Liberty Fest Returns to Canton for its 22nd Year

In keeping with tradition, the 22nd Annual Canton Liberty Fest will return June 13-15 even bigger and better than ever. 

Jon LaFever, Canton Leisure Services Recreation and Facilities Supervisor, said that they are always trying to change it up at the festival.

"Every year we add a new component," LaFever said. "This is the 22nd year of the festival, and every year it's gotten bigger in both attendence as well as activities and entertainment. It's very cool. A lot of people compliment us on our layout. It's very clean, very family friendly and spread out with a lot of shade areas."

New this year is the All American Lumberjack Show, which consists of boom running, racing hot saws, log rolling, single and double buck cross cut sawing, ax throwing, chainsaw carving giveaways and more. 

Another new highlight this year will be the Nationwide NASCAR Showcar and Racing Simulator. Liberty Fest-goers will be able to get a feel of steering and braking on a high speed track as well as take pictures of the official Nationwide series NASCAR show car. 

According to LaFever, Liberty Fest typically draws an estimated 50,000 people in three days. The number is based on carnival wristband and ticket sales as well as how many cars are parked on site at Heritage Park. 

"Last year, we had 42,000 just from carnival sales," he said. 

As always, Liberty Fest will have plenty of entertainment with two separate stages for live performances. Two stages of live entertainment. The line-up includes Air Margaritaville, The Joe Band, The Hype Syndicate and New Odyssey. For a full list of shows and times, visit the Liberty Fest website.   

The fireworks display will return Saturday night at dusk. LaFever said it's the most popular attraction aside from the carnival midway. 

There will also be interactive animal displays with a petting farm, camel rides, exotic exhibits and a bird encounter. LaFever said that last year, people were able to sit and pose for a picture with a baby snow leopard. 

Canton Township has funded Liberty Fest since its beginning, 22 years ago. 

"Last year we came very close to covering all of our costs," LaFever said. "And we feel this year will be the first year we actually cover all of them. And that's through growth and sponsorships, the carnival's percent of their revenue and the different fees we charge for vendors." 

For more information on Liberty Fest, visit http://www.canton-mi.org/libertyfest.