ICE RINK

Akron again offers the largest seasonal ice skating rink in Ohio (10,000 square feet), with free admission to everyone. Skaters may rent skates for just $2, the same as in previous years.

The rink will open Saturday, November 21 and remain in operation through January 31, 2010. It will be attended Thursdays - Sundays, which represents a reduction in staffing from 2008 when the rink was open every day during December and January except Mondays and the holidays. At other times, during daylight hours, skaters may use the rink at their own risk.

CHRISKINDL MARKET

Akron will also offer a Chriskindl Market for the sixth year. It expects three of its German vendors to return to Lock 3 this year with hand-made items from the Erzgeberge (AIRTS-guh-burg-uh) Mountain area outside Chemnitz. The city is actively seeking groups willing to sell hand-crafted items representing diverse cultures in the Chriskindl cottages, between November 27 and December 31, Thursdays-Sundays.

TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY

This year's official lighting ceremony of the city's Christmas tree will take place Friday, November 27 at 7:00pm and will be sponsored by the Downtown Akron Partnership.

The show will be held inside Lock 3 instead of Main Street this year.

COUNTDOWN TO FIRST NIGHT

Also continuing in 2009 is the largest community visual arts display, "Countdown to First Night," which features 40 hand-painted banners, 5' x 15' from schools, churches, community centers, ethnic and civic groups - each one illustrating an expression of the winter holiday season.

HOLIDAY PARADE

The city's annual Holiday Parade is this Saturday, November 28 at noon on Main Street downtown.

ASSISTING THE NEEDIEST

Lock 3 this year will be the city's major collection point for new toys --- which will be delivered to more than 150 needy families supported by Akron's Victim Assistance Program and Furnace Street Mission--- gently-used winter coats and non-perishable food items for the Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank.

The city has been using old parking meters over the past several years - painted in bright colors and placed downtown - to collect funds for the Haven of Rest Mission and the Salvation Army. This program will be expanded inside Lock 3 for the winter season.

QUESTIONS

Inquiries regarding Lock 3 cottage sales should be directed to the Lock 3 staff at 330.375.2877, or lock3@ci.akron.oh.us. Approved vendors will be required to share some of their sales proceeds with a Akron charities - especially those who are serving the neediest during the holidays.

"Countdown to First Night" inquiries should be directed to Suzie Graham, the mayor's coordinator of arts & children's programs at grahasu@ci.akron.oh.us, 330.375.2977.

SCHEDULE
2009 HOLIDAYFEST & CHRISKINDL MARKET AT LOCK 3

NOVEMBER

• Sat., Nov. 21 Ice Rink Only 11am - 10pm
• Sun., Nov. 22 Ice Rink Only 12pm - 6pm
• Fri., Nov. 27 Ice Rink & Chriskindl Market 11am - 4pm
• Lighting Ceremony & Fireworks 7pm
• Ice Rink & Chriskindl Market 7:30pm - 10pm
• Sat.,Nov.28 Welcome Santa Parade 12pm
• Ice Rink & Chriskindl Market 11am - 10pm
• Sun., Nov. 29 Ice Rink & Chriskindl Market 12pm - 6pm

DECEMBER

• Thursdays, Fridays Ice Rink & Chriskindl Market 11am -9pm
• Saturdays Ice Rink & Chriskindl Market 11am - 10pm
• Sundays Ice Rink & Chriskindl Market 12pm - 6pm
• Dec. 21, 22, 23 Ice Rink 11am - 9pm
• Chriskindl Market 5pm - 9pm
• Dec. 24 Ice Rink & Chriskindl Market 11am - 6pm
• Dec.25 CLOSED
• Dec. 28, 29,30 Ice Rink 11am - 9pm
• Dec 31 Ice Rink 11am - 11pm

JANUARY

• January 1 CLOSED
• Thursdays Ice Rink 11am - 9pm
• Fridays, Saturdays Ice Rink 11am - 10pm
• Sundays Ice Rink 12pm - 6pm

END

For more information, Contact Dave Lieberth,
Deputy Mayor of Administration, 330.375.2345. liebeda@ci.akron.oh.us