Community : Freedom Fest
ABOVE : Kids Patriotic Sing offers kids a chance to perform and learn America ’ s patriotic songs . BELOW : The Usual Suspects headline the 2021 Morgan Hill Freedom Fest ’ s weekend-long Family Music Fest , Downtown Morgan Hill . Photos by IDC and InfoPower Communications .
Rock ‘ n ’ Roll , so when I had an opportunity to book entertainment , I jumped on it ,” he said . “ Many years we ’ ve won awards for our program , which is mailed to over 20 thousand residents .” The work that goes into the production is immense : numerous permits must be acquired — from ABC , the health department , police , and fire ; band selection , bathrooms , stages , lighting , vendors , and more . “ It ’ s the greatest feeling in the world to see the love this brings to Morgan Hill , to always be a proud American ,” he said .
Fireworks on the Green attracts 25-30,000 folks every year . “ People don ’ t realize how much work is involved . It ’ s overwhelming at times ,” said John Tawney , who , with wife Debbie , have been the chairs or co-chairs for many years . They start in January and don ’ t stop until July 5th . They spend July 2nd and 3rd setting up . The July 4th celebration includes music , pie-eating competition , more music , and fireworks . Then July 5th is cleanup . They need to coordinate vendors , security , parking , volunteers , lights , band selection , stage construction , electrical , canopies , tables , chairs , toilets , lights , and security . “ Fireworks America designs the show ,” John said . “ We help with the music , and ask for the biggest shells we can . Even though there ’ s so much to do , we enjoy it simply for the red shirt that we get to wear .”
The recipe for a successful Patriotic Sing includes ninety to one hundred children from local public , private , and home schools
Continued ...
gmhtoday . com gmhTODAY Magazine SUMMER 2021 13