With the impending Freedom Fest in the Heartland 2002 event coming up, plans are underway to have numerous items for the public to participate in when the festival takes place July 4-7.

Wednesday, March 06, 2002

With the impending Freedom Fest in the Heartland 2002 event coming up, plans are underway to have numerous items for the public to participate in when the festival takes place July 4-7.

Cindy Samuel, the festival’s executive director, said the different races this year include a 5-mile Freedom Hog Jog, a 3-mile Freedom Walk for Health and a 25-mile Freedom Bike Race, along with a Friendship Freedom Bike Ride.

Each race has its own entry fee and depending on the event, participants will get either a flag, headband or T-shirt.

Country Comes to Town will be an addition to the festival, which combines country charm and activities into the city.

Samuel said "events of yesteryear" will encompass this event, including fishing, gunny sack races, apple bobbing, a peanut scramble, pie and watermelon eating contests and a petting zoo. These events will take place near the bandshell in Lafayette Park

There will also be country crafts for sale and St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Rose Creek, along with other booster clubs and organizations, will participate in a food court.

Samuel said there will be popcorn, cotton candy, carmel apples, ice cream, lemonade, face painting, hot air balloon rides, miniature golf and water wars at this portion of the event.