Happy Fourth at Florence Freedom Fest 2024

Two Florence traditions will get residents celebrating our nation’s freedom.

Residents can start the Fourth of July by cooling off at the Florence Aquatic Center before heading off to Heritage Park for Freedom Fest 2024.

“This year’s celebration promises to be our best yet, with a full day of activities for the whole family. From swimming and games at the aquatic center to exciting competitions and live music at Heritage Park, there’s something for everyone,” Florence Community Services Director Paul King said. “Cap off the day with our spectacular fireworks show and make lasting memories with friends and neighbors.”

From 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., the aquatic center at 174 W. First St. will be open for swimming and other water fun. Admission is free during the event, but capacity is limited, so residents are advised to arrive early.
Then, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., residents can gather for Freedom Fest 2024 at Heritage Park, 600 N. Main St. The event is free.

Freedom Fest will have water inflatables, relay games, food, a cornhole tournament, live music, with a fireworks show starting at 8:45 p.m. wrapping up the fest.

Athletic games and competitions taking place are:

• 5 p.m. - Water volleyball
• 5:30 p.m. - Cornhole tournament
• 6 p.m. - Relay games
• 7 p.m. - Basketball skills competition

The cornhole tournament is limited to the first 16 teams that register by Sunday, June 30 at https://bit.ly/3RBF3MG . The competition will be held at the park’s horseshoe pits.

For those who prefer more sedate fun in an air-conditioned environment, bingo games will start at 5 p.m. at the Viney Jones Library & Community Center, 778 N. Main St. The center will also have a special area just for teens.

The musical acts taking the stage at Heritage Park before the fireworks show are:

• 5 p.m. - DJ Joel Gibbs
• 5:30 p.m. - Highway Outlaws
• 6:45 p.m. -  American Legion Post #9, "Presentation of Military Branch Flags"
• 7:15 p.m. - Rhythm Edition

To make sure everyone enjoys Freedom Fest, the following rules apply:

• No glass containers
• Canopies cannot block others’ view of the stage and they must be taken down after sunset
• No illegal substances
• No animals except for authorized service animals
• No personal fireworks
• No knives, box cutters, firearms or other weapons
• No smoking or vaping except in a designated area

For more information, visit www.florenceaz.gov/specialevents or call 520-868-7040 .

Freedom Fest is sponsored by the town of Florence, Florence Copper and SRP.

We’d like to invite our readers to submit their civil comments, pro or con, on this issue. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org. Janet Perez can be reached at jperez@iniusa.org.