The community is invited to the Akron Shoe In, which will take place on Saturday, Dec. 31. The event is intended to maintain the old-fashioned, family-friendly flavor of the past. It will begin inside Oasis Church, located on the corner of Route 272 and Main Street, where parents and children can enjoy hot chocolate, games, and crafts from 7 to 9 p.m.

Starting at 9 p.m., free activities are planned for families at Akron's Broad Street Park. Harold Stauffer and his sons will bring a tractor and hay wagon, and they will run a course for hayrides until midnight. A candy cannon is planned so children, assigned by age groups, can scramble for candy. Children will also receive neon bracelets and noise makers for ringing in the new year. A cornhole game will be available, and a firetruck from the Akron Fire Department will be on-site for firemen to oversee a bonfire.

Thanks to sponsors Weiser's Market, Ephrata National Bank, Blue Ride Communications, and Good's Disposal, everyone will be able to enjoy free hot dogs and hot chocolate. Ryan Myers will serve as DJ, and Joe Dunn will be the master of ceremonies.

At one time, 80% of Akron's population worked in the shoe factories that were in business from 1901 to 1984; in keeping with this history, the main event of the Shoe In will be the lowering of a lighted six-foot purple and gold Converse sneaker. Volunteers will hand-crank it down until midnight. Mayor John McBeth will preside.

Residents are requested to donate any new or slightly used shoes. Donations can be brought to the event, or they can be dropped off at Weiser's Market, the Akron Borough Office, or the Ephrata National Bank. Afterward, the shoes will be given to Peter's Porch.

Darryl Witmer is the chair of the Akron Shoe In committee.