CANTON — The town is marking its bicentennial with a four-day celebration Aug. 5-8.

More than 20 events will make up the celebration observing the 200th anniversary of Canton’s incorporation, beginning Thursday evening with the Founders’ Dinner at 5:30 p.m. Lilac Mixology and Catering is providing the food, though all seats for the dinner are currently reserved.

Following the dinner, Canton’s treasured historical items will be presented along with a performance by improv comedy group The Teachers Lounge Mafia.

Friday’s schedule includes a picnic in the park, nature walk, a trolley tour of the town and Cow Chip Bingo featuring “Snap” the miniature cow. A two-day photo and art exhibit as well as a quilt exhibit will be presented Friday and Saturday.

Friday night is highlighted by a Street Dance at the Canton Public Boat Launch, featuring music from DJ Dave of 8th Street Entertainment and food provided by both Alabama Barbeque and Lilac Mixology and Catering. The evening will wrap with a fireworks display at the ball field starting at 9 p.m.

‘Main Event’ Saturday kicks off at 10 a.m. back at the ball field, featuring crafters, vendors, artisans and kids activities. The bicentennial parade begins at 11 a.m. and will run along Main and School streets. A car show is scheduled for noon with non-profits and food trucks providing food options all day long.

Saturday afternoon will have a horse and pony show just off River Road at Boondocks Farm, followed by a barbeque dinner at Conant Acres at 5 p.m.

The day’s festivities will wrap up in evening with a concert highlighted by The Don Campbell Band and local performers Jason Lee and Amelia Aglow.

Food will be available for purchase at the Snack Shack, and Lilac Mixology and Catering will pour drinks at a cash bar.

The bicentennial celebration concludes on Sunday, starting with a pancake breakfast, an old fashioned church service and a fireman’s muster featuring a number of local fire departments.

At 1 p.m., there will be a recognition and remembrance event with volunteers, sponsors and military veterans. Food will be available for purchase at the Snack Shack during these events.

The weekend will finish on Canton Beach with tasty treats and a performance by the steel band Chicks with Sticks.

The Canton Historical Society Museum and Country Store will be open each day. Visitors to the museum will see new displays as well as the items presented at the Founders’ Dinner. The Country Store has new Canton Bicentennial merchandise for shoppers to buy to commemorate the occasion. Guests can sign the official bicentennial guest book.

All events are free and open to the public. For specific information on times and locations of the events, stop by the Canton Town Office to pick up a copy of the summer celebration brochure, or go to www. 1821canton2021.org or the “Canton, Maine Bicentennial” Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cantonmainebicentennial.

Registration forms for the parade, the photo and art exhibit, and for crafter and vendor spaces at the main event can also be found there.

The bicentennial celebration has been arranged by the Canton Bicentennial Committee. Committee members Phyllis Ouellette, Loretta Blancato, Brian Keene, Anne Chamberlin, Liz Rothrock and others have been meeting since 2016 to fundraise and plan this event.

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