First Friday: Carnival of Arts!

Step right up!  And witness, right before your very eyes, the amazing Michael Voltagio – Canton City police officer by day, escape artist by night.  See him soar to new heights, at 6:30 p.m. on the corner of 4^th and Cleveland Avenue NW as he performs a death-defying feat at Carnival of Arts – the August 3 First Friday in the Canton Arts District.

Belly Dance by Mariah will be open 7-8pm with demonstrations in the Renkhert Building.

Then catch your breath for organ-grinders, stilt-walkers, balloon benders, belly dancers, jugglers and live animals, compliments of Stump Hill Farms.  Feed your face with cotton candy, caramel corn, ice cream and funnel cakes, but leave room for a real meal at your favorite downtown restaurants. Get your picture taken at the photo booth, play some games of chance and be a part of the action with Creative Ohio Gallery’s Creative Cardboard Gallery.

Take a break at the Kathleen Howland Theatre to see a preview of the upcoming show, “Tomfoolery,” stop in the Palace Theatre for free tours and a free showing of “Rio,” and cross the street to the Motter & Meadow’s lot for a musical lineup, including Tristan Sedlock, Kylie Gambone, Marie Garton and the Josh Huddleston Band.

Other music includes the Buzzbin lineup on 4^th and Court which will include Lords of the Highway, Akillis Green, Thaddeus Green, and Johnny and the Applestompers.  The doo-wop sensation, Take 3, will be playing at Arcadia; Tim Griffiths and KT Hubbard will be at Gasser’s; and Kyle McGavern will be at Muggswicz.  Brian McCoy will be playing original music on his Hurdy Gurdy from 7-9 at Elemental Arts.  Ryan Humbert takes the main stage on Cleveland Avenue (near VXI building) at 8:00 p.m.

Lynda Tuttle’s Art Center will feature two new exhibits while Translations will exhibit artwork from the collection, “Celebrating Art Patrons.”  And the Joseph Saxton Gallery of Photography will host a silent auction, in memory of Ellen Gray and benefiting the North Canton Medical Foundation.  2^nd April artists will feature new work and all 4^th street studios will be open for business, enticing you to buy at least $20 of merchandise to gain a scratch-off ticket for instant cash at the bright yellow Info Tent.

And, let’s not forget that it’s Hall of Fame weekend!  Jeff Keirn and his Chalk Monkeys will be throwing a pass, arts-style, on Court Avenue by Tozzi’s.

Download the August 3 First Friday map and any additional details you need at www.cantonfirstfriday.com.  First Friday is sponsored by Stark Community Foundation and presented by the downtown Canton Special improvement District and ArtsinStark.

Kathy Gray

Kathy Gray is a Social Media Strategist for Pole Position Marketing in Canton, Ohio. Originally from the rural flat lands of Northwest Ohio, she enjoys exploring the rolling hills of Stark County with her husband Aaron and two kids, Andy and Marybeth. They're always on the lookout for their next big Stark County adventure! You can find Kathy on Twitter at @kagray.

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