City of Akron Municipal Offices Closed for Thanksgiving
One-Day Delay for Curb Service - Updates to Lock 3 Programming and Events
City of Akron Press Release
From the desk of Ellen Lander Nischt
Published: 11-24-2020
Akron, Ohio, November 24, 2020 — All municipal offices will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 26th and Friday, Nov. 27th in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.
There will be no curb service on Thursday, Nov. 26th. There will be a one-day delay of trash and recycling collection for the remainder of the week, with curb service resuming on Friday, Nov. 27 and continuing through Saturday, Nov. 28th. To get reminders and alerts about your household’s curb service schedule, please download the Akron Recycles app free on Android or Apple devices.
Residents are urged to heed the City of Akron emergency Private Gathering Ordinance, in place until Dec. 16th. This limit on large private gatherings was recommended by Summit County Public Health and the City’s three hospital systems (Summa Health, Akron General Cleveland Clinic, and Akron Children’s Hospital) due to the ongoing, uncontrolled spread of COVID-19 in Akron and Summit County, primarily through casual indoor social or family gatherings where masks are not worn. Under the ordinance, no household in the City shall host more than 6 additional visitors (non-residents) at a private gathering. For small gatherings with 6 or fewer outside visitors – masks should be worn.
“This year, I am especially thankful for Akronites' perseverance, commitment to what is right, and empathy and compassion for their fellow citizens,” Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan said. “While the holidays look different this year and many traditions may be postponed; gratitude, kindness and community connection are not cancelled. So, as we adjust our plans and make sacrifices in the way we celebrate, I hope that we are able to appreciate and safeguard those things we are most thankful for – family, friends, health, and community. Meanwhile, as Mayor, I will continue to focus on upholding quality of life, economic opportunity, and a sense of safety across our city through this challenging pandemic.”
Summit County and Summit County Public Health have issued a stay-at-home advisory which urges residents to only leave their homes for essential trips. This advisory is in effect through Dec. 16th. Keeping this advisory in mind, Lock 3 has postponed several events and various programming until Dec. 17th. Archie the talking snowman, igloo rentals, polar putt-putt, and the Wish-mas Tree have all been postponed until Dec. 17th. The Akron Lights neighborhood events scheduled for Friday, Nov. 27th have been cancelled. Check www.lock3live.com for the most up-to-date information.
If residents need to get out for some fresh air, there are self-guided holiday options available to enjoy in the Lock 3 area starting Friday Nov. 27th. You can take a walk through the Outdoor Art Gallery along Main St. and see local artists' depictions of "Twas the Night Before Christmas" and "Celebrations of the Holidays." QR Codes will also be with each rendering to read the story or for more information about the holidays represented. You can also visit Lock 4 to watch a holiday light show. The lights will be synchronized to music and play for 8 minute shows at the top of each hour from 5pm-9pm. The shows will include a beautifully lit 22 ft. tall LED Christmas tree, supported by dancing snowflake lights, canal lights, and flashing tree lights. Guests will be asked to maintain social distancing while enjoying the show. The Vintage Holiday Window Displays will be available for viewing in Lock 3 as well as the Ornaments of Light. These large scale ornaments, created by Hazel Tree Design Studio and Rust Belt Rebirth will be covered with lights and will make for great photo opportunities in Lock 3. All of these options are outside and allow guests to walk and get fresh air and exercise while enjoying holiday displays.
The day after Thanksgiving, Friday, Nov. 27th through Sunday, Nov. 29th, parking is free in downtown Akron for all decks, lots, and meters. Saturday, November 28 is Small Business Saturday where residents are encouraged to do their holiday shopping from local businesses to help support our small business community. Residents are also encouraged to use the Akronite app to earn reward Blimps for eligible local purchases this holiday season. Each blimp is equal to $1 and can be redeemed at other participating businesses in Akron. Download the app for free on Apple or Android devices, link your payment card, and start earning rewards for spending local!
“This year it’s especially important to shop local as a way of bolstering these businesses in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic strain it has caused on our small business community,” Deputy Mayor for Integrated Development James Hardy said. “By buying gifts or services from a local seller, you just might help keep an Akron small business from closing its doors this year. Every purchase helps – and Akron businesses have so much to offer. And keep in mind, many local businesses also offer online shopping for all your holiday needs.”
Sunday, Nov. 29th is Artists Sunday, a day to buy from local artists and artisans. Crafty Mart, Cleveland Bazaar, and I Made It! Market are hosting a virtual Holiday Show on Saturday, Nov. 28 and Sunday, Nov. 29. Shop Holiday Handmade is a LIVE 2-day online event featuring over 150 makers, artists and small businesses. You'll be able to post questions, interact with artists, and show off your best shopping finds. You can get a head start by checking out the catalog here: http://www.shopholidayhandmade.com/shop-now.
Don’t forget no matter what you do for the holiday weekend, stay safe, wear a mask, keep social distance between yourself and those outside of your household, and please avoid large gatherings.
Best Wishes for a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving from the City of Akron!
For further information, contact:
Ellen Lander Nischt
Press Secretary
Phone: 330-375-2325
E-mail: [email protected]
