It is the heartbeat of a town and its people.

While some communities pride themselves on their Christmas, 4th of July or Memorial Day festivities, the town of Canton showcases Labor Day — a time every year when any and all cheer the workingman, the blue-collar nature of a place as special and unique as its inhabitants.

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• Music lineup
• Memories for a lifetime
• In her own words
• So, why Canton?

It’s a question I get a lot. “Why do you like Canton so much?”

Strolling Main Street in downtown Canton mid-morning, the steam stacks of nearby Evergreen Packaging rise high into another bluebird sky day in Haywood County. Train cars shuffle to and fro in the rail yard surrounding the enormous paper mill.

Sitting down next to each other, it’s pretty apparent that Pat and Zeb Smathers are father and son.

Within six months, a primary care medical clinic for Evergreen Packaging employees went from being on the chopping block to expanding its services.

Two new candidates have signed up to run against incumbent candidates Gail Mull and Ralph Hamlett for the Canton Board of Aldermen.

After two years of getting a feel for Canton politics, two Canton aldermen hope to continue their work for another four years.

By Katie Reeder • SMN Intern 

The Canton Planning Board is considering a building maintenance ordinance that would regulate downtown commercial properties and hold owners to certain standards.

By Katie Reeder • SMN Intern 

A great restaurant at a great location in a great town — it’s all part of The Imperial’s appeal, according to the restaurant’s assistant manager Monte Bumberknick.

After a solid three-year run in Canton, Sid’s on Main is closing, leaving a huge vacancy in downtown.