Celebrate Fourth of July early at Willard's 61st annual Freedom Fest this weekend
Willard is celebrating Fourth of July early this year with its 61st annual Freedom Fest on Saturday.
Willard's Freedom Fest runs June 24 from noon to 11 p.m. at Jackson Street Park, located at 222 W. Jackson St. The festival will include a parade, family-friendly activities, live music and a firework show.
The festivities kick off with the festival's parade at noon. The parade will stage in the Willard Middle School parking lot, proceed south on Miller Road to Jackson Street and conclude at Jackson Street Park. The parade is estimated to conclude at 1 p.m. Awards will be given to Best Musical Organization, Best Vehicle, Best Commercial Organization, Best Non-Profit Organization and Best in Show.
Willard residents should be advised of the following road closures during the parade: Mill at Miller Road and Miller Road, Perryman Street, South Street, Main Street, Jefferson Street, Willey Street, Farmer Road, Dorcas Drive and Grand Prairie Drive all at Jackson Street.
Stage activities at the park will begin at 1:30 p.m. with a performance of "Ballad for Americans" by JEST, or Junior Education for Storytelling and Theater. The summer program provides Willard kids with an opportunity to participate in short theater productions for the community.
Silver Screen Canines will host its Dog Agility Performance from 2:30-3:30 p.m. and the Great Watermelon CHOMP watermelon eating contest for kids is from 3:45-4:45 p.m., all on the stage. Kids between the ages 3-17 are eligible to participate in the contest.
Live music will kick off with the Honkytonk Renovators at 6:30 p.m. From Springfield, the Honkytonk Renovators mix classic country, bluegrass and Americana. Springfield's The New Waves will then take the stage at 8:30 p.m. and the Asher Creek Boys will perform "The Star Spangled Banner" at 9:45 p.m. A firework finale will conclude the festivities around 10 p.m.
More: Outdoor shows, parades, monster trucks and hot air balloons among things to do in June
This year's Freedom Fest has a hefty food truck lineup, with the following in attendance: Chuck Wagon Lemonade, Pineapple Whip, The Nut Man, Snowflakes Shaved Ice, The Vintage Scoop, Billy Jack's Rootbeer, Tinga Tacos, Kona Ice, Uncle Charlie's Deep Fried Sweets, Fat Tony's Pizza, Lae's Authentic Eggrolls, Carousel Concessions, Roadzarks Concessions, Copper Canyon Coffee Roasters, Carsten Concessions, The Farmhouse on Boone Cafe, Gary's Concessions, Poppin Hot Kettle Korn and Willard Parks Water Tent.
Throughout the day, family-friendly games and arts and crafts will be also available. Folks are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs for the firework show. Pets are not allowed at the festival.
Willard's Freedom Fest is free but some activities may have an admission price. Parking will be available at the Willard Recreation Center, Willard Intermediate School, Willard Middle School and Willard Community Center.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Celebrate Fourth of July early at Willard's Freedom Fest this weekend
