Heritage & Freedom Fest brings national entertainers to O’Fallon

A patriotic parade, free concerts by nationally-known musicians, two nights of fabulous fireworks, amazing sideshow entertainment, exciting carnival rides, free Kids’ Area activities, and tasty festival food – O’Fallon’s Heritage & Freedom Fest has it all. Everyone is invited to help the City celebrate America’s 237th birthday with all the trimmings on July 2, 3 and 4, at the Ozzie Smith Sports Complex, 900 T.R. Hughes Boulevard in O’Fallon, Missouri 63366.

The Heritage & Freedom Fest opens on Tuesday, July 2, with Family Night, featuring a carnival and midway, only, from 5 –10 p.m. Live entertainment, fireworks, kids’ activities and food will be added to the fun on Wednesday and Thursday. On July 3, the festival grounds will be open from 5 – 11 p.m., and on July 4, from noon – 10 p.m. Admission and parking are free, and free shuttle service will be provided on July 3-4.

 “The whole community is invited to come celebrate our freedom and America’s birthday and have a great time,” said Marsha Seymour, Manager of O’Fallon’s Office of Tourism and Festivals. “A highlight of the festival is a chance to see nationally-known entertainers performing for free right here in our hometown. And, as the music ends each night, the Jena ‘Dusty’ Mielke Fireworks Spectacular will light up the sky.”

 Each night features different headline entertainment. Wednesday is country music night with country stars Jack Ingram and Josh Kelley. On Thursday, top billing goes to rock ‘n roll, with The Clementines and Superjam performing in the afternoon, and rock headliners Spin Doctors and Cowboy Mouth on the Main Stage in the evening.

 Singer-songwriter Jack Ingram’s most popular songs include his number one hit single, “Wherever You Are,” and “That’s a Man,” and “Barefoot and Crazy.” He’s also the winner of the 2008 ACM (Academy of Country Music) “Top New Male Vocalist” award as well as the 2007 CMA (Country Music Awards) “Wide Open Country Video Award of the Year.”

 Up-and-coming Nashville singer-songwriter Josh Kelley, who hit it big with the song, “Georgia Clay,” will open for Ingram.

The Spin Doctors will bring their brand of funk, blues and rock to the Main Stage on Thursday. The band is celebrating the 20th anniversary of their album, Pocket Full of Kryptonite, which became one of the most popular albums of the 1990s. Spin Doctor’s hits include “Two Princes,” “Jimmy Olsen’s Blues,” “Forty or Fifty” and “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong.” The band recently released a new album, If the River Was Whiskey.

 With a reputation as one of the best live bands in America, Cowboy Mouth’s upbeat, high-energy show sets fans to dancing in the aisles. Led by charismatic drummer and lead singer Fred LeBlanc and John Thomas Griffith ( who was recently inducted into the Texas Guitar Players’ Hall of Fame), the band’s most popular songs are “Love of My Life,” “Everybody Loves Jill” and “Jenny Says.” 

 In addition to Main Stage concerts on July 3 and 4, the Heritage & Freedom Fest features the Kid Davie Variety Show with magic and illusion, and Team Rock’s Extreme Martial Arts Show with high-flying, brick-breaking fun. In the Kids’ Area, Cowboy Randy Erwin will bring the Old West to life on July 3 with his rope tricking, yodeling cowboy extravaganza. On July 4, Adrenaline Explosion Cheerleading will perform.

 “In addition to the biggest festival in the county and great music, we also have the awesome Heritage & Freedom Fest Parade in downtown O’Fallon” said Seymour. “It’s traditional for spectators to dress in red, white and blue. The parade starts at 9:30 a.m. on July 4th near City Hall, heads north on Main Street, turns east on Tom Ginnever and ends at T.R. Hughes Boulevard near the festival grounds.

 Before you go, here are some helpful things to know:

·         Save 50% on the cost of carnival rides – buy tickets in advance, now through Monday, July 1, at the Renaud Spirit Center (636-474-2732) or O’Fallon’s Parks and Recreation Office (636-379-5606).

The following items apply to July 3-4, only:

·         Free parking and shuttle service will be available off Tom Ginnever Avenue at Christian and Fort Zumwalt North high schools. And premium parking at $5 per vehicle is available on a first-come, first-serve basis in the west parking lot at T.R. Hughes Ballpark.

·         The only location for ADA-accessible parking is the north parking lot outside T.R. Hughes Ballpark. A valid “disabled parking” hangtag or license plate will get you in, along with a free shuttle ride to the festival entrance.

• New this year, lockers will be available for rent at $5 per day and the service includes free cell phone charging.
• Bring your appetite! In addition to fried alligator on a stick, chocolate-dipped bacon, and fried peanut butter and jelly, vendors will offer funnel cakes, kettle corn, burgers and brats. pulled pork, bloomin’ onions, corn dogs, crab Rangoon, shish kebob, toasted ravioli and more.
• For more festival FAQs, tips and to hear song samples by the bands, visit www.heritageandfreedomfest.com.