Empty seats were strewn throughout Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium during Brad Paisley’s concert to mark the conclusion of the 2021 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival.
But full house or not, Paisley was a master of the stage. Both authentically country and electrically entertaining, the artist wielded a guitar and interacted with the audience against a backdrop of colorful video displays.
This was a must at the annual football festival. Every concert for legends is. And it won’t be any different when rock musicians Journey headline the show this year.
Journey was a mainstream 1980s pop sensation, releasing a string of hits including “Wheel In The Sky”, “Any Way You Want It”, “Don’t Stop Believin'”, “Open Arms”, “Faithfully , “Lights”, “Only the Young”, “Be Good to Yourself”, “Lovin’, ‘Touchin’, ‘Squeezin'” and “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)”.
The band have sold more than 100 million records, including two albums that have individually surpassed 10 million. Journey was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2017.
The Concert for Legends is coordinated and presented by the Hall of Fame Village, powered by Johnson Controls.
Among the changes is that the concert will be held at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, as opposed to Sunday or Monday, which has been the norm for the marquee event in the past.
Known for the hits “Love is Like a Rock” and “Ah! Leah!” open Donnie Iris and The Cruisers Journey.
To purchase tickets visit https://www.hofvillage.com/p/events/concert-for-legends-presented-by-ford.
Also considered celebratory rites of passage are the Grand Parade, Balloon Classic, Enshrinee Roundtable, Fun Fest and Beer Fest, Canton First Friday and Festival Soirees.
For scheduling information and details of free and paid events, visit https://www.profootballhoffestival.com.
Pull up a chair to see the Canton Repository Grand Parade
Not to be outdone is the Canton Repository Grand Parade from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on August 6, starting in downtown Canton along Cleveland Avenue.
Times are changing in the world. The football game evolves. But the parade remains a timeless spectacle of floats, marching bands, cheerleaders and legendary NFL players.
More:Donnie Iris and The Cruisers open August 6th for Journey’s Concert for Legends at HOF Fest
Other activities during Hall of Fame week:Hall of Fame Fun Fest in Canton brings out superfans for fun moments and magical memories
Brad Paisley beams:Brad Paisley electrifies the light but enthusiastic audience at the close of the HOF Festival
The parade is a slice of Americana and by far the best many attendees will ever witness in person. Most notably is the chance to see NFL greats drive by just yards away, both newcomers and those spanning the decades.
Fans exclaim congratulations and encouragement. Cell phones are set up for photos. Music is booming from marching bands. Cheerleaders fill the air with panache. Entertain unicyclists. Children are thrown sweets. And the parade seems to last forever.
It’s recommended to show up early if you’re looking for a good spot for a folding chair. Reserved seats are also sold through the festival. And if you have a friend who lives along the parade route, it’s time to meet up again.
High up with the Balloon Classic
Last summer, on the Saturday morning of the Hall of Fame Festival weekend, I was walking to a bakery in Jackson Township early in the morning.
I just wanted some pastries and was mesmerized to look out a window and see colorful hot air balloons floating against a bright blue sky. There it was, the beauty of the Balloon Classic.
Presented by Aultman, the Balloon Classic takes place on Fridays and Saturdays from 4pm to 10pm.
Weather permitting, balloons will launch from the Kent State University campus at Stark and Stark State College at 6000 Frank Ave. NW in Jackson Township.
The event attracts balloonists from all over the country. Balloon launches are on Fridays and Saturdays from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., weather permitting.
Activities between 4pm and 10pm include a target drop, bouncy castles for kids and skydiving. Grocery vendors will also be available.
Admission is free and parking is $5. The Night Glow Event takes place on Friday. Visit www.profootballhoffestival.com/balloon-classic-invitational for more information.
There are also plenty of viewpoints in parking lots near Belden Village Mall and the Strip, and throughout the Canton area.
From up close or from afar, a sky dotted with balloons of different styles, hues and shapes makes for images worth sharing on social media.
Fun festival and beer festival
This newer and free event offers a casual yet fun atmosphere.
Depending on when you attend, crowds can be heavy or relatively light. DJs provide music and bands perform. Children’s fun includes bouncy castles and games.
More:Hall of Fame Fun Fest in Canton brings out superfans for fun moments and magical memories
For those looking to purchase Hall of Famer merchandise, an outdoor tent offers plenty of skillet goodies, particularly items honoring the new recruit class.
Fun Fest and Beer Fest also offer a bonus autograph opportunity. There’s no guarantee, but depending on the time, you might see a Hall of Famer strolling the museum grounds.
Another plus is the general camaraderie of the fans. Many of them are adorned with the regalia of their favorite teams. Selfie and photo opportunities abound.
The Fun Fest and Beer Festival will be held on August 4th from 12pm to 7pm; 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Aug. 5; and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on August 6. Activities take place on the campus of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
private parties
Mind you, I’ve never been a guest at any of the exclusive fairgrounds that have become both custom and legend during the festival.
But others have…and if you get an invite…or can somehow work your way into one…by all means do it.
Past contestants have brought in A-list entertainers — including Justin Timberlake and Jon Bon Jovi — to their exclusive get-togethers.
More:Savory Stark: Desert Inn Offers Private HOF Festival Party Featuring Rap Star Ja Rule
Local VIPs throw parties too, and last year was no different.
Celebrities were spotted at a private party in the North Canton area during the 2021 festival, including star rapper Ja Rule and football star and broadcaster Michael Irvin.
Hollywood types are also said to have attended the party, which drew an estimated 250 people.
Round table of the honored
Although I’ve never attended the Enshrinees Roundtable, local officials and festival-goers often tout the event as an opportunity to see and hear the new class of Hall members in a more relaxed setting.
The 2022 candidates will share stories about their lives and football careers in an informal and personal format at this unscripted event.
The admission fee event will be held at noon on August 7th at the Canton Memorial Civic Center. Visit https://www.profootballhoffestival.com/tickets for more information.
Canton First Friday
For those who haven’t yet discovered the First Friday events in downtown Canton, what are you waiting for?
The first Friday in August is an ideal time to check it out. Of course, the motto is football.
More:Canton First Friday is ready to rock this summer with a new look, new games and updated website
Family-friendly activities are the norm. Centennial Plaza is downtown’s soccer-inspired crown jewel. Not only does it commemorate those who played in the NFL, but it also serves as a focal point for live music and other entertainment.
Downtown shops and restaurants will also be open. Art galleries display exhibits. And everywhere you turn downtown, there will be excitement.
The first Friday is August 5th from 5pm to 9pm.
Visit https://cantonfirstfriday.com for more information.
You can reach Ed at 330-580-8315 and [email protected]
On Twitter @ebalintREP
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