Freedom Festival offers lots of entertainment opportunities

From live music and food to carnival rides and the annual parade this year's Freedom Festival has it all.

Beginning on Saturday and lasting until July 4 the city of Linton will be packed with locals and visitors who will celebrate the birth of our country.

New to this year's Fourth of July parade is N.O.T.O.R.I.O.U.S. STEPPAZ -- which is a high school step team from Henderson County, Ky.

"It's been years since Linton has had a step team in the parade," explained Linton-Stockton Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Cheryl Hamilton in a press release. "We're anticipating that they will be a crowd favorite on July 4."

As for entertainment, the 2009 Freedom Festival has a variety that is sure to please young and old alike.

"We have been fortunate to land the 38th Division Band Indiana National Guard from Indianapolis," Hamilton said.

The 55-member military band will play at 7 p.m. on June 30 at the Band Shell in Humphreys Park.

"This is the only military band stationed in the State of Indiana. They have long been recognized as one of the finest musical organizations in the Midwest, performing in community events as well as military functions," she said.

Look for the Bloomington Community Band to perform at 7 p.m. on July 2.

The group is an all-adult volunteer concert band with membership ranging from 40 to 60 in number, and 18 to 90 years in age, Hamilton explained.

The community band has existed (with interruptions) since the 19th century.

Look for Terry Lee and the Tockaboogie Band to play from 7:30-10 p.m. on July 3 at the Band Shell.

This diverse show will take you on a roller coaster thrill ride of 1950's rock and roll, new and old country, rockabilly, popular 1960s hits, rhythm and blues, swing, jive and more.

A Silver Star Salute to Veterans is set for 7:30 p.m. on July 4 and will be performed by Gregg Orman and the Cornerstone Eagle Band.

They will recognize all those who are or have served in the military.

The following entertainment will also be provided at the Band Shell at Humphreys Park in Linton:

* Kade Puckett will perform finger-style guitar with a groove -- 7 p.m. on Saturday.

* Mike Fonderhide will offer acoustic guitar and song -- 8:30 p.m. on Sunday.

* Lyons First Christian Church Praise Band "In His Word" -- 7 p.m. on Monday.

* Tony Kluesner and Virgil Franklin along with the WRV Jammin' Pans -- 8:15 p.m. on June 30.

* Salt Cured -- 7 p.m. on July 1.

* Kevin and Laura Beth (Correll) Cross -- 8:30 p.m. on July 1.

* The Wikker Elefant Band featuring Becky Poe -- 8:30 p.m. on July 2

* Freedom Festival Queen Allison Young -- 7 p.m. on July 4 followed by a performance by Kelsey Andis.

* Fireworks -- 10:30 p.m. on July 4.