Young Baseball Players Parade Downtown
Little infielders, outfielders, pitchers and catchers will be lined up on South Main Street this Saturday for the annual All American Baseball and Softball Parade in downtown Akron.
Leagues from around the city, Goodyear Heights, North Akron, Ellet, Kenmore, West Akron Little League and West Akron Baseball League will send a total of 1,200 youngsters to parade down Main Street and be cheered on by family and fans Saturday morning beginning at 11.
The route begins at Cedar and Main streets, heads north on Main to Bowery and then west on Bowery to finish at Lock 4.
“They’ll walk through Lock 4 to get to Lock 3 and the food,” said Brittany Schmoekel, Akron’s community events coordinator. “I’m sure they will have worked up quite an appetite. At Lock 3, the kids will get to grab a free hot dog provided by Sugardale (and buns donated by Dave’s Market). Ohio Pure Foods is donating juice, and Dan-Dee is bringing the potato chips.”
All of the kids will receive a voucher to see an Akron Racer’s game for free and a special discount coupon for one Akron Aeros game. Kids all will receive a raffle ticket to be entered to win prizes – Akron Aeros loge, game tickets, bikes, and more.
Mayor Don Plusquellic said he’s honored to have this year’s parade marshal be Coach Dru Joyce II and the St. Vincent - St. Mary State Champion Boys Basketball Team.
“I can think of no better example we could give the kids from right in their home town than Dru and his championship squad,” said the Mayor. “When these youngsters get to see these high school athletes who worked so hard to be the best in the state of Ohio, it’s a terrific model to follow.”
When the parade is over, the players will be presented with awards in a ceremony at Lock 3. Also taking place at Lock 3 until 2:00 p.m. – inflatables: Obstacle Course, Moon Walk, Bungee Trampoline, Titanic Slide, Rock Climbing Wall, Combo Castle; Magical Train rides along the towpath; behind the scene tours of Canal Park from Aeros employees; autographs from the Akron Racers; the Diamond Classic table where all kids in uniform will receive a free ticket to the Diamond Classic game at Canal Park on May 19; a base running competition; music, and games by Beach Boyz Entertainment.
The City of Akron is pleased to have Keith Kennedy from 98.1 WKDD announcing the parade units and act as emcee of the event.
