The 32nd Annual Canton Liberty Fest will fill Heritage Park from June 12-14, offering live entertainment, carnival rides and midway games, arts and crafts, festival food, and a beer garden, as well as the popular Annual Liberty Run, a special Juneteenth Community Celebration, Friday night fireworks, and more fun for all ages.
The Canton Liberty Fest will take place from 1 until 10 p.m. Thursday, June 12, from 1 p.m. until 11 p.m. Friday, June 12, and from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. Saturday, June 14. Heritage Park is located adjacent to the Canton Administration Building, located at 1150 S. Canton Center Road, Canton, MI 48188. This year, the festival is sponsored by: Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt, Michigan Army National Guard, Schoolcraft College, Trinity Health IHA Medical Group and WeatherGard.
Area residents are expected to fill the park to enjoy the lineup of carnival rides, games, and special attractions, along with a Family Zone. Single-day wristbands are on sale now and offer savings on ride prices. Wristbands allow all access for one day only onto all carnival rides. Discounted single-day wristbands are available for $30 and can be used for any full day if purchased at www.cantonlibertyfest.com before 9 a.m. Thursday, June 12.
Also available are Mega Bands that allow unlimited rides for all three days. The $100 megabands can only be purchased by 9 a.m. June 12. Online sales require a $1.99 per transaction fee. Wristbands will also be available for purchase on-site (cash only) on Thursday for $35 or Friday and Saturday for $40.
This year, to enhance safety and crowd management, the Thrill Ride Carnival Zone area will be fully fenced, with one entrance and exit. To access this area, guests must present a valid wristband, mega band, or ride tickets. 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). All sales are final. For more information, call (734) 394-5360. As always, parking and admission to festival grounds are free.
Special sensory hours are planned all three days of the festival for guests who are sensitive to loud noises and flashing lights. The sensory hours will take place from 1 until 3 p.m. Thursday and Friday and from 10 a.m. until noon on Saturday.
The festival will also include a large contingent of concession stands and gourmet food trucks, presenting signature dishes, beverages, and snacks. A special area of food trucks will be located near the Amphitheater
Capping off the Friday festivities, the highly anticipated Liberty Fest’s fireworks display will take place just after dark. Sponsored by the Michigan Army National Guard, the fireworks will only take place on Friday, allowing for a Saturday rain date. Starting as early as 6 p.m. June 13, Veterans Way, Heritage Drive, and Summit Parkway near Heritage Park will be closed to vehicular traffic.
Saturday highlights include the 28th Annual Canton Lions Club’s Pancake Breakfast from 8-11 a.m. at the North Pavilions. Chris Cakes of Michigan returns to flip pancakes high onto plates for those brave enough to catch them.
Canton Leisure Services is again joining forces with RF Events to host the 12th 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, and Blue” running outfit.
Hydration stations will be available throughout the park giving festivalgoers a chance to cool off.
Merchandise from local artisans, crafters, businesses, and vendors will be featured around the large pond at the Liberty Fest Marketplace from 4-10 p.m. Friday and from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. Saturday. Returning favorites include the Scholastic Book Fair; LEGO Station provided by MichLUG (Michigan LEGO Users Group).
The Canton Liberty Fest mobile app for Apple and Android users will also be available prior to the event. Festival visitors will be able to access everything about the event.
Event organizers strongly discourage visitors from bringing pets onto festival grounds. However, dogs that attend the festival must remain on a leash, be under their owner’s control, and be on their best behavior 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.
Organizers said they strongly encourage all festival attendees to plan ahead and coordinate drop-offs and pick-ups at locations outside the park. Identifying a safe and convenient meeting spot in advance will help ensure a smoother experience for everyone, they advised.
All bikes must be parked in a bike corral. For more information, visit www.cantonlibertyfest.com or call (734) 394-5360.