Canton Labor Day Festival headliner announced

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Canton Labor Day Festival headliner announced

Canton's Labor Day headliner has more than 25 Top 40 entries on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts. Donated photo

Canton’s 115th annual Labor Day Festival — the oldest in the South — could take on a more somber tone this September in light of the impending June closure of the paper mill at the center of town, but organizers hope to keep the mood festive with today’s announcement of a major headliner.

From the Town of Canton’s press release:

Country music power hitter Sammy Kershaw with a chain of major hit records and sell-out tours will be headlining the 115th Canton Labor Day Festival presented by Champion Credit Union and sponsored by Ingles Markets. Often referred to as the “heir apparent” to the legendary ‘voice’ himself—George Jones—Sammy Kershaw helped make the 90’s a shining decade for country music. With his soulful sound and Cajun vocal kick Kershaw’s plan for country music is re-claiming its roots and recapturing the spirit that made it great.

The Canton Labor Day Festival is a celebration of all things made in Western North Carolina. As the oldest festival of its kind in the south, Canton Labor Day honors the blue-collar workers who power our economy with their bare hands and deliver the products and services upon which we all depend. The event will also showcase artisans and farmers from Western North Carolina with the Everything Handmade or Homegrown Vendor Market, Classic Car show, Splash kids’ zone, Ultimate Air Dog Show, and Food Truck Row.

“Canton Labor Day continues to be a great event for the Town of Canton, and we are honored to be a part of it again this year. The event continues to bring in visitors to experience our town and see what Canton is about. This is a great way for us to show our support and help our community.” Says Champion Credit Union CEO, Jake Robinson.

As the largest festival in Haywood County, the scope and reach of this event is felt throughout the region. With an estimated 20,000 person turnout in prior years, “This is an opportunity for the Town of Canton and our sponsors to come together and host not only an incredible event for the citizens of Canton and Haywood County but also expose the vast beauty and opportunities Canton has to offer. Having the continued ability to incorporate such talented musical legends and up-and-coming artists in the lineup is an exciting opportunity for the Town of Canton and visitors alike,” says Canton Town Manager, Nick Scheuer. “This event would not be possible were it not for the continued support we receive from our sponsors, Town officials and community.”