145 years and Counting
Proving once again that everyone loves a parade, Morgan Hill is celebrating the Fourth of July with a phenomenally popular tradition known as Freedom Fest. The 145-year-old event began with a parade and fireworks and evolved to include much more. This year, thousands of people will experience Freedom Fest as a virtual broadcast event, much like watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade or the Tournament of Roses.
Freedom Fest will be emceed by Jona Denz-Hamilton of KBAY 94.5 FM Radio. Morgan Hill students will sing the national anthem and other patriotic songs. A tribute to Veterans will include Purple Heart honoree Richard Salciccia, the VFW Color Guard, and the Blue Star Moms. Along with (pre-recorded) fireworks, Freedom Fest watchers will enjoy a virtual parade of 1,000 participants including 20 community organizations, 7 bands, 4 choirs, 9 horse demonstrations, 12 classic cars, a special performance by an “American Idol” singer and other surprises.
Freedom Fest Themes of the Past Decade
2019 “Sing the Songs of America”
2018 “Happy Birthday America”
2017 “America's National Parks, 100 Years And Counting”
2016 “America, My Home Sweet Home”
2015 “The Great American Road Trip”
2014 “Destination America”
2013 “Sing The Songs Of America”
2012 “Happy Birthday America”
2011 “An Old Fashioned 4th Of July”
2010 “America The Beautiful”
Freedom Fest 2020 will be broadcast on Bay Area public access TV, and livestreamed via Facebook and YouTube. Visit morganhillfreedomfest.com for details.
Get a brief history of the 4th of July, history.com/topics/holidays/july-4th
Read the Declaration of Independence, archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript
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