Akron’s unofficial ambassador is getting its own holiday.
During his State of the City address May 19, Mayor Shammas Malik announced that the first “Blimp Day” will be held on June 6.
The first test flight of the Goodyear blimp took place June 3, 1925, over Akron.
And since that date, flights of the iconic airships have been commonplace over the city and major events across Summit County.
It was just a year ago that Goodyear brought three of the airships to Akron for a flight over the city to mark the historic milestone.
The plan is for two of the Goodyear blimps to fly over all 24 neighborhoods in the city on June 6.
“We plan to host this event every summer, and while the specific date might change, you can get ready for a yearly Blimp Day holiday on your calendar,” Malik said in the speech at the Akron Civic Theatre.
The city plans to host a Blimp Day photo contest challenging residents to capture the most iconic image of the blimps flying over Akron.
Malik said the city hopes to expand the festivities in future years to perhaps include a chance for blimp fans to get “up close and personal with these symbols of Akron.”
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron’s iconic blimps get their own special day June 6. What to know
Reporting by Craig Webb, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
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