A entry posthumously honoring 2022 Akron Fourth of July parade grand marshal Jim Bucher is shown in this InkFreeNews file photo. This year’s parade starts at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 4.

Staff Report

AKRON — This year’s Akron Fourth of July Festival aims to transport people back to the 1970s.

“Take Me Back to the ’70s” is the theme. One of the organizers of the event, Akron Clerk-Treasurer Rebecca Hartzler, said it was chosen related to this year’s parade grand marshals, Shirley Bickel and Ruby Bowers, who both opened beauty shops 50 years ago in 1973.

Activities start on Thursday, June 22, with voting for the Akron Las Donas Club’s Penny-a-Vote Cute Baby Contest. That runs through Saturday, July 1, at Lake City Bank in Akron.

On July 1, Young Entrepreneur Day returns to Lake City Bank from 9-11 a.m. Kids are given $10 to start a business, with them selling items during that time period.

The winners of the Cute Baby Contest will be announced at 5:15 p.m. Sunday, July 2, at the Akron Community Center. Following at 5:30 p.m. are the Miss Sparkler and Mr. Firecracker contests and the Miss Akron Fourth of July pageant.

Tuesday, July 4, includes multiple events. The Henry Township Fire Department has its firemen’s pancake breakfast from 7-10 a.m. at the fire station, with the Firecracker 5K walk starting at 8 a.m., the 1-mile fun run at 8:15 a.m., and the 5K run at 8:30 a.m., all at Akron Elementary School.

The parade starts at 11 a.m., running down Rochester Street and Mishawaka Street.

New to afternoon activities this year is laser tag, with that available from noon to 10 p.m. at Pike Memorial Park. Tuesday will cap off with fireworks at 10 p.m. at the park, sponsored by the fire department.

Below is the full schedule of events:

Thursday, June 22-Saturday, July 1

• Voting at Lake City Bank for the Penny-a-Vote Cute Baby Contest sponsored by the Akron Las Donas Club

Saturday, July 1

• 9-11 a.m. — Young Entrepreneur Day at Lake City Bank

Sunday, July 2

• 5-7 p.m. — Akron Parent Support Group Igloo Ice Cream Social at the Akron Community Center
• 5:15 p.m. — Penny-a-Vote Cute Baby Contest Winners announced at the Akron Community Center
• 5:30 p.m. — Miss Sparkler, Mr. Firecracker, Miss Akron contests at the Akron Community Center

Monday, July 3

• 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. — Book sale at the Akron Public Library

Tuesday, July 4

• 7-7:45 a.m. — Registration for Firecracker 5K Run/Walk and 1-mile Fun Run sponsored by Akron Las Donas Club at Akron Elementary School
• 8 a.m. — 5K walk starts at Akron Elementary School
• 8:15 a.m. — 1-mile fun run starts at Akron Elementary School
• 8:30 a.m. — 5K run starts at Akron Elementary School
• 7-10 a.m. — Firemen’s Breakfast sponsored by the Henry Township Fire Department at the fire station
• 9 a.m. — Flag raising by the American Legion Honor Guard at the fire station
• 9 a.m. — Games begin in the 3-on-3 basketball tournament at Pike Memorial Park
• 9 a.m. — Parade lineup starts at Sonoco off SR 19
• 9 a.m. — Coed volleyball tournament at Pike Memorial Park
• 11 a.m. — Parade along Rochester Street and Mishawaka Street
• Noon to 10 p.m. — Food and retail vendors, inflatables and laser tag at Pike Memorial Park
• 12:30-2 p.m. — Band Tamborazo Villa at Pike Memorial Park
• 1-3 p.m. — Petting zoo and pig races at Pike Memorial Park
• 1-4 p.m. — Jim Bucher Memorial Car Show at Pike Memorial Park
• 7-9 p.m. — Kids’ games at Pike Memorial Park
• 7-10 p.m. — Band Ain’t Ryte at Pike Memorial Park
• 10 p.m. — Fireworks sponsored by the Henry Township Fire Department at Pike Memorial Park

Wednesday, July 5, through Friday, July 7

• 9 a.m.-6 p.m. — Book sale at the Akron Public Library

Saturday, July 8

• 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Book sale at the Akron Public Library