- April 20, 2024
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Warbirds and whirlybirds a plenty – including some that can be hired for rides – will descend on the Flagler Executive Airport for the July 3 Freedom Fest. Gates open at 10 a.m., and opening ceremonies begin at noon at the concert stage.
“Freedom Fest is an event to salute our veterans, both past and present,” said Airport Director Roy Sieger of the event scheduled to celebrate Independence Day, the federal holiday commemorating the Declaration of Independence of the United States on July 4, 1776. “It will be a great day to celebrate our veterans and active servicemen and -women, as well as the freedoms we have here in this country.”
The event was cancelled last year because of COVID-19, but returns this year with concerts, static vintage and modern military aircraft and vehicles, and flybys. Food and beverage vendors will provide a variety of treats and refreshments.
Entry is free of charge, with shuttles to and from the Flagler Palm Coast High School. Parking at the Flagler Executive Airport is $5.
“We’ll have some Big Iron at the event this year, ‘Killer Bee’ a B-25 bomber and ‘Tico Belle’ – a C-47 troop/cargo transporter that was part of the Normandy invasion – are a couple of the big stars of the show,” Sieger said. “It’s a great chance for area families to see dozens of aircraft up close, talk to the pilots and take pictures.”
One unique feature of Freedom Fest is a variety of aircraft in flight for the fly-by parade, which provides a rare opportunity to take close-up photos and videos of the aircraft in flight.
Whether part of the static display or in flight, festival goers will have the opportunity to see the following:
Opening ceremonies will include a welcome from the Board of County Commissioners and Sieger. Local jazz artist Linda Cole will sing God Bless America and the National Anthem, and Rep. Paul Renner will lead the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the Warbird Parade Flyby with skydivers.
Flight formations continue throughout the afternoon. There will be model aircraft demonstrations from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. There will be an American Flag Project presentation at 3:30 p.m. by Nikki White. Rides on a Huey, Cobra, and T-6 Texan are available throughout the afternoon; prices vary.
Live music includes: Eli Mosley country music from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; “Soul Fire Mo-Town” from 5:45 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.; and, the “Slippery When Wet” Bon Jovi tribute band from 8 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.
There will be an invocation, National Anthem and final flyover between 7:3 0p.m. and 8 p.m. Fireworks begin at 9:20 p.m. from Central Park.
Freedom Fest is a six-year partnership with Flagler Broadcasting and its six local radio stations, which are in charge of marketing, vendors, sponsors and entertainment.
“Freedom Fest is a fun family day that brings us all together,” said David Ayres, Flagler Broadcasting’s vice president and general manager. “With free admission and parking at Flagler Palm Coast High School, it’s a day everybody can safely enjoy.”
