"I think I’ve never seen as many people at one time in Downtown Akron," said Mayor Don Plusquellic. "Friday night proved that our city can manage the largest events without a single problem."

More than 90 food and product vendors, an increase over previous years, satisfied the appetites of crowds that began during the Friday lunch hour - a first for the festival - and ended late Sunday with a big band concert on stage.

"We gave the community a weekend to remember," said Lou Maglione, chairman of the event sponsored by the Council of Italian-American Societies of Summit County. "Akron exceeded our expectations. We have never experienced the kind of assistance and cooperation we received from the Lock 3 team, the police, and the service departments. We are thrilled with the crowds, the family atmosphere, and the success our vendors experienced."

Some vendors reported selling as much on Friday this year, as they did over three days last year.

New this year to the festival were appearances by the Budweiser Clydesdales, a Saturday night fireworks display set to Italian music, and operatic tenor Daniel Maimone. He performed in the Civic Theatre Sunday.

Italian men’s teams took advantage of the bocce courts at Lock 3, installed last year by Project Evergreen, a group of volunteer professional landscapers from greater Akron.

The family-friendly event also featured inflatable rides for children and the Magical Train that looped its way down the canal towpath, giving many families a new look at the city they had never seen before.

"Despite the size of the crowd," said Captain Daniel Zampelli of the Akron Police Department, "we did not record a single notable incident. Our officers handled the traffic and the crowds with few problems."

In addition to the 10,000 parking spaces downtown, the City utilized the large surface lots located at Spaghetti Warehouse to the south and SummaCare to the north, and shuttled passengers via city trolleys to the festival site.

Now, the Lock 3 staff is gearing up for the 4th Annual National Hamburger Festival, Saturday and Sunday, July 18 and 19, featuring more than 20 hamburger chefs preparing more than 50 varieties of burgers. There will be continuous entertainment and contests including the Beatles Tribute, "1964" on the Akron General Stage Saturday night. Admission is $5 for the benefit of Akron Children’s Hospital. Hours are 12pm - 11pm Saturday and 12pm - 6pm Sunday.

To date this season, Lock 3 has recorded more than 100,000 visitors.