Township officials said that the cancellation of the three-day Canton Liberty Fest which typically attracts thousands of individuals was necessary in light of the latest guidelines from State of Michigan public health experts. The cancellation is the second year the township has been forced to cancel the popular community event in an effort to mitigate the spread of the corona virus. Liberty Fest usually included carnival rides and midway games, live entertainment on two stages, a car and truck show, a marketplace and a variety of festival food. Traditionally, the festival concluded with a large fireworks display.
Officials said the decision was made “after monitoring ongoing COVID-19 concerns, and with the uncertainty that the next few months may present, the official decision has been made out of an abundance of caution.” The festival, first established in 1991, was set for June 17-19.
“This final decision had to be made due to the continuously evolving health and safety concerns in our community,” stated Greg Hohenberger, Canton Leisure Services director. “Rest assured that we are making plans in the true Canton community spirit to host an alternate community celebration as soon as conditions will allow that may include a fireworks display, hopefully later this fall.”
Staff members are already at work planning two free summer concert series that will enable the community to safely come together to enjoy music at the Heritage Park Amphitheater, Hohenberger said. The 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday Night LIVE! Concert Series will begin June 17 and will continue every Thursday through Aug. 19. The live music performances take place from 7-8:30 p.m. The township is also sponsoring the Tuesdays Are Terrific series from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. starting July 13. This youth variety series continues July 20 and 27 and Aug. 10.
These concerts are geared toward preschool and elementary age audiences.
Both of these free concert series are sponsored by Community Financial Credit Union. Performer lineup details are available at www.cantonfun.org.
