Light My Fire… Again! Canton’s Bicentennial Concert Sells Out Quickly
By: Forgottonia Times™ Report
The Bicentennial Committee, appointed by the City of Canton, are from left to right: Rick Klinedinst, Carol Davis, Mike Walters, Carla Bobell, Stacy Wise, and Kevin Stephenson.
Six days was all that was needed for every ticket to be claimed. What began as a nod to history has now become one of the most anticipated events of Canton’s Bicentennial celebration—a sold-out concert that echoes one of the city’s most legendary nights.
In 1967, The Doors performed at the Canton High School auditorium, at the height of their popularity, when their hit “Light My Fire” topped the charts. This summer, as part of the city’s 200th-anniversary festivities, the acclaimed tribute band The Ultimate Doors will take the very same stage on June 27—continuing a legacy that has clearly struck a chord with the community.
Tickets, priced at just $3.50—the same as they were in 1967—were made possible by the generosity of Graham Health System and MidAmerica National Bank, whose sponsorship ensured that attendees could experience this unique event at an astonishingly low cost. Their support also eliminated additional online fees, keeping the price identical to that night. The result? A ticket-buying frenzy that saw all 1,000 seats claimed within days.
Kevin Stephenson, media coordinator for the Canton Bicentennial, shared that the last tickets were snatched up on February 19 after only being available since the afternoon of the 13th. “We sold out in six days. Pretty amazing. People are pumped for it!”
The collaboration between Graham Health System and MidAmerica National Bank has helped give the concert an exciting and nostalgic feeling, reinforcing the deep-rooted spirit of community that has defined Canton for two centuries.
Bob Senneff, President and CEO of Graham Health System, shared that it’s exciting to recreate such a monumental night in Canton’s rich history and praised the Bicentennial Committee for doing a fantastic job.
For Rick Klinedinst, President and CEO of MidAmerica National Bank, the chance to offer a concert at the original ticket price was a rare and meaningful opportunity. Both organizations also shared their gratitude in being able to work with each other and the Bicentennial Committee to bring the city an entertaining way to celebrate their history.
The Ultimate Doors, based in Ohio and known for their meticulous recreation of The Doors’ sound and style, will bring the music of Jim Morrison and company to life with period-accurate instruments, amplifiers, and even stage attire.
While tickets for the June 27 concert are officially sold out, the Canton Bicentennial still has plenty in store. The official celebration runs June 20 through June 29, featuring a variety of events that highlight the city’s rich history and vibrant community.