New Canton Township Amphitheater Ready for Annual Community Day

Janson McNair
| Cantonal reference

TOWNSHIP TOWNSHIP. ‒ The township’s new amphitheater will debut Saturday as part of this year’s annual Community Day festivities at Faircrest Park.

Mark Shaffer, vice president of the board, said the amphitheater will expand his community’s ability to host live entertainment events.

“Around 2017 and 2018, the park literally had no electricity. We have since added a pavilion with full restrooms, and this year we are adding the amphitheater,” he said.

The amphitheater cost about $300,000 to build, he said, through a combination of state grants and city funding.

“It’s a big deal for the community,” Shaffer said. “We’ll break it (Saturday) night for the first time ever.”

Canton Township Community Day 2024

This will be the fifth time the municipality has hosted the event, Shaffer said.

It will feature musical performances, face painting, 10 food vendors and a popular fireworks display.

“What attracts people the most is actually our fireworks show,” he said. “This will be the fifth year, and we’ve partnered with the same fireworks partner, and they make one of the best.”

As for live music, Shaffer said, Karri Fedor & Kerosene will headline the event for the first time at 7 p.m., following a 4 p.m. opening set by Gary Prisby.

“Karri Fedor is actually from our community and works in our school system,” Shaffer said, “…and I think it will attract a lot of local interest because of the local connection.”

Shaffer said the event is largely made possible by the support it receives from the community and local businesses.

“It takes about $30,000 to put this together and our sponsorship of community businesses, community organizations and individuals is what makes it happen,” he said.

Parking will be available at Faircrest Memorial Elementary School, he said. From there, buses will be available to transport guests to and from the park.

“We’ve been doing this since we started in 2019, and it’s working really well,” Shaffer said.

Forecast for the Guangzhou area: warm and sunny Saturday

Shaffer said given the expected warm weather, there will be plenty of refreshments and opportunities for guests to cool off at the event.

According to the National Weather Service, the Canton-Stark County area will be mostly sunny and warm Saturday with high temperatures around 94 degrees.

“(We’re) definitely looking for people to come and enjoy the shade and sit under some trees and listen to some music and relax,” Shaffer said. “I would hate to see people not go out because of the heat.”

More: Annual Community Day festival will take place Saturday in Canton Township