Hall of Fame Festivities- favorites?

[Kamd50]

The HOF festivities is right around the corner. It was one of the things my whole family looks forward to every summer

[Kamd50]

Ok, I am going to try this again. I tried to edit my post about 5 times but it doesn't work for me, so I will just re-post:gasp:

My favorite Hall of Fame festivity is watching the balloon classic. We try to go once in the morning(packing a breakfast and the kids still in their pjs) and once again with the foodfest. I like the 2 different perspectives you get going at both times. Second, would have to be the parade. It is fun to get up close to the participants and the enshrinees and be able to take pics!

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What are everyone else's must-do events during HOF week?

[Al.]

My fav is the Balloon Classic on Saturday night with the fireworks at the Kent State University "Best seat on campus" Alumni hospitality tent.
Reserved parking, and unlimited food and drinks :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[CarlE]

Um, the drinking part.

[pnthrfan]

We go to the Balloon Fest, the Drum and Bugle Show, and the parade. HOF festivities are always something we look forward to. :thumbsup:

[obiefan]

Not a big fan... I try to steer clear... However if I feel up to it, I'd run out and film the TSB in the parade, but that's about it...

[Marie]

I usually get to see the balloons going over my house and some of landing in my neighborhood. Other than that I try to avoid Canton like the plague during HOF week.
Does anyone go to the Drum and Bugle Corp competition?? I went once and it was okay, not something I would pay to see again. But is is amazing how hard the kids in the drum and bugle corps work. I have watched their practices at the stadium. They are very disciplined.

[Kamd50]

They are supposed to have something like 6 of the best corps in the nation this year included in the competition. I have been to a few. I guess it all depends what year you go as to how good it is because it is always different groups. The year before last, though, was pretty spectacular.

On one of the mornings last year, there were a bunch of people up by Massillon C. Hosp. watching balloons land. Several landed up there and some down by Great Escapes and on the other side of 21 down there; and a bunch more passed by. It was funny watching kids run up the streets chasing them trying to find out where they were landing. lol

I also think that if you haven't seen the firewords at either the foodfest or downtown on the last night, you are really missing something! No offense, but they are far and above anything else that you see anywhere around here on the 4th! The only thing that I steer clear of is the rib burnoff, well, at least in the evening. But it is worth it to go down early afternoon and pick up some ribs to bring home with all of the variety that is offered:thumbsup:

[Chibbzz]

The Ribs Burn off and of course the game are my two favorites at the HOF festival.

[Seeker]

The Pub at BV on Saturday night.

[GrowlingTiger87]

When I do make it over for anything, it's for the Ribs Burnoff, but haven't been since they moved it out of downtown. This year, however, I am going to the induction ceremonies, because I'm a Cowboys fan, and Troy Aikman is in the class.[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

[xtiger]

I've always liked The Ribs Burn-off and the Balloon Classic. Years ago, I always enjoyed the all-nite party on the eve of the parade, for some reason
they outlawed it?

This year I will take my son to see the game.

[TigerBuckeye313]

The Ribs Burn-off...

[TigerLily]

My very favorite part is watching the Tiger Swing Band marching down Cleveland Avenue.

If they’re not playing when they get to us, we are always yelling “play Tiger Rag!”.
They are the highlight of the whole parade.

(When we marched that parade, we had to do all of the twists and turns to get to Fulton. And, we marched in our “hot” regular uniforms. Oh, the good ol days…. )

Like seeing all of the enshrinees (past and present) too.

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[werperry]

i prefer the private parties that people throw around HOF.

[gotigers1]

The Drum Corp show should be a good one this year!

[MUCSteelers5xSuperChamp]

I'm looking forward to going to the hall and seeing the legends that made the game it is today! Oh, and I'm also looking forward to seeing former Steelers legends that wore the black and gold too.

Let's not forget how they hit their peak and came together bonded as ONE: Click this link...

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Their leader is a man driven by the trust he has in his players, driven by his passion for success, and he is also driven by a strong Christian will that is second to none.

[Kamd50]

X, I sincerely hope that you already have your tickets or that someone is hooking you up because they are completely sold out. There are still some tickets left for the enshrinement ceremonies which is the best place to see the largest number of personal heroes who will be showing up in Canton t his year. I like the parade for this reason, you won't get to see all of them, but you will see ALOT of them. It is great fun to see them up close n personal and maybe get a smile or a wink or a handshake if you run up to the cars fast enough before the "parade police" usher you away. Which usually they don't. It is a great photo op! I find that being nearer to the end of the parade provides better opportunities for this sort of thing.

It is a great group of inductees this year as well as an awesome list of past enshrinees that will be in attendance this year.
Here is the current list of returning Hall of Famers updated as of July 25th.

Marcus Allen Ronnie Lott
Lem Barney Tom Mack
Bobby Bell John Mackey
Elvin Bethea Gino Marchetti
Fred Biletnikoff Dan Marino
George Blanda Tommy McDonald
Mel Blount Hugh McElhenny
Nick Buoniconti Bobby Mitchell
Jim Brown Ron Mix
Willie Brown Joe Montana
Dick Butkus Lenny Moore
Dave Casper Mike Munchak
Lou Creekmur Anthony Muñoz
Al Davis Merlin Olsen
Willie Davis Jim Otto
Joe DeLamielleure Joe Perry
Dan Dierdorf Mel Renfro
Art Donovan Dan Rooney
Tony Dorsett Bob St. Clair
Bill Dudley Gale Sayers
Carl Eller Billy Shaw
Forrest Gregg Art Shell
Bob Griese Jackie Slater
Mike Haynes Roger Staubach
Ted Hendricks Jan Stenerud
Paul Hornung Lynn Swann
Ken Houston Charley Taylor
John Henry Johnson Jim Taylor
Stan Jones Lawrence Taylor
Jim Kelly Charley Trippi
Leroy Kelly Bill Walsh
Paul Krause Paul Warfield
Willie Lanier David Wilcox
Yale Lary Bill Willis
Dante Lavelli Willie Wood
Bob Lilly Ron Yary
Larry Little Steve Young
Howie Long Jack Youngblood

I will be one happy lady if I get a peek at Young, Allen, Montana,Marino, or ooolala...Howie Long:love:
This is to me what Hooters is to many of you men:dance:

[npaflas]

Hey do they still have it on Cleveland Ave. The party all night long or did it change since i been there.

[pnthrfan]

I will be one happy lady if I get a peek at Young, Allen, Montana,Marino, or ooolala...Howie Long:love:
This is to me what Hooters is to many of you men:dance:

:iagree: .....:smile:

[MUCSteelers5xSuperChamp]

I'm hoping to see some Steelers legends and some Steelers fans at the parade too!

GrowlingTiger87, I saw that Troy Aikman pic. He beat a powerful Pittsburgh team in Super Bowl XXX that possessed the #1 offense in the AFC in 1995 :mad: .

That 27-17 loss broke my heart :sad2: . 10 years later though...I'm a happy man, thanks to a team that on February 5, 2006 won the franchise's 5th Super Bowl championship :2thumbsup: !!!!!

By the way, it's five months and 21 days since Super Bowl XL and the Pittsburgh Steelers are still Super Bowl XL champions!!!!!

[TigerCoach]

I like to attend the Enshrinees Dinner on Friday night. That's when the guys get introduced formally and receive their yellow blazers, and real football fans get tears in their eyes.

[Kamd50]

Even big macho men like you and Cracka, TC?:sad2: Who'd a thunk it? LOL!

[TigerCoach]

Yes, even big macho men like me! Cracker may be macho, but not big, LOL!! But I'm sure he's had a tear in his eye if he's ever been there.:laughing:

[Kamd50]

Now if you want to talk about tear-jerkers......I don't think you can top some of the HOF induction speeches given by the presenters or the enshrinee. There are always emotional moments each year. But the one that will stand out forever in my mind was Jim Kelly's in 2002. At the end of his speech he talked about his young son who had an incurable disease. He talked about how he had prayed that God would allow his son to live long enough in order to be there with him on that special occasion and that is prayer had been answered.He talked about how his little boy was really the tough one and how he, I think his name was Hunter, was Jim's hero.

We were there that day and I don't think that there was a dry eye anywhere as well as all of the television viewers, I am sure. It gives me chills just talking about it. It is about sooooooo much more than just football. I don't think a lot of people realize that.

[TigerCoach]

GREAT memory, Kamd50. I remember having tears in my eye watching on TV.

[longtimefirsttime]

I like it all. Do you know how lucky we are to have this in our backyard (even if some of it is in Canton)?

[Kamd50]

This is so true. People travel from all over the U.S. and plan their vacations around HOF week. I just heard that The Doobie Brothers are going to be playing at the Ribs Burn Off this year. I was/am a huge fan of them back-in-the-day and was lucky enough to see them on several occasions. I think I might have to make an exception this year and go to the burnoff in the evening just to see them.

Even without Michael McDonald, they are guaranteed to be awesome and rock the place out! If you can handle crowds I urge you to get over there and experience some high caliber entertainment. And to boot, it's free unless you want to pay 7 bucks for a seat, but even at that, you are getting a real deal:rockon:

Dont you feel it growin, day by day
People gettin ready for the news
Some are happy, some are sad
Oh, we got to let the music play
What the people need
Is a way to make em smile
It aint so hard to do if you know how
Gotta get a message
Get it on through
Oh now mama, dont you ask me why

Oh, oh, listen to the music
Oh, oh, listen to the music
Oh, oh, listen to the music
All the time

[TigerCoach]

One of my favorite groups ever! Maybe I'll see you there Kamd50?

[Fats]

The balloon classic is our favorite. We starting going in the early days when the kids were still in strollers now they are 18 and 23. But, the last few years have not gone. Sometimes things get to big or to popular and then the fun factor goes down, because of the crowds. I have never been to the rib burnout but now that it moved we may do that.

[The Butler]

I have never been to the rib burnout but now that it moved we may do that.

Just an FYI about the rib burnoff, the event is free but you have to pay to park ($5 ?) after 4:00 PM.

[xtiger]

We enjoyed the Balloonfest last night. They had good bands, great food,
and a ton of balloons.

I enjoyed alligator-on-a-stick, tasted like chicken!

[The Butler]

It looks like xtiger isn't the only one that thinks it tastes like chicken.

Fascinating finds at HOF Food Fest
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I've had it before, not bad.

[PurpleArmy]

Did anyone see the hot air balloon that was in the shape of a pig? I don't know who it was sponsered by, but it was HILARIOUS!

[longtimefirsttime]

It looks like xtiger isn't the only one that thinks it tastes like chicken.

Fascinating finds at HOF Food Fest
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I've had it before, not bad.

I like the taste of alligator. I also like frogs legs and turtle soup. I'll try about anything once (although you won't see me eating bugs or Rocky Mountain oysters Fear Factor style anytime soon).

[PurpleArmy]

For those who are interested, the Jackson Belden Food Festival and Balloon Classic continues tonight starting at 5:30 PM. (In case anyone wants to head on over to try some alligator.....) :scratchchin:

[UnionTiger]

My favorite is working the beer trucks at the Pub on the Thurs., Frid., and Sat. before the game. Aug 3,4,5 I have been doing this for at least 10 yrs. Come out and see me I'll hook you up with a beverage or 2. I am the Bald guy!

[longtimefirsttime]

The HOF schedule:
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(If link doesn't match try Inde archives for 7/30)

[gotigers1]

Great turnout for the Drum Corp event at PBTS last night! I don't think we could get anymore people in the stands.

[pnthrfan]

It was a great turnout , and a GREAT show!! Although it was a little hot, it didn't matter after the show started. The Bluecoats did an excellent job last night!! GO BLUE!!

[gotigers1]

The Bluecoast were great last night! You can see why they are ranked 4th in the nation right now. I guess the rankings in the top 5 are very close.

[The Butler]

(DCI) Pro Football Hall of Fame Festival Drum Corps Competition, Massillon, OH
July 31, 2006

1 The Cavaliers 94.050
2 Blue Devils 93.550
3 Bluecoats 91.450
4 The Cadets 90.900
5 Blue Knights 86.500
6 Esperanza 73.400

[TigerCoach]

Anyone go to the Doobie Brothers concert last night? If you didn't, you missed Kamd50 dancing and partying like she was in high school! LOL!
:dance:

[Kamd50]

TigerCoach, I am sure that I must have told you sometime before in our many correspondances that age is relative:wink:

[TigerLily]

I heard that the Doobie Brothers were really great and it sounds like everyone had a super time. Someone at work said that she heard one of the policeman say that “this sure isn’t a rowdy crowd" -- (must be all those oldies lovers). Sounds like everyone was just having a good time hoop’in and holler’in and sway’in to the music (especially kamd).

(But, you should have seen all of the “shake, rattle and roll” that was going on last night in downtown Massillon with Al Wilson and the Platters. That was good too.)

Should be a great day for a parade tomorrow!! Can’t wait to see the enshrinees and especially the Massillon Tiger Swing Band!!
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[The Butler]

For those of you that enjoyed the Drum Corps show at PBS during the Hall of Fame Festival, the DCI finals are on ESPN 2 tonight at 8:00. The Finals were taped last month soon after the show in Massillon. Tune in to see all the top Corps in North America.

[pnthrfan]

Thanks Butler....I'll be sure to watch it!!

[longtimefirsttime]

For those of you that enjoyed the Drum Corps show at PBS during the Hall of Fame Festival, the DCI finals are on ESPN 2 tonight at 8:00. The Finals were taped last month soon after the show in Massillon. Tune in to see all the top Corps in North America.

I saw that one year. It's worth checking out.

[The Butler]

I saw that one year. It's worth checking out.

This is year 2 on ESPN. PBS used to show it live and then more recently on tape delay. I just hope they show the entire program from some of the top corps. They're only 11 minutes.

[The Butler]

Great showing by Stark County's own, The Bluecoats. They moved from 6th in the semi's to take 4th. This may be their best showing ever. Congrats!

DCI World Championships Div. I Finals, Madison, WI
August 12, 2006

Place Corps Score
DIVISION I
1 The Cavaliers 97.200
2 Phantom Regiment 96.850
3 Blue Devils 96.550
4 Bluecoats 93.175
5 The Cadets 93.075
6 Santa Clara Vanguard 92.350
7 Blue Knights 90.125
8 Carolina Crown 89.975
9 Madison Scouts 87.700
10 Boston Crusaders 87.325
11 Glassmen 86.000
12 Spirit from JSU 84.825

[pnthrfan]

Great show, and Great job by the Bluecoats!! Thanks for posting the time on here Butler!!

[Kamd50]

Very nice. And very impressive, BlueCoats. That is quite an accomplishment, 4th in the Nation, congrats:2thumbsup: