The 97th 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 2nd beginning at noon. Saturday afternoon entertainment will be available on two stages and will feature music by Winchester Steel Co., Gas Pump Jockeys, and the British Invasion.
Other Saturday attractions include children’s games, and performance art by Joy Unspeakable Productions. In addition, families may enjoy a short, pre-festival kids’ parade at 11:30 a.m. and free children’s midway rides from 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Saturday only) courtesy of Jeff Wyler Chevrolet.
Sunday September 3rd 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, sponsored by C-Town Cruisers, will start at noon with the trophy presentation at 4:00 pm on the festival main stage.
Sunday entertainment includes balloon art by Mr. Bugaboo, performance art by Joy Unspeakable Productions, and music by fan favorites Marquis66, Sticks and Stones, 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 be held on Sunday in the Stradley Greenspace, beginning at 3:00 p.m. for friends and family teams and 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for business teams.
Monday September 4th will feature the festival’s annual Canal Winchester Labor Day Parade presented by Kelly Abbott & the “A” Team, HER Realtors. The 2017 Labor Day Parade theme is “Remember When.” Parade entry is available online through August 25th only. This year, the Labor Day Festival will honor local resident Bill Yaple as parade Grand Marshal. Main stage entertainment on Labor Day will feature music by 3-Cat Day.
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 WWII Memorial Wall of Freedom, a traveling military tribute honoring those lost in WWII. The Memorial will be on display in the Stradley Greenspace Saturday and Sunday, from festival open until dusk, and Monday from festival open until festival close.
“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.
The Canal Winchester Labor Day Festival recognizes all festival supporters, with special thanks to presenting sponsor Diley Ridge Medical Center. Other major sponsors include: Lindsay Automotive, Mr. & Mrs. V.R. Hershberger & the Joiner Family, Jeff Wyler Chevrolet, Kelly Abbott & the “A” Team – HER Realtors, Waste Management, MG. Abbott Electric, Canal Winchester Rehabilitation Center, Fairfield National Bank, and C-Town Cruisers. For all Labor Day Festival details, including parade entry and complete sponsor listings, visit www.cwlaborday.org.