Community members on Monday morning packed South Arlington Street for the 50th East Akron Labor Day parade. The neighborhood event featured cheerleaders, local businesses, decked-out cars and more while community spirit erupted along with sidewalks.

This year’s theme was “Bringing Community Together: 50 Years of Celebration.” The parade began 53 years ago, but because it was canceled in 2010, 2011 and 2012, this year marked its 50th edition.

Monday’s parade kicked off after about a half-hour delay, and it followed a shortened route with increased security due to threats of violence made on social media ahead of the event, according to city officials. Akron Mayor Shammas Malik said in a statement that such adjustments were made while working with parade organizers “out of an abundance of caution.”

The Rev. Charles Myricks, of the Arlington Church of God, blows into a ram’s horn as the East Akron Labor Day parade gets underway on Monday, Sept. 1. (Ryan Loew / Signal Akron)
Brylee Clancy-Sommerville, 13, with the South Rangers cheer group, participates in the East Akron Labor Day parade on Monday, Sept. 1. (Ryan Loew / Signal Akron)
East Akron Labor Day parade judges watch as community groups pass by along South Arlington Street on Monday, Sept. 1. The East Akron Labor Day parade celebrated its 50th anniversary on Monday. (Ryan Loew / Signal Akron)
With her 8-year-old granddaughter Lilly Anna Mingo in tow, Akron resident La Donna Harden (right) cruises down South Arlington Street during the East Akron Labor Day parade on Monday, Sept. 1. (Ryan Loew / Signal Akron)
Akron residents Twila Murray (right) and friend Florence Mitchell dance as the East Akron Labor Day parade makes its way along South Arlington Street on Monday, Sept. 1. (Ryan Loew / Signal Akron)
Lihanna Lewis, 2, (left) inspects a goody bag alongside her brother, Luca Lewis, 4, during the East Akron Labor Day parade on Monday, Sept. 1. (Ryan Loew / Signal Akron)
Tallmadge resident Mike Simone juggles while walking in the East Akron Labor Day parade on Monday, Sept. 1. (Ryan Loew / Signal Akron)
East Akron resident Martina Davis watches the neighborhood’s Labor Day parade as it moves along South Arlington Street on Monday, Sept. 1. (Ryan Loew / Signal Akron)
Renee Caffey, riding in a car along with her husband Dennie Miller, holds a dog named Nike during the East Akron Labor Day parade on Monday, Sept. 1. (Ryan Loew / Signal Akron)
Community members make their way down South Arlington Street during the East Akron Labor Day parade on Monday, Sept. 1. (Ryan Loew / Signal Akron)
Tonya Washington, owner of Copley business T Time Lemonade, waves as the East Akron Labor Day parade makes its way along South Arlington Street on Monday, Sept. 1. (Ryan Loew / Signal Akron)
Michele Seymour and her grandson Epic Seymour, 5, watch the East Akron Labor Day parade on Monday, Sept. 1. (Ryan Loew / Signal Akron)

Multimedia reporter/producer (he/him)
Ryan Loew is Signal Akron's multimedia reporter/producer, meaning he tells stories through photos, video and writing. Originally from the Youngstown area, Ryan studied journalism at Kent State University and has worked in various newspaper, public media and nonprofit newsrooms in and out of Ohio over his nearly 20-year career. Ryan is interested in stories about people — our problems, our triumphs and everything else in between — that make us who we are. He believes visual journalism plays a powerful role in telling such stories and connecting us with our neighbors. When he’s not working, Ryan is going on hikes and bike rides, taking care of a more than 100-year-old house and learning to play the drums.