JACKSON TWP. – Rides, music and fireworks are all part of the fun on tap during this week’s Jackson Community Celebration.
The annual event — featuring fried edibles, amusement rides, live bands, inflatable bounce houses, arts and crafts, as well as family-friendly games and activities — starts June 18 and continues through June 21 at North Park, 7660 Fulton Drive NW.
This year’s celebration features a logistical change of interest to attendees and those just driving in the area, according to Mike Danner, Jackson parks superintendent.
The Ferris wheel and fun slide are positioned on Fulton Drive adjacent to the park’s tennis courts.
“We’re mixing it up a bit. That way people can see some rides (and activity) when driving in from further out,” said Danner, adding that a tractor display and artisan and craft market are set up along Fulton Drive.
Fulton between Wales Avenue NW and the traffic light just west of Jackson High School — is closed to motorists until June 22 — to accommodate the festival, Danner said.
Free parking is available at the high school and North Park.
The event is derived from the Fireman’s Festival that started in the 1950s. It’s the township’s largest public event, drawing between 50,000 and 60,000 people a year.
Food, game booths and a number of amusement rides by Bates Amusements Co. are highlights of the four-day event.
Danner said 30 booth vendors, 19 food trucks and at least 15 rides are part of this year’s event.
Jackson festival provides venue for exposure to local civic groups
Kim Demor, president of the Jackson Township Historical Society, was setting up a booth June 17 at the park. She said members are offering popcorn, caramel popcorn, cotton candy, water and soda for sale to benefit the society.
“The (celebration) provides a nice opportunity for exposure and (to receive) donations,” Demor said.
The free-to-enter festival is organized by an advisory committee. The Jackson Parks and Recreation Division provides the venue and logistical support.
The Jackson Township Police Department is present throughout the event for security and parking assistance.
“We’re looking forward to a great festival and hope any rain holds off,” Danner said.
Features musical acts include New Wave Nation at 8 p.m. June 18; That 80s Band at 8 p.m. June 19: Vinyl Arcade at 6 p.m. and Disco Inferno at 8:30 p.m. June 20.
Follow the Sun will perform at 6 p.m. June 21 followed by the Trailer Park Ninjas at 8:30 p.m. and a fireworks display will at dusk. There will be no rain date for fireworks.
Reach Steven Grazier at steven.grazier@indeonline.com. On X (formerly Twitter): @sgrazierINDE
This article originally appeared on The Independent: What’s new for the 2025 Jackson Township Community Celebration?
Reporting by Steven M. Grazier, Massillon Independent / The Independent
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
