Year in Review 2009

After a 35-year run, first in Ravenna then in Akron, the beloved Carousel Dinner Theatre closed its doors for good this year. According to news reports, employees were officially notified of the closing on New Year’s Eve, and the Akron Beacon Journal reported on the story in its Jan. 1 edition. Financial difficulties were cited as the reason for the closing.

University of Akron fans enjoyed the first game at Infocision Stadium–Summa Field

on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009.

Former Akron-Canton Airport Director

Fred Krum died on March 3.

Christy Harp of Jackson Township grew a 1,725-pound pumpkin, believed to be the world’s largest. Harp was featured throughout local and national media, including NBC’s Today Show.

The floating towpath on Summit Lake opened in September. The most recently completed section of the Towpath Trail stretches from Summit Lake Community Center to Wilbeth Road.

An agreement was reached to keep World Golf Championships–Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club through at least 2014.

Swensons celebrates its 75th anniversary.

Akron Aeros win 2009 Eastern League Championship for first time since 2005.

Leadership Akron celebrates its 25th anniversary.

University of Akron breaks ground on National Polymer Innovation Center.

The Joseph Saxton Gallery of Photography opens in Canton.

The Chapel turns 75.

30 years of Tuba Christmas, 10 years for Tuba Summer.

Beginning this fall, Sotheby’s began to sell contemporary paintings and sculptures from the collection of Mary Schiller Myers and Louis S. Myers. Mary Schiller Myers, namesake for The University of Akron’s School of Art, is one of the women credited with bringing contemporary art to Akron. She passed away in 2008.

2009-2010 Season marks Summit Choral Society’s 20th anniversary.

The first section of Downtown Akron’s Wi-Fi corridor along South Main Street goes live.

70th anniversary of

Alcoholics Anonymous.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park acquires 635 acres of undeveloped land at Blossom Music Center.

Rev. Ben Walker retires as executive director of Haven of Rest.

The IFAF Junior World Championship comes to Canton.

Luigi’s 60th anniversary.

Madeline Bozzelli received the Bert A. Polsky Humanitarian Award.

Lantern lights and performance art bring University Park to life during the inaugural Light-UP Lantern Festival. This year’s theme was “Garden of Earthly Delights.”