Parks & Rec Gears Up For Biggest Freedom Fest Yet, Discuss New Parking This Year

Greg Hudson, Parks & Rec Program Director discusses 2016 Freedom Fest, set for this Friday.

Darren Doyle, story and photo
Thousands look forward to the annual Parks and Rec fireworks and little league awards night each year, which grows bigger every summer and is now known as Freedom Fest.

Greg Hudson, Parks and Rec Program Director, and A.B. Webb, Facility Manager, have spent months planning and preparing for this year's event which is scheduled for this Friday and is expected to be the biggest to date.

That's betting on good weather, of course, which is always a factor. As of now, the forecast is calling mostly clear skies, but we're still a few days away.

Hudson said that the parking will be structured a bit differently this year for a few different reasons. There will be no parking from the gated area and beyond. The gate is positioned at the drive to turn left into the ball fields and concession area.

"The first reason for this is to accommodate "Community Pride Day," which is an emergency personnel appreciation that will be included in this year's festival," said Hudson. County organizations scheduled to be set up in the lower parking lot beyond the horseshoe pits are local law enforcement, fire departments, EMS, Corps of Engineers, U.S. Park Rangers, and an Air Evac helicopter.

​Hudson said it will be the perfect time for families and kids to meet our local emergency workers, learn about their jobs, and take a closer look at their vehicles and equipment. The lower parking lot will be filled with these organizations.

"The second reason is for there to be more efficient use of the park's property and to have more order, which will provide a safer environment.  Another reason is for vehicles to keep a safe distance from the firework launch area and to provide ample room for emergency vehicles on scene to exit safely," he added.

Parking will be available in the following areas:

• Upper lot near the barn (now striped off)
• Marked areas on each side of the entrance drive
• Areas beyond the Kinser Field outfield fence (attendants will be available to help park vehicles)
• South Edmonson Elementary Parking Lot

Hudson said although less area will be used for this year's parking, the amount of parking spaces should remain close to the same because of a more efficient use of the space.

Little League awards are scheduled to begin at 6pm and will take place under the horseshoe shelter with live music from "Double Nothin" beginning immediately afterwards.

The largely anticipated fireworks show will begin at dusk which is usually around 9pm and is sponsored by Parks and Rec, Bank of Edmonson County, and the Edmonson County Lions Club.

Any questions can be directed to Parks and Rec at 270-597-9103 or via email at [email protected].

The event is 100% free to the public. Concessions will be available. Volleyball, basketball, and tennis courts will be open and corn hole games will be set up as well.