Duct Tape Capital of the World

Avon, Ohio

Duct tape is king in this Cleveland suburb.

Since 2004, a group of volunteers in town have organized and run the Avon Heritage Duct Tape Festival every Father's Day weekend. The event rallies around the semi-miraculous adhesive product, and includes a duct tape fashion show, large duct tape sculptures, and crowning of a "Duct Tape Dad of the Year."

Why is Avon the "Duct Tape Capital of the World?" Duct tape happens to be manufactured in town by Henkel Consumer Adhesives, under their Duck(r) brand. According to the company's official timeline, duct tape was invented during World War II -- GIs used it to repair jeeps and as makeshift battlefield bandages. The Manco company renamed the product "Duck Tape" in 1985, and moved their corporate headquarters to Avon in 1996. In 1998, Manco was permanently adhered to The Henkel Group. The company is a major sponsor of Avon's festival (no surprise).

We applaud what appears to be an emerging trend of towns paying homage to everyday consumer products. But some are undersung. Hey Two Harbors, Minnesota -- when's your Sandpaper Festival?

Duct Tape Capital of the World

Veterans Memorial Park

Address:: Detroit Rd, Avon, OH
Directions:: Avon Heritage Duct Tape Festival, Veterans Memorial Park. Exit I-90 at State Rt 611 and head south. Right (west) on Detroit Rd. Park is ahead on the left (south).
Hours:: June - Father's Day weekend. (Call to verify)
Phone:: 866-818-1116

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May 25, 2013