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Early rains can’t stop Freedom Fest

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Early rains can’t stop Freedom Fest

Storm clouds give way to star- spangled skies

news@theeveningtimes.com

The folks gathered for Freedom Fest ‘16 saw fire and rain all in one evening.

Vendors set up booths with souvenirs. Concessionaires peddled the sweet and savory everything from hot dogs to shaved ice. Afternoon sunshine and heat turned into a 30 minute downpour around 6 p.m.

But the patriotic fans found cover. The storm cleared and it was back to business and the patriotic celebration.

Despite the weather about 3,000 people turned out to eat the food, listen to the musical rhythms and watch the firework flashes in the night sky.

Rain didn’t really effect the new attraction at the celebration in Tilden Rodgers Park. The 400 gallon Arkansas Game and Fish tank was there and families circled to see the fish even in the sprinkles.

People strolled in groups around the flag skirted Gammon Lake. Cotton candy, funnel cakes, snow cones and brats looked like the big sellers. Most vendors worked for charities.

Many people brought umbrellas for the shade. Then the downpour started early during the Incredible Infinity Band’s performance on the cities portable stage, but not until after the summer heat help overload some sound equipment. The shade umbrellas pulled double duty, serving to shed the falling rain. The Snearly Ranch Boys took the stage after the storm and strummed right on through the show in the sky.

The crowd that saw the rain then watched the sky rain fire… well, fireworks.

The multi-colored explosions crackled and flashed through the night sky for about 20 minutes. The light show began on a coordinated countdown from the stage by West Memphis Tourism Director Jim Jackson.

Freedom Fest fans were all smiles after the event underwritten by the West Memphis A& P.

By John Rech

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