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No Freedom Fest in 2020

No Freedom Fest in 2020

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COVID-19 puts the kibosh to Independence Day celebration

By JOHN RECH

news@theeveningtimes.com

The latest victim of the COVID-19 crisis in West Memphis was Freedom Fest. The Advertising and Promotions Commission killed the annual fireworks show that has shone above Gammon Lake and boomed across Tilden Rodgers Park. The lack of social interaction guidelines for large venues drove the decision during the Zoom meeting.

About 4,000 visitors have jammed the lakeside each year to hear live music, dine from vendors and and watch the $10,000 patriotic pyrotechnics display. The board discussed holding a fireworks festival later in the year after the new normal for social interaction had been established.

Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Jim Jackson said too many unknowns lingered about producing an event with thousands of spectators and no pandemic guidelines for large public events.

The last Friday of June has been the traditional date for the celebration. The festival this year would have been June 26.

“I just don’t think its going to happen at all, because Freedom Fest would be four weeks from Friday,” said Jackson during the May 13 commission meeting. “I can’t get 4,000 people together. Unless somethings changes soon and drastically, they’ll be no Freedom Fest. Legally, I don’t think we can do it.”

City Communications Director Nick Coulter asked commissioners for future considerations of a city-wide grand re-opening celebration after state guidelines developed for crowds and the pandemic threat minimized.

“We’ve had some (city administration) talks about a re-opening party,” said Coulter. “Call it ‘20.20 or something like that. It doesn’t

See FEST, page A3

No sparkle and booms, no Rhythm and Blues, no vendors selling food – Freedom Fest is cancelled in West Memphis this year. No state protocol had been established for COVID-19 and large outdoor gatherings. The city Advertising and Promotions Commission shut down considerations for the annual independence celebration and hoped for a city-wide re-opening celebration later in the year. Pictured above, perennial crowd favorite The Incredible Infinity Band performed at Freedom Fest 2019.

Photo courtesy CIty of West Memphis FEST

From page A1

have to be July but when we can all come together.”

“Mass gatherings aren’t going to happen anytime soon,” said Jackson. “This June 26th isn’t going to happen.”

Commissioners chimed in before voting to postpone the the local recognition of 244 years of national independence. Commissioner Dr. Scott Ferguson agreed.

“We can do something appropriate a little later, maybe Labor Day,” said Ferguson.

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