We are practically carbonated this week with clamorous, rambunctious (and important) things to do. Grogapalooza presents film and music at the Grog Shop; the Geauga County Fair is now into it’s 3rd century; the Cleveland Taco Festival offers 30 taquerias, great local music and Lucha Libre Wrestling; Akron puts on a pizza festival; Hingetown Jazz Festival lights up three stages of music; and you’ve even got more time to visit the Asian Lantern Fest at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, in case this exciting summer has kept you busy. As we hope it has.CoolCleveland interviews a local Akron stylist and entrepreneur; the Pride Ride offers a leisurely way to express your support and allyship; Akron Soul Train features two area artists exploring black culture, history and experience; the results of a national music industry census will be shared at the Rock Hall; Bug Infestation brings together iconic German Beetles to rally in Geneva-On-The-Lake.
It’s been just under 8 years since the first Women’s March, and just over 100 years since women gained the overdue right to vote. “We believe in the power of women to create a more perfect democracy,” states the League of Women Voters’ position statement. In the wake of the charged Democratic National Convention, CoolCleveland columnist Claudia Taller passionately tells us how she’s leaning into the importance of Kamala Harris as a woman candidate for President, and exactly what she’s doing about it. And that’s exhilarating.
Emma Carson sat down for a haircut and interview with stylist and owner of Hair Geek Studio, Sapprea English.
The two discuss Emma’s history of haircuts, Sapprea’s experience as a small business owner, and what led the single mother to create a yearly backpack drive in Akron. Read more.
“It’s been almost eight years since the Women’s March, the worldwide protest on January 21, 2017, which took place the day after the inauguration of Donald Trump, prompted by his misogynistic policy positions and rhetoric,” CoolCleveland columnist Claudia Taller reminds us. “Hillary Clinton won the popular vote in the 2016 election—I love the political cartoon that’s been circulating which shows Hillary and Kamala standing at the beginning of the campaign path and Hillary saying she made the path for Kamala.”
It’s been just over 100 years since women were given the right to vote, she adds. On its website, the League of Women Voters’ position statement is “We believe in the power of women to create a more perfect democracy. For 100 years, we have been a nonpartisan, activist, grassroots organization that believes voters should play a critical role in democracy.” “The website is full of inspiring information showing their commitment to voting rights, women’s rights, voter accessibility, and the democratic process,” Claudia says. “I plan to join the League of Women Voters so I’m informed and so I can work with other women to protect voters’ rights.” Read more from Claudia Taller.
In the least surprising news ever, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo has extended its annual Asian Lantern festival for another two weeks after its original late August ending date. Now your last day to see the array of illuminated displays, including the 50-foot pagoda, is September 14. The evenings also include Asian food and performances. Read more.
Cleveland, brace yourselves for a mouthwatering celebration of tacos, music and family fun as the highly anticipated Cleveland Taco Festival launches at Jacobs Pavilion Fri 8/30–Sun 9/2!
Featuring more than 30 of the finest taquerias, taco trucks and other eateries, this culinary adventure doesn’t stop there: enjoy hours of action-packed entertainment, including Lucha Libre Wrestling, hot sauce and taco-eating competitions, a family-friendly Kids Zone, and live music all day on two stages, featuring some of the best local bands like Apostle Jones, LoConti, Da Land Brass Band, Lilieae, and much more. See the full lineup, watch the cool video, and get your tickets here.
MON 9/2 Everyone’s on Parade
The 11th Congressional Labor Day Parade, founded by Congressman Louis Stokes 52 years ago and carried on by his successors, is the largest parade this side of St. Patrick’s Day, culminating in a festival at Luke Easter Park.
TUE 9/3 Get Your Kicks Come down to Public Square for a free lesson in kickboxing: all ages and experience levels are welcome and you don’t have to be serious about competing — just come to have fun.
