The 96th annual Canal Winchester Labor Day Festival, presented by Diley Ridge Medical Center, is set to kick off during Labor Day weekend. Opening ceremonies will take place on the main stage on Saturday, September 3rd beginning at noon. Saturday afternoon entertainment will be available on two stages and will feature music by Winchester Steel Co., 3-Cat Day, and the Gas Pump Jockeys. Back by popular demand, evening main stage headliner HOTEL CALIFORNIA, The Original Eagles Tribute Band, will perform at 8:00 p.m.
Other Saturday attractions include a morning children’s parade and nostalgic games. In addition, families may enjoy free children’s midway rides from Noon - 5:00 p.m. (Saturday only) courtesy of Jeff Wyler Chevrolet.
Sunday September 4th will once again bring out some of the finest show cars in central Ohio. In past years, over 200 antique, muscle, and classic cars have been on display. The cruise-in will start at noon with the trophy presentation at 4:00 pm. on the festival 2nd Stage, located at the McDorman Auto Museum on E. Waterloo St. (Car registration begins at 9:00 am)
Sunday entertainment includes Mike Albert & the Big "E" Band on the 2nd stage at 5:00 p.m. and the one and only CHRIS HIGBEE on the main stage at 8:00 p.m.
Back this year— Canal Winchester Historical Society’s Ice Cream Social will be held on Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the CW Historical Complex on N. High Street. The festival’s no-water Canal Boat Races, a competitive team event with cash prizes, will also begin on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. in the Stradley Greenspace.
Monday September 5th will feature the Canal Winchester Labor Day Parade presented by M.G. Abbott Electric. The 2016 Labor Day Parade theme is “There’s No Place Like Home”. Parade entry in available online through August 26th only.
This year, the Labor Day Festival will honor Milton Mapou, WWII Pearl Harbor survivor, as parade Grand Marshal. Mr. Mapou will share his story and answer questions at Stradley Plaza, located on S. High St. on Saturday at 6pm and also immediately following the parade on Monday.
September 5th main stage entertainment will feature Danny & the Linders at 4:00 p.m.
In addition to children’s activities, midway rides, and street vendors, a quilt show will be available for viewing at the Community Center each day during the festival. For those over 21, the Ugly Mug hospitality tent will be located near Stradley Park.
This year’s festival is pleased to host the distinctive EYES OF FREEDOM Lima Company Memorial, a traveling military tribute, at the McDorman Auto Museum. The memorial will arrive by motorcycle escort on Friday, September 2nd at 7:00 p.m., and will be on display all weekend.
“The Canal Winchester Labor Day Festival is a family event. With so many food vendors, arts & crafts vendors, rides, games, free entertainment, hospitality tent and our renowned parade, there is something sure to please everyone in the family,” said Mayor Mike Ebert.
For complete Labor Day Festival details, including parade entry, visit www.cwlaborday.org.