Good morning, Akron.

On July 19, the 87th All American Soap Box Derby in Akron crowned seven champions and saw racer Dasha Driscoll, age 14, say the race helped her learn English and build new friendships.

The event featured creative car designs and strong family ties as racers from across the nation gathered to compete.

Blossom Music Center has set new rules for concerts featuring Cynthia Erivo on Sunday, July 27 and Laufey on Thursday, Aug 7 that tighten limits on alcohol, chairs and bags compared to regular Cleveland Orchestra events.

Fans must plan ahead for metal detector and bag-check screenings—restrictions vary by performer and may also affect travel due to road delays.

Looking back over Akron’s 200-year history, Irish immigrants dug canals in 1825, prohibitionists planned a convention in 1875, more than 100,000 people attended a centennial parade in 1925, senior citizens received free rides from RTA in 1975, and a local grocery company began sponsoring a football game in 2000 — events that helped shape the city.

Today, Akron’s tunnel-boring machine ‘Elaine’ is working on the 6,660-foot Northside Interceptor Tunnel—designed to store up to 10.5 million gallons of sewage during heavy rains and improve water quality—through Cascade Valley and North Hill.

The project, one of 26 federally mandated upgrades, will be completed by Dec. 31 to reduce sewer overflows and protect local waterways.

Bath Township Historical Society and the Ohio History Connection’s State Historic Preservation Office will sponsor a Building Doctor Clinic in Bath Township on Aug.6-7 — the event begins with a free seminar on Aug.6 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Bath Township Administration Offices and continues on Aug.7 with on-site consultations by appointment.

Sinisa Jovic—raised near Akron and a recent national champion—is training six days a week at Rising Dragon MMA in Bedford Heights as he prepares to compete at world kickboxing championships this winter.

He says his mother's advice and his Akron roots give him the strength to win a world title in November.

Stretch Social with Flo

10:00 – 11:30 PM — Outdoor Space — Free entry — A gentle stretch session for relaxation and community connection.

Idolos, Orion's Sword, Wendy's Ash Concert

7-11 p.m. — Musica — $10 — Experience local rock talent with Idolos and Orion's Sword alongside Wendy's Ash.

Parcours Hike and Picnic

10 a.m. — Sand Run Metroparks — Free registration required — Enjoy a refreshing hike followed by a relaxing picnic with your packed lunch.

Club Car / Pepsi SP #6 Golf Tournament

Event Time — Portage Country Club — Cost Info — Participate in an exciting golf tournament at a scenic venue.

Euchre Game Night

12:30-1:30 p.m. — Kenmore Community Center — Free entry — A friendly afternoon of card-playing excitement awaits enthusiasts of all skill levels.

Twins Days Festival

9 a.m. - 6 p.m. — Glenn Chamberlin Park — Check official website for entry fees — Celebrate the joy of twins with a fun-filled festival featuring highlights from past events.

Summit County Amateur Championship

Aug 2-3 — J. E Good Park Golf Course — Entry via registration — Compete in a prestigious amateur golf championship held annually since 1974.

Summer Parks Concert by the Akron Symphony Orchestra

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Firestone Park Community Center — Free entry — Experience beautiful music in the great outdoors of Akron at this beloved community event.

Nelly, Ja Rule & Eve Concert

12:00 PM - 7:59 PM — Blossom Music Center — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate 25 years of hip-hop with Nelly, Ja Rule, and Eve at an unforgettable concert experience.

Cuyahoga County Fair

12-11 PM — Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds RV Park — Admission fees may apply — Celebrate agriculture, livestock, music, and food while enjoying family and community activities.