Freedom Fest this Friday

Freedom Fest this Friday

Fireworks and family fun kicks off Independence Day celebration

news@theeveningtimes.com

Celebrating our nation’s independence comes early to West Memphis with Freedom Fest. This Friday June 30 Tilden Rodgers park will be the scene for the celebration. Musical fanfare, and food vendors representing local good causes will line the north end of the lake in the early evening. Fireworks will make the festival pop after dark.

Before the 9 p.m. launch of some of the best fireworks in Arkansas, plenty of fun may be had. Spectators are sure to “ooh” and “ahh” for the array of booms and blasting sparkles.

The festival starts at 5 p.m., with fun, food and music. Kids activities like face painting will be found under the many canopies that pop up along the lakeside. Taste some snow cones, funnel cakes, barbecue, and cold soft drinks or hot dogs.

Live musical perform- ances are sure to entertain everyone from the West Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau stage. Don Charette & Absolute Blue will play their second performance of the year in the Wonder City. The group won over the crowd and set the tone opening for Bobby Rush at the Civic Auditorium last month earning their invitation back to the city.

“Absolute Blue opened for Bobby Rush and instantly impressed the audience, so we’ll have them back,” said Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Jim Jackson.

The Incredible Infinity Band returns with its popular variety and folks can count on the electric slide breaking out on the park lawn at some point during the performance. Jubilation Jazz will pack the pavilion with a big brass section proudly playing patriotic tunes sure to spill over into the park.

The event organized under the West Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau and funded by the Advertising and Promotions Commission draws from people from around the mid-south region with the early festival date, the Friday before the Fourth of July.

“Freedom Fest is coming up, the 30th,” said CVB Executive Director Jim Jackson. “Everyone is invited to come out for the 5 p.m. start and enjoy all festivities before the fireworks show.”

By John Rech