AKRON, Ohio — A Northeast Ohio holiday tradition is back for its 19th season.
WinterBlast officially kicked off Friday night in Akron’s Lock 3 with the Welcome Santa Parade and lighting of the City of Akron Christmas tree.
What You Need To Know
- WinterBlast is now open in downtown Akron
- A Welcome Santa Parade and tree lighting kicked off the holiday festivities
- Ice skating and other family-friendly activities will be available all season
Greg Nyburg, Akron Recreation and Parks Department supervisor, said about 60 floats, bands and other groups were scheduled to take part in this year’s parade.
The parade route started at Canal and Main, traveling down Main Street to Lock 3.
This is the first year the city held its holiday parade at night with lighted floats to coincide with the city’s Christmas tree lighting.
A variety of family-friendly activities and events will be available all season with WinterBlast, including ice bumper cars, ice bikes, indoor polar putt-putt and ice skating. Archie the Talking Snowman is also on display, in addition to former O’Neils Department store displays.
