Viewfinder: O’Fallon’s Three Day Heritage and Freedom Festival

In celebration of our nation’s birthday, the 32nd annual Heritage and Freedom Festival kicked off Monday night at the Ozzie Smith Sports Complex at 900 T.R. Hughes Blvd with a special family night, which featured carnival rides at discounted prices. Wristbands were sold for a flat fee of $20 which gave purchasers unlimited rides on over 13 kiddie and adult carnival rides.

The carnival midway was open and attendees tested their skill at games such as the dart throw, the basketball toss, the shooting gallery and more.

Food and beverage vendors were open with the usual carnival fare including corn dogs, funnel cakes, candy apples, popcorn, cotton candy, lemonade and sno-cones, which were a favorite treat on a warm summer night.

This three day event is O’Fallon’s largest festival of the year, runs through July 4 and includes national live entertainment, top regional bands, carnival rides and midway, food and beverages, activities for children and two nights of spectacular fireworks presented at the festival on the 3rd and 4th of July.

A designated kids area features free fun activities including giant inflatable bounce houses, graffiti wall for creative writing and drawing, games, crafts and more.

Other family activities:

Nitro Joe Science booth which features dazzling experiments that teach kids how much fun science can be.

Hoop connections will give kids and adults the opportunity to learn how to twirl modern versions of the hula hoop.

Marvelous Mutts stars rescued shelter dogs performing Frisbee tricks and obstacle courses.

Festival, entertainment and fireworks schedule:

Wednesday, July 4

Festival hours – Noon-10:00 p.m.
Carolina Liar – 5:45 p.m.
Vertical Horizon – 8:00 p.m.
Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m.

Parking and admission to the festival are free. Tickets for rides can be purchased at ticket booths inside the festival grounds.