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Canton Arts Fest Ignites Community Spirit
12 Jul
Summary
- Hundreds gathered at Centennial Plaza for the African American Arts Festival.
- Local bands and diverse vendors offered cultural experiences and goods.
- The festival celebrates heritage, tradition, and community engagement.

Centennial Plaza in Canton buzzed with activity on July 11 as hundreds attended the African American Arts Festival. The event featured live music from Akron's ReaL DeaL and Cleveland's The Unit Band, with attendees enjoying line dancing amidst the summer humidity.
Vendors lined Market Avenue and Fourth Street NW, offering a variety of goods including turbans, jewelry, clothing, and art-inspired patterns. Food trucks provided culinary delights, while local businesses like DEE-licious Desserts showcased their specialties.
Organized by the Stark County Community Action Agency and other local organizations, the festival aims to instill pride in heritage and encourage community contribution. A key organizer, Betty Smith, was instrumental in launching the event in 2021.