Akron, Ohio, August 9, 2017 – The City of Akron and the Akron Waterways Renewed! (AWR!) will be hosting a free “Rosie Digs Akron” kick-off event on August 19th. Mayor Horrigan invites the public to come meet “Rosie,” the massive tunnel boring machine (TBM), as final preparations are being made to send her on her journey under downtown Akron to dig the 6,200 ft. long Ohio Canal Interceptor Tunnel (OCIT). The TBM will be promptly dismantled inside the tunnel at the close of her journey. This historic event will be the one and only opportunity for the general public to see the TBM up close and in-person. It is free of charge and promises to be fun and educational for visitors of all ages.

WHAT: “Rosie Digs Akron” Send-Off Event

• Meet “Rosie,” the 30 ft. wide, 400 ft. long TBM that will tunnel under downtown Akron.
• FREE tours, food, and educational activities for all ages, including photo opportunities & time capsule event.
• FREE commemorative coin to take home!
• Special Thirsty Dog brew and Rubber City Clothing shirts featuring Rosie available for purchase.

 

WHEN: Saturday, August 19, 2017

11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

WHERE: Mustill Store

57 W. North St.

Akron, Ohio, 44304

“Rosie”

According to tunneling tradition, a TBM cannot start work until it is given a name. This tradition is carried out throughout the world and a TBM is generally named after a woman as a sign of good luck for the project ahead.

The TBM is named after Rose May Jacob, an Akron native who worked as a C-47 wing riveter at Firestone Tire and Rubber Company in Akron during World War II. The name was selected in 2015, as part of a public competition to name the TBM. The name “Rosie” and the imagery of Rosie the Riveter exemplify Akron’s reputation for being a hard-working community that tackles challenges with grit and determination.

Tours

The “Rosie Digs Akron” event will feature two free tours. The first is a trolley tour to the OCIT site, where visitors can have their picture professionally taken up-close and personal with Rosie the TBM. The pictures will be edited and uploaded to www.akrowaterwaysrenewed.com. Information will be provided at the event so participants can easily access and download their photos after the event. Anyone wishing to have their photo taken with Rosie should wear closed-toe shoes.

The other available tour will be a walking tour to the OCIT overlook on Hickory Street, where project personnel will be available to answer questions about Rosie, OCIT and the AWR! program. The overlook also provides an excellent full view of the TBM and the OCIT site.

Rosie Viewing Party at the Mustill Store

In addition to the tours, free food and entertainment will be available on the Mustill Store site. Thirsty Dog Brewing will be onsite to sell a special “Rosie” brew and Rubber City Clothing Co. will have special “Rosie Digs Akron” shirts available for purchase.

Time Capsule Event

Akron residents are encouraged to bring items representing their memories about Akron to be included in a time capsule that will be buried near the OCIT site, as we imagine what Akron will look like in 30 years.

FREE Giveaways

The first 500 adults to attend the “Rosie Digs Akron” event will receive a special commemorative “OCIT” coin and the first 1,000 youth will receive a commemorative children’s souvenir.

Parking

Parking locations will be clearly marked in the vicinity of the event (including the St. Vincent St. Mary parking lot, Northside Station lot, and at the lot at the corner of North and Howard Streets). Buses will be shuttling guests to and from their cars throughout the event.

For more information, please visit www.akronwaterwaysrenewed.com or contact Heather Bolestridge at (330) 375-2501 or hbolestridge@gstephensinc.com.