Post by prinia on Jul 3, 2011 16:47:33 GMT 10
4 July
Spirit of Freedom Celebration set for Fourth of July
By Lisa Singleton-Rickman
Staff Writer
Published: Saturday, July 2, 2011 at 3:30 a.m.
Last Modified: Friday, July 1, 2011 at 10:21 p.m.
FLORENCE - Nothing says “Happy Fourth of July” in the Shoals like the Spirit of Freedom Celebration at McFarland Park in Florence.
Now in its 30th year, the day-long festival promises entertainment on two stages beginning at 1:30 p.m. Monday, featuring local music artists and two acts from Australia, Long-Reef and “Australian Idol” season one winner Guy Sebastian.The primary sponsor for the event is Shoals Radio Group/URBan Radio Broadcasting.
In addition, Bank Independent is a title sponsor with a $10,000 contribution. The city of Florence also is a financial sponsor, upping its contribution to $10,000 this year as well.
According to Debbie Wilson, director of Florence-Lauderdale Tourism, the event is one of few in the state that remains free to the public.
“That's a very important factor to city officials that it remain a free event,” she said. “Businesses contributed money this year so it could, indeed, remain free for families. We especially want to encourage those families who've been hit hard by the recent storms to come out and enjoy themselves for the day and evening.”
In 2010, the event was in jeopardy of cancellation when economic hard times hit and funding seemed unavailable. RegionalCare ultimately contributed to the event, along with other businesses and individuals who rallied to help generate the funding. This year, the festival was in jeopardy of cancellation as well until Bank Independent took on the title sponsorship.
“This is an enjoyable event and one that thousands would truly miss if it didn't go on,” Wilson said.
“The city is a wonderful partner in making this happen every year and we're appreciative of Bank Independent for their contribution as well.”
In the event of rain, Emergency Management Agency officials are on hand in the park to determine when the park should be cleared of entertainment. In years past, there have been rain delays but Wilson said, “we just picked right back up after the rain.”
Brian Rickman, regional director of programming for URBan Radio Group, said the entertainment this year was late being scheduled, but promises to be top notch.
“We have a great lineup of entertainers this year with some surprises including the Australian acts that were quite random,” he said. “Guy Sebastian is co-headlining with Faster Pussycat, an '80s rock band that always gives a great show.”
Rickman said the entertainment this year is starting a little later, 1:30 p.m., due in part to 2010's crowd arriving later.
“This event is wonderful for the public, but it's also a great way to showcase new acts and gives them great exposure,” Rickman said.
“There's a lot involved in preparing for an event of this magnitude but it's always worth it.”
The park opens at 6 a.m. and Pyro Productions will once again be producing the fireworks show at dark to be displayed off a barge in the Tennessee River.
T
he event has been named one of the Southeast's Top 20 tourism events by the Southeast Tourism Society and has been featured in numerous publications throughout the country.
Staff Writer Lisa Singleton-Rickman can be reached at 256-740-5735 or lisa.singleton-rickman@TimesDaily.com.
Spirit of Freedom Celebration set for Fourth of July
By Lisa Singleton-Rickman
Staff Writer
Published: Saturday, July 2, 2011 at 3:30 a.m.
Last Modified: Friday, July 1, 2011 at 10:21 p.m.
FLORENCE - Nothing says “Happy Fourth of July” in the Shoals like the Spirit of Freedom Celebration at McFarland Park in Florence.
Now in its 30th year, the day-long festival promises entertainment on two stages beginning at 1:30 p.m. Monday, featuring local music artists and two acts from Australia, Long-Reef and “Australian Idol” season one winner Guy Sebastian.The primary sponsor for the event is Shoals Radio Group/URBan Radio Broadcasting.
In addition, Bank Independent is a title sponsor with a $10,000 contribution. The city of Florence also is a financial sponsor, upping its contribution to $10,000 this year as well.
According to Debbie Wilson, director of Florence-Lauderdale Tourism, the event is one of few in the state that remains free to the public.
“That's a very important factor to city officials that it remain a free event,” she said. “Businesses contributed money this year so it could, indeed, remain free for families. We especially want to encourage those families who've been hit hard by the recent storms to come out and enjoy themselves for the day and evening.”
In 2010, the event was in jeopardy of cancellation when economic hard times hit and funding seemed unavailable. RegionalCare ultimately contributed to the event, along with other businesses and individuals who rallied to help generate the funding. This year, the festival was in jeopardy of cancellation as well until Bank Independent took on the title sponsorship.
“This is an enjoyable event and one that thousands would truly miss if it didn't go on,” Wilson said.
“The city is a wonderful partner in making this happen every year and we're appreciative of Bank Independent for their contribution as well.”
In the event of rain, Emergency Management Agency officials are on hand in the park to determine when the park should be cleared of entertainment. In years past, there have been rain delays but Wilson said, “we just picked right back up after the rain.”
Brian Rickman, regional director of programming for URBan Radio Group, said the entertainment this year was late being scheduled, but promises to be top notch.
“We have a great lineup of entertainers this year with some surprises including the Australian acts that were quite random,” he said. “Guy Sebastian is co-headlining with Faster Pussycat, an '80s rock band that always gives a great show.”
Rickman said the entertainment this year is starting a little later, 1:30 p.m., due in part to 2010's crowd arriving later.
“This event is wonderful for the public, but it's also a great way to showcase new acts and gives them great exposure,” Rickman said.
“There's a lot involved in preparing for an event of this magnitude but it's always worth it.”
The park opens at 6 a.m. and Pyro Productions will once again be producing the fireworks show at dark to be displayed off a barge in the Tennessee River.
T
he event has been named one of the Southeast's Top 20 tourism events by the Southeast Tourism Society and has been featured in numerous publications throughout the country.
Staff Writer Lisa Singleton-Rickman can be reached at 256-740-5735 or lisa.singleton-rickman@TimesDaily.com.
6 x #1's