Full Day of Freedom Fest Fun

Freedom Fest is a time where the Murray community comes together to celebrate the independence of this great country. The Murray Convention and Visitors Bureau works hard with their sponsors and other community members to give this town the best celebration possible. There are events from morning until night on Monday, July 4th, that everyone can enjoy with friends and family.

Starting Thursday, June 30th, the community can go and enjoy the first Lil' Miss Freedom Fest Pageant hosted by Way of Wellness. This will be an exciting night for girls 14 years and younger to participate in a positive and fun pageant to show why they are deserving of the crown. Contestants are encouraged to wear their most patriotic attire. Instead of a talent portion, the contestants will answer questions submitted by their family to best showcase their personality. Do not miss the fun at Wrather Auditorium!

Starting bright and early, you can enjoy the Gary Taylor Memorial Ham Breakfast. If getting there by 7 a.m. is too early for you on a holiday no fear, the event lasts until 10 a.m. Between country ham, scrambled eggs, biscuits and gravy and cheesy grits, you are sure to find something delicious to satisfy all your breakfast food cravings, before the FNB Parade begins.

July 4th is a time to celebrate the independence we have as a country, but sometimes it is forgotten that freedom is not free. Honor those that have fought to keep our freedom, go to Chestnut Park at 7:30 a.m. on July 4th to the Veteran's Remembrance Ceremony.

If you are looking for a way to get your heart pumping on July 4th, you can sign your friends and family up to participate in the Briggs & Stratton Main Street Mile. This year, new trophies made from spare engine parts will be awarded to the winners in each age group. Shirts will also be given to all those that participate. With the mile ending at the parade route, you are going to be able to catch your breath while enjoying the floats created by all the community organizations!

Antique cars, kazoo bands, candy and an insane amount of red, white and blue can only mean one thing...the FNB Parade on July 4th. Come out and enjoy the excitement down Main Street, starting at 10th St. down to the court square. The Murray Convention and Visitors Bureau is expecting a multitude of entries in the parade this year. You don't want to miss out on the excitement which begins at 9:30a.m.

Once you have grabbed some lunch, be sure to head to the Murray Bank Family Night in the Park. This year, you will find all of your favorite vendors from Freedom Fest's past in the park. Between a tethered hot air balloon, performances from local talent in the "Great American Variaty Show" and carnival games for the kids, it will be impossible to not have fun. The fun in the park will be last until the main event of Freedom Fest, the Briggs & Stratton Fireworks Extravaganza.

If you want to beat the heat but still have fun leading up to the fireworks, you can go to the Town and Gown Chorale and Community Band Concert hosted at Lovett Auditorium. All who attend the free concert will be serenaded with the amazing sounds of our countries most patriotic songs to celebrate our great country. The concert begins at 8:00p.m. and ending in time for all concert-goers to find the perfect spot for viewing the fireworks.

Festivities conclude at 9:30p.m. with the Briggs & Stratton Fireworks Extravaganza. To get the best views of this amazing show, be sure to go to the quad, Family Night in the Park, Stewart Stadium parking lot, Walmart's parking lot or Lowe's.

Be sure to document the fun you are having with friends and family and use the hashtag #FreedomFestKY to stay connected. Follow Murray, Kentucky, on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat to stay up to date on all the events happening! For additional information on each event, visit www.mkyfreedomfest.com

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