Rickey Jackson, Dick LeBeau, Floyd Little, John Randle, Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith. Parade viewers will be treated to the sights and sounds of 12 giant helium balloons, 21 marching and military bands, 11 floats and 23 specialty units, as well as antique vehicles, animal units and much, much more.

The growth of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival over the years is the result of extraordinary support from entities such as The Timken Company, which this year marks its fifth consecutive year as the main sponsor of the parade.

Specialty units sure to thrill the spectators are the giant walking flag, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Motorcycle Drill Team, Ohio Purple Peddlers, South Shore Drill Team and Wade Henry unicyclist.

The Timken Grand Parade will enjoy a wide television viewing audience on Fox Sports Net Ohio, available to nearly 5.7 million households saturating Ohio and reaching into portions of West Virginia, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania and New York. It will be broadcast on Sunday, Aug. 15 from approximately 4 to 6 p.m. (immediately following the Cincinnati Reds post-game show).

Dan Dierdorf, Canton native and 1996 inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, will bring his extensive knowledge of the game to the broadcast booth for the 12th consecutive year, serving as commentator along with Dionne Miller, a free lance host/reporter with FSNO, mainly as a sideline reporter for the high school football game of the week and remote host for “Buckeye State Tailgate.” Responsible for man-on-the-street interviews with the 2010 Class of Enshrinees and many returning Hall of Famers will be Miller’s husband, Ray Crawford, who for the past two years has been an anchor and reporter for FSNO, mainly for Blue Jackets hockey and Xavier men’s college basketball and high school football.
In order to maintain safety and assure the enjoyment of participants, the following shall apply and will be strictly enforced by parade marshals and safety officials:

* Spectators are absolutely prohibited from coming onto the street and/or approaching any of the units for photographs, autographs or any other reason.
* Likewise, parade participants are prohibited from approaching spectators and/or throwing anything into the crowd.
* The Enshrinement Festival “Policy on Politics” prohibits distribution of political information and/or materials within the event boundaries.
* All vendors (even if licensed by the City, County and/or State) are prohibited from selling on the parade route; any vendor sales or solicitation for sales must occur outside of the event boundaries/barricades.

Parade units step off at Sixth St. and Cleveland Ave. SW and move north to 25th St. NW, where they will begin to disband. For Enshrinement Festival and football fans wanting to see the parade live, great reserved chair and bleacher seats are still available for only $8.50 by calling the Chamber at (330) 458-2088 or stopping in at 222 Market Ave. N in downtown Canton from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

For the complete schedule of events and ticket information, check the Web sites periodically for the latest news: www.profootballhofef.com or www.profootballhof.com.

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CANTON, OH (July 24, 2010)

Rib and specialty vendors will occupy 34 booths.

Rib vendors will compete to win top prizes as judged by more than 80 judges on Wednesday and Thursday, with the following awards to be announced on Thursday at approximately 5 p.m.:

• * Most Outstanding Ribs Award (plaque and $2,500)
• * Mayor’s Award (plaque and $1,000)
• * Best Sauce Award (plaque and $500)

The Best Sauce Award winner will judged by seven professional area chefs. In addition, a “People’s Choice Award” will be given based on surveys taken by an anonymous, independent group who will survey the general public at the event to determine the Ribs Burnoff best ribs according to the populace. The winning vendor will receive a plaque and “bragging rights” for the remainder of the event.

Five restaurants and caterers from Stark County will be serving ribs and competing for the prizes, including Chariot of Fire, Jack on the Bone Rib Team, Main Street Grill, Old Carolina Barbecue Co. and Two Fat Guys. Armadillo’s (2009 Most Outstanding Rib winner) is an Ohio vendor (Youngstown, Ohio), and out-of-state participants include Gator’s BBQ (Port Dover, Ontario, Canada), Texas Pit BBQ (Willis, Texas), Toys for Tots–Starcon (Manhattan, Ill.), and Susie’s BBQ (Falcon, N.V.).

Specialty food vendors will occupy 13 booths, including Big D’s Concessions, Baja Pizzafish, Big Kahuna’s/Cream A Lot, Casto Concessions, DeStefano’s Concessions, DG Concessions, DiRusso Concessions, Island Delights, Jack & Rich French Fries, Lil John’s Concessions, Ooey Gooey Concessions and Sipe Concessions/DiRusso Sausage.

Admission to the Ribs Burnoff is free. On-site parking at the fairgrounds is free each day until 4 p.m., when a fee of $5 per vehicle will be charged. In addition to great food, the event will feature national musical entertainment:

• * Wed., Aug. 4, on the Emergency Medicine Physicians Stage: The fantastic Frontiers|The Journey Tribute, presented in cooperation with WRQK 106.9.
• * Thurs., Aug. 5, on the Sheetz Stage: Country artist Chris Young presented in cooperation with WQXK K-105.
• * Fri., Aug. 6, on the Wayne Dalton Stage: Fan favorite Michael Stanley and the Resonators presented in cooperation with Mix 94.1.

Free, standing room only viewing is available on the track in front of the stage, or reserved grandstand seats can be purchased for just $8 at the Chamber office, 222 Market Ave. N, in downtown Canton from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, and at the event each day at the souvenir booth or in the evening at the “will call” center at the north end of the grandstand.

In addition to the national musical acts, attendees can enjoy activities all day on the expanded Ohio Lottery Day Stage, featuring free musical entertainment from 5:15 to 6:45 p.m. Performers include True Blue on Wednesday, Wild West Band on Thursday and Mr. Trick on Friday. Other family activities include an expansive children’s entertainment area with face painting, caricaturists, balloon twisters, Fantasy Football Zone of interactive inflatables powered by AEP Ohio, master sand sculptor, Lowe’s Build & Grow, U.S. Army Special Forces interactive unit, Xbox 360 Kinect Experience Tour and much more.

For more information, call Laura Perry at 330-458-2054, or visit the Enshrinement Festival Web site at www.profootballhofef.com.

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According to Lt. John Rubis of the Canton City Police Traffic and Accident Bureau, the following streets will be closed:

• * Monument Rd. NW from 23rd St. to Seventh St. NW
• * Seventh St. NW from McGregor Ave. NW to Elgin Ave. NW
• * 12th St. NW from Mercy Dr. NW to Ridge Rd. NW
• * Harrison Ave. NW from 17th St. NW to Park Dr.
• * In the event of an emergency, vehicles will be allowed to travel on 12th St. NW

As a reminder, there is no Race day registration, so those still wishing to register can do so in several ways:

• * On-line at www.signmeup.com/67167 until 2 p.m. on Friday, July 30
• * At packet pick-up at the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday, July 31 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cash and/or other prizes will be awarded to top finishers in the 5-mile and 2-mile events, and both serious and recreational runners are welcome to participate. A new element to this year’s activities is the addition of a Walking Division in the 5-Mile Race, with prizes awarded to the top three finishers. The walkers in this division must be able to maintain an 18-minute pace.

Starting the morning’s activities will be the sixth annual free, 400-meter Kids Fun Run for youngsters six and under, where everyone is a winner! All races finish at the steps of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, offering great photo opportunities and the chance to visit the museum.

For information about the Races or other Enshrinement Festival activities, visit www.profootballhofef.com.

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The community-based parade, founded in 1980 as the Junior Parade, offers local and regional groups the opportunity to participate in an exciting professional event. The 125 parade units will be staged in the Nationwide Insurance Companies parking lot, with units stepping off at 2:30 p.m. from 11th St. N, traveling south on Market Ave. through the downtown area, and disbanding at approximately Second St. S.

Dan Fuline, 2010 general chairman of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival for the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, will serve as the 2010 Community Parade Grand Marshal.

Spectators at the Community Parade will help determine the “Community Choice Award” winner when they cast a vote for their favorite parade group. Entry forms will be published in The Repository and will be available parade day at the souvenir booth near the office of Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, located at 222 Market Ave. N. The winning group will receive a plaque and $100 cash award, and will be featured in next year’s parade.

The Enshrinement Festival partners with News-Talk 1480 WHBC to produce the telecast of the parade from their broadcast booth at the Kresge green space on Market Ave., between Third and Fourth Sts. N. The Community Parade broadcast will be shown on Canton City Schools Channel 11, Massillon Cable 21, Time Warner Digital 989, and WIVM-52 on Monday, Aug. 2, and Tuesday, Aug. 3, at 8 p.m.

For more information, call Kathy Lindenberger at 330-458-2056, or visit the Enshrinement Festival Web site at www.profootballhofef.com.

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Due to the generous support of the Joseph Saxton Gallery of Photography, cash prizes for the contest total $1,800, and $100 prizes may be awarded to each of the seven first place photos chosen from professional and non-professional divisions in the following categories:

* Concert and Fireworks
* Balloon Classic Invitational/Jackson Belden Food Fest & Fireworks
* 5-Mile and 2-Mile Races
* Community Parade
* Drum Corps International Competition
* Ribs Burnoff
* Timken Grand Parade

Multiple honorable mention awards for $25 may also be given in each category. A Best of Show winner will be selected from all entries and will receive $250.

Up to 10 photos can be submitted for a single entry fee of $10. Applications are available at the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce and on the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival websites at ProFootballHOFEF.com. The complete Enshrinement Festival schedule of events is also available on the website.

All entries must be mailed or delivered to: Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, 222 Market Ave. N., Canton, OH 44702. The deadline for receiving photos is 5 p.m. on Aug. 27.

For more information, contact Karen Khourey at (330) 458-2053 or karenk@cantonchamber.org.

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Stark County residents can allow a hot-air balloon to land on their property

CANTON, OH (July 16, 2010) – The 2010 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival Balloon Classic Invitational/Jackson-Belden Food Fest & Fireworks will be held Friday, July 30, through Sunday, Aug. 1, at Kent State University at Stark and Stark State College. Approximate times for scheduled flights, weather permitting, will be Friday at 5:30 p.m., Saturday at 6:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., and Sunday at 6:30 a.m. There will be 68 awesome sport, commercial and special shape hot air balloons, including The Pig, Annie the Ladybug, Clown-N-Around and Birthday Cake.

The participating pilots have impressive credentials and hail from 12 different states. Canton is only one of the many locations they have seen from a bird’s-eye view, many have flown worldwide, to locations including Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, China, Costa Rica, England, France, Germany, Holland, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Luxembourg, Mexico, New Zealand, Soviet Union, Spain, United Kingdom and Zimbabwe.

The Dawn Patrol will take place on Friday, July 30, at 5 a.m. If you are an early bird, you won’t want to miss this photo opportunity! Pilots will take off in the dark and fly until it is light enough to see landing sites. These balloons create a very strange appearance in the early-morning sky, especially to those on the ground never having experienced this show in the past.

This year marks the 24th anniversary of the Balloon Classic Invitational, and additional activities over the ballooning weekend include:

Some pilots will compete in a team format for a prize package valued at $19,000, while others will fly “fiesta” in a non-competitive format.

All will participate in a $3,000 Pole Grab where the pilots will maneuver their balloons over a pole erected on the launch field and attempt to grab the cash from the top of the pole.

14 pilots will participate in the “Night Glow” on Friday at 9:45 p.m. when they illuminate their balloon envelopes while still tethered at the launch field.

The Balloon Education Area, sponsored by Uncrustables, will provide a special opportunity for adults and children to enter a fully-inflated balloon envelope and learn about the envelope, balloon basket and burners.

Residents of Stark County can participate in the ballooning excitement by allowing a balloon to land on their property. To signal pilots for landing, place a white sheet in a 200’ x 200’ grassy area. The landing area must be clear of trees and power lines as well as allow enough space for the balloon to land. The pilots offer landowners the chance to win a $100 U.S. Savings Bond in appreciation of land use.

Great food and entertainment are also on tap at the Jackson-Belden Food Fest & Fireworks on both Friday and Saturday evenings. There will be a variety of food from more than 20 vendors, a playground of inflatables for children and musical concerts. Friday night concerts are sponsored by the Red Dog Saloon and include performances by Out from Under at 6:30 p.m. and Caliber at 9 p.m. Saturday night’s line-up starts with Square One at 6:30 p.m. followed by Breakline at 9 p.m. Food Fest hours are Friday and Saturday from 4 to 11:30 p.m., with a spectacular fireworks display on Saturday at 10 p.m.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival Balloon Classic Invitational/Jackson-Belden Food Fest & Fireworks event is presented through a cooperative effort between the Canton Regional and Jackson-Belden Chambers of Commerce. For more information, call Laura Perry at (330) 458-2054, or visit the Enshrinement Festival Web site at www.profootballhofef.com.

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As planning proceeded to assure a smooth transition to the new date, discussions among Enshrinement Festival organizers, City of Canton safety officials, and ArtsinStark/Cultural Center leadership led to the conclusion that a change in venue is necessary. The move was advised by City safety officials because of a new membrane (protective seal) that was installed on the Cultural Center parking deck, which previously served as the fireworks launch site.

All parties involved recognize that the parking deck is a critical component to the Cultural Center/Civic Center complex, and the new state-of-the-art protective seal will provide long-lasting coverage, but it is no longer conducive to serving as the fireworks site. “The new membrane is not able to tolerate the heat generated by the size of shells used to produce this major show,” stated Chief Steven Rich of the Canton Fire Department.

Mayor William J. Healy II expressed his support for the new site. “We are pleased that this fine family event will remain in downtown Canton, at a site that provides extensive viewing opportunities for thousands of people,” he said. “The City is proud to work in a spirit of cooperation to provide the support necessary to maintain the quality and safety of this spectacular event.”

The event will signal the dynamic kick off to the 11-day, 18-event Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival. The format and activities will remain the same with great family activities beginning at 6 p.m., including face painting, balloon twisters, kids’ crafts, a variety of food vendors and band concerts. At 10 p.m., Zambelli, the First Family of Fireworks (www.zambellifireworks.com), will provide an extraordinary fireworks display choreographed to music and best described as phenomenal.

“The Enshrinement Festival greatly appreciates the superb cooperation received from Mayor Healy and City safety officials, property owners, sponsors, vendors and committee volunteers who will team up to assure that this new date and new location result in a fantastic event to be enjoyed by thousands of people throughout the greater downtown area,” said Joanne Murray, director of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival.

The fireworks will be launched from the top deck of the Cornerstone Square parking garage, providing a vast expanse of unobstructed viewing opportunities. However, spectators will be prohibited in the drop zone area beginning on the south side of Tuscarawas through Fifth Street South, and from Piedmont through the west side of Cherry Avenue. Band concerts, food vendors, kids’ activities and family fun will be plentiful along Walnut Avenue from Tuscarawas Street north to Fourth Street.

Check the Web site periodically for specific street closings and updated information: www.profootballhofef.com.

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CANTON, OH (July 6, 2010)

The Drum Corps Competition will feature eight corps, including five of the top twelve in the nation, and is truly a family event filled with pageantry, precision and extraordinary musical talent. The Bluecoats will compete against some of the nation’s top-ranked corps. They include Blue Knights from Denver, Colo.; The Cadets from Allentown, Pa.; Madison Scouts from Madison, Wis.; Pioneer from Milwaukee, Wis.; Santa Clara Vanguard from Santa Clara, Calif.; Spirit from Jacksonville, Ala.; and Troopers from Casper, Wyo. These corps will be at the peak of their performance just one week away from the international championships to be held in Indianapolis, Ind.

For more information about this year’s competitors, download the 2010 competitor fact sheet.

Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, Massillon Chamber of Commerce, Canton and Massillon AAA offices, Dumont’s Seed Company on 30th St. NW, Gulia’s Music, R & H Music and Zampino’s Drum Shop. Premium reserved seats are $24 in advance and $26 at the gate. Reserved seats are $19 in advance and $21 at the gate. General admission is $15 and $17 at the gate for adults and $8 and $10 at the gate for children 12 and under. The stadium’s box office will open at noon the day of the competition.

Ticket information can be obtained by calling the Canton Regional Chamber at (330) 458-2088. VISA, MasterCard, Discover Card and American Express are accepted.

For questions or ticket inquiries, please contact Kim Miller, ticket manager, at (330) 458-2048, or visit www.profootballhofef.com.

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CANTON, OHIO (July 1, 2010)

A palate of ivory, teal and chocolate brown will greet guests as they arrive to enjoy a delectable lunch prior to the start of the fabulous show. The show, themed “Fashion Celebration,” will include state-of-the-art sound, lighting and video to showcase male and female professional models wearing the season’s hottest fashions. Fashions will run the gamut from casual to dressy and everything in between, from plaids to sequins, leggings to jumpsuits, mini skirts to evening gowns and clutches to giant handbags.

Providing added energy throughout the show will be a variety of musical performers. Michael Stanley will surely rock the house, Disco Inferno is ready to boogie down to the funky sound, and the American Commodore Tuxedo Dancers will move with a groove!

Emceeing the festivities will be Matt Fox, former host of HGTV’s Room by Room, which first aired in Dec. 1994. Room by Room was the first show to air on HGTV and the longest-running decorating program in television history. A master carpenter and designer, Fox is also a professional speaker and presenter and is a weekly contributor on Canton’s own News-Talk 1480 WHBC. In early 2011, he and television partner Shari Hiller will launch a new PBS series, Around the House with Matt and Shari.

High fashion trends are expected on and off the Fashion Show runway with the annual Westfield Belden Village Fan Fashion Favorite contest returning for a third year. One attendee from each dining room will be selected as winner and will receive a $50 Westfield Belden Village gift card. The grand prize winner will receive a $250 Westfield Belden Village gift card. Ladies – and gentlemen – are encouraged to come dressed in their finest for the contest!

Tickets for this fashion and entertainment celebration are available by calling (330) 458-2048. Guests are reminded that this year’s festivities will begin one half hour earlier, with doors opening at 11 a.m. and activities starting at 11:30 a.m. For the complete schedule of events and news about the 18 public events to be held during the 11-day Enshrinement Festival, check out the Web site: www.profootballhofef.com.

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• Wednesday, Aug. 4: The fantastic Frontiers | The Journey Tribute presented in cooperation with WRQK 106.9.

• Thursday, Aug. 5: Country artist Chris Young presented in cooperation with WQXK K-105.

• Friday, Aug. 6: Fan favorite Michael Stanley and the Resonators presented in cooperation with Mix 94.1.

All concerts will be held at the Stark County Fairground and will begin at approximately 8 p.m. To accommodate even more fans at the concerts, chairs or seating of any kind will not be permitted anywhere on the track area; all track admission will be free, standing room only. People wishing to have a reserved seat in the grandstands can purchase tickets for only $8 each. Tickets will be available for walk-in purchase beginning Wednesday, June 30, at the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce in downtown Canton, 222 Market Avenue North, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. each weekday. Phone orders will be accepted beginning Thursday, July 1, by calling (330) 458-2088.

In addition to the Ribs Burnoff evening concerts, attendees can enjoy activities and free musical entertainment on the Ohio Lottery Day Stage all three days. Additional family activities include an expanded children’s entertainment area with face painting, caricaturists, balloon twisters, Fantasy Football Zone powered by AEP, a master sand sculptor, Lowe’s Build and Grow, U.S. Army interactive unit and much, much more.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival Ribs Burnoff will run Aug. 4, 5 and 6 beginning at 11 a.m., and concluding at 10:30 p.m. each day. In addition to fantastic ribs, a wide variety of other food will be showcased, including ice cream, corn on the cob, buffalo wings, funnel cakes, apple dumplings, bloomin’ onions, Italian sausage, deep-fried Oreos, and other delicious midway fare!

Admission to the Ribs Burnoff is free. Onsite parking at the fairgrounds will be free each day until 4 p.m., after which time a fee of $5 per vehicle will be charged. For more information, contact Laura Perry, event manager, at (330) 458-2054, or visit www.profootballhofef.com.

CONCERT PERFORMER BIOS

Frontiers | The Journey Tribute
Frontiers is the nation’s only full-time touring tribute to 80’s mega-group Journey. Frontiers features vocalist Jeremey Hunsicker, who was briefly tapped as a replacement vocalist for Journey in 2007, and was a contributing songwriter on Journey’s platinum-selling “Revelation” CD. The band performs over 150 shows a year at some of the most prestigious music venues in the nation.

More information: www.journeytributeband.com

Chris Young
With an ear toward the past and an eye on the future, Chris Young is quickly distinguishing himself as a newcomer who honors country music’s best traditions while adding a fresh new chapter to the genre’s legacy. Young knew early on that he wanted to pursue a career in country music. Raised just minutes away from Nashville in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, he began making trips to Music Row at a young age, trying to land a record deal. He began performing while still in high school, and by the time he was in college was a doing 150 dates a year. When he was offered an opportunity for a regular gig at the famed Texas honky tonk Cowboys, Young jumped at the chance to hone his skills on the competitive Lone Star circuit. With his rich, warm baritone and penchant for writing relatable, slice–of–life songs, Young’s sophomore project, The Man I Want to Be – featuring his current smash single, “Gettin’ You Home” – is an album that showcases a new traditionalist poised to take his place among his musical heroes. One of those heroes, the legendary Willie Nelson, joins Young on the album for a duet of “Rose in Paradise,” the hauntingly beautiful Waylon Jennings classic.

Read full bio: www.chrisyoungcountry.com/bio.php

Michael Stanley and the Resonators
Michael Stanley has a storied history and loyal fan base especially in the Northeast Ohio area. He was born in Cleveland and graduated from Rocky River High School. While working toward his bachelor of arts degree at Hiram College, he was a disc jockey for WHRM, the school’s radio station, and also in a locally-popular folk group called “Silk” which produced an LP Smooth As Raw Silk. At a point when the band was on the verge of breaking up, they were asked to play a local Cleveland hot spot and they took the gig with the idea that they could, at the very least, go out on top. New York record producer, Bill Szymczyk, was in the audience that night, was impressed, and a record contract followed.

In 1974, he formed the Michael Stanley Band, which by 1982 had developed into a seven-piece band nicknamed MSB by their legion of fans. The group set attendance records at Cleveland area venues and reached the peak of their popularity when the single “He Can’t Love You’ from the album Heartland made the Top 40 Billboard, and “In the Heartland” from the album North Coast went to #6 on Billboard’s Top Tracks chart. The band toured with some of the superstar bands of that period (including Bruce Springsteen, The Eagles, Foreigner, and The Doobie Brothers).

Through ups and downs, Stanley continued to perform with several long-time friends and former band members in and around the Cleveland area, billed as Michael Stanley & Friends. Then came September 11, 2001, which changed a lot of lives, and his was no exception. By now, Michael Stanley & The Resonators had become the band’s performing moniker, and they were pleasing their loyal MSB fans while winning over new ones.

Stanley is joined in The Resonators by Tommy Dobeck (drums), Bob Pelander (piano/vocals), Danny Powers (guitar/vocals), Jennifer Lee (vocals/percussion), Rodney Psyka (percussion/vocals), Marc Lee Shannon (guitar/sauce), Eroc Sosinski (bass/vocals) and Paul Christensen (sax).

Read full bio and discography: www.michaelstanley.com/DISCOGRAPHY.html

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The group, half of which were young professionals, and half experienced, senior leaders, was comprised of state, county and local politicians; presidents and senior executives from the region’s top employers; and leaders from dozens of the region’s young professionals’ organizations. Attendees included representatives from Brunswick Companies, City of Cleveland, Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Foundation, Dominion, FedEx Custom Critical, Federal Reserve Bank, First Energy Corp., Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, Greater Cleveland RTA, Hahn Loeser, Lubrizol, Notre Dame College, Oswald Companies, Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, Sherwin Williams, Swagelok, St. Luke’s Foundation, Team NEO, Third Federal Bank, and The Timken Company.

The morning session was facilitated by Molly Foley and Rebecca Ryan of Next Generation Consulting (Madison, WI.) NGC’s research was used used in developing the ystark! initiative in Canton to assist in retaining and attracting young professionals.

The group committed to:

• Working across generations and being inclusive in their approach to solutions
• Being positive about the region’s opportunities and its future. Jacinda Walker from the City of Cleveland said, “We are tired of the negativity about this city.” Nathan Moore, VP of AXA Advisors added, “When we hear others ‘talk trash’ about Northeast Ohio, as leaders we will counter with something positive, to reframe the conversation”
• Supporting candidates for public office who share their priorities: P-16 Education Reform, strong downtowns in our city centers, and connecting students to the region’s opportunities

Action plans for the next 90 days were established in several key areas, and will be posted on the group’s LinkedIn group page: Northeast Ohio Young Professional Leaders.

“We’re not trying to start a new group or a new initiative,” stated Gary Shamis, managing director of SS&G and one of the meeting’s organizers. “We simply wanted to start a new dialogue – to get both generations of leaders to the table. The morning was very successful in achieving that.”

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CANTON, OHIO (June 22, 2010)

Prepare to take an amaZING Patriotic Adventure with the Canton Symphony Orchestra under the direction of assistant conductor Matthew Brown! You’ll be proud to be an American with moving performances of 1812 Overture, The Stars and Stripes Forever, America the Beautiful and the Star Spangled Banner. Theatre-style concession snacks will be on sale for munching.

The Star-Spangled Spectacular begins at 8 p.m. and a dazzling array of bombs bursting in air will kick off at 10 p.m., presented by Schulman & Zimmerman. Come downtown early to save your seats and enjoy the oldies music of Ryan Parkinson from 5 – 7 p.m., with other patriotic celebrations happening at 7 p.m., including a Salute to our Soldiers, presented by Gasser Fine Jewelers. Have little ones? Bring them down for crafts and make-and-take activities, or stroll along the “artists’ row” while enjoying in-crowd entertainment from clowns, magicians and other performers!

The amaZING Patriotic Adventure is happening in downtown Canton along Market Ave. N between Third and Fourth Sts. NW in the Kresge Green and surrounding area.

Generous sponsors to Zing in the City include The Timken Company, Aultman Health Foundation, AultCare, Schulman Zimmerman & Associates, Downtown Canton Special Improvement District, Gasser Fine Jewelers, Blue Moon, The City of Canton, Mix 94.1 and News-Talk WHBC 1480 AM, PPI Graphics, The Repository, Stark County District Library, Canton Chair Rental, King Properties and Lee Spencer Photography.

Visit www.ZingintheCity.com for more information and a full schedule of the evening’s festivities.

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CANTON, OHIO (June 15, 2010)

The Canton Farmers’ Market is held downtown at Cleveland Ave. NW between Fourth & Fifth Sts. NW and will run every Saturday morning from 8 to 11:30 a.m. through Oct. 16. The 2010 season promises 25 vendors with a variety of products that arrive from farms and homes within driving distance, picked or made within just hours of their arrival at the market.

“This year we have an incredible line up,” said market manager Kelly Blandford Bah. “This market is full of dedicated people that bring such an amazing selection. It’s a one-stop shop and you know everything is 100% local and you can’t beat that. And, yes, the flower lady [Bloomer’s] and all your favorite vendors will return for the seventh year.”

New no-cost activities are scheduled for even more Saturday morning family fun, including drumming sessions with Elec Simon (from the Broadway show Stomp), children’s art classes led by Sarah Winther Shumaker, organic gardening advice from local expert Cindy Petitti, and cooking demonstrations from Jennifer Wolfe Webb. A Veggie Carving Competition will be held on Aug. 21 featuring local chefs whittling away their veggies. Each week, live music will fill the air and Aultman Health Foundation will be available for health screenings and healthy living information.

The Canton Farmers’ Market is sponsored by Aultman Health Foundation, Downtown Canton Special Improvement District, Canton Development Partnership, News-Talk 1480 WHBC and Mix 94.1, The Repository, ArtsinStark, the County Art Council and the City of Canton.

For the complete schedule of events or for more information visit www.CantonFarmersMarket.com or email kellyb@cantonchamber.org.

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About Elvin Bishop
Late one night when Elvin Bishop was 14 or 15, the atmospheric conditions a little rough, Jimmy Reed’s harmonica came cutting through the static from WLAC in Nashville, and Elvin Bishop’s life was changed – he found the good part of rock and roll he had been looking for. Today, Bishop is a slide guitar great with more than 45-years of blues under his belt.

About Hot Tuna Electric
From their days playing together as teenagers, to their time in The Jefferson Airplane, to their current acoustic and electric blues, no one has more consistently led American music for the last 50 years than Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady, the founders and continuing core members of Hot Tuna Electric. Album has followed album – more than two dozen in all, and they continue to develop their interests and styles, both together and in individual pursuits.

Visit CantonBluesFest.com for a full list of festival performers, including special guest stars John Lee Hooker, Jr. and Ana Popovic!

Blues Fest VIP Passes are available again this year. Buy your two-day pass online for $75 and take advantage of FREE food, beer and incredible views of the stage. One-day Blues Fest VIP Membership passes are also available for $45. Visit CantonBluesFest.com to purchase.

The Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce’s 2010 Canton Blues Fest is made possible in part by Cormony Development and Standard Plumbing and Heating Co. and sponsors including Schauer Insurance Group, Buxton Roofing, The Repository, AEP Ohio, Terry’s Tire Town, Mix 94.1 and News-Talk 1480 WHBC, Blue Moon, Downtown Canton Special Improvement District, PPI Graphics, General RV, Phil and Nancy Sonner and Lee Spencer Photography.

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EfficientGovNow.org, a project of the Fund For Our Economic Future in Cleveland, offered up to $330,000 for the most popular government collaboration projects in Northeast Ohio. Dozens of local governments collaborated to propose projects, and 10 projects were chosen by the Fund for a vote of Northeast Ohio residents. Voting took place throughout the month of May by Internet, phone and mail-in ballot.

“This result shows the power of our community when it gets behind a worthwhile cause,” said Dennis P. Saunier, president and CEO of the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce. “We look forward to other opportunities for the community to rally behind more good-government ideas. And our congratulations to Stark County 911 Director Joe Concatto and his partners. We look forward to their success in establishing a modern 911 system in Stark County.”

The Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce helped promote the 911 project because of its belief in the power of government collaboration. The Chamber thanks its members, Chamber committee volunteers, and partners throughout the community for helping to generate enough votes to make 911 a winner. The Chamber enjoyed working on this project with the Stark Development Board, The Repository and The Independent for their generous efforts in print, WHBC-AM radio, which promoted the contest several times, particularly on the Ron Ponder Show, and WHOF-FM 101.7, and WDPN-AM 1310 in Alliance, which also offered broadcast time to promote Stark County’s entry.

First place in the EfficientGovNow.org contest went to Mahoning County for a land-bank project to stabilize the housing market. The Mahoning project will receive $61,420, the amount it asked for. Third place went to a collaboration of 16 Cleveland suburbs to help promote the generation and use of solar power. Like Stark 911, this project asked for and will receive $100,000.

A fourth, small-community award was made to a collaboration of cities and villages in five counties for Geographic Information System mapping. This group asked for $100,000 and will receive $70,000, according to EfficientGovNow and the Fund For Our Economic Future

This is the second year of the EfficientGovNow.org contest and the second year for a Stark County project to be in the finals. Last year, Stark County’s entry finished fourth. Though Stark County 911 finished second overall, it received more first-place points than any other winner, 9,543 compared with 9,126 for the Mahoning County land bank. Voters could choose up to three projects when they voted, and first-, second- and third-place votes were given different point values.

The Stark County 911 project, when implemented, is expected to save Stark County local governments an estimated $2.3 million per year in the cost of running the existing, inefficient 911 system.

For a complete breakdown on the contest and the voting, visit the EfficientGovNow Newsroom, here.

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Tickets are $50 each and include delicious heavy hors d’ oeuvres, entertainment from The Ryan Humbert Band, and a special recognition of our 20 incredible leaders. Tickets must be purchased by June 7.

This year’s Twenty under 40! are:

Maureen Ater, 34, The Repository
Katrina Barton, 33, Westfield Belden Village
Brent Belles, 32, B-Squared
Dr. Fendrich Clark, 37, Mount Union College
Tawny Cowen-Zanders, 34, Massillon Salvation Army
Kimberly Davenport, 40, Shearer’s Foods
Ken English, 36, Charter One
Darcy Friel, 34, Remax Commitment
Murray L. Hooten III, 32, Stark State College
Anne Koutsis, 28, The Timken Company
Brian Layman, 35, Layman, D’Atri & Associates LLC
Danette Lund, 39, Early Childhood Resource Center
Tiffany Marsh, 40, Bliss Studio & Gallery
Angela McGee, 35, Aultman Hospital
Robert Murphy, 30, Black McCuskey Souers & Arbaugh
Christopher Nichols, 40, First Communications
Mike Pomesky, 33, Perry Township
Melissa Shelton, 38, AultCare
Luke Vincer, 25, Wentz Financial Group
Ryan Walls, 34, Kenan Advantage Group

The recognition of these deserving young professionals is made possible through ystark! and The Repository, in conjunction with Aultman Health Foundation, Black McCuskey Souers & Arbaugh, LPA, Huntington National Bank and The Timken Company.

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While this year’s pin only $3.50, it could be worth much more for some lucky customers. Thanks to the generosity of Great Clips, each 2010 pin comes in an envelope with a pin prize entry form.

GRAND PRIZES include: $300 passbook savings account from Charter One Bank; commemorative item from the Pro Football Hall of Fame; complete car detailing service from Sure-Fit Auto Care Center; 10 three-foot party subs from J & K Subway (valid in Stark County); one-year supply of Pepsi products from Pepsi-Cola; and a pizza per week for one year from Pizza Hut. In addition to these prizes, the pin envelope includes coupons from various businesses for food and entertainment discounts.

Entry forms must be completed and returned to the Canton Regional Chamber offices by 5 p.m. on Friday, August 13, 2010. Mailed entries received Saturday, August 14, or later are not eligible.

Winners will be drawn and announced on News-Talk 1480 WHBC AM on Tuesday, August 17, between 7 and 8 a.m. No purchase is necessary to win. For a complete list of rules and regulations or to request an entry blank, contact the Enshrinement Festival office at (330) 456-7253. For Enshrinement Festival ticket and event information, visit www.profootballhofef.com.

The current and many past year’s pins can be purchased at the Enshrinement Festival office at the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, 222 Market Avenue North, along with a variety of other souvenirs and gift items, including golf shirts, t-shirts, and caps. These items will also be available for purchase at all Enshrinement Festival events from July 29 through August 8. For more information, call Kathy Lindenberger at (330) 458-2056.

ABOUT THE ENSHRINEMENT FESTIVAL
In 2010, the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Enshrinement Festival will mark the 47th anniversary of honoring the legends of professional football, which includes conducting a world-renowned festival celebrating the annual enshrinement of football players, coaches and contributors into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The collaborative efforts of this leadership team, combined with the professional staffs at the Chamber of Commerce and the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and the dedicated team of more than 4,200 volunteers, will ensure the success of 18 unique events over an 11-day period from July 29 to Aug. 8, 2010.

The Enshrinement Festival activities, attended by nearly 700,000 people, are expected to produce an economic impact of $30 million for the Canton/Stark County area and nearly $55 million for the State of Ohio. In addition, millions will experience aspects of the Enshrinement Festival as events are televised and covered by other media.

The central focus and highlight of the festivities will be the Aug. 7 induction ceremony for the 2010 Class of Enshrinees, comprised of guard Russ Grimm, linebacker Rickey Jackson, cornerback Dick LeBeau, running back Floyd Little, defensive tackle John Randle, wide receiver Jerry Rice, and running back Emmitt Smith.

For the complete schedule of events, ticket information, and the latest news, check the Web sites periodically: www.profootballhofef.com or www.profootballhof.com.

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