Celebrating liberty
33rd Annual Canton festival set for next Thursday , Friday, Saturday
The 33rd Annual Canton Liberty Fest will take over Heritage Park from June 18-20, offering exciting live entertainment, carnival rides and midway games, arts and crafts, festival food, and beer garden, as well as the Annual Liberty Run, a car show, and even more family friendly festivities for all ages.
Beginning this year, the festival carnival and midway areas will implement significant changes, including earlier start times daily at 10 a.m. and closing at 8 p.m. each evening. In addition, Canton’s community fireworks will now take place on Thursday, July 9, during the special event, “Canton Ignites the Night”, which is an “America 250” celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
This year’s presenting sponsor is Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers. Additional sponsors include Boost Mobile, IKEA, LeafFilter, Schoolcraft College, State Farm, Trinity Health IHA Medical Group, and WeatherGard.
Festival visitors can enjoy the lineup of carnival rides, games, and special attractions and the special Family Zone.
To enhance safety and crowd management, the entire carnival area will be fully fenced, with two entrances. To access this area, guests must present a valid wristband, mega band, or ride ticket. Parents or responsible adults attending with their minor child are not required to have a wristband, mega band, or ride tickets (unless they are going on the rides, as well). Bag checks will be performed only at the carnival entry areas. Although not required, attendees with clear bags may experience quicker inspection for entry. These safety protocols and adjusted hours are intended to enhance Liberty Fest’s family-friendly atmosphere while prioritizing the safety and comfort of attendees, volunteers, performers, and staff.
As always, parking and admission to festival grounds are free. Designated sensory hours will take place daily, designed for guests who are sensitive to loud noises and flashing lights. This year sensory hours will be offered daily from 10 a.m. to noon.
Hydration stations will be available throughout the park to help festivalgoers cool off. Visitors are encouraged to bring a refillable water bottle. KultureCity sensory-friendly Rest & Relax Tents will also be available on the north side of Heritage Park, providing a safe space for those with sensory challenges to rest. In addition, Parent Tents will be available to serve as changing or feeding tents with furniture sponsored by IKEA.
The Canton Liberty Fest mobile app for Apple and Android users will also be available prior to the event. The app will allow festivalgoers to access everything about the event, including entertainment schedules and performer information, Carnival Zone details, and festival food and drink information. Users will also receive news and updates during the three-day festival.
Event organizers strongly discourage visitors from bringing pets onto festival grounds. However, dogs attending the festival must remain leashed, be under their owner’s control, and behave well at all times. Due to the large crowds and significant traffic congestion expected during Liberty Fest, there will be no designated drop-off or pick-up location within Heritage Park.
“We strongly encourage all festival attendees to plan ahead and coordinate drop-offs and pick-ups at locations outside of the park. Identifying a safe and convenient meeting spot in advance will help ensure a smoother experience for everyone,” organizers said.
Festivalgoers are reminded that all bikes must be parked in a bike corral. For more information, visit www.cantonlibertyfest.org or call (734) 394-5360.
