The 95th annual Canal Winchester Labor Day Festival presented by Diley Ridge Medical Center will kick off Labor Day weekend, Sept. 5-7.
Opening ceremonies will take place on the Diley Ridge Main Stage Sept. 5 at noon. Afternoon entertainment at Stradley Park pavilion will feature music by Winchester Steel Co. and Second Chance. Evening entertainment on the main stage includes performances by Braden Stover at 5 p.m. and Bon Journey at 8 p.m.
Other Sept. 5 attractions include a morning children’s parade, nostalgic games, and canal boat races. Children may enjoy free midway rides from noon to 5 p.m. (Saturday only) courtesy of Jeff Wyler Chevrolet.
Sept. 6 features the cruise-in at noon with trophy presentations on the main stage at 4 p.m. Registration is $12 per vehicle beginning at 9 a.m.
Sunday afternoon entertainment at Stradley Park pavilion features music by Clearview Mirror and Rick Barr. Main stage entertainment kicks-off at 5 p.m. with 3-Cat Day, followed by Hotel California – The Original Eagles Tribute Band, at 8 p.m.
Monday’s main stage entertainment begins at 11 a.m. with Cornerstone Gospel Quartet, followed by performances from All 4 Him at noon. Willie Phoenix & The Soul Underground will round out the day’s entertainment at 4 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, Kingy’s hospitality tent will be located near Stradley Park.
“The Canal Winchester Labor Day Festival is a family event. With over 30 food vendors, arts and crafts vendors, rides, games, free entertainment, hospitality tent and our renowned parade, there is something sure to please everyone in the family,” said Canal Winchester Mayor Mike Ebert.
Parade and grand marshal
Sept. 7 features Canal Winchester’s annual Labor Day Parade, sponsored by Waste Management, at 1 p.m. The parade’s theme is, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” Beverly Downing, former Canal Winchester Elementary School principal, will serve as parade grand marshal for this year’s Labor Day parade.
“Each year the Labor Day committee nominates and votes for deserving candidates to be the parade grand marshal,” said Ebert. “This year’s choice is Beverly Downing, an educator influential in the lives of Canal Winchester children for many years. The Canal Winchester Labor Day committee recognizes her for her remarkable contributions to the Canal Winchester community.”
Downing served Canal Winchester Schools for 21 years as a teacher and administrator. She retired in 2012 and now regularly volunteers at the schools and the local food pantry.
Information and sponsors
The Canal Winchester Labor Day Festival sponsors are: Diley Ridge Medical Center, Jeff Wyler Chevrolet, Mr. and Mrs. V.R. Hershberger and the Joiner Family, Lindsay Honda, Waste Management, M.G. Abbott Inc., Legacy Church, Auto Additions Inc., Mac’s Auto Parts, city of Canal Winchester, Madison Township, and Violet Township.
Festival hours are Sept. 5, noon to 11 p.m.; Sept. 6, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sept. 7, 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For detailed schedule information and a complete list of festival sponsors, visit www.cwlaborday.org.
