Photo by Charlene Corson Selbee
Canton Day Off returns August 14-16 with three days of food, music, games, family activities and community tradition in downtown Canton. Don your purple, green and gold attire and get ready for some fun.
Organized by the Canton Community Association, the 147th annual celebration brings together longtime residents, former students and surrounding communities for the town’s marquee summer event.
The association funds the event throughout the year through weekly bingo games and raffles.
“We would like to invite everyone in the community and surrounding communities to the 147th Canton Day Off,” said association president Cindy Shanks. “We have something for everyone, from bingo, a bean bag tournament, Pop Up Market on Main, a car show and kids’ activities to a BBQ cook-off, music Saturday afternoon and evening featuring Pop Rocks, and several food trucks. Kids’ events are all free.”
The celebration traces its roots to August 15, 1903, when the community gathered for a church supper. The following year, the event moved downtown and became the first “Day Off,” growing over time into a regional celebration that featured baseball games, speakers, carnival-style attractions and evening dances.
Weekend highlights: Friday opens the celebration, while Saturday includes the Legion’s pancake breakfast, Bloody Mary Bar, live entertainment, depot tour, Quilts of Honor presentation, music and children’s activities. Sunday features the Kerns Korner Car Show, rides, raffles, bingo and live entertainment.
The Canton Softball League Tournament begins Thursday evening and continues thru Saturday.
Former Canton School students and teachers are invited to reconnect Saturday afternoon during the All School Get Together in the Fest Tent.
Area veterans will be honored at 11 a.m. Saturday during a Quilts of Honor presentation by the Quilters Therapy Quilt Club in the Fest Tent.
The Boomer Backyard BBQ Cook-Off, sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society, will be held Saturday, with awards presented at 3 p.m. in the Fest Tent.
Other weekend activities include games for all ages, a Bloody Mary bar on Saturday and Sunday, raffles, a live auction, bingo, a tractor ride, an ATV/UTV ride, a beer garden and free live entertainment.
Upcoming Events
•August 14-17, Apollo Music Festival, Houston, Minnesota
•August 15, Apple Blossom Bike Tour, La Crescent, Minnesota
•August 15, Bluff Land Tri: Run, Bike, Hike, Rushford, Minnesota
•August 18-23, Ag Days Celebration, Spring Valley, Minnesota
•August 19-23, Houston County Fair, Caledonia, Minnesota
•August 19, Music & Market, Spring Grove, Minnesota
•August 20-23, SEMBA Summer Bluegrass Festival, Houston, Minnesota
Do not forget to pick up your free copy of Visit Bluff Country at one of more than 1,000 locations across 35 counties in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Visit Bluff Country magazine is dedicated to promoting tourism throughout scenic Bluff Country.
For festival updates, travel ideas, and recommendations on where to eat, play, and sleep, visit us online at www.visitbluffcountry.com.
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