By Nikki Burkhamer

Staff Writer

One of Logan County’s favorite end-of-summer traditions returns this weekend when the West Liberty Lions Club hosts the 2026 Labor Day Festival from Sept. 4-7 at Lions Park.

The annual festival brings together residents and visitors for four days of community activities, friendly competition, food, entertainment and family fun.

The weekend 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, many antique tractors 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.

Festival entertainment will includes Labor Day Live music beginning at 4 p.m. in the beer garden, first featuring Kenny Chaffin, followed by John Whitehead from 6 to 8 p.m.; and Tucker Munz closing out the evening from 8 to 10 p.m.

The Saturday evening music is sponsored by The Peoples Savings and Loan Company.

Then Sunday afternoon, the River Radio main stage comes to life with at 5 p.m. with a free concert, sponsored by River Radio and ColePak.

The evening of music begins with Resonance from Cedarville University, followed by Rachel Purcell at 5:45 p.m., Caleb & John at 6:30 p.m., speaker Chris Starbuck from McKees Creek Chapel at 7 p.m.

The headliner Jon Reddick takes the stage at 8:15 p.m.

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

Family Day on Monday includes a wide variety of free fun for youngsters, including inflatables, face painting, balloon twisting, The Magic Nate Show, caricature artists and a DJ dance party.

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, 5 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 ■