Akron residents are in for a treat this Saturday as the city hosts its first-ever Blimp Day, a unique event celebrating the city’s rich history with Goodyear blimps. The event will feature two iconic blimps, Wingfoot One and Wingfoot Two, flying over each of Akron’s 24 neighborhoods from 9 a.m. to noon.

Mayor Shammas Malik announced the annual event during his State of the City address in May, highlighting its potential to build civic pride and offer a fun, community-centered activity. ‘After last year, we thought, what is a cool way that we can do something fun and also give us some civic pride?’ Malik stated.

Wingfoot One, based at Goodyear’s Wingfoot Lake Airship Base in Suffield Township, and Wingfoot Two, from Pompano Beach, Florida, will navigate a counter-clockwise route through the city. Wingfoot One will be sporting a vintage black-and-gray color scheme reminiscent of Pilgrim, the first blimp launched by Goodyear in 1925, while Wingfoot Two will display the modern Goodyear wingfoot logo in blue and yellow on a silver canopy.

The blimps will first appear in the Ellet area, with specific times available on the official map. This event not only celebrates Akron’s historical connection to the blimp industry but also aims to become a staple of summer festivities in the city. Future plans include expanding Blimp Day into a full-fledged festival.

Residents are encouraged to step outside and enjoy the sight of these majestic airships as they glide across the sky, offering a unique perspective on the city and its neighborhoods. For more details on Akron’s newest celebration, residents can visit the official event page.

Original reporting: Signal Akron — read the source article.