America’s birthday is just around the bend, but folks don’t have to wait until July to start celebrating — they can start breaking out the red, white and blue this weekend at the earliest Fourth of July blowout
By Charley Falkenburg, Staff Writer
WEST WINDSOR — America’s birthday is just around the bend, but folks don’t have to wait until July to start celebrating — they can start breaking out the red, white and blue this weekend at the earliest Fourth of July blowout in the area.
The ninth annual Freedom Festival is going to take over Mercer County Park this Saturday and the Mercer County Park’s Commission alongside radio station 94.5 WPST conjured up a bash that aims to pull out all the stops for Old Glory and the land it represents.
This year, the event planners are expecting a crowd of more than 20,000 to come out for the celebration.
”The Freedom Festival gets better each year, with help from our lead sponsor WPST and we are so pleased that it has become an annual attraction,” said County Executive Brian Hughes. “Mercer County Park is more popular than ever and I invite everyone to come to this free family event.”
The festival is scheduled to run from 3:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. and is expected to be packed with things to do throughout the day. More than 40 vendors and crafters will be there to offer various activities such as airbrush and Henna tattoos, psychic readings, games and balloon animals. The 2013 Freedom Festival also boasts a classic car show, a laser tag park and hot air balloon rides.
Jaclyn Roth, the event coordinator for 94.5 WPST, said this festival is particularly exciting because they were able to offer mechanical rides for the first time. In addition to the usual inflatable and water rides, there will also be attractions such as giant swings, spinning teacups and a small mechanical train.
The hungry will have the option of participating in pie and hot dog eating contests or sample from more than 10 food and beverage booths. For adults wanting something a little stronger than soda or lemonade, there will also be a beer garden.
Four bands will be there to offer the crowd a mix of live music: the Mercer County Symphonic Band will kick the festival off at 3:30 p.m., Bigg Romeo goes on at 5:30 p.m. and the Amish Outlaws will take the stage at 7:30 p.m.
Following a traditional fireworks display that will start around dusk, the Little Mac and the People’s Champ band will play a few songs for those who don’t want to go home just yet.
While fireworks are a staple at the Freedom Festival, this year people will be able to see them in 3-D. Those interested in having a 3-D experience are asked to pick up a pair of 3-D fireworks glasses at the Campus Eye Group booth.
”It’s a really fun day and we truly offer something for everyone,” said Ms. Roth. “Whether it’s coming out to listen to great music, eat food, go on rides or watch a pie eating contest, there’s something for the entire family to enjoy.”