Let freedom ring: Freedom Fest set for a second year

After a moderate turnout last summer, Saratoga resident Chris Shannon is hoping keep building onto his Freedom Fest music festival.

“It’s a bud of an idea. It’s in its infancy and I would like to see it become a growing annual event to put Saratoga back on the map for a Fourth of July destination,” Shannon said.

Freedom Fest is returning to Saratoga for its second year with an intensified goal to provide support for veterans.

All profit of the event will go to Wounded Warrior Homes, a not-for-profit organization that offers affordable transitional housing to veterans with traumatic brain injuries or post-traumatic stress disorder.

Shannon said he wanted an event to honor veterans, while at the same time providing “tangible” support for veterans.

Shannon tried to work with Wounded Warriors last year, but with no luck, he said.

It wasn’t until Shannon met Bobby Chitwood that the idea of making Freedom Fest a serious fundraiser kicked off.

“When Bobby Chitwood and his wife purchased Lollypops last December, it was like this perfect twist of fate,” Shannon said.

Chitwood, who served in the Army National Guard, is a spokesperson for Wounded Warrior Homes, and was able to connect Shannon with the organization.

“It is pretty disappointing that our government doesn’t take care of our soldiers, but I think it’s great that the American people come and take care of them,” Chitwood said.

Chitwood will emcee the event and three other county artists will perform for the evening, including Jared Rogerson, The Teka Brock Band and Chancey Williams and the Younger Brothers Band.

$20 buys you a wrist band to get into the event. Children 13 and younger enter for free.

This year’s Freedom Fest will also feature a pig roast, brisket tacos, Lollypop’s ice cream, old fashioned sodas, cold beer and other refreshments at additional costs.

 

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