Freedomfest 2010….if you weren’t there, you’re the only one!!! The A&P Commission was so impressed with the results of their investment that they have already voted to fund the event next year!!!!
Greenwood Police Department estimated the crowd throughout the day at over 4,000 visitors to the square. During the evening when a local popular band-10 Spur-played to a crowd of over 3,000 cheering fans, it was the largest crowd ever assembled on the Greenwood Town Square. The band played again for the crowd following the largest fireworks display in the area. Rain earlier in the day did not dampen the event for the crowd’s enthusiasm.
Greenwood Mayor Kenneth Edwards thanked the Freedomfest Committee for the hard work that made for the biggest summer event ever. They include: A. C. and Kimberly Brown, Tina Skaggs, City Councilman Lance Terry, Fire Chief Stewart Bryan, Parks Director Doug Kinslow, Finance Director Steve Tedford, Joan Van Vactor, Steve Ratterree, Sabrina Edwards and the staff of the Parks Department and Street Department as well as Planning Director Sonny Bell.
Over forty vendors, free hot dogs, a dozen inflatable attractions, a horseshoe tournament, free ice cream, pony rides, games and contests for kids, Fort Smith Trolley rides through the city to Bell Park, the Historic District, a special Independence Day church service and big name bands for thousands of listeners-that was Freedomfest 2010 and a bigger event is planned for next year. The Greenwood High School BETA CLUB volunteered to help with the “bounce around” attractions. Volunteerism starts early in Greenwood!
Mr. Cabbagehead and the Screaming Raddishes-a popular rock/oldies band from this area-even agreed to give back to the event $3,000.00 of their usual fee. The City decided to pay them the net difference instead. Instead of charging $4,450.00 for the event, they played for $1,450.00!
The owners of The Pizza Barn restaurant reported that they ran out of dough! That many people came to town to patronize local businesses.
Plans are now underway for this same committee to help with Fall Festival 2010 in Bell Park coming up in late October.