Freedom Fest 2017 in the MKY

July is fast approaching, which means the fun of Freedom Fest is right around the corner. The Murray Convention and Visitors Bureau, along with all other event hosts, are ready to wow crowds with a fun year of activities to make up for what we did not get to experience last year because of weather.

Thursday, June 29

Stop by Wrather Museum at 7:00 p.m. for the Second Annual Lil' Mister and Miss Freedom Fest Pageant presented by Way of Wellness. This event was brought back last year after a 10-year hiatus. We are so glad Way of Wellness brought back this fun event with a twist! Instead of a traditional pageant, the Lil' Mister and Miss Freedom Fest Pageant encourages contestants to wear their patriotic attire and answer questions from close friends or family members to showcase their personalities. All proceeds will go towards the Way of Wellness, which is a residential mentoring facility for women with children who are homeless or victims of domestic violence.

Friday, June 30

Murray Art Guild is celebrating 50 years with a Summer Art Party and inviting the community to come celebrate with them. From 6:00-9:00 p.m. at the Murray Art Guild you will find food vendors, live music, crafts for kids, artist demonstrations and a chance to view the Justine and Josh Riley Gallery Show. All you need is a chair!

Saturday, July 1

Get ready to walk or run the Freedom Fest 5k brought to you from the Way of Wellness. Similar to the Lil' Mister and Miss Freedom Fest Pageant, all proceeds from this 5k will go to the Way of Wellness. The Freedom Fest 5k is a great way to get some exercise in before all the cookouts throughout the holiday weekend. Early entries will be taken until Wednesday, June 28. However, registration will still be taken the morning of the race. To sign up, click here.

Tuesday, July 4

Start your morning with the Boy Scout Troop 45 Gary Taylor Memorial Breakfast. From 7:00-10:00 a.m., you can stop by the Murray First United Methodist Church for a delicious breakfast. We suggest you get there early so you can eat, and then go grab your seat before the parade! When you buy tickets in advanced by calling 270-226-3305, they will be $8 for adults and $5 for children under the age of 12. If you wait to purchase them at the door, it will be $10 per person. All first responders that come in uniform will eat for free.

At 7:30 a.m., you can join in the Veteran's Remembrance Ceremony at the Veteran's Memorial located at Chestnut Park. It is important to remember those that gave of themselves to make our freedom possible. We are forever thankful to have all veteran and active duty members to keep our freedom alive.

The Briggs & Stratton Murray Main Street Mile is a Freedom Fest favorite. Any age can participate in this fun run/walk. It begins at 8:45 a.m. at Sparks Hall on Murray State's campus. As you walk, or run with your family and friends, you head directly down the parade route and can find your perfect spot for viewing the FNB Bank Freedom Fest Parade. All participants receive shirts.

After cheering on or participating in the Briggs & Stratton Main Street Mile, be ready to enjoy the FNB Bank Freedom Fest Parade. The parade will begin promptly at 9:30 a.m. Starting at 10th Street, the parade will travel down Main Street all the way to the Municipal parking lot. Parade participants will range from floats, to antique cars and even the beloved Kazoo Band!

(Photo by Terry Little)

Following the parade, participants and viewers can join the DAR in a reading of the Declaration of Independence. Members of the DAR will read the entire Declaration to remind us all why we celebrate! The reading will take place on the Main Street side of the Courthouse.

The Murray Bank Family Night in the Park will begin at 6:00 p.m. and last until after the firework show. Attendees have a lot to enjoy when stopping by this great event located in Central Park. Live music, inflatables, hot air balloon rides and fire hose being sprays will all be available for free! Concessions will also be available to enjoy while trying out each activity.

Murray-Calloway County Endowment for Healthcare is bringing back a concert to Roy Stewart Stadium. For $15 for general admission, or $20 for reserved seating, you can see "The Kid and the King" by Terry Mike Jeffrey. This one man show is sure to be having you tap your toes waiting for the Briggs & Stratton Fireworks Extravaganza. The view of the fireworks from Roy Stewart Stadium will be some of the best in town!

A great way to stay cool while waiting for the fireworks is attending the Town and Gown Community Band and Chorale Concert. Lovett Auditorium will be filled with patriotic tunes starting at 8:00p.m. to put you in the best spirit right before the fireworks. The concert will last until 9:00 p.m., giving you enough time to find the perfect location for the start of the fireworks!

(Photo by Murray Filmburners)

The main event of all of Freedom Fest is the Briggs & Stratton Fireworks Extravaganza! At 9:30 p.m., the firework show will begin. They will be shot off from Bee Creek Soccer Complex. Although this area will be blocked off for safety purposes, you can plan your location for viewing. Roy Stewart Stadium, Family Night in the Park and anywhere along 641 North will provide the best viewing opportunities. The Murray Convention and Visitors Bureau is so thankful for the donation that Briggs & Stratton provide in order to make this firework show happen. The Murray, Kentucky show is the best in the region, and we hope you join us to celebrate our nation's independence!

For the schedule and access to all applications, visit www.mkyfreedomfest.com