Fun Fest is August 12
MCTV, the Massillon Museum, and the Downtown Massillon Association invite families to participate in this year’s Fun Fest, which will be held on Saturday, August 12, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Fun Fest—a lively, safe, educational, and enriching experience—has entertained thousands of families in downtown Massillon for 26 years.
The outdoor event will be centered on the Massillon Museum lawn (121 Lincoln Way East in downtown Massillon), Duncan Plaza, and First Street Southeast.
Admission to the family-focused festival is free. There is no cost for most activities; a few have a minimal charge. More than 80 social service agencies, civic groups, law enforcement agencies, churches, arts organizations, and businesses will set up games, art projects, activities, and health and safety information stations. Families love the free take-away items—coloring books, pencils, balloons, banks, books and bookmarks, treat bags, popsicles, and puzzles.
Special attractions will include inflatables, balloon sculptures by clowns Phil and Bertha, stilt walkers, princesses, trucks, a petting zoo, the Tuslaw train, and more.
Children will be invited to play giant games, chalk the walk, shoot some hoops, get temporary tattoos, create jewelry, learn about wildlife, and listen to stories. They can try an array of crafts, watch puppets, play corn hole, hear the Canal City Ramblers and Baritone Blues, visit the Massillon Public Library bookmobile, have their faces painted, and participate in dozens more free activities.
On the main stage and the Duncan Plaza stage, families can enjoy performances by the Tiger cheer squad, dancers, jugglers, drum lines, Divine Harmony aerialists, and more. At 2:00, as the festival closes, Krackpots Comedy Club (14 Lincoln Way West) will present a free family-friendly show.
In addition to the main sponsors—MCTV, Massillon Museum, and Downtown Massillon Association—Fun Fest’s sponsors include Massillon Eagles Aerie #190; Phil and Natalie Elum; the Benevolent Fund, Sons and Daughters of Herman; Young Trucks; Shearer’s Snacks; and Comfort Pro Cooling and Heating.
Organizer Liz Gessner McAllister of MCTV promotes the event as “a great day for kids ages four to ninety-four and their families.” Fun Fest is intended to provide all the fun of a carnival with a focus on meaningful activities. Many of the organizations and businesses that offer activities provide valuable health, safety, and educational information to parents while entertaining the children.
Organizations interested in offering an activity for children are welcome to sign up before August 8 using this link https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FunFest2023.
Free parking is available in city lots, in the Erie Street parking deck, and on adjacent streets. For more information, visit massillonmuseum.org/fun-fest or call the Museum at 330-833-4061.
Special Show Times
10:00 Tiger Cheer Squad Stage
10:30 Massillon Tiger Swing Band Drum Line Stage
11:00 Circus Fun Show Juggling Stage
11:30 Interactive Juggling Instruction Inside MassMu
11:30 Artful Living and Learning Stage
11:45 Blessings We Bring Stage
12:00 EN-RICH-MENT Drum Line Stage
12:30 Compass Dance Academy Stage
12:30–1:30 Divine Harmony Aerialists Duncan Plaza
1:00 Perfect Balance Athletics Stage
1:30 Starlight School of Dance Stage
2:00 Free Family Comedy Show Krackpots
Media Contacts:
Liz Gessner McAllister, MCTV, Event Organizer – 330-833-6655
Stephanie Toole, Massillon Museum Education and Outreach Manager – 330.833.4061 x104
Margy Vogt, Massillon Museum Public Relations Coordinator – 330-844-1525
