This year's Freedom Fest JC celebration in downtown Junction City is scheduled Wednesday July 2 through Sunday July 6. Freedom Fest Co-Chair Bob Story said the Coors Kickoff Party begins at 6 p.m. in the Heritage Park area with two Salina area rock bands, Sunset Sinners and Paramount.
Thursday evening is Patriotic Night with performances by the 1st Infantry Division Band and America's Soldiers: A Tribute to Toby Keith. There will also be motorcycle jumpers on Washington Street near the Park, 406 FMX High and Air Tour.
Friday July 4 the day begins with the Coors Freedom un at 7:30 a.m. followed by the Freedom Parade at 10 a.m. The Veterans Ceremony will be at noon with the Foam Zone and Kids Show at multiple times during the afternoon.The 406 FMX High jumpers will perform at 5:30, a tribute to Beatle Mania 64 at 6:30 followed by Animals, the number one tribute band to Maroon 5. Fireworks are planned for 10 p.m. and at 10:30 another performance by 406 FMX High Air Tour. KC. Helicopters will also be giving rides from a Washington Street location on both Friday and Saturday.
The Saturday schedule includes Freedom on Wheels at 11 a.m. in the 800 and 900 blocks of North Washington plus a Car Show in the 600 and 700 blocks of North Washington at 10 a.m. Kids Zone, Foam Zone and motorcycle jumpers continue on Saturday. Cassette 88 Band will perform at 6 p.m. and beginning at 7:30 p.m. there will be Just What I Needed, a Tribute to the Cars and Bob Jovi, a Tribute to Bon Jovi.
Sunday will be Worship Day with a community service from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m., followed by Foam Zone and Kid Show performances. Christian bands will perform at 5 and 6:30 p.m.
All food vendors return from a year ago, interest is up from craft vendors and the Weee Entertainment Carnival will be in operation all five days. Concert stage and carnival setup will begin on Monday that week.