The Massillon Museum’s Island Party on Friday, July 20, will be a carefree evening under the stars in the heart of downtown Massillon. Food and beverage service will begin about 6:00 p.m. and reggae music will fill the air from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. The family-friendly evening will be free and open to everyone. No reservations are necessary.
Carlos Jones and the Peace, Love, and Unity Syndicate (Carlos Jones and the P.L.U.S. Band) will return to the Island Party stage this year. They deliver soulful roots reggae with lyrics that concentrate on a message of peace and harmony within the human race and the environment. The group creates a festival-like atmosphere everywhere they play, drawing crowds spanning all ages and backgrounds. The music is uplifting, including many original songs and an array of Bob Marley, Culture, and other recognizable covers. Voted “the Best Reggae/Ska Band” in Northeast Ohio by the Scene Magazine readers’ poll, Carlos Jones and the P.L.U.S. Band have appeared onstage with The Wailers and Ziggy Marley.
Because of the construction of the Museum’s expansion project, the party will be centered in Duncan Plaza and First Street SE, just south of the Museum. The main entrance will be under the breezeway of the Massillon law and justice center. Parking, including handicap parking, will be available in the adjacent municipal lot. Drivers who want to drop off guests at an additional handicap access may enter First Street from Tremont, drop off passengers, and turn onto Charles Avenue to find parking in other city lots and the parking deck. A map of parking options is available on the Museum’s website: massillonmuseum.org.
A Caribbean supper of pulled pork sandwiches, jerk chicken, hot dogs, fruit, and chips will be offered for sale. The cash bar will offer beer (including Jamaican Red Stripe), frozen margaritas, wine, water, and soft drinks. Cash and credit cards will be accepted. No outside food, beverages, or coolers may be brought into the party. Anderson’s in the City, within the Museum lobby, has a number of additional food options, including soups and salads, and will be open until 9:00 p.m.
The Museum’s annual event includes its traditional pig roast by volunteers Joe Herrick and Rudy Turkal. They welcome people who stop by to watch or chat throughout the day.
Picnic tables will be scattered throughout the party area, but guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets.
Admission will be free and open to the public. Tropical souvenirs and this year’s Island Party t-shirts will be available for sale.
In keeping with the environmentally-conscious tradition instituted at three years ago, recyclable products will be used, extra recycling bins will be provided, and refillable Island Party water bottles will be sold.
In collaboration with a Stark Parks initiative, the Island Party has been designated a tobacco-free event.
Hula hoops and limbo lines will challenge all ages. Children’s activities will be fun and free, but parents must remain in the children’s activity area with their children. The event will carry on, rain or shine.
Visitors will be able to see the Moniker: Identity Lost and Found exhibition in the Museum’s main gallery, which will be open until 8:00 p.m.
Since 1995, the Island Party has been a Massillon Museum tradition—an annual “thank you” to the community for its continuing support. Each year, 2,000 to 3,000 or more area residents share the fun!
The Island Party is supported by generous assistance from Aqua Ohio, Shearer’s Foods, and Miller and Company Sanitation Services.
The Massillon Museum is located at 121 Lincoln Way East in downtown Massillon, and receives operating support from ArtsinStark and the Ohio Arts Council. For more information, call 330.833.4061 or visit massillonmuseum.org.
