Vendors can apply for ArtFest
ALLIANCE – The University of Mount Union will host the 62nd annual ArtFest on Oct. 10. The event will be held around the Campus Lakes and will include live music and vendors.
ArtFest features two areas for creators and merchants to show and sell their work. The Artisan Village includes original fine and functional art, and the Merchant Market will include vendors whose works are not entirely original in nature, like direct sales, vintage resellers, plants, or crafters who produce bulk pieces.
The early bird rate for vendors is $50 and available through Aug. 15. Fees will increase to $75 for adults from Aug. 16 through Oct. 9. Vendor fees will be waived for junior vendors (ages 12-18) or collegiate (enrolled in college) vendors. Event registration on the day of the event is $150 per space.
The Carnation City Food Truck Rally will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. along Simpson Street west of Union Avenue. Vendor and food truck lists, along with current vendors and registration information, are available at mountunion.edu/artfest. For any questions, contact the ArtFest committee at artfest@mountunion.edu.
Youth-focused programs get grants
CANTON – Future Promise’s Summer Transitional Program and the YMCA of Central Stark County’s Youth Cooking Club have been selected to receive Stark County Mental Health & Addiction Recovery 2026 Community Wellness Grants.
The grants are intended to support youth-focused programs that promote resilience, well-being and positive development. Selected organizations receive up to $2,500 in funding for a six-month program period.
Grants are funded through a charitable fund at Stark Community Foundation. Contributions can be made at https://starkmhar.org/get-involved/charitable-fund.
YMCA of Central Stark County beats campaign goal
CANTON – The YMCA of Central Stark County raised $1,034,025, exceeding its 2026 Annual Campaign fundraising goal of $1,020,000.
The financial assistance allows children to participate in summer day camp, swim lessons, youth sports, before and after school care, and preschool programs. It also provides adults and older adults access to wellness programs, chronic disease prevention classes, group exercise, and social connection.
To learn more about the YMCA of Central Stark County, donate, or discover programs available at your local branch, visit www.ymcastark.org/give.
Tickets available for fundraiser
CANTON – Tickets are on sale for Timeless Connections: Our Story – 80 Years in the Making, a fundraiser from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 24 celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Stark County Historical Society, the organization behind the McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, 800 McKinley Monument Drive NW.
Guests will have behind-the-scenes access to artifacts and photographs, immersive exhibits, and interactive experiences throughout the museum. The evening will feature live music, heavy appetizers, and specialty samples from local favorites, including Dishes by Design, That Little Italian Kitchen, and Cherry Blend Coffee Roasters.
Buy tickets ($65 for members; $70 for nonmembers) online at qrco.de/bgqBKQ or call the museum’s front office at 330-455-7043 during regular business hours.
Concerts at Hartville Kitchen
LAKE TWP. – Hartville Kitchen, 1015 Edison St. NW, will present Dove Award-winning band The Sound at 7 p.m. Aug. 6. Tickets are $30 to $50. Contemporary Christian vocal trio Selah will perform at 7 p.m. Aug. 13. Tickets are $55 to $75. Doors open at 6 p.m. for both shows. For tickets and more information, visit hartvillekitchen.com or call 330-877-9353.
Be a Constitution Committee Royal Court Ambassador
LOUISVILLE – Louisville 2026-27 high school juniors and seniors can get involved with the community and take part in serving others by applying for the Constitution Committee’s Royal Court Ambassadors.
Louisville’s 74th annual Constitution Week will start Sept. 13, celebrating the signing of the Constitution. Candidates learn about the history of the Constitution and the community, gain experience in meeting and interacting with other people, and public speaking.
Juniors and seniors attending Louisville High School (or home schooled) and living in the 44641 ZIP code are eligible to run for Constitution Ambassador. The deadline to apply is Aug. 15. Contest information and applications are at www.LouisvilleConstitutionTown.org.
Writing Circle at museum
MASSILLON ‒ The Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, will offer a monthly Writing Circle on the second Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. beginning Aug. 8. Expanding Circles Collective LLC will facilitate the session. Participants are encouraged to bring a writing project and a goal and share their work in a casual atmosphere. Second Saturday Writing Circle is free and open to all ages with no registration required.
Music at Duncan Plaza
MASSILLON ‒ The Massillon Summer Concert Series will feature the Canal Fulton Community Band performing at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 3, Back 2 Eden performing at 7 p.m. Aug. 6 and Michael Stanley tribute band In the Heartland performing at 7 p.m. Aug. 13 at Duncan Plaza downtown. Admission is free.
History discussion group to meet
MASSILLON – The Massillon Museum’s History Discussion Group will meet from 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 4. Moderator Mandy Altimus Stahl will lead a discussion about Massillon Tiger football games and the Massillon Tiger Swing Band. Guests can bring mementoes and photographs.
The History Discussion Group meets on the first Tuesday of each month in the Fred F. Silk Community Room in the lower level at the museum, 121 Lincoln Way E. Attendance is free and open to everyone; new participants are welcome. No reservations are necessary. Pastries and coffee are available for a donation.
Navarre Bethlehem Historical Society to meet
NAVARRE ‒ The Navarre Bethlehem Historical Society will meet at 10 a.m. Aug. 12. The museum, decorated for the nation’s 250th anniversary, is open from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays for the public to view. If you need a different time, call 330-879-5938 to make an appointment.
The group welcomes financial support to maintain its three buildings: two buildings need new roofs, two need new furnaces, and a fence needs to be replaced. A student desk was donated from Florence Engleman’s estate.
Members are in the museum every Wednesday morning assessing donated items, filing, researching properties and the history of local residents. If you have pictures, or history of your relatives, historical society members would appreciate making copies for their files.
The historical society is working on its annual car show that will be Sept. 27 at the corner of Main and Center streets in Navarre.
Library events
NORTH CANTON – The North Canton Public Library, 185 N. Main St., is giving out DIY Chia Pet Library To-Go Kits. All the materials you will need (chia seeds, potting soil, nylon stocking, terracotta pot, googly eyes, etc.) will be included in the kit. Register on the events page of northcantonlibrary.org; pickup begins Aug. 10.
Help create a Jackson Pollock-inspired splatter art project during Tuesday Crafternoon at 3 p.m. Aug. 11 at the North Canton Public Library’s lawn. Wear clothes and shoes that can get messy. Register on the events page of northcantonlibrary.org.
Animals, tribute band at amphitheater
PLAIN TWP. – The Plain Township Amphitheater, 2600 Easton St. NE, will host the following events. For more information or tickets, visit plaintownshipamphitheater.com:
Stark Parks programs
Stark Parks offers a variety of programs and activities. Visit StarkParks.com for class information and registration for all events and programs unless otherwise noted:
This article originally appeared on The Repository: News from around the Canton region | Stark County community briefs
Reporting by Canton Repository / The Repository
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By Canton Repository | USA TODAY Network
