Professional fireworks returning to Canton skies for first time since 2019 Liberty Fest

As dusk turns to darkness on Sept. 24, full-fledged fireworks will explode over Canton Township for the first time in over 26 months.

Canton's Leisure Services staff has organized "Picnic in the Park", a micro-version of the township's annual June Liberty Fest. The event, set for 5-9 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 24 at Heritage Park, will feature live music, mouth-watering food and a first-class, night-capping fireworks display.

Leisure Services Deputy Director Jonathan Lafever cautioned residents not to expect a Liberty Fest-type extravaganza, but the four hours should be packed with some fun-generating activities, he said.

"We've lined up live entertainment for the amphitheater, we're lining up as many food trucks as possible, and we know the community wants and deserves a fireworks show, which we will deliver," Lafever said. "It's kind of a unique time of the year to hold a fireworks show, so it will have a different kind of feeling. But the fireworks will be as big and spectacular as the ones people see during Liberty Fest."

"Picnic in the Park" is a one-year deal, said Lafever, who is expecting Liberty Fest to return to its pre-pandemic greatness in 2022.

"There was a lot we had to consider while planning 'Picnic in the Park'; we had to go over the calendar a few times and look at a lot of variables," Lafever said. "For instance, the site where they shoot off the fireworks is close to Pheasant Run Golf Course, so we had to make sure there were no big outings scheduled for the 24th. 

"We also looked at what was going on locally and regionally with high school and college sports and try to select a night that would be the most conducive for the event. We're looking forward to a fun, entertaining evening."

There will be no carnival-style rides, Lafever added. 

Attendees will be expected to follow Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) guidelines that may be in place at the time of this event.

Spectators are also encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs to ensure that every guest can enjoy this outdoor community celebration. 

The township is welcoming vendors or community groups interested in applying to have a presence at the event. Booth space fees are $35 for non-profit organizations and $95 for businesses.

Each vendor/group must supply their own canopy, tables and chairs within a 10-feet-by-10-feet self-contained booth space. Limited vendor booths are available with no access to electricity. The online application deadline is Sept. 21, with spaces  filled on a first-come, first-served formata. 

The roster of entertainers includes the Packin' Heat Band, a professional nine-piece band that performs a variety of music, from Motown to the latest dance-chart tunes; and Killer Flamingos, a Dearborn-based pop rock band.

Fireworks are expected to begin at 8 p.m.

Eateries that have committed to attend include Great Lakes Confections, Impasto,  Maraschinos Pub and PizzaPazza. 

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A beer and wine garden will also be available within the amphitheater area on the south side of Heritage Park for individuals 21 and older.

A convenient Uber, Lyft, parent drop-off/pick-off spot has been designated on Civic Center Boulevard in front of the Canton Public Library’s main entrance. 

All event welcome booths will also feature children's wristbands that can be filled out to include their parents’ contact details, in case they become separated.

Contact reporter Ed Wright at eawright@hometownlife.com or 517-375-1113.