More than 200 people filled the majority of the seats at 25 tables set up for the Freedom Fest JC fundraiser Saturday night in the Municipal Auditorium. There was dinner and dancing to music by Platinum Express featuring JJ Johnson and Motown type music as part of their journey "Keeping the Music Alive."
Freedom Fest JC Committee Co-Chair Nate Butler said their goal was to break even or walk away with a little bit of fundraising money from the event. "This was good, this was more of a PR kind of event. We were hoping that we would break even, we have broke even. We are actually making a little bit more, which is good."
Co-Chair Bob Storey said preparations for the July Fourth celebration are going well and the committee is growing. "Getting volunteers is our biggest thing and just getting it going. " He added it's steamrolling and it is going. As far as the event Saturday evening Storey cited the band and seeing the community turnout as highlights for him.
Marketing and Events Coordinator Travis Godfrey stated that the event was awesome and great for the community to attend. He noted that Freedom Fest JC is getting close to their budget, and checks and pledges are coming in for the celebration, June 30th through July 4th. Future fundraisers will include a street dance and a golf tournament.
Godfrey is excited about the scheduled performance of Casi Joy on July 4th during the celebration. He has seen her perform two times in Kansas City including at Arrowhead Stadium. "She just has a way with captivating an audience and bringing a patriotic feel to everything as well, so I think she'll be great for downtown Junction City on July 4th."
Freedom Fest JC activities begin with the carnival on the evening of June 30th and continue with concerts, vendors and special act performances by Hog Diggity Dogs and Agri Puppets, along with others. There will be a fireworks show Saturday night July 2nd and Monday evening July 4th.
Concert performers will range from Paramount and Rock Gods to Brandon Estelle and Rhett Walker plus headliner Casi Joy on July 4th.