Ellington

Planners for this year’s annual Freedom Festival in LaFayette invite the public to enjoy music, fireworks, family-fun activities and delicious food Friday, June 29.

Deborah Stoner has been with the LaFayette Recreation Department as the administrative assistant for more than 10 years and says the event draws several thousand attendees every year.

“People of all ages really seem to enjoy the Freedom Festival,” she said. “It’s a family-fun environment that brings everyone together.”

Admission is free for the event which will be held from 5-11 p.m. at the municipal park at the Recreation Department, located at 638 S. Main St. (South U.S. 27), next to the golf course.

To start the festivities, Music City Brass will take the stage at 6:30 p.m. This local band’s repertoire includes Dixieland jazz, gospel and classic country favorites.

The group Johnny Cash Now will kick off its show at 8 p.m., playing the music of Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, June Carter and the Tennessee Three.

“Everyone is really looking forward to the entertainment with Johnny Cash Now,” Stoner said. “The tribute band from Atlanta will headline the event and encompasses all traits of Johnny Cash, keeping his legend alive.”

Stoner said there will be an assortment of novelty and concession vendors on-site. Attendees are asked to bring chairs but no animals, as the only ones permitted will be working animals.

Activities for the whole family will include free swimming at the LaFayette City Pool from 5-7 p.m., the 8-year-old Dizzy Dean District Championship game along with a softball game at 7 p.m. for “old-timers” and many other fun options, Stoner said.

The firework show, which dazzles large crowds every year, will start at approximately 10:15 p.m.

The festival has been around since the 1970s, when it originally started as watermelon and ball game celebrations, and has grown into the event it is today, Stoner said.

The event is hosted and sponsored by the city of LaFayette and the LaFayette Woman’s Club.