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Canton Collective | September 2025
Your monthly online newsletter with City of Canton news, updates, and events!
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| Let's be friends! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and if you mean business, connect with us on LinkedIn. | | Get in the loop! Signup to receive text notifications with timely (non-emergency) information. We promise, no spamming. | | Now, let's get you in the know for September! | | Labor of Love | Mayor's Moment | | |
I hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful Labor Day weekend. As always, I want to thank the members of Team Canton who work tirelessly to keep our city well maintained, efficient, and safe.
When it comes to labor and employment, our ongoing economic development efforts are more important than ever. With one of the lowest millage rates in the region, outstanding schools, scenic parks and trails, and countless amenities, Canton has become a highly desirable city for both employment and business relocation. Companies like Becker Robotics recognize this, and they recently broke ground on their new global headquarters right here. This project will not only bring high-paying jobs, but also serve as a model for sustainable, community-minded corporate campuses.
Later this week, I will join other elected officials, city leaders, and business executives in Greenville, SC, for the Cherokee Office of Economic Development’s second LEAP Trip (Lead, Engage, Aspire, and Prosper). The inaugural trip took place in Nashville last year, and the program is designed to explore best practices from successful communities, share innovative ideas, and develop actionable solutions for the challenges we face in Cherokee County. Greenville has long been a model city, and we’ve even held two of our Mayor and Council strategic retreats there in the past.
While “economic development” is often discussed in broad terms, in Canton it takes many forms. Beyond international and regional recruitment, our vitality and growth are also fueled by the creativity and drive of small businesses and entrepreneurs. Many of these ventures have been inspired by the guiding principles of our Roadmap for Success, proving that a thoughtful plan can create opportunities for all.
I was reminded of this a few weeks ago at the third annual gathering of local Hispanic entrepreneurs, hosted at the Jones Building by Raíces y Negocios magazine. This energetic event, dedicated to empowering Georgia’s Hispanic community, provided resources, tools, and inspiration for entrepreneurs and families eager to grow and prosper. The turnout was tremendous, and I had the chance to connect with many small business owners while also sampling delicious food, coffee, and treats from local establishments. The energy in the room was inspiring, and I am grateful to our Economic Development Director Aundi Lesley (pictured above with Mayor Grant), for her leadership and dedication to this talented community.
Of course, economic opportunity extends far beyond business recruitment or entrepreneurship. It also includes the cultural and quality-of-life elements in our Roadmap for Success; such as public art, recreation, and regional tourism. Canton is fortunate to have a wealth of assets that continue to attract residents, visitors, and businesses who want to live, work, play, and serve in our vibrant city. There is always more work ahead, but I remain grateful for the journey and the opportunity to help shape a stronger, more prosperous future for all who call Canton home.
Mayor Bill Grant
| | Riverfest Returns in 2025 on Sept. 27 & 28 | | |
The Service League of Cherokee County is excited to announce the return of Riverfest in 2025! After the unfortunate cancellation of Riverfest 2024 due to weather, they are eagerly planning this year’s festival and look forward to making it one of the best yet.
Join in on Sat., Sept. 27, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sun., Sept. 28, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., at Etowah River Park, for a weekend filled with arts, crafts, food, and fun!
An Arts and Crafts Festival with Something for Everyone
Featured against the picturesque banks of the Etowah River Park in Canton, the Riverfest Arts & Crafts festival is the League’s flagship fundraising event where all funds raised support Cherokee County children in need. The two-day festival draws over 25,000 patrons, over 150 arts crafts exhibitors, 10-20 concessionaires, and a host of local entertainers.
Begin your Riverfest experience by talking with the amazing sponsors who support our mission through their generous donations. Continue through the park to shop from more than 150 artists and crafters from all around Georgia and other southeastern states. Stop by the concessions area to try a wide variety of festival fare and delicious food and treats from local food trucks.
Riverfest is a great time for the entire family. A children’s area features games, bouncy houses, a petting zoo, and miniature train rides. Sports fans can relax in our tailgating area with live broadcasts of football games.
For over 40 years, Riverfest has grown into a fun community event for both adults and children. Mark your calendar! Come see why people travel from all over the Southeast every year to attend Riverfest!
| | Annual Multicultural Festival Oct. 11 | | |
The Multicultural Festival returns for its fifth year, Oct. 11, 4:30-8 p.m., in Harmon Park in the Sunnyside Community. This completely FREE event was created to celebrate and strengthen community relationships among the different cultures that co-exist in our wonderful City!
Representatives from countries from all over the world will be preparing tastings of specific foods native to their culture. There will also be traditional live performances, music, and interactive demonstrations to provide an authentic cultural celebration and learning experience for all of those who attend.
And of course, while you are there, cheer on the 12 teams kicking their way to victory in the annual Soccer/Fútbol Tournament!
Learn more at www.cantonga.gov/mcfest
| | Honor our Heros with Banners for the Brave | | |
The City of Canton proudly honors the men and women who have courageously served our nation in the United States Armed Forces. Banners for the Brave is a heartfelt program dedicated to recognizing our Veterans, expressing gratitude for their service, and preserving the memory of those who gave so much for our freedom.
Through this program, Veterans will be celebrated on custom-designed banners proudly displayed on light poles throughout Downtown Canton, serving as a powerful reminder of their sacrifice and dedication to our country.
This program is open to:
- Retired or honorably discharged members of the United States Armed Forces
- Veterans who currently reside in the City of Canton, or who once called Canton home and are now deceased
The City has designated 60 light poles in Downtown Canton to showcase these patriotic banners. Placement will be determined by the City on a first-come, first-served basis among eligible applicants; applications are due by Sept. 19. Banners will be proudly displayed from October 6 through November 14, 2025, surrounding Veterans Day—a time for our community to unite in honor, remembrance, and gratitude.
Let us come together as a community to celebrate our heroes, past and present, and keep their legacy flying high over the streets of Canton.
| | First Friday Featuring The Ultimate Eagles Tribute - On the Border | | |
Great music, good food, and family fun take center stage at First Friday in Downtown Canton, Sept. 5, from 6-9 p.m. Enjoy late night shopping, world-class restaurants, kids area, food and beverage vendors along Main Street, and a CRUISE IN!
'On the Border' is the most authentic Eagles Tribute in the World. Comprised of a multitude of musical talent and a knack for emulating the true recordings of the EAGLES themselves. Every show features all of the hits you love from the last 40+ years of the Eagles.
Don't forget your chair and dancin' shoes! There's something for everyone in Downtown Canton!
| | Council Meeting | Sept. 4 | Agenda Items | | | |
On the agenda for the Sept. 4 Council Meeting includes (but is not limited to):
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Information Only: Request to Rezone Property at 100 Cherokee Street from R-20 (Single Family Residential) to CBD (Central Business District) and Request for Master Plan and Conditional Use Permit at Longview Street and Dr. John T. Pettit Street
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Consent Agenda: Approval of Amendments to the Unified Development Code Land Use Table; Approval of Proposed Text Amendments to the Unified Development Code Regarding Design Guidelines and Standards; Approval of Proposed Text Amendment to the City of Canton Code of Ordinances Regarding Expiration of Certificates of Appropriateness; Approval of Request to Amend Approved Master Sign Plan for Northside
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Old Business: Discussion and Possible Action to Approve the Articles of Incorporation and the ByLaws for the Canton Community Land Trust; Discussion and Possible Action on the Award of the Canton Creek Pedestrian Bridge & Sidewalk Improvement Project to Excellere Construction, LLC in the Amount of $1,034,700
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New Business: Discussion of Resolution to Authorize the Issuance of a Revenue Bond for the Renovation and Rehabilitation of the Downtown Fire Station
For the Sept. 4 Council Meeting, Councilor Shawn Tolan, as the Mayor Pro Tempore, will lead the meeting due to Mayor Bill Grant's absence. View complete agenda here.
| | Upcoming Events and Meetings | | | Photo Caption: 90s Country Music Legend Mark Chesnutt takes center stage at the final River Rock concert of the summer series. | | | | |
