CANTON ‒ The classic Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) football experience this weekend (Sept. 1-4) features a college fair for high school students, a discussion with the Black College Football Hall of Fame co-founders, a project with Habitat for Humanity, an interfaith service, entertainment, food, tailgating, marching bands and, of course, the main event.Here’s a rundown of all the activities:Thursday (Education Day)BCFHOF Classic College FairLocation: Hall of Fame Campus, Center for Performance, 1823 Blake Ave. NW, CantonTime: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.Cost: Free for studentsHigh school students are invited to join at least 50 colleges from across the country, including over 20 historically Black colleges and universities, at the Classic College Fair. The fair will include breakout sessions with college personnel presenting on the admissions process and current or former HBCU students presenting on attending an HBCU. Live sessions will conclude by 1 p.m., and the College Fair will remain open until 2 p.m.More:Black College Football Hall of Famers Greg Coleman, Charlie Neal team up for HBCU GoStark County District Library’s Speaking of Books presents the Black College Football Hall of Fame EditionLocation: Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. NTime: 8-9:30 p.m.Cost: Free, but registration required at https://stark.libnet.info/event/6884423African American pioneers and co-founders of the Black College Football Hall of Fame, James “Shack” Harris and Doug Williams, will discuss their contributions to football with football historian Joe Horrigan. A question-and-answer session and book signing will follow.Friday (Education Day continued)BCFHOF Classic Community Open-mic in collaboration with the Jason Taylor FoundationLocation: Nash Family Event & Conference Center at Pro Football Hall of Fame, 2121 George Halas Dr. NW, CantonTime: 7-9 p.m.Cost: FreeShare poetry, musical gifts, spoken word and other talents in a fun and relaxed environment. Open to all Summit County and Stark County community members age 14 and up.Saturday (Community Day)Habitat for Humanity Day of Service: Neighborhood Revitalization in Partnership with The Divine NineLocation: 1400 Raff Road SW, CantonTime: 9 a.m.-noonTeam up with Habitat for Humanity East Central Ohio to help build and paint the garden sheds that are part of the home each Habitat family purchases. No experience required, and Habitat will provide the tools and materials. Coffee and doughnuts will be provided. This rain-or-shine event is free, but registration is required at https://give.habitateco.org/campaigns/22721-black-college-football-hall-of-fame-serve-dayFor more information, call 330-915-5888 or email [email protected] Classic FunfestLocation: Centennial Plaza, downtown CantonTime: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. (exercise instruction from 9-10:30 a.m. – yoga, Zumba, Extreme Fitness)Cost: Free entry, open to the public. Food and drinks for sale.Entertainment includes music, karaoke, line dancing, games, prizes, talent show, food trucks, vendors and appearances by Central State and Winston-Salem State universities’ marching bands.Faith, Family, and Football Gospel ConcertLocation: Centennial Plaza, downtown CantonTime: 5:30-8 p.m.Cost: Free. Limited premium seats availableAs a part of the downtown BCFHOF Classic Funfest, the concert will feature gospel artist Fred Hammond, a Dove Award, Stellar Award and Grammy Award winner.Sunday (Gameday)Cecilia Ponder Interfaith ServiceLocation: Centennial Plaza, downtown CantonTime: 9-10:30 a.m.For all faiths and religious denominations, a time to come together to worship, pray, give thanks and fellowship.HBCU Family TailgateLocation: Pro Football Hall of Fame Campus, 2121 George Halas Dr. NW, CantonTime: 11a.m.-3:30 p.m.Cost: Free entry and open to the public. Food and drinks for sale. VIP tents available for purchase; contact [email protected] tailgate will include a marching band preview as the university marching bands enter the stadium in extraordinary fashion, along with nonstop entertainment, including music, line dancing, games, prizes and a talent show.BCFHOF Classic GameLocation: Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, 1835 Harrison Ave. NW, CantonTime: 4 p.m.Cost: https://www.profootballhof.com/events/2022/09/bcfhofclassic22/The Marauders of Central State University take on the Rams of Winston-Salem State University. At halftime, the “Red Sea of Sound” from WSSU and the “Invincible Marching Marauders” of Central State will put on a show. After the game, stay for the presentation of the MVP and the trophy to the winning team.The Fifth QuarterLocation: Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, 1835 Harrison Ave. NW, CantonTime: Immediately following the gameStay after the game for an HBCU marching band tradition known as the Fifth Quarter, a dueling performance between the Red Sea of Sound from WSSU and the Invincible Marching Marauders of Central State.All events, locations, artists and times are subject to change.
