| Freedom Fest |
| "A Celebration of America's Freedom and a Salute to America's Veterans" |
Freedom Fest originated in 1988 as a way for a WWII father to express a heartfelt "Welcome
Home" to his Vietnam veteran son. The event has developed throughout the past 21 years to
become, in the hearts of many of its participants, one of the finest, free, family-oriented patriotic
celebrations in the country. The event was originated by Ken Hurner (WW-II), a leading
businessman in Skidmore and the patriotic musical group Britt Small (VV) & Festival. The event
was originally co-sponsored by Skidmore American Legion Post #411 and Britt Small &
Festival. Since 1993, Freedom Fest has been sponsored by an independent non-profit Freedom
Fest committee of volunteers. Freedom Fest is a non-profit organization.
Each year, Freedom Fest has honored a particular group of veterans. In past years, the event
offered special recognition to WWII, Korean, Vietnam, and Desert Storm veterans. Women
veterans, Native Americans, peace-time veterans, disabled veterans, and the families of
America's veterans have also been honored. The past few years have been dedicated to our
active troops serving around the world. In 1996, 1997, and 1999, Freedom Fest had the
esteemed honor to host The Moving Wall, the half-sized traveling Vietnam Veteran's Memorial.
The replica of our national memorial was on display on the Nodaway-Holt Elementary School
grounds twenty-four hours a day for seven days during each of these years. In 1996, the ground
on which the memorial stood was consecrated by Chief Jim Whitecloud Rhodd of the Iowa
Indian Nation. That year an estimated 35,000 people from 27 states came to view the memorial.
During each of these years, nearly 2,000 area school children also came to visit the 58,202 fallen
patriots on "The Wall." At the time, Skidmore was the smallest community in America to host
The Moving Wall.It remians among the few communities who have hosted it on multiple
occasions.
Freedom Fest was traditionally been held over a two-day weekend. In 1997, the event
expanded to three days and in 1998 to four. It is always held the second weekend of
September, the weekend following Labor Day. Saturday typically features the most activities
with a multitude of bands performing free concerts and speakers covering a wide range of
patriotic themes. Many of these participants are known on a national level and many return every
year. Medal of Honor recipient Sammy L. Davis has appeared nearly every year of the event's
history. Other highly-decorated veterans, including the Rev. John Steer and John Musgrave,
have also appeared nearly every year. Numerous other veterans and active-duty personnel
regularly attend representing all generations and times of conflict and peace.
Despite the size of Skidmore, population 352, Freedom Fest never ceases to draw top-line
entertainers and nationally-known speakers from across the nation. Each year features a special
concert by Britt Small, and in 2005 most of the members of Festival also attended. Country
music entertainer Leroy Van Dyke, "The Worlds Most Famous Auctioneer", appeared during
two consecutive years and in 2002, Heather French Henry, Miss America 2000 attended. In
1997, and again in 2002, Bob Heft, the recognized designer of the original 50-star American flag
attended and brought the now priceless flag. Many recognized leaders in the grass roots
POW/MIA movement regularly attend, including Col. Earl Hopper (Ret) and Patty Hopper
(Task Force Omega National), Danny Belcher (TFO-Kentucky).
In addition to the stage area, Freedom Fest regularly offers many other family and patriotic
oriented activities. A wide variety of different food, merchandise and craft vendors participate
each year, as well as many fun-filled events from box car races to car and motorcycle
exhibitions. Since Freedom Fest '98 we have also featured a live bald eagle each year. Huey,
Chinook and Cobra helicopters have often been exhibited, and the POW/MIA Freedom Flight
hot air balloon has flown overhead. Living versions of the 3-Fighting-Men and the Vietnam
Women's Memorials were presented at the conclusion of the Saturday night concert for many
years. Special raffles and auctions each year have proven to be real crowd pleasers. An all-faith
church service is held on Sunday to officially conclude the event. The Tarkio Academy 50-piece
Choir has often participated during this service.
Freedom Fest continues to grow each year. We would be proud and honored to have you join
us this year, and every year. "Welcome Home."
The goal of Freedom Fest each year is to help our veterans, and to help teach patriotism to our
children and communities. Each year our speakers talk to local school kids about patriotism and
freedom, and how important both are in the lives of all people. Freedom Fest also holds events
and fund-raisers throughout the year in which patriotism and freedom are further discussed and
encouraged. Additionally, Freedom Fest ensures that perfect American flags fly within our
communities. Freedom Fest also helps provide POW/MIA flags for the community. Our
success each year is judged by whether or not we have helped our veterans. If we have helped--
in any way-- just one veteran, then indeed our goal has been met. To date, we are proud to say
that yes, we have succeeded in our goals.
Through the years, many have laughed at our patriotic theme, and have further asked, "Why do
you bother?" Since 9/11, it seems everyone has suddenly jumped on the patriotic bandwagon.
This is good. Patriotism is good. People should be proud of their country, their freedoms, and
those that have helped preserve those freedoms. As has been said for many years by a Freedom
Fest regular, it is not enough to be willing to hold the flag, you have to be willing to stand with it,
it in a stiff wind.
Home" to his Vietnam veteran son. The event has developed throughout the past 21 years to
become, in the hearts of many of its participants, one of the finest, free, family-oriented patriotic
celebrations in the country. The event was originated by Ken Hurner (WW-II), a leading
businessman in Skidmore and the patriotic musical group Britt Small (VV) & Festival. The event
was originally co-sponsored by Skidmore American Legion Post #411 and Britt Small &
Festival. Since 1993, Freedom Fest has been sponsored by an independent non-profit Freedom
Fest committee of volunteers. Freedom Fest is a non-profit organization.
Each year, Freedom Fest has honored a particular group of veterans. In past years, the event
offered special recognition to WWII, Korean, Vietnam, and Desert Storm veterans. Women
veterans, Native Americans, peace-time veterans, disabled veterans, and the families of
America's veterans have also been honored. The past few years have been dedicated to our
active troops serving around the world. In 1996, 1997, and 1999, Freedom Fest had the
esteemed honor to host The Moving Wall, the half-sized traveling Vietnam Veteran's Memorial.
The replica of our national memorial was on display on the Nodaway-Holt Elementary School
grounds twenty-four hours a day for seven days during each of these years. In 1996, the ground
on which the memorial stood was consecrated by Chief Jim Whitecloud Rhodd of the Iowa
Indian Nation. That year an estimated 35,000 people from 27 states came to view the memorial.
During each of these years, nearly 2,000 area school children also came to visit the 58,202 fallen
patriots on "The Wall." At the time, Skidmore was the smallest community in America to host
The Moving Wall.It remians among the few communities who have hosted it on multiple
occasions.
Freedom Fest was traditionally been held over a two-day weekend. In 1997, the event
expanded to three days and in 1998 to four. It is always held the second weekend of
September, the weekend following Labor Day. Saturday typically features the most activities
with a multitude of bands performing free concerts and speakers covering a wide range of
patriotic themes. Many of these participants are known on a national level and many return every
year. Medal of Honor recipient Sammy L. Davis has appeared nearly every year of the event's
history. Other highly-decorated veterans, including the Rev. John Steer and John Musgrave,
have also appeared nearly every year. Numerous other veterans and active-duty personnel
regularly attend representing all generations and times of conflict and peace.
Despite the size of Skidmore, population 352, Freedom Fest never ceases to draw top-line
entertainers and nationally-known speakers from across the nation. Each year features a special
concert by Britt Small, and in 2005 most of the members of Festival also attended. Country
music entertainer Leroy Van Dyke, "The Worlds Most Famous Auctioneer", appeared during
two consecutive years and in 2002, Heather French Henry, Miss America 2000 attended. In
1997, and again in 2002, Bob Heft, the recognized designer of the original 50-star American flag
attended and brought the now priceless flag. Many recognized leaders in the grass roots
POW/MIA movement regularly attend, including Col. Earl Hopper (Ret) and Patty Hopper
(Task Force Omega National), Danny Belcher (TFO-Kentucky).
In addition to the stage area, Freedom Fest regularly offers many other family and patriotic
oriented activities. A wide variety of different food, merchandise and craft vendors participate
each year, as well as many fun-filled events from box car races to car and motorcycle
exhibitions. Since Freedom Fest '98 we have also featured a live bald eagle each year. Huey,
Chinook and Cobra helicopters have often been exhibited, and the POW/MIA Freedom Flight
hot air balloon has flown overhead. Living versions of the 3-Fighting-Men and the Vietnam
Women's Memorials were presented at the conclusion of the Saturday night concert for many
years. Special raffles and auctions each year have proven to be real crowd pleasers. An all-faith
church service is held on Sunday to officially conclude the event. The Tarkio Academy 50-piece
Choir has often participated during this service.
Freedom Fest continues to grow each year. We would be proud and honored to have you join
us this year, and every year. "Welcome Home."
The goal of Freedom Fest each year is to help our veterans, and to help teach patriotism to our
children and communities. Each year our speakers talk to local school kids about patriotism and
freedom, and how important both are in the lives of all people. Freedom Fest also holds events
and fund-raisers throughout the year in which patriotism and freedom are further discussed and
encouraged. Additionally, Freedom Fest ensures that perfect American flags fly within our
communities. Freedom Fest also helps provide POW/MIA flags for the community. Our
success each year is judged by whether or not we have helped our veterans. If we have helped--
in any way-- just one veteran, then indeed our goal has been met. To date, we are proud to say
that yes, we have succeeded in our goals.
Through the years, many have laughed at our patriotic theme, and have further asked, "Why do
you bother?" Since 9/11, it seems everyone has suddenly jumped on the patriotic bandwagon.
This is good. Patriotism is good. People should be proud of their country, their freedoms, and
those that have helped preserve those freedoms. As has been said for many years by a Freedom
Fest regular, it is not enough to be willing to hold the flag, you have to be willing to stand with it,
it in a stiff wind.
| "Freedom Fest was patriotic, when patriotic wasn't cool." |
| Freedom Fest PO Box 83 Skidmore, Missouri 64487 660-928-3324 skidmorefreedomfest@yahoo.com |
| Freedom Fest is a Non-Profit Organization. |
| Skidmore |
| Established, 1988 |
| A History of Freedom Fest |
