Check out what new attractions coming to Canton’s 30th Liberty Fest

In less than a month, Canton’s Heritage Park will be transformed into a massive fun zone.

The township’s 30th Liberty Fest will run from June 15-17 — with all of the pre-pandemic excitement returning, including plenty of family-friendly activities, exciting carnival rides, thrilling midway games and two stages jam-packed with live entertainment.

If that’s not enough to shift your enjoyment mojo into high gear, the always-popular marketplace, festival food and Beer Garden will also add to the festive atmosphere, as well as the annual Liberty Run, a special Juneteenth Community Celebration, Friday night fireworks, and much more for all ages to enjoy.

New this year

Liberty Fest organizers will be launching a new mobile app for Apple and Android users prior to the event. Festival-goers will be able to access everything about the event, including entertainment schedules and performer information, Carnival Zone information on amusement rides and midway games, Liberty Run details, and festival food and drink information.

Users will also receive news and updates during the three-day festival.

This year’s summer tradition will unfold Thursday, June 15, from 1 p.m.-10 p.m.; Friday, June 16, from 1 p.m.-11 p.m.; and Saturday, June 17, from 10 a.m.–10 p.m. in Heritage Park, located adjacent to the Canton Administration Building (1150 S. Canton Center Road).

Major sponsors for this annual community event, include: BJ’s Wholesale Club, National Heritage Academies, and the U. S Army. 

Something for everybody

If carnival rides and games are your thing, then the festival offers just what you need in the Family Zone. Purchase a single-day wristband in advance and save! Wristbands allow all-access for one day only onto all the exciting carnival rides.

Discounted single-day wristbands are now available for $30 and can be used for any full day if purchased at www.cantonlibertyfest.com before Thursday, June 15, 2023, at 9 a.m.

Mega Bands that are good for unlimited rides for all three days for just $75 that can ONLY be purchased online by June 15, at 9 a.m.

Online sales require a $1.99 per transaction fee. Wristbands will be available for purchase on-site (cash only) as follows:  Thursday and Friday for $30 and Saturday for $35. All sales are final. For more information, call 734-394-5360. As always, parking and admission to festival grounds are free!

Special sensory hours will be held on Thursday, June 15, from 1-3 p.m., where carnival rides and midway games, lights, and music will be turned off for festival-goers who are sensitive to large crowds and certain stimuli.

Food trucks galore

A special area of food trucks will be located near the amphitheater, with a tentative line-up that includes: Famous Hamburger; Impasto; Little Caesar’s Pizza Truck; Keaiks Food Truck, Little Lou’s Hot Chicken; Smokehouse 52 BBQ; Truckin Waffles, and more.

Food trucks will be available on Thursday, June 15, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday, June 16, from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.; and Saturday, June 17, from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. This year’s participating food concessions include: Carvel Ice Cream; Different Twist; Hazel Coffee Co.; Kona Ice; J & J Concessions; Meltdown Creamery and more.

 On all three days of Liberty Fest, the Partnership for the Arts and Humanities will be hosting a Beer Garden, which is sponsored by West Side Beer Distributing.

Capping off the evening’s festivities, Canton’s highly-anticipated Liberty Fest’s fireworks display will only be held on Friday, June 17, just after dark, allowing for a Saturday night rain date, if necessary.

Starting as early as 6 p.m. on Friday, June 16, Veterans Way, Heritage Drive, and Summit Parkway near Heritage Park will be closed to vehicular traffic.

Saturday highlights include the Canton Lions Club’s Annual 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. Stop by for a tasty breakfast and make this a Liberty Fest tradition; while supplies last. In addition, a variety of fun characters will also be on hand adding to all of the fun from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., including Batman and Rapunzel, along with DJ Zaneta.

Canton Leisure Services is again joining forces with Running Fit to host the 9th 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.

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.

Festival-goers are reminded that all bikes must be parked in a bike corral.  In addition, a convenient Uber, Lyft, or parent drop-off/pick-off spot has been designated on Civic Center Boulevard in front of the Canton Public Library’s main parking lot.

For more information, visit www.cantonlibertyfest.com or call 734/394-5360.