11-06-2025
Canton packs 200 years of fun into 10 days for Bicentennial June 20-29.
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — The Canton Bicentennial begins June 20 with the 'Canton Cruise In' Car Show, and winds up with the Bicentennial Birthday Bash on June 29.
The In between is packed with ice cream, concerts, historic bus tours, a time capsule reveal, a parade, and of course, plenty of birthday cake.
Mike Walters, the chairman of the Canton Bicentennial 2025 Committee, and Carla Bobell, the executive director of the Canton Area Chamber of Commerce, stopped by WMBD This Morning to talk more about it.
There has been such a huge interest in so many of the events that one of them is sold out in advance, the tribute to The Doors, who played at Canton High School in 1967. Not to worry, there is plenty of music on tap from at least four local bands, including the Canton High School band on June 24.
'There's so many different events, if you're a historian, and would love to learn all the history, or if you are just looking for some family friendly events to attend, this is the event to come out to,' Bobell said.
One of those many historical events will be the reveal of a time capsule planted in 1925.
Walters is pleased with its condition.
'We know it's dry, it's never been rained on, never had anything done to it, so we're very proud of this time capsule,' he said.
Find out its 100-year-old secrets June 23 at 6:30 p.m. They will also prepare another capsule for 100 years from now. That opening is on my calendar.
Another highlight of the 10-day event is the Parade of History, June 28, at 10 a.m. The fest also includes 5K run and walk June 28, to work off all the birthday cake.
They've only been preparing for this celebration for 200 years, and it will be worth the wait. Find a comprehensive list of events and times at
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