Hartville – When most people think of Hartville, they picture the 15-acre Hartville Marketplace shopping complex, Hartville Kitchen or Hartville Hardware. And if that’s all you’ve seen of the small town nestled between Akron and Canton, then you’re in for a real treat. This summer, make time to experience Hartville’s historic downtown area during their monthly ‘Second Saturdays’ events and find out what you’ve been missing. Located at State Route 43 near State Route 619, historic downtown Hartville hosts a monthly block party from 10 am until 3 pm on the second Saturday of each month. Dubbed ‘Second Saturdays,’ each event holds a different theme.
On July 9th, the downtown area will turn into a giant play space as kids and adults are urged to ‘Get Out & Play.’ Families can compete at oversized games including Pictionary, Checkers, Connect Four, and Kerplunk. You’ll have the chance to explore the downtown area at length as you search for scavenger hunt objects. Children can explore the many craft stations, bubbles, and water games; don’t forget to vote for your favorite performer in the Youth Music Showcase, where performers aged 12-22 years old will be performing in a variety of musical genres. Food and snacks will be available from local shops including PizzaBOGO, Hartville Chocolate Factory, Peace, and Love and Little Donuts. Special food trucks and booths will be on hand, as well. Proceeds from the Youth Music Showcase event benefit downtown events and improvements.
On Saturday August 13th, the downtown area will celebrate makers during that month’s ‘Craft Around the Block’ event. While on a regular day, downtown shops feature the works of over 100 artists, during this Second Saturday street festival, they’ll host a maker market of over 50 more artists, crafters, and upcyclers. But this isn’t your typical craft show. At this event, you’ll interact with artists, create, and get messy as downtown shops host make-and-take projects and demos, including metal-smithing, jewelry-making, painting techniques, play dough sculpting, and kids’ crafts. You’ll have the opportunity to let your creative side loose as you help paint this year’s community art project, too.
On September 10th, come celebrate an extra special Old Fashioned Day as Hartville celebrates Lake Township’s Bicentennial. That Saturday, you and your family can explore the living history demonstrations scattered throughout downtown. You’ll also find a variety of vendors selling vintage and upcycled items; wagon rides, a concert by The Twang Cats, and more. Bring a pie and enter the contest sponsored by the Frontier Restaurant, or enjoy some barbequed chicken courtesy of the Hartville Lions Club.
Admission is free for Second Saturdays events; event parking is available within two blocks in lots surrounding downtown. For more information, visit discoverhartville.com.
