Welcome to the Canton IL Bicentennial Celebration information page. To honor this significant occasion, the Bicentennial Planning Committee created a series of events and activities from June 20-29, 2025, that not only showcased our rich heritage but also brought our community together in a spirit of unity and celebration.
The Bicentennial Committee is still looking to create a time capsule that will be opened in 2125, and you can be a part of it! See the Bicentennial Time Capsule Submission Form tab to learn more.
If you have questions call 309-647-2677 or by email at cantonilbicentennial2025@gmail.com.
Bicentennial Time Capsule Submission Form
Be Part of History!
The Bicentennial Committee will be collecting items for the Canton Bicentennial Time Capsule — to be opened at the Tricentennial Celebration in 2125!
Submission Considerations:
- Size: 8” x 10” or less envelope; unsealed
- Paper or flash/ext. hard drives/CDs and DVDs accepted; other physical artifacts will be considered
- Photos must include the names of people/buildings/places and approximate date on the back of the photos
- Restrictions: No glass or items with potentially corrosive materials will be accepted
- Deadline: Artifacts must be brought to the Canton Area Chamber of Commerce Office at 48 North Main Street, in Canton, during regular business hours by 9.5.2025
- The Canton Bicentennial Steering Committee reserves the right of refusal.
- The 2025 Canton, Illinois Time Capsule will be sealed and housed at Parlin Ingersoll Library and opened at Canton’s Tricentennial Celebration in 2125.
Drop off your submission and completed form at the Canton Chamber Office (48 N. Main St.) during regular business hours by September 5, 2025.
Fundraising Contributions – Thank you!
We say THANK YOU to those businesses, organizations and individuals who supported the Bicentennial Celebrations by financially supporting the Bicentennial Committee.
Bicentennial Medallion & Pottery
For an event as significant as a city’s 200th birthday, memorabilia is a big part of it. With that in mind, the Canton Bicentennial 2025 Committee is offering limited edition medallion coins as keepsakes of the event. The inch-and-a-half-diameter two-sided medallions are on sale now for $10.00 each and will continue to be offered as long the supply lasts or until August 1st, 2025.
Canton Bicentennial Stoneware is still available and will be on sale through August 1st, so get them before they are gone! Don’t miss your opportunity to own this limited-edition collector’s item celebrating 200 years of community history.
These items will be on sale during regular business hours Through August 1st at the Canton Area Chamber of Commerce at 48 North Main Street, the Canton City Building at 2 North Main Street, and MidAmerica National Bank at 100 West Elm Street (Canton location only).
To learn more about the Canton Bicentennial, call 309-647-2677, email cantonilbicentennial2025@gmail.com, go to https://cantonillinois.org/canton-bicentennial-information/ , or the Canton Illinois Bicentennial 2025 Facebook page.
Canton IL Bicentennial Proclamation
On January 7th, 2025, Mayor Kent McDowell read the Canton Bicentennial Proclamation at the city Council meeting. Mike Walters, President of the Bicentennial Committee spoke a few words after the reading.
Bicentennial General Information
Those who are serving on the Bicentennial Committee, appointed by the City of Canton, are from left to right: Rick Klinedinst, Carol Davis, Mike Walters, Carla Bobell, Stacy Wise, and Kevin Stephenson.
