CW celebrates 101 years of Labor Day festivities
The 101st annual Canal Winchester Labor Day Festival, presented by Diley Ridge Medical Center, will fill the streets of historic downtown Canal Winchester over Labor Day weekend.
Opening ceremonies will take place on the festival main stage on Sept. 2 at noon. The fun continues Sept. 2 until 11 p.m., Sept. 3 from 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sept. 4 from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
“The Canal Winchester Labor Day Festival is celebrating over a century of family-friendly activities in our downtown during the Labor Day weekend,” said Carolyn Ebert, Labor Day Festival Board President. “With so many food vendors, arts and crafts vendors, rides, games, free entertainment, a car show, and our renowned parade, there is something sure to please everyone in the family.”
Although the full schedule is still being finalized, the Labor Day Festival Committee promises to deliver the fun, family-friendly festival that the community has grown to love.
Midway rides and games return to the historic downtown all weekend long, and kids will ride for free from noon to 4 p.m. as part of Free Ride Saturday, courtesy of Wright-Patt Credit Union, Inc.
Free festival entertainment will fill the streets with sounds all weekend long. American country singer-songwriter and Ohio native Rayne Johnson will headline the main stage Sept. 2 at 9 p.m. Silver Springs, the Sept. 3 night headliner, will have guests doing double-takes as the band covers over four decades of the best Fleetwood Mac songs.
For those over 21, the Ugly Mug Beer Pavilion will be located near Stradley Park. This is the first year that the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) will be in place, so visitors may sip, stroll, shop, and explore the festival grounds from noon to close as well.
The Labor Day Festival will again become a showplace for some of the finest hot-rods and classic cars in central Ohio on Sept. 3. In past years, over 200 antique, muscle, and classic cars have been on display. The cruise-in, hosted by C-Town Cruisers, will start at 10 a.m. and will wrap up at 4 p.m. with trophy presentations. Registration is just $15 per car and begins downtown at 9 a.m. on West Waterloo Street.
On Sept. 4, enjoy the festival’s annual Canal Winchester Labor Day Parade, presented by Kelly Abbott & the “A” Team, Howard Hanna Realtors. The parade steps off from Canal Winchester High School at 1 p.m. and makes its way through the city’s historic downtown.
Since 1920, the Canal Winchester Labor Day Festival has proudly partnered with the local government and nearby businesses to host the festival. Labor Day Festival organizers recognize all festival supporters, with special thanks to the city of Canal Winchester and the festival’s presenting sponsor, Diley Ridge Medical Center. For all Labor Day Festival details, including those to come, visit www.cwlaborday.org.
Memorial Day in CW
In remembrance of fallen veterans, VFW Post #10523 will host Canal Winchester’s annual Memorial Day ceremony on May 29 at Union Grove Cemetery, 400 Winchester Cemetery Road, beginning at 10:30 a.m.
The ceremony will feature keynote speaker Air Force Chief Master Sgt.Troy R. Taylor, the Command Chief Master Sergeant for the Ohio Air National Guard. Other ceremony participants will include Boy Scouts Troop 103, Cub Scouts Troop 103, and the Canal Winchester High School Band.
Immediately following the Canal Winchester Memorial Day Ceremony, the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts will host a flag retirement ceremony on the cemetery grounds.
The public is invited to attend both ceremonies. Lawn chairs or blankets are encouraged for seating.
Thirsty Thursday
Destination:Canal Winchester invites you to come in to historic downtown Canal Winchester on May 25 from 6-9 p.m. and enjoy the sounds of Poverty String Band at Stradley Park. Grab a snack at the food vendors in attendance, dinner at any of the fine restaurants in the downtown area, and order a drink to-go and enjoy the outdoors to take advantage of the city’s DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area). Participating downtown shops will be open, too.
CW Pool opens May 26
The city of Canal Winchester invites you to cool off this summer at the Canal Winchester Municipal Swimming Pool. The pool season begins May 26 and will run through Sept. 3.
The pool will be open to members only from May 26 through June 1. During this time, only individuals who have completed purchasing a membership will be able to enter the pool.
Daily admission passes can be purchased at the pool by members only for additional guests outside of the membership. Members will be responsible for all guests brought in to the pool; failure to abide by the rules may result in loss of membership.
Seasonal memberships and a number of other pass options will be available this year. If space is available, reduced-price membership opportunities will open after July 5.
Seasonal Membership Passes
Those wishing to purchase a Sunbather’s Pass (seasonal membership) will need to pre-register online. In-person verification of residency and household members (if applicable) will be required prior to the membership being issued. All pass holders will also have their photo taken. Memberships will not be sold at the pool.
To purchase a membership:
•Visit https://bit.ly/CWAccount and select “Create Account”, or “Log In” if you have used the program before.
•Add all household members to your account that you intend on placing on the membership. More information on what constitutes a household and eligibility can be found on the website.
•Attend an open house session (listed below) to complete the verification process. All members included on the pass must be verified and have their photo taken before their pass will be issued; we recommend all household members attend the open house, if possible.
Valid forms of verification include, but are not limited to, a valid driver’s license or other photo ID; bill or lease with name and address; tax return; school registration form; health insurance card.
•Have photo taken, pay for the membership, and receive physical pass.
Vacationer’s Passes
Those interested in purchasing a Vacationer’s Pass (good for 10 visits, any day; must be used by the same person) will need to preregister online. Vacationer’s Passes will not be sold at the pool.
To purchase a Vacationer’s Pass:
•Visit https://bit.ly/CWAccount and select “Create Account”, or “Log In” if you have used the program before.
•Add the individual who will be using the pass to your account.
•Attend an open house session (listed below) to have the passholder photo taken, pay for the pass, and receive physical pass.
Daily Admission Passes
Daily admission passes may be purchased at the pool on the day of your visit. The same rate applies to residents and non-residents. Discounts are available for senior citizens and registered daycares. More information and specific rates are available online.
Open House Sessions for Processing
Complete the process of purchasing a Sunbather’s Pass or Vacationer’s Pass by attending one of the following open house sessions, held at City Hall (45 E. Waterloo St.):
•May 10 from 5–7 p.m.
•May 13 from 12:30–3 p.m.
•May 16 from 5-7 p.m.
•May 21 from 3:30–5:30 p.m.
Anyone unable to attend an open house may have their pass issued at City Hall between May 22-25. Staff will be available to assist between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.; no appointment necessary. Sales will pause beginning May 25 and will not resume until May 29. When sales reopen, anyone interested in purchasing a Sunbather’s Pass or Vacationer’s Pass can visit City Hall between 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Mondays – Fridays to complete the process.
Pool Rental
The pool is available to rent for parties on designated Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings throughout the season. Dates may be booked on a first come, first served basis, and must be booked 2 weeks in advance. Rental opportunities will open for booking on May 15 at 8 a.m. Check the city’s website for complete details, including rental fees and available times.
Visit www.canalwinchesterohio.gov for information.
