Crews busy setting up for third annual Firefighter’s Freedom Festival
MADISON COUNTY, Tenn. —The Madison County Fire Department is busy at work Sunday getting ready for the Third Annual Firefighters Freedom festival.
Firefighter’s said they are planning for a big crowd. “The first year we had about 8,000 people and last year we guessed we had about 10,000 so it’s hard to say,” Madison County Fire Chief Eric Turner said, “This year we are hoping for 10,000 plus.”
Turner says this year they are continuing the tradition of sending letters to soldiers and hope to beat last years record.
The Chief said they sent about 1,200 letters in 201″This year our goal is to do at least 2,000 and we have a table set up under a tent and we invite people to come over and just do a letter thanking our soldiers.”
Monday nights event will have kids carnival rides, food concession stands, live music and will be a safe environment for the entire family, Turner said.
“We don’t allow any alcohol, we have tight security so you know you can bring your kids out and they can play in the children’s activities and you can sit and enjoy the music.” he said.
Chief Turner said the festival started three years ago after people were getting injured because of fireworks.
“We mainly started this from a safety standpoint. Fireworks are illegal in Madison County so we wanted to set a venue where people could come and watch fireworks.” Turner said.
The festival takes place at the Mckellar-Sipes Regional Airport. Gates open at 3 p.m. and the ceremony starts at 4:45 p.m.
The Fireworks Show starts at dusk but could be changed pending wet weather.
