The weekend is upon us and Kent Patch is here to provide you with choices to help get away from the realities of life.
Even in the midst of searing heat, evictions, foreclosure, potential financial meltdowns, multiple wars and rapid global change, you currently have the freedom to enjoy your family, community and Northeast Ohio.
So Get Out while you still can, and have a good time in the process.
1. : Hard Days Night, featuring The Beatles
Where/When: , Corner of East Main Street and North Water Street, downtown Kent.
Friday, July 29, activities begin at 7 p.m., movie at dusk.
Why Go: Grab a lawn chair or blanket and watch a free movie outdoors under the stars. See the 1964 classic, Hard Days Night, with music and acting by The Beatles. There will be live music before the movie at 7 p.m. by the Bluestones. Little Caesar's of Kent will provide free pizza.
Pricing: Sidewalk cinema always free and open to the public.
2.
Where/When: Corner of Summit Street and Franklin Avenue, downtown Kent.
Saturday, July 30, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Why Go: The natural handiwork of the growing season is beginning to arrive in expanding abundance. That means more vegetables and products to choose from as you stroll along the variety of stands. Organic and free-range choices available. Hear live music. Enjoy, and possibly buy art from talented locals. Catch up with friends and neighbors while you purchase stuff grown or produced in the area.
Pricing: Always free entry and open to the public.
3.
Where/When: , 500 VFW Parkway, Kent.
Saturday, July 30, 11 a.m.
Why Go: Honor the life and ultimate sacrifice of Kent's recent military hero, Adam Hamilton, at this first annual cornhole tournament in his name. Hamilton was killed this year while on duty in the war in Afghanistan. The tournament will raise proceeds for the Adam Hamilton Scholastic Athletic Scholarship Fund, set up by his parents Scott and Nancy. Event will have a 50-50 raffle and cash prizes for first- and second-place tournament winners.
Pricing: Cornhole team fee is $40, with registration from 9 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. General admission is $10, which includes food and beverage. Event is open to the public.
Where/When: Summit County Fairgrounds, Corner of state Route 91 and East Howe Avenue, Tallmadge.
Today, July 29, 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 30, 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 31, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Why Go: It's county fair season again. Eat your favorite fair food and stroll among the exhibits. See those prize-winning farm animals. Enjoy the thrill of amusement rides. Truck and tractor pulls tonight and Saturday. Don't miss the special Corn Dogs & Carnage NEO Roller Derby Expo on Saturday. Motocross on Sunday.
Pricing: Grounds admission is $6, children 8 and under get free entry, grandstand events and amusement rides extra. Free Parking.
5. Porthouse Theatre: Hello, Dolly!
Where/When: Porthouse Theatre, Blossom Music Center grounds, 1145 W. Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls.
Tonight, July 29, 8 p.m.
Saturday, July 30, 8 p.m.
Sunday, July 31, 2 p.m.
Performances run until August 14.
Why Go: This stage show is based on the play The Matchmaker by Thornton Wilder, its setting is New York at the turn of the 20th century. See the humorous twists and turns of a matchmaker in action. Porthouse works in conjunction with the Kent State University School of Theater and Dance.
Pricing: General admission $25 and $33, students $17 and $20
Where/When: Streetsboro City Park, 8970 Kirby Lane, Streetsboro.
Tonight, July 29, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Saturday, July 30, noon to 11 p.m.
Sunday, July 31, noon to 5 p.m.
Why Go: It's the biggest summer event for Kent's close northern neighbor. Enjoy rides, children's activities, exhibits, food, beer garden, car and bike show, dog show and doughnut-eating competition. Free live music includes internationaly recognized Melodic Instrumental Guitarist Neil Zaza and Frankie Starr Band tonight. Local favorite Sonny Geraci performs on Saturday, followed by a giant fireworks display.
Pricing: Free entry and open to the public.
7. Windham Bicentennial Celebration
Where/When: Windham Township Green, 9011 N. Main St., Windham.
Today, July 29, 3 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 30, 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 31, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Why Go: This is the 200-year anniversary for our neighbor in the hinterland of Portage County. Join in the celebration that features their biggest parade ever, children's activities, games, food, history exhibits, Army tank and Ravenna Arsenal displays, free live music with 30 acts on three stages including AC/DC and Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute bands, time capsule, balloon launch, huge light show and fireworks display.
Pricing: Free entry and open to the public.
8. Steve Earle & The Dukes, Featuring Allison Moorer
Where/When: , 175 E. Main St., downtown Kent.
Sunday, July 31, 7:30 p.m.
Why Go: Earle is a Grammy Award winner and is respected for his work with the Americana/Folk style of music. He is touring in promotion of his recent CD and book, both titled: I'll Never Get Out Of This World Alive.
Pricing: $30 and $45
