Friday, May 6, 2022
Roanoke, VA- On Sunday, July 3, Roanoke Parks and Recreation and The Berglund Center will host a “Freedom First Festival,” in celebration of Independence Day. Sponsored by Freedom First Credit Union, this event will provide family-friendly activities and live music throughout the day at Elmwood Park, as well as the classic fireworks display at Rivers Edge Park.
“We’re looking forward to offering a brand new way to celebrate the Fourth this year,” says Kelly Brammer, Roanoke Parks and Recreation’s Special Events Supervisor. “Our goal is to offer families fun activities that they can enjoy together.” From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. the festival will take place at Elmwood Park with inflatables, a rock climbing wall, corn hole, lawn games, face painting, and live music. Food vendors and a beer garden will be open throughout the festival. Admission and participation will be completely free, with food and beverage available for purchase.
In partnership with the Berglund Center, there will be a ticketed concert held in Elmwood Amphitheater at 6 p.m. with 90’s rock band, Sugar Ray, headlining. Brammer says, “We worked with Berglund to ensure that tickets to see Sugar Ray perform would be affordable, starting at $25, and children 12 and under will be free to attend.”
The Freedom First Festival will conclude with the classic city fireworks display at River’s Edge Park, beginning at 9:30 p.m. Spectators may gather at River’s Edge Park South for easy viewing, and are encouraged to plan their travel ahead of time as there will be road closures and limited parking.
The festival and concert will be rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather, a determination regarding the fireworks display will be announced by 5 p.m. on July 3 via social media. For details about activities, parking, and road closures, visit PLAYRoanoke.com/FreedomFirstFestival. To purchase tickets for Sugar Ray, visit berglundcenter.live.
For all media inquiries, please contact Michael Clark, Director of Roanoke Parks and Recreation, at Michael.Clark@RoanokeVa.gov or 540-853-1198.
