The events are stacking up as summer has officially made its arrival. Kicking off the summer schedule is the July 4th celebration downtown set for Monday, July 4.

The evening’s activities will begin with a ‘Best Decorated Bike Contest’ at 5 p.m. followed by a ‘Watermelon Eating Contest for the kids at 5:30 p.m.

For the adults, one of the most highly anticipated events will begin at 6 p.m. with the third annual ‘Hot Dog Eating Competition,’ sponsored by Sonic.

There will also be a Fourth of July Downtown Parade with the parade lineup to begin at 6:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Canton parking lot.

The parade will start at the FBC, Canton parking lot at 7:30 p.m., on Athens Street, before taking a right turn at State Highway 64.

The parade route will then turn right on Buffalo Street downtown and will end at the Canton ISD Administration Building parking lot.

A fireworks show will close out the evening’s activities begin ning at dark on the west side of the First Monday Grounds parking lot on FM 859 between State Highway 64 and Interstate 20.

For more information about the Fourth of July events in Canton, call the Canton Texas Chamber of Commerce at 903-567-2991 or visit www.cantontexaschamber.com.

Those who attend are encouraged to bring a chair and plenty of drinks to help keep cool.

Kids Splash Event

Canton Main Street is hosting an inaugural water event to help beat the heat this summer. The event is set to include water games and “tons of fun in the sun.” There will be food and drinks available for purchase. The event will be held July 16 from 2-4 p.m. at 201 N. Buffalo St., Canton.