The Akron PeaceMakers, the Mayor’s anti-crime, youth program -- and the City’s premiere youth volunteer group -- will celebrate their 3rd Annual Teen Expo, 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, August 18, at the Lock 3 Entertainment Complex, in downtown Akron.
A special appearance by the Radio Disney 1260 Road Crew will kick off the evening with their high-energy “Detour Show.” There will be music, dancing and prizes; and, exhibitors will provide youth with information on education, health, safety and volunteer opportunities in the Greater Akron area. Akron’s own National Award winning Alkaf Youth Group will perform, as well as the Funk Lab Dance Studio, a hip hop dance crew, out of Dayton.
Last year, more than 1,300 youth attended the PeaceMakers Expo. The goal for this year is 1,800 to 2,000. “Parents can be assured that this is one event they don’t have to be concerned about their teen’s safety,” said Billy Soule, Assistant to the Mayor and the group’s creator. “There will be several Akron Police Officers on site partnering with our PeaceMakers to show that youth and police can be on the same page when it comes to keeping our city strong and safe.”
“This is a great opportunity for Akron’s young citizens to come downtown, in a safe environment, and see what the Akron PeaceMakers are all about,” said Mayor Plusquellic. “This is a very popular and fun event, and I am proud of our PeaceMakers for successfully promoting peace in our city and actively making Akron a stronger, safer community.”
The event is free to middle and high school students and is open to all teens in Northeast Ohio. Along with music and prizes, there will be various sports and inflatable games for fun and recreation. Food will be available at reasonable prices.
Also, there is still time to become an Akron Peacemaker, as the group is seeking new members. Applications for the October 5, 2011 PeaceMakers Orientation will also be available at the Expo. “We are looking for teens that have an interest in preserving the future of Akron and would like to play a role in promoting the positive image of youth in our city” said Billy Soule.
The PeaceMakers’ program has grown to 75-80 active members. In 2010, members of the Peacemakers volunteered and participated in more two dozen different community projects and provided 2,700 volunteer hours.
Gates open at 5:30 with festivities starting at 6. For more information, go to AkronPeaceMakers.org or call (330) 365-2660 or (330) 375-2712.
