Freedom Fest is a shining example of all the good work volunteers accomplish in Austin.

Volunteering is one of my favorite things to do in our community. For many years, I’ve volunteered on the parade committee for the Fourth of July. We have a great group of people who help put this event on. We get up early and go down to the staging area by the Spam Museum and get set up and ready for all the floats that will be coming down Main Street to entertain the community at 11 a.m. on the Fourth of July.

The many volunteers deserve recognition for helping put on Freedom Fest in our Community. The Chamber, which organizes the events and festivities, will have events through July 7:

• Thursday is the big day down at the Bandshell. Stop down and enjoy the variety of music throughout the day. Also don’t forget to watch the Austin Symphony Orchestra at 8:30 p.m. and then the giant fireworks display at dusk on Thursday night.

• Friday events start at noon. It’s Town and Country Day in the park. Stop down and enjoy all of these activities that are happening.

• Saturday is the sporting activities day with a Kids Fishing Contest, Hog Jog, Dan Ulwelling Bike Race and a car show at the Eagles, along with other activities there.

• Sunday is the Lions Fly-In breakfast from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Airport.

All of these events require the efforts of many volunteers for our community to enjoy each year. Businesses also play a key role in sponsoring many of the events.

Take the time to thank a volunteer or a business owner for supporting Freedom Fest, or sign up to be a volunteer and help make this festival a good one!