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About the Best of Canton
About The Best of Canton
The Best of Canton is a premier annual citywide awards celebration created to recognize excellence, honor legacy, celebrate achievement, and promote unity throughout Canton, Mississippi.
Hosted by The Best of Mississippi Awards in partnership with the City of Canton Board of Aldermen and Mayor Tim Taylor, The Best of Canton shines a spotlight on the people, businesses, organizations, schools, churches, nonprofits, leaders, and community servants who are helping shape the heart, growth, culture, and future of Canton.
The inaugural celebration will take place August 2–8, 2026, launching as a weeklong observance designed to bring the community together through prayer, recognition, local engagement, celebration, and honor.
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The Best of Canton Vision Statement
The vision of The Best of Canton is to celebrate, showcase, and preserve the excellence, legacy, culture, and community impact of Canton, Mississippi, by honoring the people, businesses, organizations, schools, churches, and leaders who help make Canton a city of light, promise, and purpose.
Through this annual celebration, The Best of Canton seeks to uplift the stories, achievements, and contributions that often go unseen, while creating a platform that inspires pride, unity, growth, and continued investment in the Canton community.
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The Best of Canton Mission Statement
The mission of The Best of Canton is to recognize and honor outstanding individuals, businesses, nonprofits, churches, schools, community leaders, entrepreneurs, creatives, and public servants who are making a meaningful difference in Canton, Mississippi.
Through nominations, community voting, special recognitions, sponsorship opportunities, vendor participation, nonprofit support, and an elegant awards celebration, The Best of Canton provides a platform to celebrate excellence, strengthen community connections, promote local visibility, and encourage continued service, leadership, and economic impact throughout the city.
What to Expect
Pray Canton Prayer Walk
Virtual Spotlight Series
Virtual Spotlight Series
Join us for Pray Canton, a community prayer walk around Canton Square, kicking off The Best of Canton Weeklong Celebration. Come unite in prayer, hope, and community as we cover Canton in faith and love.
To participate, sign up under Volunteer Sign-Up in the Best of Canton App.
Virtual Spotlight Series
Virtual Spotlight Series
Virtual Spotlight Series
Throughout the week, The Best of Canton will feature a Virtual Spotlight Series highlighting local individuals, businesses, nonprofits, organizations, and community contributors whose work reflects the excellence, resilience, creativity, service, and impact found throughout Canton. This spotlight series will help promote the stories behind the people and organizations making a difference in the city.
Best of Canton Fest
Best of Canton Awards Gala
Best of Canton Awards Gala
The celebration will continue with Best of Canton Fest, a community-centered event featuring local vendors, family-friendly activities, community engagement, and opportunities to connect with Canton’s businesses, organizations, and residents. This event is designed to create a festive atmosphere where the community can gather, support local vendors, celebrate culture, and enjoy the spirit of Canton.
Best of Canton Awards Gala
Best of Canton Awards Gala
Best of Canton Awards Gala
The week will conclude with the elegant Best of Canton Awards Gala, where honorees, nominees, community leaders, businesses, organizations, and outstanding citizens will be recognized for their contributions to Canton. The gala will serve as the signature celebration of the week, honoring those who are helping build, serve, uplift, and represent the best of Canton.