MKY Freedom Fest 2023
Come out and celebrate the 2023 Independence Day weekend in Murray, Kentucky. June 30-July 4 is jam-packed with Freedom Fest activities that will have everyone feeling the patriotic spirit!
Starting off strong on Friday, June 30 is the Murray Art Guild Summer Party from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Everyone is invited to join the MAG for food and drinks (for purchase), ice cream, live music, outdoor demos and hands-on projects for kids to make this a fun and lively kick-off to MAG’s membership drive! The Murray Art Guild’s Summer Art Party is a well-known and loved community event, and the perfect way to begin the Freedom Fest activities!
Saturday, July 1 continues the festivities with the Downtown Farmers Market from 7 a.m. to noon at the court square.
Shortly following the market will be the grand reopening of the renovated Calloway County Public Library at 9 a.m.
Following the morning activities at 3 p.m. at the Downtown Court Square will be the Cruise in Car Show. Come out and enjoy the summer afternoon downtown by “cruising’ through the Car Show! Cars that register will be entered to win door prizes, and the first 50 cars will receive a dash plate. Registration begins at 2 p.m. (To register or for more information please contact the Calloway County Tourism office at 270.713.0110)
Quickly following the Car Show at 4:30 p.m. is the Summer Concert Series located on the Downtown Court Square! The Calloway County Tourism Commission is sponsoring this FREE concert, downtown with opening guest, Olivia Faye, followed by Smith & Wesley, and Dallas Remington. Feel free to bring snacks, a friend and your lawn chair for a fun filled evening!
Finally, on Tuesday, July 4 there is a long line up of family friendly, fun-filled events to attend! Starting off bright and early at 7 a.m. is the Veteran’s Remembrane Ceremony held at Chestnut Park.
From 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. is the Gary Taylor Memorial Breakfast held at the First Methodist Church. Boy Scout Troop 45 will be hosting this annual fundraiser breakfast before the parade! Tickets will be $10 at the door ($5/kid, 12 & under); To-go options will be available.
At 8:45 a.m. The Main Street Mile is back!! Registration begins 7:30 am at US Bank, running down the the parade route toward the downtown square. If you don’t feel like running down the stretch, grab your chairs and set up early to cheer on the runners! To sign up please follow this LINK.
The FNB Freedom Fest Parade commences at 9:30 a.m. on July 4. The parade route begins at 10th St. at the Memorial Baptist Church and rolls down Main Street, ending at Cherry St. We are excited to have a wide range of applicants for the 2023 parade, and encourage people to come out and support your town for Independence day!
Following the parade, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. the Murray Bank will be sponsoring a FREE swim day at the newly renovated Central Park Pool & Spray Park. This event is open to everyone and a great opportunity to cool off after the parade!
At 11 a.m. the Patriotic Conservatives of Calloway County will hold the traditional Reading of the Declaration of Independence. The homage to sacrifices made from fellow brethren will commence on the Court House Lawn in Downtown Murray.
The day winds down at 7:30 p.m. with the MSU Town & Gown Community Band and Chorus, who will preform at the newly renovated Lovett Auditorium. Make sure to come out and be present for the beautiful patriotic sounds of the Town & Gown Community Band. This concert is FREE to attend and in the comfort of air conditioning.
For the final celebration of the night, The Murray Bank Fireworks Extravaganza will go off with a BANG at 9 p.m. on July 4. Per usual, the fireworks can be viewed anywhere along HWY 641 North near Kroger, Walmart or the Chamber of Commerce. Make sure to show up early to snatch a spot before the show begins, and enjoy a celebratory finale to the weekend festivities!
Written by Echo Falwell, Communications Intern
