CANTON, OHIO (July 15, 2010) – The Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival Concert & Fireworks activities will not only be held on a new date this year – Thursday, July 29 – but also at a NEW location in downtown Canton: Cornerstone Square in the area of Walnut Avenue and Tuscarawas Street. As planning proceeded to assure a smooth transition to the new date, discussions among Enshrinement Festival organizers, City of Canton safety officials, and ArtsinStark/Cultural Center leadership led to the conclusion that a change in venue is necessary. The move was advised by City safety officials because of a new membrane (protective seal) that was installed on the Cultural Center parking deck, which previously served as the fireworks launch site.
All parties involved recognize that the parking deck is a critical component to the Cultural Center/Civic Center complex, and the new state-of-the-art protective seal will provide long-lasting coverage, but it is no longer conducive to serving as the fireworks site. “The new membrane is not able to tolerate the heat generated by the size of shells used to produce this major show,” stated Chief Steven Rich of the Canton Fire Department. Mayor William J. Healy II expressed his support for the new site. “We are pleased that this fine family event will remain in downtown Canton, at a site that provides extensive viewing opportunities for thousands of people,” he said. “The City is proud to work in a spirit of cooperation to provide the support necessary to maintain the quality and safety of this spectacular event.” The event will signal the dynamic kick off to the 11-day, 18-event Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival. The format and activities will remain the same with great family activities beginning at 6 p.m., including face painting, balloon twisters, kids’ crafts, a variety of food vendors and band concerts. At 10 p.m., Zambelli, the First Family of Fireworks (www.zambellifireworks.com), will provide an extraordinary fireworks display choreographed to music and best described as phenomenal. “The Enshrinement Festival greatly appreciates the superb cooperation received from Mayor Healy and City safety officials, property owners, sponsors, vendors and committee volunteers who will team up to assure that this new date and new location result in a fantastic event to be enjoyed by thousands of people throughout the greater downtown area,” said Joanne Murray, director of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival. The fireworks will be launched from the top deck of the Cornerstone Square parking garage, providing a vast expanse of unobstructed viewing opportunities. However, spectators will be prohibited in the drop zone area beginning on the south side of Tuscarawas through Fifth Street South, and from Piedmont through the west side of Cherry Avenue. Band concerts, food vendors, kids’ activities and family fun will be plentiful along Walnut Avenue from Tuscarawas Street north to Fourth Street. Check the Web site periodically for specific street closings and updated information: www.profootballhofef.com.
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