By Jennifer Bradley, Staff Writer
Mercer County started off its Fourth of July celebration on Saturday as residents flooded Mercer County Park to see fireworks and participate in the eighth annual Freedom Festival.
”I came out to celebrate the Fourth of July with my West Windsor family,” said 19-year-old Amanda Schnurr.
Many others emphasized the community aspect of the festival as well.
”As I walk around I’m listening to all different languages and I think (the festival) is a great catalyst for bringing people together,” said Lawrenceville resident Patricia Moran. “It’s a great way to celebrate the country’s birthday.”
At the Freedom Festival, participants had the opportunity to do things such as get a psychic reading, choose from a variety of different foods and drinks, participate in pie or hot dog eating contests, play on inflatable water slides and moonbounces and win free giveaways from, or find out more information about, local organizations.
Radio station 94.5 PST was also present at the event and helped sponsor it.
”It’s a fun, summery activity,” said Fallon Hughes, 20, from Hamilton.
Music performances were given by Little Mac and the Peoples Champ, Liquid A, Amish Outlaws and Incognito.
”I like the music and having picnic dinners and I’m looking forward to the fireworks,” said Lawrenceville resident Laurel Jones. “It gets everybody out and it’s nice to do something you don’t always do.”
The festival also drew people from outside Mercer County such as Sean Sweeney, 13, and his brother Matt Sweeney, 10, from Yardley, Pa. It was their first time at Freedom Festival and both boys said they were having a great time.
”We came to have fun, listen to music and watch the fireworks,” said Sean. “It’s been a good first year experience.”
Other kids were most impressed with the numerous inflatable water slides and moonbouces.
”My favorite part of the festival was the dolphin water slide because it was long and really fun and wet,” said 10-year-old Princeton resident Aashika Mehta.
Aashika was with her friend Arin Sang,10, who said her favorite event was the inflatable bounce house.
”It was my favorite because you didn’t get too wet and I love jumping around,” she said.
Anna Nagel, 11, from West Windsor was also waiting in line for her turn on a different moonbounce.
”We came to have fun and celebrate when the British lost and we gained our freedom,” she said.
The festival culminated with an impressive display of fireworks that could be watched in 3D with special glasses that were handed out. Children cheered and giggled as the fireworks lit up the sky.

