West Liberty gears up for Labor Day Festival weekend

By Nikki Burkhamer

Staff Writer

One of Logan County’s favorite end-of-summer traditions is set to return as the West Liberty Lions Club hosts the 2026 West Liberty Labor Day Festival from Sept. 4-7 at Lions Club Park in West Liberty.

The annual festival brings together residents and visitors for four days of community activities, friendly competition, food, entertainment and family fun. Hosted by the West Liberty Lions Club, the event welcomes vendors, exhibitors, food trucks, parade participants and antique equipment displays to the festival grounds.

The Labor Day Parade, a most anticipated festival tradition, is scheduled to step off at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, bringing local organizations, businesses, school groups, antique equipment and community entries through downtown West Liberty before festivities continue at Lions Club Park.

This year’s schedule includes a wide variety of activities for all ages.

Festival highlights include a Flea Market, Classic Car Cruise-In, Cornhole Tournament, Co-Ed Slow Pitch Softball Tournament, Wiffle Ball Tournament, Antique Tractor Pull, 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, Quads Volleyball Tournament, and the Liberty Spirit 3 Miler Run/Walk.

A longtime festival favorite, the Annual Ice Cream Social, is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 4, at 5:30 p.m.

Families will find plenty to enjoy as well. Organizers have designated Monday as Family Fun Day, featuring special activities including a Family Fun Day Scavenger Hunt and other attractions geared toward children and families.

Festival-goers can also look forward to the popular Chicken BBQ, antique tractor and equipment displays, and additional exhibits throughout the weekend. Organizers note that more event information will be added as Labor Day weekend approaches.

Festival entertainment will include the annual Labor Day Festival Concert on Sunday evening, Sept. 6. The free concert is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Lions Park and will feature Christian music artists Caleb & John and Rachel Purcell, along with worship music by Rekindle of Cedarville University.

Attendees are encouraged to take lawn chairs to enjoy an evening of music as part of the Labor Day weekend festivities.

For generations, the Labor Day Festival has served as a gathering place for the West Liberty community and beyond, bringing together neighbors, friends, and visitors to celebrate the close of summer, while supporting local organizations and traditions. From athletic competitions and antique machinery to ice cream, classic cars, and family activities, the festival offers something for nearly everyone.

Additional information, registration details, and festival updates are available at: https://www.westlibertylions.org/labor-day-festival.html.

Planned Festival Events:

Friday, Sept. 4

• Annual Ice Cream Social, 5:30 p.m.

• Classic Car Cruise-In

• Flea Market activities begin

Saturday, Sept. 5

• The parade begins, 10:30 a.m.

• 5th Annual Labor Day Festival Cornhole Tournament

• Co-Ed Slow Pitch Softball Tournament

• Vendors, food trucks and exhibits

Sunday, Sept. 6

• Antique Tractor Pull

• Wiffle Ball Tournament

• Tractor and equipment displays

• Free Labor Day Concert, 6 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 7 – Family Fun Day

• Family Fun Day Scavenger Hunt

• 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament

• Liberty Spirit 3 Miler Run/Walk

• Chicken Barbecue

• Quads Volleyball Tournament

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