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Freedom Festival Kicks Off In Mitchell

Last updated on Friday, July 5, 2013

(MITCHELL) - Freedom Festival in Mitchell Saturday promises a day full of activities that are geared toward providing fun for the entire family.

Krystal Shetler of the Times-Mail reports, there will be music, food, vendors, exhibits, bounce houses, a motorcycle show, a motorcycle-only parade and a baby contest.

Organizer Eddie McLain hopes to draw in the masses for the community event, which will precede the annual fireworks show at Lehigh Field.

The schedule Saturday is packed full of activities, all slated to happen at Lehigh Field, including:

* A 5K walk/run at 8 a.m. Register from 7-8 a.m. Cost is $20 per participant.

* A three-on-three basketball tournament for all ages will take place starting at 9 a.m. Register in advance at City Hall in Mitchell. The cost is $50 per team.

* Registration for the motorcycle show will be from 10:30 a.m. to noon with judging at noon. There will be 17 different classes with trophies awarded. The slowest motorcycle race starts at 11 a.m. The motorcycle parade starts at 2 p.m. down Main Street, then riders take off for a 100-mile ride through the area. It's $20 a bike to join, and that donation gets you into every motorcycle-related event.

* Marion Township Volunteer Fire Department will do an extrication exhibit at noon.

* A baby contest will kick off at 2:30 p.m. Participants can register on-site the day of the event. Judges also will vote on the most patriotically dressed baby and adult.

* Mitchell Police officer Matt England will bring his K-9 unit, Tank, to the field from 2:30-3 p.m. to meet and greet local children.

* Harsch Reality, a blues, rock and country band, will begin playing on the main stage at 6 p.m. Awards will be announced and the national anthem will be performed at 7 p.m. The band will continue to perform until the fireworks start.

Following the fireworks, members of the American Legion will perform Taps and conclude the program. However, McLain hopes attendees will stick around the field to enjoy more music.

Several local organizations will be sponsoring food booths at the event, and inflatables will be available to kids throughout the day. Vendors and exhibitors will be set up, and spaces are still available to those who want to sell or market items at a cost of $20 per space.

Half of the proceeds from the event will go toward funding next year's fireworks, and the other half will be set aside to help pay for sporting equipment for children in need. For more information, call McLain at 278-1317.

1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com

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