This year’s event will take place on Thursday, June 16 from 1 p.m. – 11 p.m., Friday, June 17 from 1 p.m. – 11 p.m. and on Saturday, June 18 from 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. Major sponsors for this annual community event, include: Atchinson Ford; Community Financial Credit Union; DMC Children’s Hospital; The Goddard School of Early Childhood Development; Sysco; Twisted Rooster; The Village Dentist; and Comcast Xfinity.
Enjoy our expanded lineup of carnival rides, games and special attractions. If carnival rides and games are your thing, then we’ve got just what you need in the Family Zone. Purchase a single day wristband in advance and save! Wristbands allow access for one day only onto all the exciting carnival rides without a ticket. Discounted single-day wristbands are now available for $22 and can be used for any full day if purchased at www.cantonlibertyfest.com before June 16, 2016 at Noon. Don’t forget, we have Mega Bands that are good for unlimited rides for all three days for just $60 that can ONLY be purchased online by June 16 at Noon. Online sales require a $.99 per transaction fee. Get your wristbands today online at www.cantonlibertyfest.com before Thursday, June 16 at Noon and save! Wristbands will be available for purchase on-site for $22 on Thursday, $25 on Friday, and $27 on Saturday. All sales are final. For more information, call 734/394-5460.
Be sure to take in the summer debut of the free Thursday Night Concert Series at the Canton Live! Stage starting at 8 p.m. as Country singer Alan Tuner kicks things off with an entertaining concert that will get everyone's toes tapping. Also on Thursday from 6:30-8:00 p.m., Canton's annual Zumba Party returns to the Heritage Park Amphitheater. We’ll provide the music and instructors – just come ready to move. Participants are asked to bring a water bottle to keep hydrated during the event. Entry fee is just $5; cash only collected at the event.
Throughout Liberty Fest, the Canton Rotary Club will be hosting an Adult Beverage Tent, which is sponsored by Liberty Street Brewing Company, on Thursday: 4-10 p.m., Friday: Noon-10 p.m., and Saturday: 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. Come cool off with a cold one, near the Canton LIVE! Stage, where a selection of craft beers and hard ciders will be available. Festival-goers must be 21 years to purchase these adult beverages.
Satisfy your taste buds throughout the festival at the Taste of Canton, sponsored by Twisted Rooster, where participating area restaurants will present their local specialties and compete for bragging rights in a taste contest presided over by Canton Supervisor Phil LaJoy. This year’s participants include: Chopstick House; Cold Stone Creamery; Desi Indian Kuifi; Fat Chef in a Little Coat; LaShisho Palace; Sammy’s Pizza; Sultan’s Express; Twisted Rooster and more.
Friday's Amphitheater Stage entertainment will feature: the Michigan Center for Capoeira performing Afro-Brazilian entertainment for all ages to enjoy from 4:30-5:00 p.m.; Spotlight on Youth performs songs from "Music Man, Jr."; a dynamic performance by Grace Rembinski, a 12 year old Discovery Middle School student and 2015 Canton Idol winner; an energetic jump rope performance featuring Jumpin' Allstars from 7-8 p.m.; Magician Kevin Dunn's magic show for the whole family from 8:15-8:45 p.m.; plus Silver Sounds DJ providing pre-movie music from 8:45 – 9:45 p.m. and the Movie Under the Stars, featuring "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," rated PG-13, on the big screen at dusk. New this year! A Star Wars costume contest will be held with prizes for the best dressed in two categories: ages 6 months to 12 years of age and ages 13 and older. Winners will be announced at the beginning of the movie.
Friday night Canton LIVE! Stage highlights include: My Adventure Theater providing unique interactive family-friendly theatrical experiences at 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m., and 6 p.m.; Slick Jimmy performs all your favorite rock hits from the 80s from 4:30-6:30 p.m.; and The Killer Flamingos will perform an infectious blend of pop, rock and electronica from 8-10 p.m.
Also on Friday, the Annual Spaghetti Dinner is planned from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m., while supplies last, with proceeds from the dinner going to the Canton Firefighter Charity Foundation Local 2289, featuring a performance by Metro Detroiter singer Carly Bins.
In addition, the America’s Most Wanted Car Show is back for the last appearance at Liberty Fest with a Kick-Off Registration Party that will take place from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Take a Walk on the Wild Side both Friday and Saturday and enjoy a unique wildlife safari experience provided by Nelson the Animal Guy. Be sure to check out merchandise from local artisans, crafters, businesses and vendors around the large pond at our Liberty Fest Marketplace on Friday from 1 p.m. to dusk and on Saturday from 11 a.m. to dusk.
Saturday highlights include the 21st Annual Pancake Breakfast, sponsored by the Canton Lions Club from 7-11:00 a.m. in the Heritage Park North Pavilion. Canton Leisure Services is again joining forces with Running Fit to host the 5th Annual Liberty Run, including 5K, 10K, and One Mile events. Participants are encouraged to register at www.cantonlibertyrun.com and run, walk, or stroll in these events. Participants will also receive finisher medals, as well as a race T-Shirt. Plus, running theme-awards will be handed out to the best Red, White, Blue, and Patriotic Plaid running outfit.
Other Saturday entertainment highlights, include: the International Festival's cultural performances and displays at the Amphitheater Stage from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., presented by the Canton Commission for Culture, Arts and Heritage. Featured cultures from around the world, include: Indian, Chinese, Sri Lankan, and more! Other entrainment scheduled on the Amphitheater Stage include: The Earth Angels performing high-energy dance routines while lip syncing to the great music of the 50s and 60s and Cosmic Groove with fresh and exciting renditions of your favorite hits.
Canton LIVE! Stage highlights include: My Adventure Theater providing unique interactive family-friendly theatrical experiences at 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m., and 6 p.m.; Big Time Cheer, an all-star cheerleading squad performs energetic routines at 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.; Canton native singer and songwriter Kari Holmes performs from 4:30-6:30 p.m.; and Toppermost Beatles Tribute performs all your favorite Beatles tunes from 8-10 p.m.
Other Festival highlights for Friday and Saturday include Monster Truck Rides. Shelly Kujat will be providing rides in her 9,500 lbs. Monster Truck for a nominal fee on Friday, June 17, from 12:00 - 8:00 pm and Saturday, June 18, 11:00 am - 5:00pm. It’s not just a ride, it’s an experience. Plus, Walk on the Wild Side, featuring Nelson the Animal Guy's Wildlife Safari all day Friday and Saturday. Be sure to stop by the 25th Anniversary Liberty Fest Tent near Information Booth #1 and take part in our community coloring project and leave your artistic mark on our Monster Mural. Plus, look for cool give-a-ways! Liberty Fest returning favorites include: the Scholastic Book Fair; Kohl’s Cares for Kids Bike Helmet Station; D&M Face-Painting; Lego Station; Spin Art; canoe & kayak rides and more!
America’s Most Wanted Car Show will be back on Saturday, as well, for their last car show during Liberty Fest. Don’t miss this shining spectacle of classic automobiles around the park’s smaller ponds. All vehicles are welcome and registrations are still being accepted. For details, visit http://mi-canton.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/3655.
Finally, be sure to catch the spectacular fireworks show that’s sure to wow the crowds on Saturday at dusk. This year’s Liberty Fest offers a variety of family fun that you won’t want to miss! For more information, visit www.cantonlibertyfest.com or call 734/394-5460.