Last night, we braved the snow and headed to downtown Akron for the reopening of Lock 3. It was an event we couldn’t miss, especially since it coincided with the annual Welcome Santa Parade. The park had undergone a massive $17 million renovation, and this was its big debut. Even though we hadn’t initially planned for a blizzard, the festive atmosphere quickly made us forget about the cold.
Lock 3 looked amazing. The new features include a spacious Maynard Performance Pavilion, two ice skating areas, and beautifully landscaped gardens with over 100 trees and thousands of native plants. It’s clear that a lot of thought went into making this a year-round destination for Akron families. The nostalgic holiday displays were a lovely touch, and seeing Archie the Talking Snowman brought back so many childhood memories. For those unfamiliar, Archie was a beloved holiday tradition at Akron’s main mall, and it’s exciting to see him back.
The parade itself was much longer than we expected—over an hour—but it was full of colorful floats, festive characters like the Grinch, and, of course, Santa Claus. Afterward, we warmed up with some food and waited for the drone show, which was one of the highlights of the evening. Watching the synchronized lights dance across the snowy sky was nothing short of magical. The organizers did an incredible job making the event feel special despite the freezing temperatures.
Overall, it was a fun and memorable way to kick off the holiday season. Lock 3’s transformation is a huge win for Akron, and we’re excited to see all the events and activities it will host in the future. If you’re looking for a festive outing, Lock 3 is definitely worth a visit this winter. From ice skating to holiday displays, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
website: https://www.akronohio.gov/departments/lock_3/index.php
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