Community Corner
Drive to Bring Back Archie the Snowman
Decorated cars will take to the streets Sunday to stir support.
Sunday, Dec. 11, a drive through Akron and Cuyahoga falls will take place at 3:30 p.m. in support of a lost Akron-area icon — Archie the Snowman. Starting at the corner of Independence Avenue and Britain Road, about 50 drivers plan to rally crowds and have a good time getting the word out about the snowman.
“It’s a tradition they never should have taken away,” said Tommy Uplinger, who spurred the movement. “They didn’t let Akron know they were going to trash that snowman.”
Almost three weeks into it, and the "Archie the Snowman" page on Facebook has more than 7,000 group members. The page represents an effort to bring back the 22-foot tall snowman that resided in Chapel Hill Mall for 35 years.
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"Everybody started reaching in, and it just grew like crazy," Uplinger said about the fans.
He and longtime friend David Burkett wished for Archie's return, and a Facebook page led to media coverage and this weekend's parade of cars.
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With the help of another Archie fan, Tabitha Davis, the two started raising money and support through Archie decal sales.
They hope for more funds from donations. If every Facebook fan donated a dollar, they could have enough to rebuild an Archie if the old one isn't salvageable, said Burkett.
So far, Chapel Hill says no to housing Archie again, but Lock 3 and the Outdoor Ice Rink at Falls River Square are prospective sites.
"We had been pretty excited about that quite frankly," Mayor Don Robart said about hearing the news. "It would be a perfect place down there."
Burkett and Uplinger want Archie in a spot populated by families and tradition. Uplinger remembered the holiday tradition of Archie, and had hoped to bring his 7-year-old son to see it after moving back to Ohio from Florida this year.
“I remember taking my boy to see Archie down at chapel hill years ago,” Mayor Robart recalls.
That’s why supporters want to keep the snowman in the Akron area, so people can continue the holiday tradition for years to come.
If Archie the Snowman returns, Uplinger, the mayor and many more don't have to remember the visits, they can continue them.
The drive will first circle Chapel Hill Mall, head out along Cuyahoga Falls Avenue and eventually turn back to the mall. For more Sunday route information, contact Tommy Uplinger at 330-701-7638 or visit the event page.