Freedom Fest to celebrate America’s 250th birthday

BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — Martin County residents will have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to celebrate Independence Day and America’s 250th birthday during Martin County Freedom Fest on Saturday, July 4.

To commemorate the nation’s Semiquincentennial, Martin County officials are joining festival organizers to transform the community into an all-day patriotic celebration. Freedom Fest will feature family activities, live entertainment, special ceremonies and, county leaders say, the largest fireworks display ever presented in Martin County.

“This year is going to be unbelievable, and we want everyone to be involved,” Martin County Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty said. “We’re partnering with the Inez Fire Department and are doubling the size of the fireworks.”

Lafferty, who remembers the nation’s Bicentennial celebration in 1976, said the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence is a milestone worthy of recognition.

“This is a tremendous anniversary,” he said. “In 1776, Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, the most important document in the history of the world since the Bible. We want to be out there giving people a chance to replay, relive and appreciate history and the country that they live in—to appreciate their rights and the blessings that they have.”

The daylong celebration will feature vendors, live music, inflatables, free swimming and extended pool hours, a Pickleball showdown, an ATV ride, free fishing, a parade, a cruise-in, a flag dedication ceremony, a community time capsule and a fireworks finale designed to cap off the historic occasion.

“It’s important for communities to have festivals, and we have some great festivals,” Lafferty said. “We all know what problems we have, like all communities have, but we’re blessed to be Americans … And we would love to see a massive turnout of people just coming to enjoy being Americans. We are not Democrats, Republicans or anything else on that day; we’re Americans.”

Deputy Judge/Executive Carolea Mills said organizers wanted this year’s Freedom Fest to stand apart from previous celebrations and create memories that will last for generations.

“We’ve taken steps to make this Independence Day super special,” Mills said. “It’s always great, but this year will be even more special. So bring your family, bring your chairs and sit out in our town and watch a beautiful fireworks show.”

One of the most unique additions to this year’s festivities will be the sealing of Martin County’s first official time capsule. The capsule will be preserved for 25 years, giving future residents a glimpse into life in Martin County during America’s 250th birthday celebration. The time of the ceremony will be announced.

The festivities begin early with the “Patriot Pickleball Paddle Showdown” at the Martin County Public Library.

At 10 a.m., children can cast a line during the free “Red, White & Reel Fishing” event at Milo Lake.

At 11 a.m., Martin County Pool will host a free “Splash of Freedom” pool party thanks to a community sponsor. Pool hours will be extended into the evening, allowing swimmers to enjoy one of the best views in town for the fireworks finale.

“Bring your floats so you can float and watch the fireworks,” Mills said. “It’s a great spot to watch the fireworks.”

One of the day’s featured attractions will be the “Freedom Side x Side Ride,” which departs from the Collier Center at 1 p.m. Martin County Tourism officials describe the ride as a family-friendly excursion lasting approximately three to four hours over mild terrain, with portions of the route traveling on paved roads.

Participants are encouraged to decorate their side-by-sides in patriotic red, white and blue before hitting the trail. Riders will return to town in time to participate in the parade or head to Courthouse Square for entertainment.

The Kiwanis Club’s Independence Day Parade will step off at 5 p.m. along Main Street. Participants should line up at the county pool at 4:30 p.m. Kiwanis invites everyone to take part.

Also beginning at 5 p.m., Courthouse Square will come alive with food vendors, entertainment and festival activities.

The patriotic spirit continues at 5:30 p.m. with “Salute to Old Glory,” a special flag dedication ceremony on the main stage. Veterans and first responders will be recognized immediately afterward during a ceremony scheduled for 5:45 p.m.

From 6 to 9 p.m., Courthouse Square will host “Stars, Stripes & Summer Nights,” featuring live music, food trucks and vendors. Young festivalgoers can burn off energy in the free “Liberty Bounce Zone,” where inflatables will be available throughout the evening, compliments of Martin County Economic Development.

The celebration will conclude with the “Grand Fireworks Spectacular” at 9:45 p.m. Firefighters with the Inez Volunteer Fire Department will launch the display from the hill behind the Collier Center.

Stay tuned for additional Freedom Fest updates in next week’s print edition of the Mountain Citizen and on mountaincitizen.com. Follow the Mountain Citizen on Facebook for live updates and event coverage.