Exploring Freedom Fest
Enjoying the colors of red, white and blue with Freedom Fest is one of Murray’s most cherished traditions. Freedom Fest gives the community an opportunity to come together to celebrate freedom and independence! The Murray Convention and Visitors Bureau collaborates with sponsors and other community members to give this town the best celebration possible. There are events from morning until night on Thursday, July 4th, that family and friends can enjoy.
Join us bright and early for the annual Boy Scout Troop 45 Gary Taylor Memorial Breakfast, a cherished hearty meal preceding the FNB Bank Freedom Fest Parade. If 7:00 a.m. is too early for you and your crew don’t worry, the event lasts until 9:30 a.m. Fill up a plate with scrambled eggs, biscuits and gravy, and country ham, or grab one to go.
Next, lace up your shoes and join in on July 4th with the Growing Wild Main Street Mile. At 8:45 a.m., this event fills the air with excitement and community spirit. If you don’t feel like running down the stretch, grab your chairs and set up early to cheer on the runners! Shirts will be given out to those participating, and the fastest female and fastest male will receive a $100 prize.
Calling all tractors, antique cars, marching kazoo bands and a sea of red, white and blue… the FNB Freedom Fest Parade is back! The colorful displays and sense of community make this event a memorable experience for all ages. Join in on the excitement all along Main Street, with the parade starting at 10th St. at 9:30 a.m. From children waving flags to adults clapping on the side, this is an event you don’t want to miss.
Need a way to cool off from the summer heat after the parade? Be sure to head to the Murray Bank Free Swim Day at the Central Park Pool and Spray Park from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Dive into refreshing water, splash around with your friends and soak up the sun!
Dry off and gather at the Downtown Courthouse Lawn for a special event featuring the reading of the Declaration of Independence by the American Legion, VFW and Calloway County Tea Party. Experience an inspiring tribute to our nation’s founding principles of liberty and independence. All are welcome to join in this community celebration, so don’t miss the opportunity to come together as one.
Drive down to the Stewart Stadium parking lot at 4:30 p.m. for the Froggy Summer Concert Series, including live music, face painting, inflatables and much more! Come out to enjoy the Finals of Froggyland Idol and Ricochet. It is an evening of fun and celebration, perfect for making a lasting memory with friends or loved ones.
If you want to beat the heat of the summer, go and listen to the Town and Gown Community Band and Chorus Concert hosted inside Lovett Auditorium. This is a free concert to all with the opportunity to listen to the amazing sounds of our countries most patriotic songs. Beginning at 7:00 p.m, this allows more than enough time to enjoy the concert and get back in time to find the perfect spot for viewing fireworks.
Freedom Fest-tivities conclude at 9:00 p.m. with The Murray Bank Fireworks Extravaganza! Steal a spot along HWY 641 North to get the best view for a spectacular show. Best spots are the University Church of Christ parking lot, Harbor Freight or anywhere else along the north end of town.
Make sure to share your day with us by using our hashtag #FreedomFestKY! To stay connected to the activities during Freedom Fest, follow Freedom Fest on Facebook!
By: Savannah Hamilton
Public Relations Intern
